US2030141A

US2030141A - Method of and machine for reforming lasts

Info

Publication number: US2030141A
Application number: US734126A
Authority: US
Inventors: Fitzpatrick Jeremiah
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1934-07-07
Filing date: 1934-07-07
Publication date: 1936-02-11
Anticipated expiration: 1953-02-11

Description

Feb M, 1936. J. FITZPATRICK METHOD OF AND MACHINE FOR REFRMING LASTS 5 Sheets-Sheet l Filed July '7, 1954 e., M, E936. J. FlTzPA-rRlcK 2,030yl4 METHOD OF AND MACHINE FOR REFORMING LASTS Filed July 7, 19254 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 TORNEY /M/f/VTOR,"

Feb, ll, 1936. 1 F|TZPATR1CK 2,304

METHOD 0F AND MACHINE FOR REFORMING LAsTs Filed July 7, 1954 5 sheets-sheet 3 Fgg /N VEA/To R.'

` www Feb. M, i936. J. HTI/:PATRICK 29030,1

METHOD OF AND MACHINE FOR REFORMING LASTS Filed July 7, 1954. 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 /NVE/YTOF? n.

' ATTORNEY Feb, EL 1936- .1. FlTzPATRlcK 2903091@ METHOD OF AND MACHINE FOR REFORMING LASTS f Filed July 7, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 ,MO m f z 0 N QR 3 6 1% p. WN i, o

Patented Feb. 11, 1936 UNi'i'ED STATES Artnr oFFlCE METHOD F AND MACHINE FOR REFORMING LASTS 17 Claims.

fsupport each last to be reformed during the last turning operation that it will rotate about an axis that corresponds accurately with the axis about which the model last is turned.

The method of reforming lasts described and 'claimed in the above mentioned application works entirely satisfactory so long as the last has not been sprung or bent axially, but it sometimes happens that a hinged last which is to be reformed has become bent or sprung at the hinge, and if these lasts are lined up by engaging the rounded toe and heel thereof as contemplated by the method of said application the hinge portion of the last will lie more or less oi centre.

In order to overcome this difficulty the present invention is directed to a method of and apparatus for Working entirely from the heel part of the last while lining up the same preparatory to remodeling the last on an axis corresponding to the axis of the model last.

The present method may be used in reforming either one-piece o1' hinge lasts, and to reform lasts in which the old fore part presents sulficent Wood for the turning operation or has been built up for this purpose, or in which the entire or major portion of the fore part of the last is replaced with a new fore block.

One important feature of the invention resides in the method of and apparatus for accurately supporting the heel part of a last with the axis upon which it is to be reformed in a definite predetermined position, and While thus supported forming longitudinal and transverse borings therein which bear a predetermined relation to said axis and which borings will serve to accurately position the last While a centre bore is formed in the toe thereof.

Another feature of the invention resides in adjustable stops adapted to engage the opposite side of a last and in means for moving these stops simultaneously towards each other to centre the last in one longitudinal plane.

A further feature resides in means for supporting the heel engaging V-block and adjacent seat for the tread of the heel for adjustment along an inclined path so that this adjustment (Cl. IKM- 309) will accommodate the increased length of the larger lasts and at the same time the increased depth of these lasts from the central axis to the tread of the heel.

Other features of the invention and novel combination of parts in addition to the above will be hereinafter described in connection with the accompanying drawings which illustrate good practical forms thereof.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a side elevation of a lining up and boring machine designed for carrying out the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1. 15

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a cross section of a detail of the mechanism shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 on an enlarged scale is a longitudinal sectional View through the heel supporting mechanism of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the last supporting mechanism of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a top plan vieW of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the 25 slideway for the last engaging side stops.

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of a model last.

Fig. 10 is a rear end view of a device for supporting a last While a turning centre is formed in the toe thereof.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the device of Fig. 10 showing a turning centre being formed in the toe of a last to be reformed.

Fig. 12 is a side elevation of a modification and shows a lathe chuck having heel engaging means constructed in accordance with the present invention for supporting a last to be reformed on a predetermined axis.

Fig. 13 is a front View of the chuck mechanism of Fig. 1'2; and

Fig. 14 is a bottom plan View of this chuck mechanism.

The important thing in reforming lasts in accordance with the present invention, as above pointed out, is to provide like axes for the model last and lasts to be reformed. If the lasts are provided with like axes then similar points on the model last and reformed lasts will lie the same distance from the axes of rotation. If, however, these axes are not similarly located in the model last and last to be reformed, then similar points on the two lasts Will lie different distances from the respective axes, with the result that when the last to be reformed is acted upon by a cutter under the control of the model last, portions of the wood which should remain on the last being reformed may be cut away while other portions of the last may be under size.

In turning new lasts the accurate location of the axis of rotation is not necessarily important because if the last block is suiciently large to provide plenty of wood at all sides of the axis of rotation then the cutter controlled by the model last will cut the block of wood to the desired size and shape, but if there is not plenty of Wood at all portions of the last or last block then the accurate location of the axis becomes important.

In locating the lasts axis of rotation in accordance with the present invention the more reliable portions of the old last are selected to work from. The metal heel plate and rounded end of the heel are therefore used in locating the position oi the axis of rotation in the heel; and the longitudinal, central, vertical plane of the heel is located by placing the rounded heel in a V-block, while the distance the axis is to be located up from the heel plate is determined by measuring up from the heel plate about 1%, inches for a size seven mens last, as this is found by measuring a large number of lasts to come very close to the original axis of rotation.

The axis of rotation for the model last is accurately located in the toe thereof by placing the toe of the last in a V-block to find the longitudinal, central, vertical plane of the toe, and the axis is located in this plane preferably at the point where the tread and last upper meet.

After the model last has been properly centered and has been provided with borings to support it upon the last turning lathe, this last is used, in accordance with the present invention, to facilitate the adjustment of a jig or last supporting mechanism so that each last of the series of lasts to be reformed may be easily and accurately supported from its heel portion alone to receive borings that bear a denite predetermined relation to the axis upon which the last is to be reformed. In this manner each last to be reformed is provided with an axis of rotation which accurately corresponds to the axis of rotation of the model last.

The mechanism illustrated for carrying out the objects of the present invention will now be described. The machine shown in Fig. l for lining up and drilling the lasts is for the most part similar in construction and operation to the machine shown in Fig. l of my application above mentioned. The principal difference between the two machines resides in the fact that in the earlier machine it is intended to use the toe and heel receiving V-blocks to line up the model last and also the old lasts to be reformed, whereas in the present machine it is intended to use both the toe and heel receiving V-blocks to line up only the model last, as the other lasts are lined up and supported in this machine entirely from the heel part of the last.

The machine of Fig. l is provided with a bed plate IB supported at the desired height from the floor by legs II and the upper face of the bed plate I@ is provided with the longitudinally extending ribs or guideways I2. Mounted upon the bed plate near the central portion thereof is a jig or last supporting device I3 and this jig is slidably mounted upon the guideways I2 for movement longitudinally of the bed plate relative to a side drill to be described, and means are provided for clamping the jig in its adjusted position along the bed plate. The jig I3 is adapted to support a last L with its tread up as shown while the last positioning bores are being formed therein.

The jig I3 is shown as provided with the uprights I4 and these uprights not only support the heel engaging V-block I5 as in the earlier application but may also support adjustable pins that engage the tread of the heel portion of the last, and side stops that engage the opposite sides of the heel portion of the last.

Adjacent the forward end of the jig I3 is slidably mounted a slide I6 to which is rigidly secured the toe engaging V-block I1 and this slide I6 is moved towards and from the heel receiving V-block I5 by means of the threaded shaft I8 that is rigidly or non-rotatably secured to the base portion I9 of the slide I6. The shaft I8 is provided with a threaded sleeve or nut rotatably mounted within the housing 20 at one end of the jig and this sleeve is rotated to adjust the shaft by a gear 2I which is rotated by the crank handle 22.

The heel receiving V-block I5 is formed in the construction shown by securing two inclined blocks I5 to the under face of a supporting plate or slide 23 and the lower face of this slide forms an abutment against which the metal heel plate of a last may rest when the last is placed in the jig with its heel plate up as shown in Fig. 1. Mechanism is provided, which will later be described, for raising and lowering the slide 23 and for moving it longitudinally of the jig to accommodate different size lasts.

The last is rmly held against the abutment of slide 23 in the construction shown by a foot operated plunger 24 at the upper end of which is provided a pivoted head 25 that engages the heel portion of the last as shown. This plunger is urged upwardly by pressing upon the foot treadle 2S pivoted at 21 and connected by a link 28 to an end of the operating lever 29. This lever is pivoted intermediate its ends at 30 to the machine frame and the opposite end of the lever 29 is connected by a link 3| to the plunger 24.

The mechanism so far described may be employed to support a model last L in accurate position to receive the borings which will determine the centres about which this last will be rotated in the last turning lathe. To accomplish this the last L is positioned in the jig I 3 in its inverted position as shown in Fig. 1 with its heel in engagement with the V-block I5 and abutment of the slide 23. The toe engaging V-block I1 is then moved into engagement with the toe of the last by operating the handle 22. These V-blocks engaging the heel and toe of the model last L will centre the last in the longitudinal vertical plane, and the abutment slide 23 when properly adjusted in a Vertical position will bring the axis of the heel portion of the last in the proper horizontal plane. The toe portion of the last is readily set in the proper horizontal plane by moving the toe up or down until the line of intersection formed by the tread and last upper lies opposite the point of the toe boring drill 32 as shown in Fig. l.

While the last L is thus supported the toe thereof is bored by the drill 32 to provide the last with the centre bore a (see Fig. 9). rIhe drill 32 extends through a guiding bushing 33 in the slide I1 and the drill is secured to the driving shaft 34 journaled in a supporting bracket 35 and driven by the electric motor 35. The bracket 35 and motor 36 are mounted on a sliding base plate 31 supported by the bed plate I0 of the machine for movement longitudinally of the bed plate, and sliding movement is imparted to the plate 31 to move the drill towards and from the work by turning the wheel having the hand levers 38. n

Y The heel end of the last is preferably provided with three drill holes or borings b spaced about and at equal distances from the central axis of the heel as best shown in Fig. l0, to support and,

drive the last in the lathe turning operation. These three bores are formed by the drills 39 which are driven by gears or the like within the chuck 40 and the drills are guided by bushings 4| supported by the bracket 42. The chuck 40 is supported by a bracket 43 and the drill operating mechanism within the chuck is driven by the m0- tor 44. The motor 44 and brackets 43 and 42 are mounted upon the base plate 45 which is slidably supported by the bed plate l0 and movement of the drills 39 towards and from the work is effected by the operating wheel having the hand levers 46.

Means is further provided, in accordance with the present invention, for forming a transverse bore c in a side of the heel part of the last. This bore c when provided in the model last L serves to help support the last in the lathe, but the transverse bore c when provided in the lasts to be reformed is used to help support the last during the toe centering operation as will be more fully described.

The transverse bore c preferably but not necessarily lies in the horizontal plane of the axis of rotation and is formed by a drill 41 mounted in a shaft 48 that is journaled in a bearing 49. The shaft is driven by the motor 58 and the motor and bearing 49 are secured to a base plate 5I that 1s slidably supported by the portion 52 of the machine bed. The drill 41 is moved towards and from the work by operating the wheel having the handles 53.

Having described the construction for supporting and boring a model last to denne its axis of rotation, the construction and operation contemplated by the present invention for providing each last to be reformed with an axis like that of the model last will now be described.

The method of supporting the lasts to be reformed during the boring operation is different from that of the model lasts, since the lasts to be reformed are supported entirely from the heel part upon an axis that corresponds to the axis of the model last, and important means to this end resides in the side stops 54 adapted to engage and press upon the opposite sides of the heel part of the last and co-operate with the V- block I5 to centre the last in a vertical plane. The heel part of the last is centered in a horizontal plane by the proper adjustment of the abutment slide 23 against which the rear end portion of the heel plate rests, and the proper adjustment of the lining up pins which engage the tread of the heel near the hinge portion thereof.

The side stops 54 and pins 55 are adjustably supported in the construction shown by the slide 23, and this slide is supported for adjustment along an inclined plane so that as the slide 23 is moved rearwardly to accommodate larger lasts it will also move upwardly to accommodate the increased distance from the heel plate to the axis about which the last is to be reformed. The uprights l4 therefore have rigidly secured thereto the inclined head 55 the inner portion of which is partly cut away to receive the slide 23, and this head, as will be apparent from Fig. 4, is provided with guideways 51 adapted to receive the ribs 58 upon the slide 23 to support the latter for sliding adjustment within the head.

The slide 23 is adjusted within the headt56 by a threaded shaft 59 which turns in a nut 60 rigidly secured to the upper end of the head. This shaft is provided near its lower end with a collar 5| which is rigidly secured to the shaft by a pin 52, and the collar is` rotatably mounted in a recess formed in the slide 23. The shaft 59 is rotated by its handle 53 and as it turns in the nut 60 the travel of this shaft will bev imparted to the slide 23 by the collar 5I. Accidental rotation of the handle 53 is prevented by providing upon the slide 23 the extension bar E4 having at its outer end a spring plunger 55 adapted to enter a recess in the ball end of the handle lever and hold it from turning.

In the construction shown the side stops 54 and leveling pins 55 are supported by the slide 23, and to this end the slide '1s provided with a pair of parallel guide rails 65 which extend frontwardly alongside the heel part of the last. These rails serve to support a block 6l mounted therebetween for sliding movement along the ra-ils. The block 61 is provided with a transversely extending strip 68 overlying the rails 66 and with a transversely extending strip 69 of dove-tail construction in cross section and lying under the rails 65. The arrangement is such that the block 61 is supported between the rails by the strips 68 and 69 which engage the upper and lower faces of the rails to permit longitudinal sliding movement between the block and rails.

The dove-tailed strip 69 forms a slideway for the transverse slide 'F8 which carries the side stops 54, and rigidly secured to the rear face of the slide i8 is the upstanding block 1I which extends upwardly between the rails 66 and has the overhanging portion l2 which bears upon the upper face of the strip 68. The arrangement is such that the block 6l' and strips 68 and 69 secured thereto will not slide transversely of the rails 56, but these parts support the transverse slide 10 and parts 'll and 'l2 secured thereto for transverse sliding movement to accommodate either right or left lasts. After the slide. 10 has been shifted in the direction of its length the desired amount it may be clamped in this position by tightening the locking screw 73. This screw extends through an elongated slot in the part 'il and has threaded engagement with the underlying strip 68.

The leveling up pins 55 are slidably mounted in drill holes formed in the upright block 1I and as a result when the parts 1G, 'il and 12 are shifted laterally of the rails 56 to accommodate a right or left last, the pins 55 will also be shifted to accommodate the tread of the right or left last. These pins ,may be simultaneously adjusted either up or down by providing a xed threaded post 14 between them extending up from the block 'Il and providing upon this post a nut 15 having the annular slot adapted to receive the heads l of the pins 55 so that rotation of this nut to cause it to travel along the post 14 will impart a sliding movement to the pins 55.

Since the side Stops 54 and pins 55 are supported by the rails 56 of the slide 23 any movement of the slide along its supporting head will tend to impart a similar longitudinal movementv to these stops and pins, but it is desirable that these stops and pins shall remain in the same position longitudinal of the jig I3 for all size lasts, This is accomplished by providing between the spaced rails 63 the threaded shaft 1l which co-V operates with a nut 18 non-rotatably secured in the block 61. The shaft H is operatively connected'to the lower end of the shaft 59 by a knuckle joint 19. The arrangement is such that rotation of the screw shaft 59 to move the slide 23 will rotate the shaft 'H to advance the block 61 forwardly an amount equal to the rearward movement of the slide. The net result of these movements is that the block 61 will remain in practically a xed position, and the side stops 54 will remain in a position to engage all size lasts just back of the hinge line.

While the mechanism just described prevents the stops 54 from moving rearwardly with the slide 23, the elevation of the slide 23 by its movement along an inclined plane will be imparted to the block 61 and parts carried thereby. This is desirable because adjustment of the` slide 23 rearwardly to accommodate a larger size last will serve to elevate the abutment upon the slide- 23 for the rear portion of the heel and the leveling uppins 55 which engage the tread of the heel near the hinge.

The result of mounting all of the heel positioning mechanism on the slide 23 is that after the side stops 54 and leveling pins 55 have once been adjusted by placing a model last L in the jig in its drilling position, as above described, and the stops 54 and pins 55 have been adjusted against the model last, then the jig may be easily and quickly adjusted to accommodate either larger or smaller lasts than the model last. These different size lasts are easily provided for by simply adjusting the slide 23 along its inclined path to the desired reading of the scale 80.

For'example, if the model last used in setting the jig is a size seven and. it is desired to adjust the'jigto receive a size ten last it is merely necessary to turn the handle 63 to adjust the slide 23 along the scale 80 to the graduation marked 41077.

The present invention also contemplates simple means for determining the proper adjustment of the stop supporting slide l0 laterally to accommodate either a right or left last. Let it be assumed that the model last L is a right last, then in setting the stops 54 in engagement with the opposite sides of this model last the locking screw 13 will be released to permit the slide 70 to move laterally and the stops 54 will be moved against the opposite sides of the last. This is done by rotating the right and left hand screw 8| which is journaled in a recessed portion of the slide 10 as best shown in Fig. 8. The stops are secured to threaded blocks 82 which slide in the recessed portion 83 of the slide and are advanced along the slide by turning the screw 8| by means of its head 84. After the stops 54 have been moved against the sides of the last L then the locking screw 13 is tightened to lock the slide in this position, and it is retained in this position for all sizes of the set of right lasts to be reformed, after which the slide 10 is shifted off centre to the same amount in the opposite direction to accommodate the set of left lasts to be reformed.

In order to simplify the oper-ation of adjusting the slide 'I0 an equal amount toV either the right or left, the block 61 may have secured thereto the off' centre stop rod 85, the inner end of which is pivoted at 86 to a plate 8l secured to the block 6l. To the outer end of the rod 85 is pivotally secured the head 88 having at its lower end the adjustable stop screw 89. The arrangement is such that after the slide l0 has been adjusted and clamped in its adjusted position by the screw 13 the off centre stop rod 85 is swung to one side of its pivot 86 so that the stop screw 89 may be off centre adjustment of the slide 10 to the lett,V

whereupon the slide is clamped in this new position by the screw 13.

After the last boring jig has had its slide 23,

stops 54 and pins 55 properly adjusted from a model last L as above described, the work of drilling the set of lasts R to be reformed so as to provide each of these lasts with an axis like that of the model last may be performed, and to accomplish' this the toe receiving .V-block is provided' with a flat plate or block 90 which will serve to press upon the toe end of a last R to be reformed Without preventing the lateral movement of the toe relative to the block as the side stops 54 are forced against the opposite sides of this last by turning the screw head 84.

As soon as the last R is properly positioned in the jig I3 the drills 39 and 4l' are operated to form the bores b and c, the depth of eachof these bores being limited by suitable stops for the drills. These bores are positioned in an accurate predetermined relation to the axes about which the last R is to be reformed and serve to support the last entirely from its heel part while the turning centre is formed in the toe or fore part of the last. The drill 32 is not used to bore the lasts R that are to be reformed.

The last R to be reformed may have the toe part thereof built up or the entire fore part of the old last may be replaced with a new fore block B as shown in Fig. 1l, and as is fully disclosed in my application above mentioned. After the last R has been provided with the bores bl and cit is transferred to the machine of Fig. l1 where it is supported by the borings b and c while a. centre bore is formed in the new toe part of the last.

This centre boring device of Fig. 11 is for the most part similar in construction and operation to the testing and centre boring device of my application above mentioned, and comprises a base or bed plate 9| having the upstanding end walls 92 and S3. In the wall 93 is journaled a drilling shaft 94 having a drill or centre forming cutter 95. The shaft 94 is driven by a pulley 96 and belt 91 and the shaft is slidably mounted in its bearing and pulley and has a key driving connection with the pulley so that the shaft may be moved towards the work by engaging the handle 90 and sliding the shaft in its bearing.

The wall 92 is provided with the three last positioning pins 99 adapted to enter the bores b iin the heel of the last R to accurately position the heel of the last. The last is further positioned in the device of Fig. 11 by a pin |90 which is slidably mounted in a drill hole formed in an upright |0|. This upright is secured to a carriage or slide |02 adapted to be adjusted lengthwise of the base plate 9| and clamped in the desired position of adjustment by tightening the thumb nut |03.

The pin |00 is forced into the bo-re c until it strikes against the bottom of this hole and is then positioned so that a notch |04 in the pin receives the pivoted locking key |05 when this key is swung downwardly into the notch |04. 'I'his causes the inner end of the pin |00 to lie a predetermined distance from the upright |0| so that when the pin is thus positioned and abuts against the bottom of the bore c, the last R will be -centered both vertically and horizontally to receive the centre bore in its toe formed by the cutter 95. It is important that when the pin is locked in plane by the key |05 that the inner end of this pin rests firmly against the bottom of the bore c which bore is accurately drilled to the desired depth. In the present construction a spring operated plunger |66 is provided to strike against the far side of the last and force it against the pin I 00. The plunger |55 .is slidably supported by the upright |31 and may be provided with a pivoted last engaging head |08, and a cable |09 extending to a foot treadle, not shown, serves to retract the plunger so that when released it will be forced frontwardly by the spring IIE). The pin has the operating handle In this manner each last to be reformed is supported entirely from the heel part while it is being provided at its heel and toe with bores which define an axis that corresponds accurately with the axis of the model last.

After a last to be reformed is provided with the borings b in the heel thereof and the centre receiving bore in the toe thereof as above described, which bores are positioned to support the last to be reformed upon a like axis to that de ned in the model last by the borings b and a, then the model last and last to be reformed are ready to be placed upon a last turning lathe such as disclosed in Fig. 17 of the above mentioned application so that the last to be reformed will be acted upon by a cutter under the control of the model last.

In the modification shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 14, the mechanism of the present invention for supporting a last to be reformed from its heel part so that its axis corresponds to that of the model last, is associated with the head H2 of a last turning lathe having the spindle H3. To the face of this head ||2 at its central-axis is secured a heel receiving V-block I| 4 adapted to receive the rounded heel of the last, and the heel plate of this last rests upon an adjustable abutment or plate I l5 having the portion I6 that ts slidably in a slotted portion I Il of the head. The plate I I5 isv adjusted along the head I I2 by operating the adjusting screw I |8 having the head I I8X.

'Ihe side stops ||9 and leveling up pins |20 which correspond to the stops 54 and p-ins 55 above described, are adjustably supported by the spaced rails I2| which are rigidly secured by the screws |22 to the opposite edges of the head I I2. Between the spaced rails I2 I is slidably supported a block |23 similar to the block 6l, and to the opposite faces of this block are secured the block supporting strips |24 and |25, the latter having a dove-tail construction to slidably support the slide |26 upon which the heel engaging stops I I9 are mounted as in the slide 1|) above described. These stops are moved towards and from the heel by the right and left screw |21 having the head. |28. The slide |26 is locked against sliding movement in the direction of its length by the locking screw |29.

I n employing this modied construction of Figs. 12, 13 and 14 a model last L is placed in the chuck so that its axis of rotation is lined up with the lathe axis and while the last is retained in this position the abutment plate H5, stops |I9 and pins |23 are moved into engagement with the last. The model last may then be removed and a last to be reformed of the same size inserted in the chuck, whereupon it will be properly centered in one plane by operating the screw head |28 to bring the stops I I9 against its opposite faces. This last is centered in a second plane by the engagement of the tread of the heel with plate i I5 and pins |2, and it is held rmly thereagainst by the clamping screw |33.' This screw is threaded in an extension I 34 secured to the head II2 and is rotated by the hand wheel |35. The lower end of this screw the pivoted head |35 which engages the top of the last.

The last positioning and clamping means just described will support the last to be reformed with its axis position similar to that of the model last used in setting up the clamping parts, so that the toe engaging centre |31 of the lathe may be forced against the toe block to support this end of the last during the turning operation under the action of the cutter |38. In this manner the last to be reformed may be quickly and accurately positioned upon a lasting lathe ready for the turning operation without providing the borings in the heel and side of the last as contemplated by the construction `shown in Figs. 1 to 11 hereof.

Having thus fully described my invention, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States:

1. The method of reforming lasts which comprises xedly supporting a model last in a determinate position and while thus supported forming longitudinal borings in the heel and toe portions thereof which dei-lne the axis for said last, fixing the heel portion only of each of the other lasts in the same determinate position as the heel portion of said model last was fixed and forming longitudinal and transverse borings in said heel portion which dei-lne an axis therein like the axis of said model last, replacing with a fore block the fore part of each of the lasts to be reformed, supporting in a determinate axial position each of the lasts to be reformed by positioning elements engaging the borings in the heel portion thereof and while thus supported forming a positioning centre in the fore end of its fore block, setting up the model last and in turn each of the lasts to be reformed withv supporting elements engaging certain of the borings therein whereby the lasts will be arranged preparatory to cutting in determinate axial positions, and cutting the lasts to be reformed to conform to the model last.

2. In the method of reforming lasts the steps which comprise fixing the heel portion only of each of the lasts to be reformed in the same determinate position as the heel portion of a modellast was fixed and forming longitudinal and transverse borings in said heel portion which define an axis therein like the axis of said model last, replacing with a fore block the fore part of each of the lasts to be reformed, and supporting in a determinate axial position each of the lasts to be reformed by positioning elements engaging the borings in the heel portion thereof and while thus supported forming a positioning centre in the fore end of its fore block.

V3. The method of reforming hinged lasts in conformity with a model last, which consists in supporting each last to be reformed entirely from its heel part by placing the heel part of the last in a centering device that has been previously adjusted to support the last on an axis corresponding to the axis of the model last and exerting pressure on the opposite sides of the heel part to centre the last in a longitudinal plane passing vertically through the heel, While the last is thus supported forming borings longitudinally and transversely of the heel part so that they bear a definite predetermined relation to the axis upon which the last is to be reformed, replacing with a fore block the fore part of the last, then supporting the last from said borings and While thus supported forming a centre bore in the toe of the last, turning the last about said centre bore and cutting the last to be reformed to conform to the model last.

4, The method of reforming lasts in conformity with a model last, which includes the steps of fixedly positioning the heel part only of each of the lasts to be reformed by placing each of these lasts in a centering device that has been previously adjusted to support the heel part of the last on an axis corresponding to the axis of the model last and exerting pressure on the opposite sides of the last to centre it in a longitudinal plane passing through its tread, While the last is thus supported forming longitudinal and transverse borings therein to bear a denite predetermined relation to the axis upon which the last is to be reformed, suporting the last from said borings and while the last is thus supported forming a centre bore in the toe thereof.

5. The method of reforming lasts in conformity with a model last, which includes the steps of supporting each last to be reformed by engaging the last at each side of its rounded heel end to centre the heel end of the last, forcing the tread of the last against a support to position the last in one plane, exerting pressure upon an intermediate portion of the last at its opposite sides to position it in a second plane at right angles to the first, while the last is thus supported forming borings therein so that they occupy a predetermined relation to the axis upon which the last is to be reformed, supporting the last from these borings and while the last is thus supported forming a centre bore in the toe thereof.

6. The method of reforming lasts in conformity with a model last Which includes the steps of xedly supporting a model last in a determinate position for defining the axis of said last, replacing with a fore block the fore part of each of the lasts to be reformed, xing the heel portion only of each cf the lasts to be reformed fitted with a new fore block as aforesaid in the same determinate position as the heel portion of said model last was fixed whereby it will have the same'axis as said model last and while thus fixed forming a positioning centre in the fore end of its fore block.

'7. Mechanism for locating a turning axis in a last comprising in combination V-blocks or the like for receiving and longitudinally centering the heel and toe of the last for defining the position thereof in a vertical plane, means for defining the position of the last in a plane at substantially right angles to the first named plane, means for xedly retaining the last in said defined positions, and means for forming borings in the heel and side of said last While fixedly retained as aforesaid.

8. Mechanism for locating a turning axis in a last comprising in combination V-blocks or the like for receiving and longitudinally centering the heel and toe of the last for defining the position thereof in a vertical plane and including side stops movable into a dened position of engagement With the sides of the heel portion of the last, means for defining the position of the last in a plane at substantially right angles to the first named plane, means for xedly retaining the last in said defined positions, means for making borings in the end and side of the heel portion of said last while iixedly retained as aforesaid, side stops movable into a defined position of engagement with the sides of the heel portion of the last, and means whereby said side stops may be simultaneously adjusted in an equal amount toward or away from each other with relation to their said defined position.

9. Mechanism for locating a turning axis for a last comprising means for making borings at the end of the heel portion of the last and in the side of said heel portion, and means for xedly securing the last to receive said borings including a V-block for receiving and longitudinally centering said heel portion, and side stops movable into a defined position of engagement with the sides of said heel portion when said heel portion is centered by the V-block as aforesaid, and means whereby said stops may be simultaneously adjusted in equal amount towards and away from each other with relation to their said defined position.

l0. Mechanism for locating a turning. axis vfor a last comprising means for making borings at the end of the heel portion of the last and in the side of said heel portion, and means for fixedly securing the last to receive said borings including a V-block for receiving and longitudinally centering said heel portion, tread engaging means, side stops movable into a determinate position of engagement with the side of said heel portion when said heel portion is centered by said V-block as aforesaid and which side stops are simultaneously adjustable in an equal amount towards or away from their said defined position, and means for forcibly holding the last against said tread engaging means.

11. Mechanism for locating borings in each last of a series of lasts to be reformed so that these borings Will occupy a predeterminedrrelation to the axis upon which the last is to 'be reformed, comprising in combination, a support having a seat for the tread of the heel and a V-block or the like for centering the heel end of the last, tread engaging means positioned lto co-operate With said seat to `centre the last in one longitudinal plane, centering means adapted to co-operate with said V-block to centre the last in a second longitudinal plane, and means for forming positioning borings longitudinally and transversely of the last While thus supported.

12. Mechanism for locating borings in each last of a series of lasts to be reformed so that these borings will occupy a predetermined relation to the axis upon which the last is to be reformed, comprising in combination, a support having a seat for the tread of the heel and a V-block or the like for centering the heel end Vof the last, tread engaging means positioned to co-operate with said seat to centre the last in one longitudinal plane, means for holding the last against said tread engaging means and seat F with the tread of the last up, means adapted to co-operate with said V-block to centre the last in a second longitudinal plane, and means for forming borings in the last while thus supported.

13. Mechanism for locating borings in a last so that they occupy a predetermined relation to the axis upon which the last is to be reformed, comprising in combination, a support having a seat for the tread of the heel and a V-block or the like for centering the heel end of the last, tread engaging means positioned to co-operate with said seat to centre the last in one longitudinal plane, side stops adapted to co-operate With said V-block to centre the last in a second longitudinal plane, and means for forming positioning borings in a side and end of the last While thus supported.

14. Mechanism for locating borings in a last so that they occupy a predetermined relation to the axis upon which the last is to be reformed, comprising in combination, a support having a seat for the tread of the heel, tread engaging means positioned to co-operate With said seat to centre the last in one longitudinal plane, side stops adapted to engage the opposite sides of the last to centre the last in a second longitudinal plane, a slide for supporting said stops and mounted for lateral movement to position the stops to receive either a right or a left last, means for adjustably supporting the stops on said slide,

and means for forming positioning borings in the last while thus supported.

15. Mechanism for locating borings in a last so that they occupy a predetermined relation to the axis upon which the last is to be reformed, comprising in combination, a heel engaging V- block having a seat for the tread cf the heel of a last, tread engaging means positioned to cooperate with said seat to centre the last in one longitudinal plane, side stops adapted to co-operate With said V-block to centre the last in a second longitudinal plane, means for forming positioning bores in the last While thus supported,

and means for supporting said V-block for adjustment lengthwise of the machine to accommodate different size lasts.

16. Mechanism for forming borings in a last so that they occupy a predetermined relation to the axis upon which the last is to be reformed, comprising in combination, av heel engaging V- block having a seat for the tread of the heel of a last, tread engaging means positioned to cooperate with said seat to centre the last in one longitudinal plane, last engaging means adapted to co-operate With said V-block to centre the last in a second longitudinal plane, means for forming positioning bores in the last While thus supported, and means for supporting said V-block for adjustment along an inclined path to cause its seat to recede from a horizontal plane as the V-block is moved in a direction to receive a larger last.

17. Mechanism for locating borings in a last so that they occupy a predetermined relation to the axis upon which the last is to be reformed, comprising in combination, a support having a seat for the tread of the heel, tread engaging means positioned to co-operate with said seat to centre the last in one longitudinal plane, side stops adapted to engage the opposite sides of the last to centre the last in a second longitudinal plane, a slide having said stops adjustable thereupon and mounted for lateral movement to position the stops to receive either a right or a left last, means for forming positioning borings in the last While thus supported, and a pivoted stop movable from one side to the other of a fixed central support to limit the movement of the slide in one direction to an amount equal to its movement in the opposite direction.

JEREMIAl-I FITZPATRICK.