US2057040A - Method of and means for lasting shoes - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 13, 1936. c. K, MacDONALD 2,057,040

METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR LASTING SHOES Filed July 23, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Q Oct. 13, 1936. c. K. Ma DONALD METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR LASTING SHOES Filed July 25, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 13,1936. c. K. MMDON LE; 2,057,040

METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR LASTING SHOES Filed July 23, 1955 e Sheets-Sh eet 3 Fig. 3.

//v l/E/V 70R. WM

c. K. M DONALD 2,057,040

METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR LASTING SHOES Oct. 13, 1 936.

Ffled July 23, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 I VE/V 747a- Oct/13, 1936.

c. K. M CiDONALD METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR LASTING SHOES e Sheets-Sheet '5 Filed July 23, 1935' Oct. 13, 1936.

c. I K. .M DONALD METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR LASTING SHOES Filed July 2 5, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented Oct. 13, 1936' UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR LASTING SHOES Clifford K. MacDonald, Brockton, Massqassignor to United Shoe Machinery Corporation, Paterson, N. J., a corporation of New Jersey Application July 23, 1935, Serial No. 32,766

40 Claims.

method whereby shoe upper materials (hereinafter referred to inclusively as the upper) are tensioned heightwise of a last toward its bottom face and the marginal portions of the upper materials are laid inwardly over an insole on the last by the use of a flexible lasting member having therein a group of loose elements that adjust themselves in accordance with the shape of 20 the last. In accordance with the illustrated practice, the upper is pressed into conformity to the contour of the last by the flexible lasting member, which is preferably elastic, and is then worked tightly over the last and its marginal 2;, portion laid inwardly over an insole on the last by relative movement of the lasting member and the last. As herein further illustrated, there are utilized flexible elastic lasting members arranged to engage and act on the upper at the opposite 30 sides of the last between its toe and heel end portions. Each lasting member comprises a container having therein a plurality of loose articles, illustrated as iron balls and having an upper-engaging wall of flexible elastic material 35 such, for example, as rubber, through which the iron balls act to press the upper into conformity to the contour of the last. The last, as herein shown, is moved relatively to the containers in a direction heightwise of the last, after which 40 tipping movenients'toward the bottom face of the last are imparted to the containers to cause them to lay the marginal portion of the upper inwardly over the insole and to press it upon the insole.

45 Preferably, force is exerted on the iron balls during the relative heightwise movement of the containers and the last to increase the frictional pull of the containers on the upper and preferably also this force is maintained or it may be 50 increased as the containers are tipped relatively to the last toward its bottom face to insure that the upper will be held tightly and smoothly conformed to the contour of the last close to the edge of the last bottom as the marginal portion 55 of the upper is laid inwardly over the insole and pressed into position to adhere to the insole. It is contemplated that in order further to increase the frictional pull of the lasting member or members on the upper, the metallic articles within each member may be magnetized to cause them to cohere. Thus, in addition to their resistance to displacement due to the friction between them, their resistance to displacement is further increased by their magnetic attraction for one another, so that greater force is required l to effect a relative movement of the member or members and the last to work the upper tightly over the last. The pressure of the lasting memher or members on the upper is' thereby increased and as a result a greater frictional pull 15 is exerted on the upper. In operating upon shoes the uppers of which are of relatively heavy and stiff material, or if conditions otherwise render it desirable, as in lasting shoes provided with scant uppers, the frictional pull of the lasting member or members may thus be further increased to render them still more effective in working the upper tightly and smoothly over the last.

In a further aspect, the invention provides novel means adapted for use in the practice of the above-mentioned method. For the purpose in view there is provided, as herein illustrated, a novel organization of means for shaping uppers over lasts by the use of containers having flexible elastic upper-engaging walls and each having a plurality of loose articles, preferably balls, of magnetizable material therein adjustable in accordance with the shape of the last. In the machine herein shown the last and shoe are supported by depressible toe and heel rests between containers which are arranged to engage the upper at the opposite sides of the last over an area extending both heightwise and lengthwise of the last between its toe and heel-end portions. 40 Mechanism is provided for effecting relative movement of the containers and the last in a direction heightwise of the last to cause the containers by frictional contact with the upper to work it tightly over the last, after which inward tipping movements are imparted to the containers to cause them to lay the marginal portion of the upper inwardly over the insole and to press it upon the insole. In the construction shown, each container, illustrated as a rubber bag, is filled with small iron balls and is partially enclosed by a rigid holder which is secured to a carrier pivotally connected to a support for swinging'movements about an axis extending h 1 6O to..vary .the.frictional pull of the containers on lengthwise of the shoe. The supports are movable toward each other widthwise of the shoe into difierent positions to vary the pressure of the containers on the upper and means is provided for locking the supports in adjusted positions against outward return movement. As herein shown, there is provided a holddown for forcing the last and sh-oeandthe rests downwardly'between the containers; andmeans for'locking-the carriers against swinging movements relatively to their supports .to permit the containers by frictionalcontact with the upper to draw. it tightly over the j otal connections of the carriersto their supports.-

' 'loose-articleslor balls in;.the-containers to cause last, the last and shoe being positioned at. the

end of the downward movement of the holddown with the bottom face of the-insolebelow the piv- Thereafter the carriers are unlocked from their 7 supports and are swung in directions: itodmpart'. inward tipping movements to the containers to, lay the marginal portion of the upper inwardly' over the insole, the dast and shoe and therests beingfurther depressed against. the resistance of springmeans' in response to the; inward tipping 'movementsof-the carriers,.and the supports being preferably movedalso fartherinwardly at this time to maintainor toincrease the pressure ofthecontainerson the upper. The upper is thus.

heldwconformed tightly and=smoothly to the contour: o'ithe. last atthe opposite sides as its marginal; portion-is laid-:inward and pressed upon the insole, and inorder that. the pressure of the containers on:.the-overlaid=margin of the upper may beincreased'means ise-provided for limiting. the

depressioniof the last and shoe; 7 V

In accordance with a further. feature there is provided electrical means: for. magnetizing the them'to-jcohere and to resist displacement and thereby to increase the: frictional pullof the containers onthe-upper. in the relative movement of the. containers andtheflast .to; work the.upper through these coils.

"tightly over the last. As herein. shown, each carrier is so formed. as to'receive aU-shaped magnetin the form of an electro-magnet and the softiron; cores; of: each; magnet are surrounded by coilsconnected to a rheostat for varying and controlling-the. strength-I of the current passing istur-ned on-magetic fields will be set up. between the coresrof the magnets that will have lines of V forcepassing through the spaces occupied by the balls. The-carriers and the parts associated therewith are made'of non-'magnetizable material-so that the density. ofthe magnetic fields may be: concentrated in. the spaces occupied by the balls; Byvarying the-strength of. thecurrent passing through the electro-magnets *the' resist ance of. theballs to.displacement may be varied the upper as'may. be necessary in operating upon shoes of. different kinds.

The above and other features of the invention, includingivarious :novel details of construction and combinations of parts and also the novel method aspects of the. invention will now be more particularly set forthby reference to the accompanying drawings .and'pointed out.in'.the.claims.

Inthe drawings, I

1 is a .view partly in side elevation and partl'y'in section of 'a machine adapted for use in carrying out the .novel methodand embodying novel features of the invention; 7

Fig. 2'is a'view'partly in frontelevation and V The electro-magnets are mounted in the carriers so that whenthe current partly in section on an enlarged scale of the head 7 of the machine shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a section on the line III-III of Fig. 2 Figs. 4, 5, and 6 are detail views illustrating the positions of the lasting members and the holddown at different stages of the lasting, operation;

'Fig. '7 is a view partly infront elevation and partly in section on anenlarged scale of the lasting members and theirsupports and illustrating the electrical'means which may be mounted in the supports for magnetizing the steel balls within the lasting members; and Fig. this a view'looking from above in Fig. 7 with parts broken away. 7

In the illustrated machine the. shoe is sup ported bya heel-post lfi having a pin [2 at its upper end-toenter the spindle hole in the'last and by a toe rest I4 arranged to engage the top of theforepart 'of the shoe (Figs; 1 and 3). The.

heel'post 10 is vertically movable in a sleeve l6 (Figs. 2.and..3-) and is upheld witha collar 18 onfthe post in. engagement. vwith a shoulderf 20.

on the sleeve by a. spring 22' whichsurrounds the post between. the collar lfl'and ashoulder 24 7 formed on acap 26. threaded on the lower end of the sleeve |6.,.the post In extending downwardly through an alined opening inthe cap. The sleeve 'l6'.is.:carried'.by.a bracket. which is slidingly: mounted for movements in directions lengthwise of the shoe in ways formed 'on the base 30 0f the machine. ,The toe rest I 4 is secured to the upper end of a toe-post 32 (Fig. 3) which is slidinglymounted for movements. in directions heightwise of. the shoe in a'bearing34-formed. in a.

bracket 36 fast .to the'base and extends downwardly through an opening in the lower end of a tubular'member 38 secured to the base 30, the I openingin the end of the tubular member being in alinement with the bearing 34'of the bracket.

3li..jv Surrounding thelower reduced end portion of the toe post- 32 is a.spring.40 which. bears'at its lower end against a shoulder 42 "formed'on the tubularmember 38 and 'at'its upper end against awasher 44 engaging. a'shoulder on the post, the spring 40 .acting to uphold the post.

withan adjustable nut and. lock'nut .46 threaded on the post in engagement with the lower end.

face of the bearing 34. By adjustment of thenut andlock nut 46 the heightwise position of. the. toe. rest |4 may be varied relatively to the heel post II! to. accommodate shoesv of difierent styles ing the opposite 'end faces of the bearing, the

collar 54 having an enlarged knurled 'p0rtion55 by means of which. the rod 48. maybe turned to impart movement to theheel post l0 toward or 7 from the toe rest 14'.

For lasting the opposite sides of. shoes the ma-. 7

china herein shown is provided with conformable lastingmembersBB (FigsIZ, 4, 5and 6) whichlare supported; one ateach side of the shoe, by carriers 60'"pivotally connected for swinging movements about axes-extending lengthwise of the shoe tosupports. .62' which are slidingly mounted in ways EA (Fig. 2)1 formed in the base 30 of the machine for movements'towardor from'each other width- Each lasting member 58 is" wise of; the shoe.. of such length as to extendfrom the toe-end portionto theheel-end portion of the shoe and to overlap more or less these different end portions which preferably; although not necessarily, will have been lasted before the shoe is presented to the machine. Each lasting member 58 comprises a container or bag '66 of flexible elastic material, such as rubber, completely filled with loose spherical articles, such as small metal balls 68, preferably of about one sixteenthof an inch in diameter (Fig. 4) Each container 68 is partially inclosed in a metal casing 10 having arms 12 formed integral therewith and secured to the carrier 60 by screws 14 (Figs. 2 and 8) Engaging the'top and bottom faces of themetal casing 10 and secured to the carrier 60 by screws 16 are supporting plates '18. Extending through openings in the opposite side walls of each casing 10 and through a loop formed at the upper corner of each container 66 by a rubber strip vulcanized to the container is a rod 82 the opposite end portions of which are supported by clamps 84 secured by screws 86 tothe top plate 18. Each rod 82 is held against endwise movement by nuts 88 threaded on theopposite end portions of the rod and engaging the clamps 84 (Fi 8).

Each carrier 60 is fast to a rockshaft (Figs. 1 and 3) rotatably mounted in bearings formed in the supports 62 and is urged in a direction to impart upward swinging movement to the lasting member 58 supported thereon by a spring 92 (Fig. 2) connected at one end to a pin 94 in the carrier and at the other end to an adjustable eye-bolt 86 threaded in the support 62. Fast on each rockshaft 90 is a collar 98 provided with shoulders I00 and I02 (Fig. 6) which are arranged to engage, respectively, shoulders I04 and H18 formed on the supports 62 to limit upward and downward swinging movements of the carriers 60 relatively to the supports 62. For 1ocking each carrier against downward swinging movement with the shoulder I00 in engagement with the shoulder I04 there is pivotally connected to each support 62 a latch I01which is urged by a spring I08 (Fig. 2) in a direction to engage the hook-shaped end of a plate I I0 fast to the carrier 80. For moving the latches I01 against the resistance of the springs I08 in directions to release the carriers 60 for downward swinging movement there is rotatably mounted in each support 62 a rod II2: fast to the outer-end of which is a small hand wheel I14 for turning it. The rod I I2 mounted in the right-hand support 62 (Fig. 1) has formed thereon a camsurface II6 which isarranged to engage the'latch I01 pivotally connected to that support. The rod I I2 mounted in the left-hand support has formed thereon a similar cam surface '6 engaged by one end of a pin II8 slidably mounted in the support and engaging at its other end a downwardly extending arm I20 of thelatch I01 pivotally connected to the. left-hand'support. As the rods I I2 are rotated by the small hand wheels II4 the cam surfaces I I6 act to swingthe latches I01 out of engagement with the plates I I0.

In the course of the operation of the machine the carriers 60 and supports 62 are moved toward each other to move the lasting members 58 into engagement with the last and shoe at the opposite sides substantially from'its toe to its heel-end portion. 'It will be understood that as the lasting members 58 are moved into engagement with the last and shoe the metal balls 68 adjust themselves to the contour of the last, and thus act through the rubber containers '86 to press theupper into conformity to the contour of the last. For movin'g' the supports 62 toward each other there is connected to each support a rack bar I22 (Figs.

1,2, and 3). The rack bars I22 are movable in ways formed in a bracket I24; .depending from the frame 30, and rotatably mounted in the bracket is a shaft I28 having fast thereon a pinion I28 the teeth of which are arranged to engage the teeth of the rack bars I22. The shaft I26 is supported near its outer end.(Figs. land 3) by a bearingI30 on the base 30 and has fast to its outer end a hand wheel I32 by means of which it'may' be turned. For holding the shaft I26 against endwise movement there is pinned tothe shafta collar I34 which bears against the inner end face of the bearing I30 and engaging the outer end face of the bearing is the hub portion that by rotation of the hand wheel I32 movements in opposite directions are imparted to the rack bars I22 through the pinion I28 to move the supports 62 and carriers 60 toward or from each other.

In'the illustrated machine there is provided means for locking the lasting members 58 against outward movement away from each other while permitting them to be moved inwardly toward each other to press the upper into conformity to the contour of the last. As shown particularly in Fig. 2, there is pivotally connected to the righthand support 62 a pawl I38 for engaging any one of a number of ratchet teeth I40 formed 'on a fixed plate I42 on the base 30. The pawl I38 has a laterally extending arm I44 and engaging this arm is an adjustable screw I46 carried by the upwardly extending arm I48 of a pawl I50 pivotally connected to the left-hand support 62. A spring I52 connected at one end to a pin I54 in the arm I48 and at the other end to a pin I56 projecting from the support acts to hold the pawl I50 in' engagement with any one of a number of ratchet teeth I58 formed on a plate I60 fastto the base 30, and through the arm I44 to hold the pawl I38 in engagement with one of the ratchet teeth I40 on the plate I42. Fast on the outer end of the arm I44 is a handle I62 for swinging the arm downwardly to move the pawls I38 and I50 out of engagement with the ratchet teeth I40 and 158. Pivotally connected to the left-hand support 62 is a latch I84 which may be swung downwardly by the operator to lock the arm I44 in its lowermost position against the ac tion of the spring I52 when it is desired to hold the pawls I38 and I50 out of engagement with the ratchet teeth I40 and I58.

For imparting to the last and shoe movement in a direction heightwise of the shoe thereis provided a holddown I66 (Figs; 1 and 2) comprising a comparatively narrow plate arranged to extend lengthwise of the shoe and to engage the insole at the forepart and heel end. The holddown is pivotally connected to a slide I88 vertically movable in a guideway'formed in a bracket I10 secured by screws I12 to a supporting bracket I14 fastened to the base 30 by screws I16. Formed upon the slide I68 are rack'teeth I18 (Fig. 2)

arranged to be engaged by the teeth of a gear I80 fast to a shaft I82 rotatably mounted in the bracket I10 and having fast to itsouter end a hand wheel I84 for turning it. For holding the slide I68 against free movement in its'guideway in the bracket I10 there is provided a friction device comprising a brass plug I86 held yieldingly in engagement with the slide by a spring I88,a threaded plug I90 being provided for centralizing the: spring within a recess in the bracket and I36 of the hand wheel I32. It will be understood 1 ziorzyaryingrits tension-te tiary the "pressure 161. :the

plug; on utherlslide.

V lirrgthe illustrated machine the; shoeaandrlastla re rsupp orted initially be ttom' upward :on the :heelpost 71H) anicLtoe rrest' l4 with thebot tom face :of the insole V ,a eonsiderable tdistan'ce; above the pivota.l

:QQMQCiLiOIlS-Of the .carriersfiII-to their supports 62; After the. lasting members 558 have been inoved' inwardlydntogthepositions shown inning to press the upper into conformityto the contour of Jt-healast: along its opposite 1 sides, the-hand wheel L84 isrotatedby the operator in'adirectionto. 11m- 7 part counterclockwise movement to thesgear I80,

-Eig i 2. aCquritercloekwise movementnf the-gear 51:80 ,acts'todmpart. downward movement to i the :zsliderlfiflrto move ;the holddown J66 into engage- V 'imentrwith thezbottom, face{f the insole; It will -be1:un detstoojd that the lasting members at this time;.are locked against {out-ward movement zf-mmthepositions shown in Fig. 4 byengagement 7 .sofctheihawls' l-3B;-.,and l50with the ratchet teeth i4 0 and I58, respectively. Thereafter thehend g-wheel 1:84;.is rotated to impart" further downward 'movementstothe -holddownto move the last and shoe'relativelm to the lasting members 58, fromthe :positiomshown-inFig.4 to'the positionzshown in -Eig.;5,:in7which position the bottom faceoi'j the insole ;is-,be-l0w1=theaxes of therockshafgtsg :90.

"this :movement the containers 66 act by frictional contact with the upper to draw ittight- 'lyiover'the'. last. It-will be understood thatthe meta1rballs68, which have adjusted themselves to the contour of 'thelast inresponseto movements f of the containers intothe positions shown in Fig.

4', are displaced relatively to-one another as the last'and shoearermovedfrom the position shown -int-Fig. 4' to-theposition shownin- Fig. '5' and be-' cause of their resistance toflsuch displacement srduetoithe friction-between them they act through the; contaihersefifi to; resist the: downward movemer t of thesflast and shoe and thusto increase "the frictiona1;:pull of the 1 containersgon the 7 upper. It 'willalso beunderstood that-theba-lls act torpress' the upper through the uppe'raengaging walls-4S9 (Figs. 4 and 7*)0f: the containers .fifiiat: all times :into conformity to r the CODtOHl'axOf thetla-st andthat the layerof balls :in en agement '7 iwith=thequppenengaging walls of the containers 'arelembedded more=or-less in ,said-walls-so that there-is substantially no stretching :of these-walls heightwise:ofithe-last in the downward movement of'zthe last and shoe. gItwill furtherbe understood that bywa-rying the positionsxofgthe carriers-60 widthwise of the shoe the'for ce exerted on the metal zballs 68 may be variedetovary their .frictional-resistancetordisplacementfand thus to vary 1 c the effective pull-of; the;=containerson thez pper.

s V 5 V l V .ments; there; isrvertical-ly movable imbearings; in

carrying a-rol1i200 arranged to be-engaged by one secured-toritsilpper endga member I'M provided with@la-terally extending'rarms Hi6. 'Pinned to each rockshaft is anwinwardly extendingr arm 188 of firearms-196 of themember' I94. Pivotally connected to the rod: tezis 5a, secondrod 262 which isrpivotal-ly -connected:-to a treadle' 284.. {A :spri-ng 28.6; cemented-at one end'to a pin! th base 7 thegbrackemad-andrby'engagemen .of;

' firmly' into adhering: relation to git he insole.

Vand:at-itbeeothereend $05.9 :eollarfi H) s c'lamp toithesmd: luzacts-ztor'impart hpwardmovement .tozth'erods I 92.;and ,zoggthis movementzof the rods being etlimited shy eensaeement of an..=.adii1stab e holler zflrontthe rod 182 withtamortion offs-he base :10. 7 Depression ;of the zrtreadle' ,204 acts throuehsthe: nods 1021mm LILQlItOSmOVBZIhB mem- ;;b.er; I94; downwardlyaand thmughsthearms 198 to mnartdownmardzswin ine nriovementv to the carr-iers 60 against :thezsresistance of the ,;springs 92;

the senders 6manezswhngidownwardlythelast- V V in nmembers'aitl; acta-to gdepress-gthe last andzshoe "clamped 'betw:een:themiagainst:.the:.1'esistance of r thei springs Jhand 140. Depression- 10i the last I lock-nutiltfi threaded aonifihezupper end 'of 5 the :toe post? 32- with thezume tface- 2 l8 ofrthebearing '34- :As :the treadle 1204 :is -,;depr.essed to. impart downwards swinging movement-ate thescarrierssfifl the supports fizgtoward-geach other to-increase: the pressure .-;oi theglasting 1 members on ttheyupper. It will be seen that as'the carriersaresswun idownwardly about the axes of the;shafts 90 tiping-movements lateraiiyziofitheilastsar impart d mut and r theoperatenby turning therhand:,-wheel l32zm ves thus tipped :xzelatively: to:;the;11ast :the '1 last; and 511085316,- ioroedri-iartherjinto: the lastingimembers 1I1=-rSDOnSel-0:the inwardzmovementsof mesonportsefiz. Thezlasting 'mem ens accordingly act to .drawsthezapper moreztiehtiycover he :ed e; "of 'the-insole and to layiits marginalzportion inward- -ly.-:over: theinsolesand-to press, it; into position to adhere; to ztheginsole; eatteriwhich as depression of ztheziastiendcshoe isgsstqpped by engagement of the last with 5.12119 -;-bracket; :28 :and '2: the nut a locknht '2 l 6 ewith nth'e bearing -34,:t1he pressure or the -lastingvmembers zonzth zioverlaid:margin ,ofathe -;upper;;;is 3 inciaeasedsbytinrther depression of v the :tzeadle ato forcet-he. overlaid Lmargin-r more refeeencezto;Figssstrand' 5; it will: be;seen thatth'e uppersengflgingrzwalls :ofithe lastingtmembersbfl are aourved upwardly 1: and :routwarjdiy aawa'y; from each-other: to; permit them'ztqtbe; swung relativelyr ,to :euhwtherzirom; the p s tion: shown: in Fig. -5 to;the positien:shown imfigwfi wi ieny' s stantial interference betweena the-.upper portions of. the: members. 7

{After the :-marginal portion :(of flthe up r has been thus laidiinward'ly-over.theeinsoleand pressed intonposltionttoeadhereztmtheinsole the operator,

by: raisinge-the ry-treadle {Z04 :slightl-y, -;perm its the springs hi2. to *raise theslast-ing membersr'fl suf- -ficiently ito relieve lthe pressure ;of the yilast ing membersinoni the overlaid margin :of 'athe dippe V afteruwhich: the-spams 133, 150 tare :swungmby downwardamovement soft-"the ;arm (1 44, -i:n--directionstomeleaseztheisupports?62fiomoutward movement, miter the supportsafi rhaye; been ;:moyed outwardlyithe'wtreadle .2204 isareleased 4 t rmit the sprlngseflzto-yswing the carrier'sfill npwardly the;lastand:shoez:are removedfrom the mabhlner vthis :previo'uslyr.polntedaoiit; the force exerted ;on theshalls sfl zthrough thezmetal casings 1 0 by in-i mudemovementsof'the:carriers 60 may be varied toi-yahystherz:frietionalfipull of 'the fiexible elastic lastingmembersonthe,upperjasmay be necessary insoperaitin zanpon shoeszofjdifierent kinds to work 7 theitupp ntiehtly over the, las tandt rpress it i conformityztdthenentouzzzotthe iast.

: nwsder furtheni tmincrease he frictional pull ill of the lasting members on the upper the machine, in accordance with a further feature, may be provided with electrical means for magnetizing the loose balls 68 to cause them to cohere. Referring now to Figs. 7 and 8, each carrier 60 may be so formed as to receive a U-shaped electro-magnet 220. The soft iron cores of each -magnet are surrounded by magnetizing coils 222 and a rheostat 224 is provided 'for varying and controlling the strength of the current passing through these coils. The rheostat is indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 'l and is adapted to turn the current on and off and to permit only a limited amount of current to pass through the coils 222 so that the strength of the magnetic field can be increased or reduced as desired. It will be understood that in the construction shown in Figs. '7 and 8 the carriers 69 and the parts mounted thereon including the metal casings 10 as well as the rockshafts 90 and the supports 62 will be made of non-magnetizable material, such as aluminum or stainless steel, while the loose balls 68 will bemade of magnetizable material such as iron or steel. When the current of the electro-magnets is turned on a magnetic field will be set up between the cores of each electromagnet which will have lines of force passing through the spaces occupied by the iron balls 68. The balls will accordingly become magnetized and thus tend to cohere and to resist displacement. By moving the arm 226 of the rheostat upwardly toward the terminal B the strength of the current passing through the electro-magnets is increased, thus increasing the density of the magnetic fields set up by the electro-magnets. As a result the balls 68 become more highly magnetized and accordingly greater force is required to displace them. It will thus be evident that in addition to the resistance of the balls 68 to displacement due to the friction between them their resistance to displacement may be increased by magnetizing them so that greater force is re quired to move the last downwardly between the lasting members. The pressure of the lasting members on the upper is thereby increased and as a result a greater frictional pull is exerted on the upper. By varying the strength of the current passing through the electro-magnets the resistance of the iron balls to displacement may be varied to vary the frictional pull of the lasting members on the upper. It will be understood that the balls 68 may be magnetized at any time during the operation of the machine.

In the operation of the machine, briefly summarized, the operator, after adjusting the heel and toe posts for the size and style of shoe to be operated upon, places a last and shoe on the heel pin I2 and the toe rest I4. Before the shoe is presented to the machine, in accordance with the illustrated practice, the toe and heel ends will have been previously lasted and a suitable adhesive such as latex or pyroxylin cement will have been applied to the margins of the upper materials and also, if desired, to the margin of the insole along the opposite sides of the shoe.

After the shoe has been mounted in the machine as above described, the operator, by turning the hand wheel 32 moves the supports 62 and the carriers toward each other to press the lasting members 58 against the shoe, the lasting members engaging the shoe upper lengthwise of the shoe substantially from its toe-end to its heel-end portion. It will be understood that as the lasting members are pressed against the shoe the iron balls 68 adjust themselves in accordance with the contour of the last and act through the upper-engaging walls of the lasting members to press the upper into conformity to the contour,-

plates Hi! to hold the lasting members against swinging movements relatively to their supports so that the lasting members act by frictional engagement with the upper to work it tightly over the last. tional pull of the lasting members on the upper may be varied by varying the positions of the supports 62 and the carriers 60 laterally of the shoe to vary the force exerted on the metal balls 68 through the casings and that the pawls I38 and I58 act by engagement with the ratchet teeth I43 and I 58 to hold the supports and the carriers against outward movement from adjusted position. It will further be understood that if electrical means such as shown in Figs. '7 and Bis provided the'frictional pull of the lastingmembers on the upper may be further increased by magnetizing the iron balls 68 to cause them to cohere more or less and thus further to resist displacement by the last and shoe.

After the last and shoe have been moved into the position shown in Fig. 5 the operator moves the holddown I56 out of engagement with the shoe bottom, turns the small wheels H4 to move thelatch'es I01 out of engagement with theplates H0, depresses the treadle 204 to impart downward swinging movements to the carriers 60 and simultaneously turns the hand wheel I32 in a direction to impart further inward movements to the supports 62 to maintain or to increase the pressure of the lasting members on the upper. As the carriers 60 are swung relatively to their supports 62 by depression of the treadle the lasting members act to impart a further downward movement to the .last and shoe clamped between them as they are tipped laterally of the shoe by the swinging carriers and are also moved inwardly by inward movements of the supports. The upper is thus drawn tightly over the last and its marginal portion is laid inwardly over the' insole and pressed into position to adhere to the insole. The depression of the last and shoe is limited by engagement of the last with the upper surface 2I4 of the bracket 28 and by engagement of the nut and lock nut 2H5 with the upper surface 218 of the bearing 34. Thereafter the pressure of the lasting members on the upper is increased by further downward movement of the treadle, to force the overlaid marginal portion,

of the upper more firmly into adhering relation to the insole. In the return of the parts to starting positions the treadle is first raised sufficiently to relieve the pressure of the lasting members on the overlaid margin of the upper after which the pawls I38 and I50 are swung upwardly out It will also be understood that the fricof engagement with the ratchet teeth I40 and I 58 and the lasting members are moved outwardly out of engagement with the shoe. The treadle is then released to permit the springs 92 to swing:

the carriers 60 upwardly to their initial positions in which positions they are locked by the latches I01 as the small wheels I I4 are turned to permit the prings I 08 to swing the latches into positions 29 fi g ge the hook-shaped ends of the plates I I0,

' of'loose memberst-adsustable in. accordance with the springs -:2 2; 40; moving" the: toe. and heel upwardlyatotheir initial positions;

posts The last and shoeare thenzremovedffrom themachine.

Having: described my invention, whatI claim as new; andadesire; to secure by'LettersPatent of.

' the United States is:

' .1: That. improvement? methods. I of lasting shoes whichconsists; in pressing an upper into 'cnnformity; to the contour of a last by the use .o fsa: flexible: lasting member" having 'thereina groupq ofloose elements, adjustable in accordance 7 "with:the shape of the last inzre sponse to pressure ref of'theflast on said member, and byrelative movement; of the lasting member and the last' working 7 theuppentightly oven the-last;

' 2. That improvement in. .methods of 1 lasting shoes which. consists in pressing an upper into conformity tosthe contour of a last by the use of a flexible elastic 'lastin'g member having "there-- in: a plurality. of loose. articles. adjustable in accordanceewiththe shape of. the last in respohsetojpressure. of.=;the.{last on saidmember, and by relative movement ot. the lasting' member and. the. last. working, the. upper heightwise oi theila'st andlayingits marginal portion inwardly 0 er aninsolebn theilast- Thatcimprovement-in; methodsvof. lasting.

' sheeslwhich-consists inepressing'an upper into conformity. to. the shape. of a. lastbyjthe use of a. flexible container having therein-a plurality thesshapel of. the'last .in response to. pressureof the. laston. said container, relatively moving. the

V container and thelast in adirectionheightwise off'the lasti'to. cause the. containen'by frictional V contact'with. theupper. to draw it tightly over thelast; ,anditlien relatively tipping the container and the last in a direction tocausethe container. to'lay the marginalportion. of'ithe upper inwardly. the last. and. to. press itupon theinsole. N 4. That; improvement in methods of'lasting,

over an insole on shoes which consists in pressing 'an..upper into;

' conformity to the contour of a 1ast,by the use. of'a container. havingjan upper-:engaggihg'wall. of flexible elasticmateriafandj having therein a plurality-ofloosesphericallarticles adjustable in accordancewith theshape of the last in responseto pressure of'the'last. againstjsaid wall,

0; moving thev last relatively to the container in a.

direction 'heightwise; of the last to cause' the container byifrictional contact with the upper .totension it over the last, and then tipping the containerinwardly. toward the bottom face of the last to lay the marginal portionzofi the upper inwardly over-an. insole. on the last and to press it 'upon. the'insole:

contour of" the last byrthe'use of flexible containers'each'havingtherein a plurality of 'spherif cal articles adjustable in accordance with. the shapeof' the last, relatively moving; the last and *the containers; in a direction heightwise ofthe 7 last itocausethe containers by frictional contact with thei upper to" draw ittightly" over the last,, andit'hen while holding the;tensioned-upper conformed to:the contour of the last tipping the iof'thelast to lay' the marginal portion of the. upper inwardly over an insole on the last and [to press it upon the insole. V v

flexible containers inwardly over the bottom face 6;.That' improvement in methods of lasting shoes which consists 'in' pressing an upper into conformity to the contourof a last by the'use "Off. a; flexible member having therein a. group of metallic articles magnetized to cause them to'co- .hereLbut adjustable to the contour of the lastin response tw pressure of l the last on'said member,

and by'relative movement of thelasting member and thella'stworkingthe upper over the last.

7. That: improvement in methods of; lasting 'sh'oes which' consists in pressing'an upper into. conformity to the contour of a last by the use of a flexible. containerhaving thereina'plurality of m'etallic' articlesmagnetized to-cause them to co- 7 hereibut'adjustable tozthe' contour of. the last in responseito pressureof the laston said'container,

andfby relative movement o fsaid container and th'eilast. working the upper tightly over the last andilayin'g its marginaliportion' inwardlyover an insole'oirthe last.

8. That improvement in methods of lasting shoes which. consists in.- p'ressing: an'upper into confonnity'to thei contour oftailast'by the use of group ofs meta'llic articles magnetized to cause them to coherezbut" adjustable toithe contour'of the;lastzinzresponse'etozpressure of the last on said member; relatively moving theilast, andv shoe and the lasting'member heightwiseiofithe last to*cause.

the lasting member by frictionalicontact with the upperto work; it tightly over the last, and then tippinga t'hezlasting member inwardly toward the bottomifacei of anlinsole' onv the last to causeit to lay; theimarginalporti'on.of' the upper: inwardl over: the insole: r

'95. That? improvement in: methods of lasting slroesewhich' consists in pressing an upper into conformity to the: contouriofia last'by the use of a container havingia plurality of magnetized iron" balls therein: and an upper engag'ing wall of flexi -a fiexible elasticLIasting member having therein a ble elastic. material, moving the last heightwise relativelyr'to the container. tocause the container= byffrictional'contact with the upper to tension itiover. the-last; and then withoutirelaxing the pressurei of 'thescontainenon the upper-relativel'y tipping the container andithe last in a directionzto cause the container to lay the marginal portion of? the upper inwardly over. an I insole on theflastiandltozpress.itzuporrthe insole:

10;. That improvement. l1'1" methods of lasting shoessin: which the marginalportion of the upper is secured in' lasted position by an adhesivewhich consists in pressing an upper into'conformity to" the contoursofr ailast: by the use of 'a'flexible container'having 'therein?a.plurality of magnetized ironballsadjustabledn accordance with theshape of the:lastrandmovingrthe lastiheightwise relatively to"said2 container while exerting force on said ironballs' at'an'angle to the direction of'said movement to work the upper tightly over the last; then'tipping the container inwardly toward 7 the'bottom' face of the lastand'exertingforce on said balls in' a direction inclined toward the bottom face ofthe last to cause said balls by their action; onithe 'upper'through said'iflexible container to lay the'marginal portion of the upper inwardly'overfan insole on the last and to press itinto position to adhere to the'insole, and there afterincreasing the pressure of said flexible container on the overlaid margin'of the upper to force it more'firmly into adhering relation to the insole.

11. That improvement in methodsjof' lastingv shoes in which'themarginal portion of the upper is secured-in lasted relati-on'toan insole by an adhesive; which consistsin pressing the upper at the opposite sides of a last substantiallyfrom its having therein a group of magnetized iron balls that adjust themselves in accordance with the shape of the last and an upper-engaging Wall of flexible elastic material, forcing the last downwardly between the containers to cause the containers by frictional contact with theupper to draw it tightly over the last, tipping the containers inwardly over the bottom face of the last without relaxing their pressure on the upper to cause the containers to lay the marginal portion of the upper inwardly over the bottom face of an insole on the last and to press it into position to adhere to the insole, and then increasing the pressure of. the containers on the overlaid margin of the upper to press it more firmly into adhering relation to the insole.

12. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, conformable lasting means constructed and arranged to act frictionally on an upper mounted on a last to work the upper heightwise of the last in response to relative movement of said means and the last, said conformable lasting means comprising a flexible member, and a plurality of loose elements arranged to act on said member to press it into conformity to the contour of the last and to increase its frictional pull on the upper during said relative movement.

, 13. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts,

a device for conforming an'upper to the contour of a last and for working the upper heightwise of the last in response to relative movement of said device and the last, said device comprising a container having a plurality of loose articles therein adjustable in accordance with the shape of the last and a flexible elastic upper-engaging wall conformable thereby to the shape of the last.

14. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, means for conforming an upper to the contour of a last and for working the upper heightwise of the last in response to relative movement of said upper-conformingmeans and the last, said upper-conforming means comprising a container having 'a flexible elastice upper-engaging wall, and a plurality of loose articles in said container adjustable in accordance with the shape of the last and arranged to. force the upper through said upper-engaging wall against the last at an angle to the direction of said relative movement.

15. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, means for engaging an upper frictionally at the side of a last comprising a hollow member of flexible elastic material having a plurality of loose articles therein relatively displaceable to press the upper-engaging face of said member into conformity to the contour of the last in response to pressure of the last on said hollow member, and mechanism for effecting a relative heightwise movement of said hollow member and the last to cause said member to work the upper toward the edge of an insole on the last.

16. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, means for pressing an upper into conformity to the contour of a last in responseto relative movement of said means and the last, said means comprising a flexible container having a plurality of loose articles therein adjustable in accordance with the shape of the last in response to pressure of the last on said container, and means for increasing the pressure of said flexible container on the upper and for tipping it inwardly toward the bottom face of an insole on the last to cause it to lay and press the marginal portion of the upper upon the insole.

17.- In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, means for pressing an upper into conformity to the contour of a last and for working the upper heightwise of the last in response to relative movement of said means and the last, said means comprising a flexible container filled with loose spherical articles adjustable in accordance with the shape of the last, and means for tipping said flexible container inwardly toward the bottom face of an insole on the last and for exerting force on said loose spherical articles in a direction inclined toward the bottom face of the insole to cause said spherical articles to act on the upper through said flexible container to lay its marginal portion inwardly over the insole.

18. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, means for pressing an upper into conformity to the contour of a last and for working the upper heightwise of the last in response to relative movement of said means and the last, said means comprising a flexible container having a plurality of loose articles therein adjustable in accordance with the shape of the last, means for imparting to said container while pressing it against the upper a tipping movement inwardly toward the bottom face of'the last to cause said container to lay and press the marginal portion of the upper upon the bottom face of an insole on the last, and spring means arranged to be tensioned in response to the inward tipping movement of said flexible container for increasing the pressure of said container on the overlaid margin of the upper.

'19. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, means for pressing an upper into conformity to thecontour of a last and for working the upper heightwise of the last in response to relative movement of said means and the last, said means comprising a flexible container having a plurality of loose articles therein adjustable in accordance with the shape of the last in response to pressure of the last on said flexible container, and a support for said flexible container movable relatively to the last into different positions to vary the pressure of said container on the upper duringsaid relative movement and for imparting to said container thereafter a tipping movement lat erally of the last in a direction to cause the container to lay the marginal portion of the upper inwardly over an insole on the last and to press it upon the insole.

20. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, a flexible elastic member arranged to act frictionally on-an upper to work the upperheight wise of a last in response to relative movement of the last and said member, said member having a group of loose articles therein adjustable in accordance with the shape of the last, and means constructed and arranged to exert force on said articles at an angle to the direction of said relative movement.

21. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, a flexible container arranged to act frictionally on an upper to work the upper heightwise of a last in response to relative movement of the last and said container, said container having a plurality of loose articles therein adjustable in accordance with the shape of the last, and a holder for enclosing a portion of said container and for exerting force on said articles in directions to increase the frictional pull of the container on the upper. p

22. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts,

V .1 V V V ginal portion of the upperiinwardly over an'einsole per heightwise': oi --the last-in response to rela as flexible container: arranged to act irictionally;

on an upperrmounted on a last to workitheuptivePmovem-ent of the last :and said containensaid g container, having' 'a' plurality of metallic balls therein"v adjustablevin accordance with the contour: of "the: last; and a rigid2holder for enclosing aportiorr of 1 said-container and; for j tipping :it

relatively to the last inwardly over thebottomiof the last to causethe container toilay the mar- "onvthe lastand to press it upon the insole.

23; In. a machineiorshaping uppersioverlasts, a-fiexible container" arranged to act irictionally onxan upper mounted-on a last tozwork the upper V n heightwise': of theslast lin response, to relative mov'ementof the last-;an1:lisaid: container, said container" having a plurality of: loose spherical fuither movement toward=the last toforce the articles" therein adjustable: in accordance" with the rsha'pe ofxth'e last, .a rigid holder forenclosring azportiOn-oi said container and for moving it toward the last to. press the upper against. the last, and means for: imparting to saidholder'a last and ShOeff311'thel into the containerand for swinging: the holder aboutiant axis located above 1 the: last;toward its bottomface to cause the containe'ri to -lay andpress-thev-marginal portion of the upper upon 'aninsole on the last. o :24. .In a machine for shaping uppers: over lasts,, a; device arranged to act frictionallyon aniupper V V mountedon ia lastzto workthe-upper heightwise of the last iii-response:to'relativermovement of.

' said device andthe last, saiddevicei comprising a 7 container filled with loose spherical articles and J having; an upper-engagingwallof flexible elastic material, said loose spherical :articles being. ar-

ranged to action the upper to press it into (5011- i formity to the contourfof the last and beingdisplaceable-in response'to saidrrelative movement while thus pressing the upperagainst thelast,

and -means;for varying; the pressure of said loose Spherical articles on the, upper through said upper-engaging wall to vary the frictional pull of saidv container on theiupper; j v i Y 25.-'In a machinefor'shap'ing uppers overlasts, adevice arranged to act frictionallyon an upper mounted on a'--la'st .to work the upper heightwise of the-last inresponse to relative movement of r 1 said device andthe-last; said-device comprising a container". of flexible elastic material filled with loose'spheri'cal articles arranged to acton the upper through said container "to press itinto conformity to the contour of the last, said spherical'articles-being displaceable inresponse to said relative movement while thus pressingthe upper Vagainst thelast, and amember constructed and a arranged partially to enclose said'container, said member 'beingmovablelaterallyof the last into diiferent positions to vary the pressureiof'said spherical articles on the upper and thereby'to vai y the-frictional pull of said container on the upper during said relative :movement. 26. In a machine for shaping uppersover lasts,

lastin'g devicesat the opposite sides of a last for pressingan upper; into conformity to the contour end portion, said devicescomprisin'g hollow meme" of thelast substantially-from its toe to. its'heeL- a bers offlexible elastic material each having a plurality of loose articles therein adjustable ,in

. accordance with'fth' shape 'of'the'lastin response to pressure of the'last on said membersjand. V

' mechanism: for effecting.- relative; movement vof s the last and said hollow members heightwise'of: thei -last to causersaid'membersby; frictional con-t 2,;o5.'r,o; o 7 V V tact with: the upper" to work it 7 tightly over the;

last. a .v a V 2 7. In a machine for: shaping uppers over "lasts; lasting): devices-for pressing anupper at the positeisides-of alast into conformity to the contour of the last and for working the upper heightwise' of the last in response. to relative movement of the last and-said devices, said device's- 00mprising; hollow members'of flexible elastic material each having a plurality of loose spherical articles;-'therein and an. upper-engaging Wallerrangedztoengageand press theupper over area extending both lengthwise and heightwise' of the last between its toe and heel-end portions,

' and mechanism for increasing the pressure of said hollow members on the upper and'zior imv parting to said members tippingmovements inward1y'over""the bottom' of thelast to lay the marginal portion of the upper inwardly-over an insole on" the last ar dto' press it. upon theinsole.

V 28. Inia'machine for'shaping uppers over lasts; 7

lasting'devicesfor; pressingzan upper into cone formity to the contour 'of'a'last presented bottom upward while workingthe upper: tightly over the oppositevsides of the last in response 'to'irelative' movement of saiddevices and 'thev'last, said de- Vices' each comprising a. hollowmember of flexible' elastic material filled with loose I spherical articles and arranged totengage the upper overan" area extending both: lengthwise and heightwise' of theilast between its toe andheeleend portions, andi carriers .for supporting said ihollow flexible members, said carrie1's'being mountedgfor; swinging movementsfabouttaxes'zlocated'gabove the lastand" extending: lengthwise 1 of :the 3. last i to impart said membersto lay andpress thegmarginal pore tion offtheupper"over 'the bottom of the last.

. 29;. In-a machine for shaping. uppers over lasts; devices? at the opposite sides :of a last presented bottom'upward for pressing-an .upperinto con- ,7 formity to the: contour'otthe last, said devices" each comprising ta, containerhaving a; plurality of loose spherical article's therein andIanlupperengaging-wallet flexible: material arranged to engage theiupper overtanwarea extending both heightwisesand lengthwise of the last: betweenits 73 5 to said hollow fiexiblemembers: tipping move-s men-ts laterally of" therlast in directions to cause toe and heel-end portions;.means for depressing the lastby engagement with the bottom face of i an insole on the last to cause said containers by frictional contact with the upper to, worlg it' tightly over the last, ,andmechanism for swingingi'said" containers about-axes located above the;las t and; '55

pressinganupper into conformityto the contour V i of the last, said devicesi'eachcomprising. a hollowmember of, flexible elastic material filled with loosew'spherical articles adjustable in accordance with the shape ofthe last, each ofsaid devices being arranged to engage the upperiover an area extending both heightwise'and lengthwise oi the lastbetween its toe: and heel-end portions, a holddown for moving the last heightwise relatively to said lasting devices to cause said devices byifrictional contact'with the upper to tension it a over the last, carriers for supporting said lasting 7 devices, a pair of supports for moving said carriers inwardly into di'fierentpositions'to vary the p res carriers being pivotally connected to said'supports, and means for swinging the carriers r'ela' tivelyto their supports to impart to said lasting devices tipping movements relatively to the last directions to cause said devices to lay and press the marginal portion of the upper upon an insole on the last. r

Y 31. In a'machine for shaping uppers over lasts,

lasting devices at the opposite sides of a last presented bottom upward for pressing on upper into conformity to the contour of the last and for working the upper heightwise of the last in response to relative movement of 'saiddevices and the'last, said devices each comprising a'flexible container and a group of 'loose'spherical articles in said container adjustable in accordance with the shape of the last, mechanism for imparting to said containers swinging movements aboveaxes located above the last and extending lengthwise of the last while moving said axes toward each other laterally of the last to causeinward tipping movements to be imparted to saidcontainers to lay andpress the marginal portion of the upper on thebottom face'of-an insole on the last, and spring means arranged to be tensioned in response to the swinging movements of said containers for increasing the pressure of said containers on the upper.

32. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, lasting devices at the opposite sides of a last for pressing an upper into conformity to the contour of the last, said devices each comprising a flexible container filled with metallic balls adjustable in accordance with the shape of the last, carriers for supporting said flexible containers, supports upon which said carriers are pivotally mounted for swinging movements about axes extending lengthwise of the last, depressible toe and heel rests for supporting the last and shoe, means movable to depress the last and shoe and said rests to position the last with the bottom face of an insole on the last below the pivotal connections of said carriers to their supports, means for locking the carriers against swinging movements relatively to their supports during the depression of the last and shoe to cause said flexible containers by frictional contact with the upper to work it tightly over the last, and means for moving said supports inwardly and for imparting to said carriers swinging movements relatively to said supports in directions to impart inward tipping movements to said flexible containers to cause them to lay and press the marginal portion of the upper upon the insole.

33. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, means for supporting a last and shoe, and a flexible lasting member for pressing the shoe upper into conformity to the contour of the last and for working the upper over the last in response to relative movement of the lasting member and the last, said flexible lasting member having therein a group of metallic articles magnetized to cause them to cohere but adjustable to the contour of the last in response to pressure of the last on said member.

34. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, a flexible container for pressing an upper into conformity to the contour of a last, said flexible container having therein a plurality of metallic articles magnetized to cause them to cohere but adjustable to the contour of the last in response to pressure of the last on said container, and means for effecting relative movement of said container and the last to work the upper tightly over the last and "to lay its marginal portion inwardly over an insole on-the last.

35. In a 'machine for shaping uppers over lasts,

a device arranged to act'frictionally on an upper mounted on alast to work the upper heightwise of the last'in response to relative movement of said device and the last, said device comprising a flexible container having a plurality of metallic articles of magnetizable material therein, said articles'being arranged to act on the upper to press it into conformity tothe contour of the last and being also relatively displaceable while thus pressing the upper against the last in the relative movement of said device and the last to work the upper heightwise of the last, and elec-' trical means for magnetizing said articles to cause them' to cohere and to resist displacement and thus to increase the frictional pull of said device on the upper during said relativemovement.

36. Ina machine for shaping uppers over lasts,

a flexible container arranged to act frictionally on an upper mountedon a last to work the upper heightwise of the 'last in response'to relative movement of said container and the last, said container having a plurality of metallic articles of magnetizable material therein adjustable in accordance with the shape of the last in response to pressure of the last on the container, a member of non-magnetizable material for supporting said flexible container, and a magnet mounted in said supporting member for magnetizing said articles to cause them to cohere.

37. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, a flexible container arranged to act, frictionally on an upper mounted on a last to work the upper heightwise of the last in response to relative movement of said container and the last, said container having a plurality of metallic articles of magnetizable material therein arranged to act on the upper through said container to press the upper into conformity to the contour of the last, said articles being relatively displaceable while thus pressing the upper against the last in the relative movement of said container and the last to'work the upper heightwise of the last, a holder of non-magnetizable material formed partially to enclose said container, a carrier for supporting said holder, and an electro-magnet mounted in said carrier for magnetizing said metallic articles.

38. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, devices for engaging an upper frictionally at the opposite sides of a last, said devices each comprising a container of. flexible elastic material having'a plurality of steel balls therein adjustable in accordance with the shape of the last, a

- member of non-magnetizable material for supporting each container, said supporting members being movable toward each other to vary the pressure of the flexible containers on the upper, means for effecting a relative movement of the last and said containers in a direction heightwise of the last to cause said containers by frictional contact with the upper to draw it tightly about the last, said steel balls being displaceable in response to said relative movement while pressing the upper into conformity to the contour of the last, and electro-magnets mounted in said supporting members for magnetizing said steel balls to cause them by their magnetic attraction for one another to resist displacement and thereby to increase the pressure of said flexible containers on the upper during said relative movement.

39. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts,

a;device for pressing anupper mounted one. last into conformityto the'contour of the last and,

forworking the upper heightwise of the last in response to relativemovement of said device and the last, said device comprising a container having a flexible elastic upper-engaging wall and filled-with steel ;balls movable relatively to one another into positions to press theupper through said, upper-engaging wall against the last inresponse to resistance of the shoe to the pressure applied, a member of non-magnetizable material for supporting said container and for moving it into upper-pressing position, an electro-magnet mounted in said supporting member for magnetizing said steel balls and thus controlling their mobility when a current isrpassed through the electro-magnet, and means for controlling the currentito vary the strength of the electromagnet,

-. 7 40. In-a machine for shaping uppers over lasts,

devices at the opposite sides of a last for pressing an upper into conformity to the-contour of the last and for working the upper heightwise of the last in response torrelative movement ofv I said devices and thelast, said devices eachconv- V prising a container having 5 a flexible "elastic the container to lay the marginalkportionof the upper inwardly over the bottom face of an:in-

sole on the last, an electr c-magnet mounted in each of said carriers ,formagnetizing-saidsteel balls and thus controlling their r-mobility when a current is passed through the electro-magnets, and a rheostat for controlling the current to vary the strength of the electro-magnets. V p a CIJFFORD K;MACDONAL15. 2

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