US2118824A

US2118824A - Machine for splitting soles

Info

Publication number: US2118824A
Application number: US9247A
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas H Seely
Original assignee: United Shoe Machinery Corp
Current assignee: United Shoe Machinery Corp
Priority date: 1935-03-04
Filing date: 1935-03-04
Publication date: 1938-05-31
Anticipated expiration: 1955-05-31

Description

May 31, 193%. T. H. SEELY MACHINE FOR SPLITTING SOLES Original Filed March 4, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet l Hn H L II l llllll IH Mam VE/VTUQ 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 T. H. SEELY I MACHINE FOR SPLITTING SOLES Original Filed March 4, 1935 ay 31, m3.

May 31, 1938.

T. H. 'SEELY MACHINE FOR SPLITTING SOLES Original Filed March 4, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 l rlllmllmlll L L 1 ll N EN g -2 Tu QMN A- .fr- WQIZZMI QMMH u M a a a a Q 31, 193. "r. H. SEELY 2,118,824

MACHINE FOR SPLITTING SOLES Original Filed March 4, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 31, 1938, T. H. SEELY MACHINE FOR SPLITTING SOLES 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed March 4, 1955 VE/V 70%? g vvi May 31, 1938. T. H.' SEELY 2,11%24 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII II ES Patented May 31, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT MACHINE FOR SPLITTING SOLES Application March 4,

1935, Serial No. 9,247

Renewed July 13, 193-7 41 Claims.

This invention relates to the manufacture of shoes and is illustrated as embodied in a machine for splitting soles.

In the manufacture of shoes it is customary to cover the breast of a Louis heel attached to a shoe by a flap which is split from the rear end of the sole of the shoe. In the better grades of shoes the margin of the flap is thin and of uniform thickness in order to insure that when it has been applied to a heel the lateral edges of the flap shall not be noticeable, the median portion of the flap being relatively thick to insure that the flap has sufficient strength to withstand the wear to which it is subjected and to fill up the slight concavity in the breast of the heel due to inturning the forwardly projecting margins of the side cover upon the lateral margins of the breast of the heel. The marginal parts of the relatively thick median portion of the flap are beveled and merge with the thin margin of the flap in order that there shall not be a sudden break in the curvature of the breast of the covered heel.

Diiiiculty has been experienced in splitting flaps having margins respectively, which are of uni form thickness. Moreover, it is desirable that the relatively thick median portion of the flap shall terminate at approximately the same distance from the top lifts of heels of various heights and accordingly the length of the relatively thick median portion of the flap should be readily increased or decreased depending upon the heightwise dimension of the heel to which the flap is to be applied.

With the foregoing and other considerations in View and in accordance with one feature of this invention the illustrated machine is provided with a support for a sole, a knife, mechanism for yieldingly supporting the sole support, a presser member, and means for effecting relative movement of the knife and the presser member on the one hand and the sole support on the other hand in a predetermined path to split the sole, said mechanism being constructed and arranged to cause the sole support to be simultaneously and equally depressed throughout its extent while the flap is being split at an angle to said path under the action of said presscr member against the sole mounted upon the supoprt.

In the illustrated machine the sole support is preferably tiltably mounted "upon a carrier which is constrained to yield as a unit at right angles to the path of movement of a splitting knife adjustably secured to a carriage and mounted for reciprocation in a rectilinear path over the support. The sole support is provided with a plurality of sharp teeth or prongs against which the sole is forced by a presser foot pivotally secured to the carriage, the arrangement being such that the presser foot after overriding the heel end of the sole impales the sole on. the teeth and depresses the sole support to the proper elevation in accordance with the thickness of the flap. A matrix bar which is also pivoted to the carriage, is positioned between the presser foot and the knife and cooperates with the support to distort the sole transversely and progressively lengthwise. The sole-engaging face of the matrix bar is sharply curved about an axis extending transversely of the path of movement of the knife and is located in close proximity to the cutting edge of the knife thereby to force the sole against the support immediately ahead of the portion of the sole being split in order effectively to control the splitting out.

In order to vary the shape of the split flap the matrix bar is rotatable about its axis, which is located close to the sole-engaging face of the bar, to cause different sole-engaging portions of the matrix bar to force the sole against the support during different portions of the dragging stroke of the matrix bar over the sole. The presser foot is provided with relatively large sole-engaging surfaces and exerts the force necessary to impale the sole upon the teeth and to depress the support to its proper elevation. The matrix bar and the sole are substantially in line contact and if the presser foot were not provided the matrix bar would be likely to exert sufficient pressure against the sole to cause the same to be marked as the matrix bar is dragged over the sole.

The matrix bar and the presser upon their return stroke are swung away from the knife to permit the flap to be readily removed from the machine without the danger of damaging the sole. Suitable provision is also made for rotating the matrix bar in timed relation with the stroke of the matrix bar in accordance with the position at which the reenforced median portion of the flap is to start.

The above machine quickly and effectively splits flaps having margins of uniform thickness and may be readily adjusted to provide flaps having median reenforced portions of various shapes.

These and other features of the invention, including certain details of construction and combinations of parts will be described as embodied in an illustrated machine and pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings,

Fig. l is a view showing one side of the illustrated machine;

Fig. 2 is a view showing the opposite side of the machine, portions of which have been broken away;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the machine with portions of a sole-supporting table broken away;

Fig. 4 shows a vertical section of the machine taken along line lIV-IV of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a detail view showing the rear end of the sole support in a lowered position;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a reciprocating carriage which carries the sole-splitting knife, the presser foot, and the matrix bar;

Fig. '7 is a cross-section of a portion of the lower half of the machine taken along line VII-VII of Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 shows a vertical section taken along line VIIIVIII of Fig. 3 of the machine;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the matrix bar of the machine;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing in detail the sole-engaging face of the matrix bar;

Figs. 11, 12 and 13 are illustrative views showing in section the relative positions of the sole clamping and the sole splitting members during three successive stages of the flap-splitting operation;

Fig. 14 is a detail plan View showing an abutment for positioning the sole upon the table;

Fig. 15 is a sectional view taken along line XVXV of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a perspective View of a sole which has been split by the above machine;

Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII of Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the rear end of a shoe after the flap has been applied to the breast of a heel of the shoe and has had one of its laterally projecting margins trimmed flush with a corresponding breast edge of the heel; and

Fig. 19 is a detail view, partly in section, showing the connection between an operating rod and a rotary segment plate.

The illustrated machine is described with reference to trimming a heel-breast covering flap 20 from a sole 22. As above stated, it is desirable to provide a heel-breast covering flap 20, the margin 24 (Figs. 16 and 17) of which is thin and of uniform thickness and the median portion 26 of which is reinforced. After the flap 20 has been applied to the breast of a heel 28 attached to a shoe upper 30, the lateral margins of the same are trimmed flush with the respective breast edges 32 of the heel. Since the margin 24 of the flap 2!! is of uniform thickness and of suitable size to include the breast edges 32 of the heel, it will be noted that the edge of the trimmed flap is likewise thin. The median portion 26 of the flap 20 is of sufiicient thickness to insure that the flap withstand the wear to which it is subjected in the finished shoe, the margin of the median portion 26 of the flap tapering in thickness and merging with the thin margin 24 of the flap in order that there shall not be a sudden break in the curvature of the breast of the covered heel. The reinforced median portion 26 also serves to fill up the slight concavity in the breast of the heel caused by inturning the forwardly projecting margins of the side cover upon the respective margins of the heel breast.

The thick median portion 26 of the flap 26 terminates substantially the same distance from the end of the flap irrespective of the length of the same. In certain types of shoe construction the lateral margins 34 of the base portion of the flap are increased in thickness in order that the flap shall be continuous with a channel leaf 36 which has been previously split from the sole.

The sole to be operated upon is supported upon rasp-shaped teeth, projections, or prongs 38 extending from the upper surface of a table, plate, or support 40, and is split by a cutter or knife 42 provided with a straight cutting edge 44. A presser foot 46 and a matrix bar 48 are secured to a swinging bracket 56 which is pivotally mounted upon a carriage 52 constructed and arranged for reciprocation over the table 40 and lengthwise of a sole positioned upon the same. The presser foot 46 is constructed and arranged to force the sole against the teeth 38 of the table 4!) and to depress the same, and the matrix bar 38 cooperates with the table 40 to bend the sole transversely and progressively lengthwise ahead of the knife 42 as the knife splits the same, thereby to provide the heel-breast covering flap 20.

The knife 62 is secured to the carriage 52 by screws 54 (Figs. 3 and 4) which, together with the knife, may be adjusted lengthwise relatively to the carriage 52 within slots 56 respectively formed in the carriage. The carriage 52 comprises depending flanges provided with notches 58 (Fig. 7) shaped and arranged for sliding movement upon guides 69 respectively, formed upon a base plate 62 of the machine. A gib 64 is adjustably secured to one of the flanges of the carriage 52 in order to insure an accurate sliding fit between the carriage 52 and the guides 66.

The carriage 52 is reciprocated along the guides 66 through the provision of a connecting rod 66 the forward end of which is mounted upon a bearing pin 68 (Figs. 3 and 4). The bearing pin 68 is removably mounted in the carriage 52. The rear end of the connecting rod 66 is mounted upon a sleeve 10 (Figs. 1 and 19) surrounding a stud 12. The lower end of the stud 12 is provided with a flange F4 shaped for engagement within a curved groove 16 of a rotary segment plate 18. The top of the stud I2 is threaded to receive a nut which may be turned to force the sleeve 15 with looking pressure against the rotary segment plate '18.

The rotary segment plate 18 carries a pawl 82 (Fig. l) which is normally urged downwardly by a leaf spring 84. When the machine is at rest the pawl 82 is held in a raised position against the pressure of the spring 84 by a cam 86 which forms part of a swinging unit 88 pivotally mounted upon a pin 90 supported by lugs of the base plate 62.

A spindle 92 which is formed integral with the segment plate 18 engages within a'bushing 95 inserted in a cylindrical bore 96 of the base plate 62. The spindle 92 is held against lengthwise movement in the bore 96 by a cap 98 which is secured to the lower end of the spindle. A sleeve I69 which is formed integral with a pinion I92 is rotatably mounted upon the bushing 94, the pinion being in meshing engagement with a worm I04 formed upon a shaft I06 which is rotatably mounted in the base plate 62. The shaft I06 is rotated continuously by a pulley Hit. The sleeve I!!!) is provided with an upper flange H0 having three circumferentially spaced slots H2 formed therein.

A treadle (not shown) is connected through a cable H4 to 2. depending arm N6 of the unit 88 which may be rocked against the pressure of a spring H? (Fig. 2) for setting the machine in operation and which, when the treadle is raised is moved by the spring I IT to the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 thereby to bring the machine to a stop. The sleeve I is continuously rotated and when the unit 88 has been swung rearwardly the pawl 82 is no longer supported by the cam 86 and drops into one of the slots II2, thereby causing the sleeve I00 to drive the segment plate I6. So long as the treadle is depressed, the unit 88 is held in a rearward position and the machine will continue to operate. When the unit 88 is rocked to its forward position, however, the pawl 82 as it engages the cam 16 is raised out of the slot II2 of the sleeve I06. At the same time a slotted block H8 of the unit 88 is engaged by a depending pin I20 of the segment plate I8 to prevent further rotation of the plate. The segment plate '18 is thus held stationary until the unit 88 is again rocked to a rearward position.

Since it is desirable to obtain a flap 20 (Fig. 16), the margin 24 of which is of uniform thickness, the table 40 is supported upon a carrier or table support I22 which is constrained for movement as a unit in a path disposed at right angles to the path of movement of the knife 42. The presser foot 46 has a front sole-engaging face I24 (Fig. 6) and rear sole-engaging faces I26 which are inclined to the front soleengaging face I24. The transverse elements of the faces I24, I26 are disposed in parallel relation to the cutting edge 44 of the knife 42. As above stated, soles which are to be split are often of non-uniform thickness widthwise and to cause the sole to orient itself laterally during the splitting operation the table is mounted upon a rib I28 (Figs. '7, 8 and 15) formed upon the upper face of the carrier I 22 and extending lengthwise of the same, the soleengaging faces I26 of the presser foot serving to tilt the table transversely until the general plane of the grain or upper side of the sole is arranged in parallel relation to the cutting edge of the knife. Transverse tilting movement of the table 40 about the rib I28 is limited by inturned flanges I30 (Figs. '7 and 8) of the carrier 40. The table 40 is normally held in a balanced position upon the rib I28, as illustrated in Figs. 7, 8 and 15 through the provision of mechanism which will be described later. Although the table 40 is illustrated as tiltable with respect to the carrier I22 it will be understood that the plate, if desirable, may be rigidly connected to or formed integral with the carrier.

The carrier I22 is supported by front and rear blocks I32. I34 (Figs. 2, 3 and 4) which engage within slots I36, I38, respectively, formed in the lateral depending flanges of the carrier. The front and rear blocks I32, I34 are pivotally mounted upon cylindrical rods I40, I42, respectively, which fit within circular openings formed in spring housings I44 (Figs. 3, 7 and 8) and also fit within cylindrical openings of levers I46, I46, respectively. The carrier I22 is normally held in a raised position by four springs I50, the lower end of each of which is inserted in a well I52 of the base plate 62. The spring housings I44 are provided with recesses I54, each of which is constructed and arranged to receive the upper end of one of the springs I50. A reduced head of a screw I56 extends through an opening formed in the housings I44 above each of the recesses I54. Each of the screws I56 is in threaded relation with a sleeve I51 (Fig. 8) provided with a flange I59 which engages the upper end of a corresponding spring I50. The resistance of the springs I50 may be readily equalized by adjusting the screws The levers I46, I48 are provided with teeth I56, I60 respectively, which are in meshing engagement. The lever I 48 is pivotally mounted upon a pin I62 (Figs. 3 and 4) which is secured to a lug I64 connected to the base plate 62 by one or more screws I66. The lever I46 is pivotally mounted upon a pin I68 (Figs. 4 and 8) which is in sliding engagement within a recess I of a lug I12 secured to the base plate 62 by one or more screws I14. With the above arrangement it will be noted that as the springs I50 move the housings I44 upwardly the rods I40, I42 are also raised and cause the table carrier I22 to move upwardly. Since the rods I40, I42 fit Within circular recesses of the respective levers I46, I48 which are geared together, it will be clear that such rods are simultaneously raised and lowered equal distances. It will therefore be noted that when the table 40 is rigidly connected to the carrier I22 as above suggested, the sole-engaging projections 36 of the table 40 which are included substantially in a plane disposed in parallel arrangement to the path of movement of the knife 42, are constrained for translatory movement at an angle to said path as the table 40 is depressed. The plane of the sole-engaging projections 38 is therefore at all times disposed in parallel relation to the path of movement of the knife 42. For a given position of the carrier I22 upon the blocks I32, I34 it is desirable to limit the upward movement of the sole-supporting table 40. With this in view, each of the spring housings I 44 is in threaded engagement with a screw I16 (Figs. 3 and '7) the head of which engages within a notch I18 formed in a corresponding lever I46, I48. When force is exerted against the sole by the presser foot 46 and the matrix bar 48, the table 40 and the carrier I22 are depressed against the pressure of the springs I50. As soon as downward pressure against the table 40 is released, the carrier I22 is raised under action of the springs I50 and the above-described mechanism until it is stopped by engagement of the screws I'l6 with the respective levers I46, I48.

The sole-splitting knife 42 which is mounted upon the carriage 52 has a constant stroke and in order to vary the length of the flap 20 split from the sole 22, the sole-supporting table 40 is initially adjusted to a predetermined position upon the carrier I22 lengthwise of the stroke of the knife. Adjustment of the table 40 relatively to the carrier I22 may be readily effected through the provision of a crank I19 secured to a screw I80 which is in threaded relation with the forward end of the carrier and the head of which is rotatably secured within a recess of a depending apron I82 secured by screws I84 to the table 40.

The sole 22 may be quickly positioned upon the table 40 by engaging the rear end of the sole with a pair of abutments I86 which are pivotally secured upon a pin I88 carried by the table. The abutments I86 are normally yieldingly held in the raised illustrated position through the provision of a spring rod I90, the central portion of which lies within a correspondingly shaped groove in a rearward extension of the abutments I86 and the ends of which are bent under the inturned flanges I30. The abutments I86 are depressed below the teeth 38 of the table 40 at the proper time in order to insure that the abutments I66 shall not be engaged by the cutting edge I44 of the knife I42.

The heightwise projection of the abutments I86 above the table 40 is equal to about half the thickness of the sole. In order to insure that the cutting edge 44 of the knife42 shall not engage the .abutments I86 the carriage 52 is provided with a pair of plows I92 which depress the respective abutments during portions of the stroke of the knife.

It will be noted that since the abutments I86 are mounted upon the pin I88 carried by the table, the spring I99 causes-the table 46 to return to the horizontal or neutral position illustrated in Figs. '7, 8 and 15 when work is removed from the machine. The table 40 is in engagement with the upper surface of the rib I28 when the sole is removed from the machine but is otherwise spaced from the carrier I22 in order to permit the table effectively to tilt about the rib for reasons above explained.

The'carrier I22 is normally forced rearwardly by a spring I94 (Figs. 2 and 4) positioned within a cylinder I96 which is in threaded engagement with a bracket I98. The bracket I98 is ad- J'ustably secured to the carrier I22 through the provision of screws 29!! (Figs. 2, 3 and 4) which are in threaded engagement with the carrier and pass through elongated slots 262 of the bracket. The forward end of the cylinder I96 engages a cylindrical surface 294 (Fig. 4) of a spindle 266, a reduced shank portion of which is enclosed within the spring I94 and extends through a knurled head 268 of the cylinder I96. The forward end of the spindle 266 engages a sleeve 2I9 (Figs. 3 and 4) which is freely rotatable upon the pin I62. At the end of the spliting operation the spring I94 forces the carrier I22 rearwardly until a screw 2I2 (Figs. 2, 3 and 5) which is adjustably secured to the bracket I98 engages an abutment face 2I4 of the base plate 62. As the table 48 moves rearwardly with the carrier I22 it is lowered since the slots I35, I38 of the carrier I22 are inclined approximately at 30 degrees to the upper face of the table.

In order to adjust thecarrier I22 relatively to the bracket I98 preparatory to setting up the machine or for accommodating a sole of a thickness varying greatly from the soles being oper ated upon, the operator after loosening the screws 206 turns a thrust screw ZIIi (Fig. 4) which is in threaded engagement with the carrier and the head of which engages the bracket, until the proper adjustment is effected. As the carrier I 22 is adjusted lengthwise relatively to the bracket I98 it is raised or lowered upon the blocks I32, I34, thereby changing the starting elevated position of the table 46 in accordance with the thickness of the sole being operated upon. After the proper adjustment has been effected the screws 299 are again tightened. Since the table 49 yields readily against the pressure of springs I56, it has been found by experience that the carrier I22 need not be adjusted relatively to the bracket I98 for the ordinary run of soles.

The machine comes to a stop afterthe carriage 52 has moved slightly forward from its retracted position, at which time the table 46 is raised to the position illustrated in Fig. 4. The table 49 is raised to the proper starting position by forcing the carrier I 22, together with the bracket I98, forwardly of the machine, thereby causing the same to be moved toward the path of movement of the knife since the slots I39, 138 in which the respective blocks I32, I34 are mounted are inclined upwardly and forwardly.

The table is forced forwardly andupwardly to its elevated starting position by a cam face 2I8 of the segment plate "I8 which cam face, during the forward movement of the carriage52, is

in engagement with a cam roll 220 (Fig. 4)

.mounted upon a spindle 222 carried by the'bracket I98. During the forward movement of the knife 42, the cam face 2I8 is maintained-in engagement with the cam roll 22IIto insure that the carrier I22 is positioned at a predetermined height vupon the'blocks 132,134 which, as above described,'may be depressed againstthe-pressure of springs I50 by the force of the presser foot '46 against the sole.

After the carriage 52 to which :thesplitting knife 42 is secured has completed its forward movement, the cam face 2I8-is moved out of engagement with the roll 229 to permit the bracket I98 and the carrier I22 to be'forced rearwardly under pressure of the spring =I94until limited by the abutment face 2 I4,'thereby'to' cause the table 40 to drop to a lowered'level. By-lowering the table during the rearward movement of the knife, clearance isprovidedbetween the knife and the sole.

The forward part of the face I24 (Fig. 6) of the presser foot '46 overrides the rear end of the sole before the rear part of such face engages the sole. When the presser foot 46, which is adjustably secured to the swinging bracket 50, engages the sole it is swung about a rod 224 supported by the carriage 52 to cause the face I26 of the presser foot 46 to impale thesole upon the teeth 38 of the table 40 and slightly to depress the table and the carrier I22 against the pressure of springs I50. The face I24 of the presser foot 46 when swung to an operative position is still inclined to the plane of the sole, at which time the faces I26 of the presser foot are disposed in substantially parallel relation to the general plane of the sole and the cutting edge 44 of the knife 42. The faces I 26 of the presser foot 46 are spaced by a groove 226 (Fig. 6) which is slightly wider than the widest portion of a recess 228 formed in the matrix bar 48. transverse elements of the faces I24, I26 of the presser foot 46 are disposed in parallel relation to the cutting edge 42 of the knife 44. As the presser foot 46 is forced against the sole the table 40 tilts transversely about the rib I28 if the sole is of non-uniform thickness widthwise until the grain or upper side of the sole is substantially parallel to the cutting edge 44 of theknife '42. 'By causing the presser foot 46 to force the sole into the teeth 38 before there is a force tending to'slide the sole lengthwise of the table 46, the sole is securely held against the operating pressure of the matrix bar 48 and the knife 42 during'the flap-splitting operation.

The matrix bar 48 is provided with trunnions 236, 23I (Figs. 6 and'9). The trunnion 23I is of suitable shape to fit within an arcuate block 238 which fits within a complementary shaped recess of the swinging bracket 50.

The

The trunnion 230 is rotatably secured to a sleeve 232 which iscsegether with the screw, along a slot 244 (Fig. 3) in the direction indicated by arrow 246.

In order to vary the thickness of the flap 20 the swinging bracket 50 which carries the presser foot 55 and the matrix bar 48 is adjusted toward or away from the table if}. Such adjustment is effected by turning the rod 224 (Fig. 3) about trunnions 2&8 which are formed integral with the rod and are arranged in eccentric relation with respect to the rod. When the bearing rod 224 is turned about the trunnions 2 33 the axis about which the bracket 50 is swung is raised or lowered. Adjustment of the bearing rod 224 about the trunnions 248 may be readily effected by loosening a set-screw 256, which is in threaded relation with the swinging bracket 5!] and is normally forced against the bearing rod 226, and then turning an arm 252 which is in threaded engagement with the bearing rod 224, about the axis of the trunnions 24B. Accurate adjustment of the arm 252 may be carried out through the provision of a screw 254 which is in threaded engagement with the swinging bracket 5i] and against the head of which the arm 252 rests. After the swinging bracket 50 has been properly adjusted, the set-screw 250 is again forced into engagement with the bearing rod 224.

The operative surface of the matrix bar 48 comprises a cylindrical face 256 curved about and equidistant from an axis 258 and also comprises the recesses 228, a leading portion 260 (Fig. 10) of which is of varying width and depth in accordance with the desired shape of the reinforced portion 26 of the flap 2!]. When the swinging bracket 58 has been moved to an operative position, a portion of the sole which is clamped between the face 256 of the matrix bar 38 and the table 3!) is located adjacent to the cutting edge 44 of the knife 32, the sole thus being well controlled as it is progressively engaged by the cutting edge. The matrix bar 48 is rotated about the axis 258 as it is dragged over portions of the sole in order to cause difierent lengthwise portions of the recess 228 to be brought into engagement with the sole, thereby to vary the shape of the reenforced median portion 25 of the flap. The mechanism for rotating the matrix bar 38 about the axis 258 as it is dragged across the sole will be described later.

During the forward movement of the carriage the matrix bar 48 cooperates with the table 40 to flex the sole transversely and progressively lengthwise as it is presented to the knife 42. The knife 42 tends slightly to suck up the sole from the table 48 as it splits the sole. In order further to insure that the median portion of the sole shall be raised when pressure against the same is relieved the line of rasp-shaped teeth 262 of the table 40 are wider than the teeth 38.

The presser foot 46 is so adjusted heightwise upon the swinging bracket 50 that when the swinging bracket is in a rearward position the sole-engaging faces I26 and the cylindrical soleengaging face 255 of the matrix bar 48 are positioned the same distance above the path of movement of the cutting edge 44 of the knife 42.

The sole-engaging faces I26 of the presser foot A6 are relatively large and through the sole depress the table ii] to the proper elevation. There is substantially line contact between the matrix bar 48 and the sole and if the presser foot 46 were not provided, pressure exerted against the sole by the matrix bar would be so great that the grain side of the split flap would probably be marked. The presser foot 46 does not interfere with the operative effect of the matrix bar 58 since the cylindrical sole-engaging face 256 of the matrix bar during the splitting operation is substantially in alinement with the faces MB of the presser foot, and the groove 226 of the presser foot 46 is of suitable dimensions so as not to interfere with the proper transverse flexing of the sole between the matrix bar 48 and the table 40.

It will be noted that the transverse shape of the flap presented to the knife depends upon the portion of the matrix bar e3 which opposes the table All to clamp or bite the sole. In order to insure that the end portion of the flap 20 is of uniform thickness the matrix bar '38 is initially swung to such a position (Fig. 11) as to force only the cylindrical sole-engaging face 256 against the sole as the knife progresses from the heel end of the sole to the beginning of the reenforced median portion. 26 of the flap 2B. As the knife progresses from line 2M to line 263 (Fig. i1-6) of the sole the matrix bar 48 is rotated at a uniform rate in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 12) about the axis 258 (Figs. 9 and 10) as it is dragged forwardly over the sole, thereby to form what is commonly referred to as the bullet part 265 (Fig. 16) of the median portion 26 of the flap. The matrix bar 48 ceases to rotate when a section 264 (Fig. 10) of the recess 228 is in engagement with the sole, to form as the matrix bar is dragged over the sole what is referred to as the cartridge part 267 of the median portion 26 of the flap 20, which part is of uniform width. It will be understood that matrix bars not provided with recesses or having recesses, respectively, of varying shapes may be used in the machine in accordance with the desired shape of the flap.

Rearward swinging movement of the bracket 50 is limited by engagement of a rear surface 266 (Figs. 2 and 3) of the bracket with a face 268 of the carriage 52, the swinging bracket being normally forced to a forward position with respect to the carriage 52 when the machine is in. an operative position, through the provision of a springpressed plunger 2711. Forward movement of the swinging bracket 59' under pressure of the plunger 216 is limited by a vertically disposed pin 272 (Figs. 2 and 6) carried by the carriage 52. The pin 2'52 may be raised against the pressure of a leaf spring 214 to swing the bracket 5 forwardly to a suitable position to expedite the removal of the matrix bar 48 from the machine.

As above stated, when the swinging bracket 50 is in its rearward position, the faces I26 of the presser foot 46 and the lowermost portion of the cylindrical surface 256 of the matrix bar 48 are positioned at substantially the same distance above the path of movement of the cutting edge M of the knife 42.

The radius of curvature of the cylindrical surface 256 of the matrix bar 38 is reduced to a minimum in order that the portion of the sole clamped or bit between the matrix bar and the table 40' shall be located close to the cutting edge 4 of the knife 32 and therefore give better control of the trimming cut. The opening 216 (Fig. 11) formed between the knife i2 and the cylindrical surface 256 of the matrix bar it when the bracket 50 has been swung to a rearward position, is of suitable width to insure that the flap 2!! shall pass through the opening without any interference.

Just before the carrier 52 reaches the forward end of its stroke, the matrix bar 58 is swung to the position illustrated in Fig. 13 to cause a widened portion 218 (Figs. 9 and 10) of the recess 228 to engage the sole thereby to permit the marginal edges of the same to be progressively raised with respect to the path of travel of the knife 42 until they are elevated to a predetermined position. The recess portion 218, it will be noted, is of sufficient width to receive the entire-width of the sole. By swinging the matrix bar as above described the lateral margins 34 (Fig. 16) of the base portion of the flap are increased in thickness as they extend forwardly of the sole and merge with the channel leaf 26 which has been previously formed on the sole.

As above explained the plows I92 depress the sole-positioning abutments I86 in order to insure that the knife 42 shall not engage the abutments. The plows I92 are provided with recesses 282 (Fig. 6) for receiving the knife. After the cutting edge 44 of the knife 42 has been sharpened the knife is clamped to the carriage 52 through the provision of the screws 54, when the cutting edge of the knife has been moved into engagement with the forward end of the respective recesses' 282.

The matrix bar 48 is turned about the axis 258 (Figs. 9 and 10) in timed relation with the forward movement of the knife 42 by the following mechanism. The sleeve 232 (Fig. 6) is operatively connected through links 284, 285 (Figs. 1, 3- and 6) to an angular lever 286 pivotally mounted upon a rod 288 supported by the carriage 52. The lever 286 carries a cam roll 290 (Fig. l) which, during forward movement of the carriage 52, engages a cam 292 (Figs. 1 and 3) which may be adjusted lengthwise of the carrier I22. When the roll 290 is in engagement with the lower roll engaging face 294 (Fig. 1) of the cam 292 only the cylindrical face 256 of the matrix bar 48 is in engagement with the sole as illustrated in Fig. 11. During this portion of travel of the carriage 52 the end part of the flap, which is of uniform thickness, is formed. As the cam 290 rides up an inclined roll-engaging face 296 of the cam track, the matrix bar 48 is turned about its axis 258 to cause the leading portion 260 of the recess 228 progressively to engage the sole; thereby to form the bullet part 265' (Fig. 16) of the median portion 26 of the sole. The raised roll-engaging face 298 of the cam track is straight and parallel to the path of movement of the knife 42 in order to insure that the matrix bar 48 shall not rotate as the bar is dragged over the Work to form the cartridge part 261 of the reinforced median portion 26 of the flap.

As above explained. it is desirable to have the channel leaf 36 continuous with the margins 34 of the base portion ofthe flap in order to improve the appearance of the shoe. In order to swing the matrix bar 48 so as to bring the widened portion 218 of the recess 228 in. imposing relation to the table a supplemental cam 309' (Figs. 1 and 3) having roll-engaging surfaces 299 is provided, which cam is secured to the carriage I22 by one or more pins 30l (Fig. 3).

Upon the return stroke of the carriage 52 the bracket is swung forwardly about the bearing rod 224 to cause the presser foot 46 and the matrix bar 48' to move away from the cutting edge 44 of the knife 42. By swinging the matrix bar 48 away from the knife 42 upon the return stroke of the carriage 52 the flap 20 may be quickly removed from the machine without danger of damaging the same.

In order to vary the length of the cartridge part 261 of the reinforced median portion 26 of the flap the cam track 282 may be initially adjusted lengthwise of'the table 40. Adjustment of the cam track 292. is quickly effected by providing the same with a plurality of notches 302 (Figs. 1 and 3) any one of which may be moved.

into engagement with a retaining pin 304 by depressing the forward end of the cam track against the pressure of a leaf spring 306. The cam track 292 is held in operative position during forward movement of the carriage 52 by a supporting face ofthe carriage.

The presser foot 46 may be initially adjusted toward and away from the table 40 relatively to the-swinging bracket 50 through the provision of screws 308 which are in threaded engagement with the bracket and pass through elongated slots 3I0 of the presser foot. In order accurately to adjust the presser foot 46 relatively to the matrix bar 48 and to insure that such adjustment shall not be disturbed, a thrust screw- 3I2 is in threaded engagement with the swinging bracket 50 and has its head in engagement with the presser foot.

Friction within the mechanism for operating the matrix bar 48 is suflicient to insure that during the return stroke of the carriage 52, the matrix bar 48 is not moved about its axis of rotation 258. In order to swing the matrix bar 48 about its axis 256. back to its starting position, the. lever 286 is providedwith an abutment 314 which engages the base plate 62 of the machine just before the carriage 52 arrives at the end of its return stroke.

In order to split the sole the operator adjusts the table 40forwardly or rearwardly of the machine relatively to the cutting stroke of the knife 42. by turning the crank I19 in accordance with the length of the flap to be trimmed. The sole is then placed. grain side up, upon the table 40, the end of the sole being in engagement with the abutments, I86. The operator then steps upon the treadle (not shown) thereby to permit. the pawl.82 (Fig. 1) to drop into one of the slots II2 of the continuously rotating flange IIO. As the segment plate 18 starts to rotate, the carriage 52 moves forwardly of the machine. The table 40 is in a raised position when the knife is at rest. As the carriage 52 moves forwardly, the presser foot 46 overrides the sole and together with the matrix bar 48 is swung about the bearingrod 224 relatively to the knife 22 to a rearward operative position. By the time the matrix bar, 48has engaged the sole the presser foot has moved the sole against the teeth 38 of the table to prevent the sole from being pushed forwardly under pressure, and has depressed the table to its proper height. The presser foot 46 also tilts the sole transversely in event that the same is of non-uniformthickness widthwise in order to insure that the grain side of the heel end of the sole is arranged substantially in parallel relation with the path of movement of the cutting edge of the knife. As the matrix bar 48 is dragged over the sole upon the table 40 it cooperates with the same to distort the sole transversely and progressively lengthwise as the knife 42 splits the sole. When the carriage 52 has completed its forward movement and has started to move rearwardly the presser foot 46 and the matrix bar 48 are swung away from the cutting edge 44 of the knife 42" under action of the spring-pressed plunger 21!! and the table is moved to a lowered position under pressure of the springs I94, After the operator removes his foot from the treadle the carriage returns to and stops at the rear end of its stroke.

Having described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a splitting machine, a knife, a support for a sole, mechanism for yieldingly supporting the sole support, a presser member, and means for effecting relative movement of the knife and the presser member on the one hand and the sole support on the other hand in a predetermined path to split the sole, said mechanism being constructed and arranged to cause the sole support to be simultaneously and equally depressed throughout its extent while the sole is being split at an angle to said path under the action of said presser member against the sole mounted upon said support.

2. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a sole, said support comprising a plurality of sole-engaging projections which are arranged substantially in a plane, mechanism for supporting the support, a knife, a presser member, and means for effecting relative movement of the support on the one hand and the knife and the presser member on the other hand in a predetermined path to split a heel-breast covering flap from the rear end of the sole, said mechanism being constructed and arrangedto cause the soleengaging projections of the support to be simultaneously and equally depressed at an angle to said path under the action of the presser member operating against the sole while the flap is being split from the sole.

3. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a sole, said support comprising a plurality of sole-engaging projections which are arranged substantially in a plane, a knife, a presser member, and means for moving the knife and presser member in a rectilinear path to split a heelbreast coveringfiap from the heel end of the sole, said mechanism being constructed and arranged to cause the sole-engaging projections of the support to be simultaneously and equally depressed at an angle to said path under the action of the presser member operating against the sole while the flap is being split from the sole.

4. In a splitting machine, a support provided with a plurality of sharp teeth constructed and arranged to be engaged by a sole, a knife having a straight cutting edge, a presser member con; structed and arranged progressively to force the heel end of the sole against said teeth, and means for moving the knife in a rectilinear path to split a heel-breast covering flap progressively from the heel end of the sole which is progressively forced against the teeth by the presser member, said support being yieldable at right angles to the path of movement of the knife and constructed and arranged to maintain the soleengaging teeth in substantially parallel arrangement with respect to the path of movement of the cutting edge of the knife as the support is moved toward and away from the path of movement of the knife.

5. In a splitting machine, a support for a work piece, a splitting knife, a presser member, a matrix, and means for effecting relative movement of the presser member, the matrixand knife on the one hand and the support on the other hand to split a flap from the work piece.

6. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a work piece, a splitting knife movable in a predetermined path, a work-piece-engaging member movable with the knife with relation to the support and also movable toward and away from the knife, a stop for limiting movement of said member toward the knife, and means for normally urging said member away from the knife.

7. In a splitting machine, a knife, a yieldable work support for a work piece, a presser member for progressively forcing the work piece against the support, and means for effecting relative movement of the knife and the presser member on the one hand and the support on the other hand in a predetermined path progressively to split the work piece, said work support being constrained to yield a constant distance as a unit in a path disposed at an angle to the path of movement of the knife when under constant pressure of the presser member against the work piece irrespective of the lengthwise portion of the support at which said pressure is applied.

8. In a splitting machine, a table for supporting a sole, a cutter movable in a predetermined path, mechanism for yieldingly supporting the table, and means comprising a matrix member for progressively forcing the sole against the table and for depressing the same against the pressure of said mechanism as the cutter splits the sole, said mechanism being constructed and arranged to cause portions of the table extending lengthwise of said path to move equal distances toward and away from the path of movement of said cutter.

9. In a splitting machine, a knife, a table for supporting a work piece, a carrier for the table, means for effecting relative movement of the knife and the carrier in a predetermined path, and means for moving the carrier as a unit in a predetermined path toward and away from said first-named path, said table being constructed and arranged to tilt relatively to the carrier under pressure of the work piece.

' 10. In a splitting machine, a table for supporting a sole, a presser member for forcing the sole against the table, and a knife provided with a strai ht cutting edge, said knife being movable lengthwise of the sole in a predetermined path to split a heel-breast covering flap from the heel end of the sole, said table being constructed and arranged to tilt about an axis lying approximately in a plane which is disposed at right angles to the general plane of the sole and extends generally lengthwise of and along the central portion of the sole.

11. In a splitting machine, a carrier, a work support mounted upon the carrier, means for forcing a work piece against the support, a knife movable in a rectilinear path and constructed and arranged to trail said means for splitting the work piece, and mechanism constructed and arranged to cause the support to tilt transversely of the work piece and to maintain elements of the support which extend lengthwise of the path of movement of the knife in parallel relation as the support is moved at right angles to said path by the work piece under pressure of said means.

12. In a splitting machine, a sole-engaging member, a knife movable in a predetermined path, a carrier, a work support pivotally mounted upon the carrier, said carrier being constrained for parallel movement as a unit in a path disposed at an angle to the path of movement of the knife and being yieldingly movable away from the path of movement of the knife under pressure of the sole-engaging member against the support, and means for initially moving the carrier to a raised position with relation to the path of movement of the knife preparatory to splitting a sole upon said member.

13. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a sole, a splitting knife, a matrix spaced from the knife, and means for effecting relative movement of the matrix and the knife on the one hand and the support on the other hand to split said sole forced by the matrix against the support to a predetermined shape, said matrix being mounted for movement as a unit relatively to the knife during said relative movement to transfer the matrix to a position adjacent to the cutting edge of the knife, said matrix also being mounted for rotation about an axis to move different portions of the sole-engaging face of the matrix into engagement with the sole during the splitting operation.

14. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a sole, a splitting knife provided with an elongated cutting edge, a presser foot, a matrix positioned between the presser foot and. the knife, and means for effecting relative movement of the presser foot, the matrix and the knife on the one hand and the support on the other hand to split from the sole a heel-breast covering flap of a predetermined shape, said presser foot and said matrix being mounted for movement toward the support and toward the cutting edge of the knife during a portion of said relative movement thereby to force the sole against the support and to present the sole in a predetermined heightwise position to said cutting edge.

15. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a work piece, a splitting knife provided with a straight cutting edge, a presser foot, 2, matrix positioned between the presser foot and the knife, and means for moving the knife, the matrix and. the presser foot relatively to the support in a predetermined path to split said work piece to a predetermined shape, said presser foot and said matrix being mounted for movement toward the support during a portion of the movement of said knife in said path thereby to force the sole against the yieldable support and to present the sole in a predetermined heightwise position relatively to the cutting edge of the knife.

16. In a splitting machine, a support for a sole, an abutment pivotally mounted upon the support, resilient means for urging the abutment beyond the sole-engaging portion of the support to position the sole upon the support, a presser member, a knife, means for effecting relative movement of the presser member and the knife on the one hand and the support on the other hand in a predetermined path to split the sole, and mechanism for swinging the abutment with reference to the support against the action of said resilient means during a portion of said relative movement to insure that the knife and the abutment shall not engage each other.

17. In a splitting machine, a support for a sole, sole-positioning abutments projecting from the support, a presser member, a splitting knife, means for moving the knife in a predetermined path past the support to split a heel-breast covering flap from the sole, and mechanism operated in timed relation with the knife to move the abutments away from the path of movement of the knife thereby to insure that the knife shall not engage the abutments.

18. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a sole, a splitting knife, a matrix bar provided with a sole engaging face having a recess formed therein, and means for moving the matrix bar and the knife in predetermined paths relatively to the support to cause the face of thebar to be dragged over and to exert considerable pressure against the sole upon the support whereby to split from the sole a heel breast covering flap having a relatively thick reinforced portion extending lengthwise of the sole.

19. In a splitting machine, a yieldable table for supporting a sole, a splitting knife, a bar provided with a sharply curved sole-engaging face including a recess, means for effecting relative movement of the knife and bar on the one hand and the table on the other hand to split the sole, and means for causing the bar to force different portions of said face and said recess with dragging action against different lengthwise portions respectively of the sole during the relative movement of the knife and the table and to cooperate with the table in bending the sole transversely thereby to split from the sole a flap portions of which are reenforced.

20. In a splitting machine, a yieldable table for supporting a sole, a knife, a matrix bar provided with a sole engaging face including a recess of varying width, means for moving the matrix bar: and the knife in predetermined paths with relation to the support to cause the face of the bar to be dragged'over and to exert considerable pressure against the sole upon the table whereby to split fromthe sole a heel breast covering flap having a relatively thick reinforced portion extending lengthwise of the sole, and means for rotating the matrix bar during its movement lengthwise of the sole to cause different lengthwise portions of the recess to engage different lengthwise portions of the sole whereby to vary the width of the reinforced part of the flap in accordance with the width of the recess.

21; In a splitting-machine, a yieldable support, a knife movable in a predetermined path relatively to the support, a matrix bar movable with the knife and positioned in front of the cutting edge of the same, and a presser foot movable with the knife and positioned ahead of the matrix bar, said presser foot being constructed and arranged to force the sole against the support thereby to cause the support to yield transversely of said path of movement of the knife and the matrix bar being constructed and arranged to cooperate with the table progressively to distort the sole ahead of the knife in order to shape the sole to receive the splitting cut.

22. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support, a knife movable past the support, a matrix bar movable with the knife and leading the cutting edge of the same, and a presser foot movable with the knife and leading the matrix bar, said presser foot being mounted for swinging movement relatively to the knife to permit the presser foot to override the sole before forcing the same against the support, said matrix bar being constructed and arranged to cooperate with the support progressively to distort the sole as the same is presented to the cutting edge of the knife.

23. In a splitting machine, a yieldable sup port, a knife movable past the support, a matrix bar movable with the knife and positioned in advance of the cutting edge of the same, and a presser member movable with the knife, said presser member being mounted for swinging movement relatively to the knife to permit the presser member to override the sole and then to force the same against the support, said matrix bar being constructed and arranged to cooperate with the table progressively to distort the sole in advance of the knife thereby to cause the same to split the sole to a predetermined shape.

24. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a sole, means for raising the support to apredetermined position, a knife movable in a predetermined path past the support to split the sole, a matrix memberconstructed and arranged to cooperate with the support progressively to distort the sole immediately ahead of the knife, and a presser foot mounted for movement past the support in advance of the matrix member and constructed and arranged to force the sole against the support with considerable pressure thereby to move the sole transversely of the path of movement of the knife.

25. In a splitting machine, a carrier, a solesupporting table mounted upon the carrier, a knife movable in a predetermined path over the table to split a sole positioned upon the table, said carrier being constructed and arranged yieldingly to move as a unit at an angle to said path and said table being constructed and arranged to tilt upon the carrier, a presser foot constructed and arranged to engage the marginal portions of the sole ahead of the knife to depress the table and the carrier, and a matrix bar for cooperating with the table progressively to distort the sole laterally as the knife splits the sole lengthwise.

26. In a splitting machine, a support for a work piece, a knife provided with an elongated cutting edge, a matrix bar positioned adjacent to the cutting edge of the knife, means for moving the knife and the matrix bar in predetermined paths, said matrix bar having a face which is sharply curved about an axis extending transversely of said paths and includes a recess, and means for swinging the matrix bar about said axis in accordance with the portion of the face which is to cooperate with the support progressively to bite and to distort the work piece ahead of the knife as the knife splits the same.

27. In a splitting machine, a support for a sole, a knife provided with a straight cutting edge, a matrix bar-movable relatively to said cutting edge, mechanism for normally urging the matrix bar away from the cutting edge of the knife to provide an opening of substantial width, means for moving the knife and the matrix bar in a predetermined path past the support, said matrix bar being provided with a face which is curved about an axis extending transversely of said path, the matrix bar being movable against the pressure of said mechanism to a position in close proximity to the cutting edge of the knife as it moves in said path, and means for swinging the matrix bar about said axis in accordance with the portion of the face of the matrix bar which is to cooperate with the support progressively to bite the sole and to flex the same to predetermined shapes immediately ahead of the knife.

28. In a splitting machine, a support provided with teeth, a matrix member movable in a predetermined path relatively to the support and having a face constructed and arranged progressively to force a sole against said teeth, a knife movable with the matrix member along said path, means for operating the knife and the matrix member along said path to split a sole distorted by the support and said member, and means for swinging the matrix member relatively to the knife about a pair of spaced axes which are arranged in parallel relation during the travel of the knife.

29. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a work piece, a matrix bar, a splitting knife having a, cutting edge, means for moving the matrix bar and the knife in a predetermined path past the support, said matrix bar having a workpiece-engaging face which is sharply curved about an axis extending transversely of said path and is located in close proximity to the cutting edge of the knife, and means including a cam for turning the matrix bar about said axis as it drags over the work piece, said cam being adjustable relatively to the support in accordance with the desired shape of the flap.

30. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a sole, a knife, a member for forcing the sole against the support, and means for effecting movement of the knife and the member in predetermined paths respectively, said member being mounted for swinging movement about a pair of spaced axes as it travels in said path.

31. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support, a knife having an elongated cutting edge, a soleengaging member, means for moving the knife and the member in predetermined paths respectively, means for causing said member to swing as a unit about one axis relatively to the knife during a portion of its travel in said path, and means for rotating the member about another axis during another portion of the travel of said member in said path.

32. In a splitting machine, a support for a work piece, a knife provided with a straight cutting edge, a presser member, and means for causing the knife and the presser member to move in predetermined paths respectively past the support, said presser member being mounted for swinging movement toward and away from the knife and being provided with aface which is inclined to said paths and a pair of spaced soleengaging faces which when in operative position are arranged in parallel relation to the cutting edge of the knife.

33. In a sole-splitting machine, a tiltable work table, a splitting knife movable in a predetermined path, an abutment pivotally secured to the table and constructed and arranged to position a sole upon the table, means for operating the abutment relatively to the table to avoid interference of the abutment with the knife, and resilient means for moving the abutment into operative position and for maintaining the table in a predetermined position with respect to the path of movement of the knife.

34. In a sole-splitting machine, a tiltable work table, a splitting knife movable in a predetermined path, a sole-positioning abutment pivotally secured to the table, and a spring constructed and arranged to move the abutment into operating position with respect to the table and to tilt the table in predetermined relation with respect to the path of movement of the knife.

35. In a splitting machine, a knife, a presser member, a table for supporting a work piece, a carrier for the table, means for effecting relative movement of. the knife and presser member on the one hand and the carrier on the other hand in a predetermined path, the carrier being constructed and arranged to yield parallel to itself at an angle to said path and the table being constructed and arranged to tilt transversely of said path under the force of said presser member.

36. A splitting machine having, in combination, a yieldable support for a work piece, a knife, a presser member, a matrix, and means for efiecting relative movement of the support on the one hand and the presser member, the matrix and the knife on the other hand to split a flap of predetermined shape from the work piece, said presser member and said matrix being mounted for movement toward the support and the knife during a portion of. said relative movement to force the work piece against the support and to locate the work piece in a predetermined position.

'37. A splitting machine having, in combination, a yieldable support comprising a plurality of sharp prongs constructed and arranged to be engaged by a work piece, a knife, a presser member, a matrix, and means for moving the knife, the press'er member and the matrix over the support to split a flap from said work piece, said presser member and said matrix being mounted for movement toward the support and the knife during a portion of their movement over the support. 7

38. A splitting machine having, in combination, a 'yieldable support for a work piece, a knife, a matrix spaced from the knife, and means for effecting relative movement of the support on the one hand and the matrix and the knife on the other hand to split said work piece, said 7 matrix being mounted for movement as a unit with reference to the knife during said relative movement to transfer the matrix to a position adjacent to the cutting edge of the knife, said matrix also being mounted for rotation about an axis to move differently shaped portions of the matrix into their respective operative positions during said relative movement.

39. A splitting machine having, in combination, a yieldable support provided with a plurality of sharp prongs arranged to be engaged by a work piece, a knife movable over the support in a predetermined path, 'means comprising a matrix bar movable over the support with the knife, said means being mounted for swinging movement with relation'to the knife during its movement over the support to force the work piece against said prongs with sufficient pressure to depress the support, said means and said support being constructed and arranged to flex the sole progressively in advance of the cutting edge of the knife, and means for moving the matrix bar into different angular positions as it is moved over the support.

40. A splitting machine having, in combination, a yieldable support for a work piece, a carriage mounted for reciprocation in a predetermined path over the support, a. knife rigidly secured to the carriage, a bracket pivotally mounted upon the carriage, a matrix mounted for rotation in the bracket, means for rotating the matrix into different adjusted positions during its movement with the carriage in one direction over the support, means for moving the support away from the carriage after said carriage has completed its movement in said one direction, and means for swinging the matrix away from the cutting edge of the knife during the movement of the carriage in an opposite direction in said path.

41. A splitting machine having, in combination, a yieldable support comprising a plurality of sharp prongs arranged to be engaged by a Work piece, a carriage mounted for reciprocation in a predetermined path over the support, a knife rigidly secured to the carriage, a bracket pivotally mounted upon the carriage, a matrix mounted for rotation in the bracket, a plurality of. cams, mechanism movable with the carriage and constructed and arranged to be operated by one or more of said cams and to rotate the matrix into diiferent adjusted positions during movement of the carriage in one direction over the support, and means for moving one of the cams into different adjusted positions.

THOMAS H. SEELY.