US2174462A

US2174462A - Shoe upper shaping machine

Info

Publication number: US2174462A
Application number: US730664A
Authority: US
Inventors: Benjamin W Freeman; Joseph G Herbers
Original assignee: Louis G Freeman Co
Current assignee: Louis G Freeman Co
Priority date: 1934-06-14
Filing date: 1934-06-14
Publication date: 1939-09-26
Anticipated expiration: 1956-09-26

Description

P 26, 1939- B. w. FREEMAN ET AL 2,174,462

SHOE UPPER SHAPING MAQHINE Filed June 14, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 32, f v-Q M/ Sept. 26, 1939.

a w. FREEMAN ETAL SHOE UPPER SHAPING MACHINE Filed June 14, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 awe/M005 Sept. 26, 1939. B, w. FREEMAN ET AL 2,174,462

SHOE UPPER SHAPING MACHINE Filed June 14, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 I I ll awe/who've ,Bevydrn In [WE-earn am, J56 ep/v G. Herber-s,

Sept. 1939. B. w. FREEMAN ET AL SHOE UPPER SHAPING MACHINE Filed June 14, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Sept. 26, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SHOE UPPER SHAPING MACHINE poration of Ohio Application June 14, 1934, Serial No. 730,664

51 Claims.

The present invention relates to shoe machinery and more particularly to upper shapers designed to form or shape shoe uppers and to smooth the backs and sides thereof.

However well the uppers of shoes are out, manufacturing processes tend to cause gaping of the quarters, and similar faults difiicult to eradicate afterwards.

One of the objects of this invention is to so shape the finished upper as to eliminate such faults, and to impart a finish to the back quarters of the shoes, by smoothing out the back seams and linings and setting up the quarters.

Specifically it is an object of this invention to provide improvements in shoe shapers and to conform and modify shoe pressers or shapers of the type described in the U. S. patents to Ruff et al., Patent No. 1,334,968, and to Freeman et al., Patent No. 1,720,891.

To this end, there is provided a plurality of forms and shaping members on a rotatable head or turret. Each of the shaping forms is provided with a heating unit, and the arrangement is such that the shoes or upper parts may remain within the shaping mechanism a more evenly regulated time than would be obtained with the use of single pressers. The efficient and novel operation with accurately controlled temperature and pressure, eliminates the possibility of ruining the fine leather of shoe uppers by too great exposure to heat or pressure in the shaping operation.

The turret or rotatable head carries a series of complementary shaping forms, movable in unison so that to an operator the movement of one unit out of accessible position brings the next unit into operating position, and the position of the operator in placing shoes on the forms need not be changed, whereby much labor is saved over that required to feed a plurality of individual pressers having no co-operating relation.

It is a further object in the improved structure to install an electric control mechanism within easy reach of the operator and to so dispose all the connecting parts that there will be little likelihood of damage being done to the electrical connections inadvertently.

The electrical mechanism is preferably provided with a single rheostat which remains stationary, but which is connected by means of push pin sockets to stationary brushes which are in contact with rings through which electrical current passes to individual heating units in the respective shaping forms. This construction makes a standard head or turret available for any de-i sired number of shaping units without additional changes in structure.

A specific object of this invention is the provision of improved means for shaping shoe uppers on forms comprising elements which apply pres- 5 sure to the mounted shoe uppers with a constant force, applied during a complete cycle of rotation of the turret head of the machine.-

It is also an object to provide the elements with a very effective lock against displacement during the cycle of revolution.

Inasmuch as the structure herein described may be used for pressing, shaping and forming complete shoes and unassembled portions of shoes, the term shoe element is employed to include both classes.

An important object of the invention is the application and regulation of sufiicient pressure along the sides of shoe uppers particularly, to effect a permanent shape.

A novel clamping or pressing mechanism is provided in conjunction with the form upon which the shoe is placed consisting of a pair of oppositely reciprocable pressing members which engage opposite sides of a shoe disposed upon the form.

Inasmuch as thickness of leathers, seams, etc., may vary, a unique arrangement of parts is provided to equalize applied pressures, such that the pressure against the sides of the shoe element will be evenly distributed.

Another object contemplates mounting of an entire shaping mechanism and form, including actuating mechanism for the pressing jaws, in a single unit which may be readily detached from the rotatable turret.

Still another object contemplates the use of selected and interchangeable units whereby one machine may be adapted to accommodate different widths and sizes for a run of shoes such as womens, or for interchanging to fit the machine Fig. 2 is an enlarged side elevation of one of the pressing head units;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective of a pressing head and associated clamping members;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged plan partly in section of a pressing head and associated clamping members;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional elevation of a pressing head illustrating internal details;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged plan partly in section of a different pressing head and clamping unit;

Fig. '7 is an enlarged sectional elevation of the pressing head and clamping unit of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary detail in section, of a different mounting of the form on the pressing head;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective of the actuating mechanism for the pressing head;

Fig. 10 is a plan partly in section taken on line |Dl0 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 11 is a sectional detail taken on the line Il-Il of Fig. 10; and

Fig. 12 is a perspective of an adjusting element.

It will be observed that the main form of the machine follows the disclosures of the Freeman Patent No. 1,720,891, the improvements herein residing primarily in the pressing head unit and in the actuating mechanism forming a part of such unit.

In fact it is contemplated that machines embodying the invention of said patent and utilizing a pressing head and strap unit in accordance with the disclosure of the patent may be changed to utilize the improvements herein described, merely by the substitution of the improved pressing head unit.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts, there is generally indicated at l a column having an enlarged base 2 for resting on the floor, and formed with a reduced spindle-like portion 3, extending from a shoulder 4.

The shoulder 4 forms a bearing on which the body of a turret head 5 rotates.

A series of shouldered seats 6 are formed about the periphery of the turret head in spaced relation to each other, each being designed to receive and position a pressing head unit. The upper portion of the seat is perforated as at I for'the reception of an electric plug housing forming part of the pressing head unit, the plug in the housing serving to connect the unit to a source of current within the machine, in the manner described in Patent No. 1,720,891, and to which reference may be made for a more complete disclosure thereof.

A guide strip 8 is located on the side of each seat to ensure accurate, non-slipping positioning of a portion of the unit, as hereinafter described.

A rheostat 9 having suitable controls for regulating the current, and a signal light 10, are mounted above the turret.

Fig. 2 illustrates one of the pressing head assemblies, of which two are shown in Fig. 1. This assembly or unit comprises two portions, viz., a pressing or shaping mechanism comprising a shoe "receiving form with cooperating elements to press or shape the shoe or shoe part, and a manually actuatable mechanism operatively connected to said elements, whereby said elements may be moved into engagement witha shoe part on the form, may be held in such position, or may be renzoved from operative engagement with such par The relation of the two portions of the assembly to each other and to the main stand on which. t y

are mounted is such that the two portions form a self-contained unit, of which several units are utilized in the entire machine, and may be removed from the machine as units, or the respective portions of a unit may be separately removed. As illustrated the turret head 5 is designed to accommodate six shaping and pressing units, but the number of units mounted on a turret is a matter of choice and any desired number may be provided.

The pressing or shaping mechanism includes a shoe receiving form Hi having its side walls or faces shaped as at l5, to conform to the desired shape of the upper portion of the shoe, which shoe will be positioned over the form with the toe portion projecting from the wide part of the form and the heel portion placed against the narrow or tapered part of the form, the sole and heel of the shoe facing outwardly from the form, thereby causing the top edge portions of the shoe upper to lie against the shaped walls l5.

As illustrated particularly in Fig. 5, the interior of the form contains a heating unit i5 connected by leads I 1 to a plug l8 which, when the unit is in position, enters an opening I and contacts with a suitable brush or terminal (not shown) in the turret. The body of the form is, of course, suitably shaped internally or apertured for the reception of the heating units and leads.

The outer side of the form M is faced with a plate of fibre or other suitable heat insulating medium it. If desired, an underlying plate or gasket 20 of asbestos may be further utilized.

The purpose of the fibre and asbestos plates is to prevent any likelihood of an operator being burned by contacting with the form l i which becomes very hot, as it functions similarly to an electric iron; these plates also protect the outside of the shoe by preventing contact with the heated iron to some extent and, further, protect the inside of the shoe, particularly while the shoe is being placed over the form or when it is being removed.

Suitable means such as a plate l3 may be detachably secured across the bottom of an arm iii to which the form 54 is secured or made integral to ensure retention of the leads within the arm and to prevent any possible contact thereof with a shoe on the form. The arm H is directly attachable to the seat 5 of the turret head 5. The inner end of this arm is shaped to form a housing 22 for the plug 18, the size and shape of the housing being such as to exactly fit within the opening 7 at the upper portion of the seat 6. Adjacent the portion 22 is a pin 23 which fits the perforation 24 in the seat 6 and cooperates with the housing 22 in retaining the form i l in rigid non-slipping position.

A pair of ears 2'! project from opposite sides respectively of the arm 2| and cooperating with eccentric studs 28 to form adjustable hinges or pivots for a pair of clamping levers 29-49, which cooperate with the form to iron or shape the shoe element. The stud receiving openings of the levers are of greater diameter than the corresponding openings of the ear 2'5, in order to accommodate the eccentric portions 26 of the stud. Consequently, the studs may be rotated to a desired position and locked by the nuts 25, thus varying the position of the levers 29, relative to the form. By this adjustment, more or less pressure can be applied to the very edge of the lining of the shoe.

Pads 31 of yieldable material such as rubber are suitably positioned adjacent the operating surfaces of the heads 3!] by contact liners or slippers 32 of soft material'as leather, detachably secured in place by straps 33' and snap fasteners 34. 4

When the heads are actuated toapply pressure against a shoe element on the form there will be, in addition to the main application of pressure by the heads 30, a localized pressure by the pads, inwardly against selected portions of the shoe and by varying the shape of the pads and the shape of the form, any desired localized pressure may be obtained on the shoe. Such localized pressure may be obtained on the shoe. Such localized pressure may be found desirable on the extreme edges only of the shoe element, with or without lesser pressures against other portions of the shoe, or it may be found desirable to apply a localized pressure over a substantial selected area of the side of the shoe, in addition to areas adjacent the upper edges.

Further, it may be desired to press one portion of the shoe element by direct engagement with the heads 30, and another portion by use of a pad 3|.

Hence it will be seen that each of the units provides a usefulness in shoe shaping, in that there is a main pressing means such as the heads 30, and an auxiliary pressing means for localizing pressure, such as the pads 3|. This means for localizing pressure may be provided in almost any predetermined manner to various contours, made possible by variation in the thickness and shape of the pads and changes in location thereof whereby pressure may be brought to bear on selected portions of shoe parts, which will be additional to the direct pressure applied by the contoured surfaces of the heads 30.

It is the adaptability of this preferred assembly for exerting pressure on a desired part of a shoe independent of pressures which may be applied to other portions of the shoe that is referred to in terms of means for localizing pressures.

A block 36 is mounted for sliding movement along a track 31 in the arm 2 I, and this block carries a yoke 39 pivotally secured by means of a pin 38. A pivot pin 40 serves to connect a pair of links 4l--4l to the yoke, the links in turn being pivotally connected, as at 42, to the respective levers 29--29. The block, yoke and links form a toggle for moving the levers 29 toward and from the form l4 as the block 3'6 slides in its track. The pivotal yoke 39 permits a movement of the heads 30 transversely of the form M, in addition to the main clamping movement, and thus the heads will automatically equalize the pressures applied to the opposite sides of the form, i, e., the levers will shift together, laterally of the form, to a position where pressures applied to the work on the form from one side will be equal to those applied to the other side, regardless of any difference in thickness of the work on one side, from the thickness on the other side. A cover plate 43 may be placed over the track and toggle mechanism to protect same against dirt and injury, and to hold the parts in place.

A gage arm which terminates in a gage portion 44 located in proximity to the form l4, may be adjustably secured to the cover plate. By pushing the back of the shoe element up to the gage, the element can be accurately positioned on the form.

As shown in Fig. 3 the attaching screws for the gage arm 45 operate through slots in the arm, whereby the gage may be adjustably positioned with i'espect'to the form, to accommodate different shoes.

A cradle formed by a pair of curved arms 46 connected by a strut 41 and pivoted on trunnions 48, located atthe lower part of the sides of the arm 2| serves to actuate the sliding block 36, a cross shaft 49 extending through the block 36 and having its outer ends engaged by slots 59 in the upper part of each arm 46, being provided to connect the cradle to the block.

The shaping form and associated mechanism just described constitute the upper portion of the unit assembly, and will be detachably secured to the turret head by inserting the housing 22 and pin 23 in the openings 1 and 24, respectively. A set screw 5| operating through a portion of the turret head may be tightened until it engages the depression 52 in the housing 22 to retain this portion of the unit in position.

The mechanism for actuating the cradle 46 a and the arms '29 is carried by a bracket 54 which may be secured to the head or turret 5. The head is formed with faces at the side of each seat portion 6, the ribs 8 respectively extending over these faces. The bracket 54 will be formed with a groove matching the rib 8 and thus will be held adjustably, yet immovably in position when suitable set screws are utilized.

The bracket 54 is formed at its lower extremity with a shaft bearing 55 which supports a shaft 56.

A pressure arm 51, journalled freely on the shaft 56, has an extension 58 which is connected by means of links 59 to the curved arms 46. The extension 58 may be formed with a chambered portion 58a carrying a spring pressed plunger and an adjusting screw substantially in accordance with the strap adjustment and compression mechanism of Patent No. 1,7 20,891.

While this mechanism has no function as such in the use of the herein described pressing mechanism, should it ever be found desirable to remove the form and substitute the strap mechanism of said patent, it will be obvious that the actuating mechanism will then be adequate for the strap form without any change other than the mere substitution of one pressing mechanism for another, Keyed to the shaft is a pressure applying lever 60, hereinafter termed an operating handle.

Also keyed to the shaft for unitary movement with the handle 69 is an arm 6|, which in effect forms a continuation of the handle 60. The pressure arm 51-58 being journalled on the shaft and the handle 60, being keyed to the shaft, relative movement is permitted therebetween.

A hinged bolt 62 is secured to the arm 6| by a pivot pin 63 and to the pressure arm 51 by an adjustable collar 64. A compression spring 65 is mounted on the bolt 62, the collar 64 forming a convenient means of adjusting the tension of the spring. This arrangement forms a spring cushioned joint between the handle 60 and the pressure arm 51, it being obvious that when the handle 60 is manipulated, compression will be placed on the spring 65, this spring being relatively stiff and effective to actuate the member 51, which in turn transmits an actuating movement to the clamping or pressing heads 39.

The cushion joint performs several functions, one being to absorb any shock or jar to the operator as the handle 60 reaches its limiting position, and another being that it determines the amount of pressure applied to the work or shoe element.

The bracket 54 has secured thereto the hardened arc member 68 which is rectangular in section with a machined upper and lower face. A locking bar 69 having a slot 10 of greater size than a section of the hardened arc is pivotally mounted on the handle 60 by means of a pivot pin H.

The locking bar has disposed in an 01f center position with relation to the clearance slot 10, hardened steel friction pins 12 which, with the rocking of the locking bar on the pivot pin ll bear against the hardened arc 68.

A releasing lever 13 mounted on a pin 14 in the handle 60 has a bearing lug 15 which with the movement of the releasing lever abuts the side of the locking bar, rocking same so that the friction pins will clear the arc and allow the handle to be moved to desired position.

The lock bar normally is pressed toward looking position by a spring 16 extending from a. boss 11 on the handle, and which spring preferably extends into a suitable aperture or seat in the locking bar.

When the releasing lever 13 is moved relative to the handle 60 the locking bar will be moved away from looking position.

The handle is preferably, but not necessarily, channeled so that the releasing lever 13 may nest therein, and a cross bolt 18 may be provided to limit outward movement of the releasing lever.

The bearing lug 15 is adjustably mounted on the releasing lever as indicated at 19 in Fig. 9.

A spring 80 connecting the handle 60 and the arm 54, is effective to return the handle to its initial position when released by the lever 13.

From the foregoing description, it is believed that the operation and use of the invention will be clear. An operator may position a shoe on the form M by reference to the gage 44, if such gage is used, and the gage serves to limit the insertion of the form in the shoe or shoe element due to its upturned position at the rear of the form. In the absence of a gage the shoe may be placed on the form as desired.

Downward pressure on the handle 60 will then cause the clamping or pressing heads 30 to engage the external sides of the shoe element, pressing same into close engagement with the shaped sides l5 of the form, which is heatedbythe resistance element l6. Should one side of the shoe be thicker than the other, the pressure of the heads 30 will be equalized by virtue of the pivotal equalizing arrangement comprising the pivoted yoke 39 and the arms 4|, in an obvious manner. The handle 60 will be retained in its downward position by the pin 12 and are 68 until such time as the releasing lever 13 is moved inwardly toward the handle, whereupon the handle will return to its original position and the shoe element may be removed.

Any convenient means for halting the rotation of the. turret with a pressing unit conveniently positioned with respect to an operator, may be utilized, it being contemplated that conventional spring pressed plugs and cooperating seats (not shown) will be provided. For a more complete description of this arrangement, reference may be made to the patent to Freeman No. 1,720,891.

The operator will clamp one piece of work on its form and leave same in position, will rotate the turret to bring another form in position and will repeat these operations until all forms have been placed in use. By this time the first 'form will have returned to him as the turret completes its cycle of rotation, whereupon the pressing heads in the first unit may be released by pressure on the releasing lever 13 and the work removed.

The equalizing arrangement by means of which pressures, localized and otherwise, are equalized with respect toopposite sides of such element forms an important feature of the-present invention and it is not intended that the specific mechanism disclosed in Figs. 4 and 5 be regarded as limiting, as this form is but one illustration of various ways in which an equalization of pressure may be obtained.

As a different way there is illustrated in Figs. 6 and '7 a somewhat different mode of attaining such equalization. In this form the pivoted yoke forming part of the toggle connections of Figs. 4 and 5 is omitted and the arms consequently cannot equalize themselves with respect to the form l4. However, the form I4 is mounted on the arm 2] by means of a tongue and groove connection indicated at 82, whereupon if the pressures applied at the sides of the form are unequal due to variable thicknesses in the shoe element, the form may slide freely from side to side to equalize the pressures.

Still a different structure for effecting; an equalization of pressure is illustrated in Fig. 8 wherein the form M is pivotally mounted on a pintle 83 so that it may swing from side to side. Still different means may suggest themselves to one skilled in the'art.

Virtually all parts of the unit are adjustable to accommodate any and all conditions. Thus the levers 29 and the clamping heads may be adjusted with respect to the form by means of the studs 28, lost motion being provided by the slots 5E3; the gage M is adjustably positioned with respect to the form; the locking arrangement for the handle 60 is adjustable by means of the studs 75; and the pressure applied to the levers 29 and heads 39 may be varied by adjustment of the compression spring 65. Even the form supporting arm 2! and the bracket 54 may be provided with adjustments, if thought desirable, although no specific arrangement is herein illustrated. Reference may be made to Freeman Patent No. 1,720,891 for illustrations of adjusting means which may be utilized.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

l. A shoe shaper comprising in combination a support, a pressing form mounted thereon, said form being shaped to receive and facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, a pair of cooperating outer pressing members mounted to bear respectively against opposite portions of said form, means to actuate said members, whereby each applies pressure to the form, and means to equalize the pressures applied by said members comprising a positive connection between said mem bers and a pivotal linkage between said connection and said actuating means, whereby said outer members will move in opposite directions, rela tive to each other and will move unitarily in a common direction laterally of the form.

2. A shoe shaper comprising in combination a support, a pressing form mounted thereon, said form being shaped to receive and facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, cooperating outer pressing members mounted to bear respectively against oppositely disposed portions of said form, means to actuate said members so that each applies pressure to the form, and means to equalize the pressures applied by said members, comprising means to produce a relative unitary movement of the members in a common direction laterally of the form, and independent of the pressure applying movement.

3. A shoe shaper comprising in combination a support, a pressing form mounted thereon, said form being shaped to receive and facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, cooperating outer pressing members mounted to bear respectively against oppositely disposed portions of said form, means to actuate said members including a toggle connection therebetween, so that each applies pressure to the form, and means to equalize the pressures applied by said outer pressing members comprising a slidable mounting for said form whereby said form will move laterally relative to said members, and independently of movement of said members.

4. A shoe shaper comprising in combination a support, a pressing form mounted thereon, said form being shaped to receive and facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, cooperating outer pressing members mounted to bear respectively against oppositely disposed portions of said form, means to actuate said members including a toggle connection therebetween, so that each applies pressure to the form, and means to equalize the pressures applied by said outer pressing members, comprising a pivotal mounting for said form whereby said form will swing laterally relative to said members, and independently of movement of said members.

5. A shoe shaper comprising in combination a support, a pressing form mounted thereon, said form being shaped to receive and facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, cooperating outer pressing members mounted to bear respectively against oppositely disposed portions of said form, means to actuate said members, including a toggle connection therebetween, so that each applies pressure to the form, and means to equalize the pressures applied by said outer pressing members, comprising a mounting for said form whereby said form will partake of a lateral movement to said members and independently of movement of said members.

6. A shoe shaper comprising in combination a support, a pressing form mounted thereon, said form being shaped to receive and facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, cooperating outer pressing members mounted to bear respectively against oppositely disposed portions of said form, means to actuate said members, so that each applies pressure to the form, and means to equalize the pressures applied by said outer pressing members, comprising a mounting for said form and a connection in said actuating means effective to produce a relative lateral movement between said members as a unit and the form independently of the pressure applying movement of said members.

7. A shoe shaper comprising in combination a support, a pressing form mounted thereon, said form being shaped to receive and facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, a pair of outer pressing members mounted to bear respectively against opposite portions of said form, means to actuate said members, whereby each applies pressure to the form, means to apply localized pressures against selected portions of the form, and means to equalize the pressures applied by said members comprising a positive connection between said members and a pivotal linkage between said connection. and said actuating means, whereby said outer members will move in opposite directions relative to each other and will move unitarily in a common direction laterally of the form.

8. A shoe shaper comprising in combination a support, a pressing form mounted thereon, said form being shaped to receive and facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, cooperating outer pressing members mounted to bear respectively against oppositely disposed portions of said form, means to actuate said members so that each applies pressure to the form, means to apply calized pressures against selected portions of the form, and means to equalize the pressures applied by said members, comprising means to produce a relative unitary movement of the members in a common direction laterally of the form, and independently of the pressure applying movements.

9. A shoe shaper comprising in combination a machine frame, a support detachably carried by said frame and adapted to mount a plurality of interchangeable shoe upper pressing forms, a shoe upper pressing form carried by said support, cooperating outer presser members carried by said form and mounted to bear thereagainst, individual means for said form effective to compress said outer pressing members against the form, said means being detachably mounted on said frame, said frame being adapted to mount a plurality of such means interchangeably, and means interconnecting said presser members, and effective to equalize the pressures applied by said members against said form.

10. In a shoe shaper having a support adapted to mount selectively and interchangeably a plurality of shoe upper pressing units, a unit mounted on said support, comprising a shoe upper pressing form, and cooperating outer pressing members carried thereby for pressure applying movement into and out of engagement with said form, actuating mechanism therefor, means interconnecting said members and effective to equalize pressures applied to different portions of said form, and detachable means to mount said unit in position on said support.

11. In a shoe shaper having a support adapted to mount selectively and interchangeably a plurality of shoe upper pressing units, a unit mounted on said support comprising a shoe upper pressing form and cooperating outer pressing members carried thereby for pressure applying movement into and out of engagement with said form, actuating mechanism therefor, means interconnecting said members and effective to equalize pressures applied to different portions of said form, and detachable means tomount said form and associated parts in position on said support independently of said actuating mechanism.

12. In a shoe shaper, having support adapted to mount selectively and interchangeably a plurality of shoe upper pressing units, a unit mounted on said support comprising a shoe upper pressing form and cooperating outer pressing members carried thereby for pressure applying movement into and out of engagement with said form, actuating mechanism therefor, means interconnecting said members and effective to equalize pressures applied to diiferent portions of said form, and detachable means to mount the actuating means in position on said support independently of said pressing unit.

13. In a shoe shaper having a support adapted to mount selectively and interchangably a plurality of shoe upper pressing units, a unit mounted on said support comprising a shoe upper pressing form and cooperating outer pressing means carried thereby for pressure applying movement into and out of engagement with said form, actuating mechanism therefor, vmeans in said unit to equalize pressures applied to different portions of said form, means to lock said actuating mechanism in various positions thereby to retain said pressing means in position to apply variable desired pressures, and detachable means to mount the actuating means in position on said support, independently of said pressing unit.

14. A shoe shaper comprising in combination, a machine support, a pressing form mounted on said support, said form being shaped to receive and facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, cooperating outer pressing members, means mounting said members to bear against and apply pressures to said form, said mounting means including means to adjust the relative position and path of movement of said outer members with respect to said form, means to compress said outer pressing members against said form, and means to equalize the pressures applied by said members against said form.

15. In a shoe shaper having a support adapted to mount selectively and interchangeably a plurality of shoe upper pressing units, a unit mounted on said support comprising a shoe upper pressing form and cooperating outer pressing members carried thereby for pressure applying movement into and out of engagement with said form, means to apply localized pressures against selected portions of the form, actuating mechanism therefor, means in said unit to equalize pressures applied to different portions of said form, and detachable means to mount said form and associated parts in position on said support independently of said actuating mechanism.

16. A shoe shaper comprising in combination, a machine support, a pressing form mounted on said support, said form being shaped to receive and facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, and a cooperating outer pressing means mounted to bear against said form, actuating means for said outer pressing means, cushion means con necting said actuating means to said outer pressing means effective to absorb shock as the pressing means are actuated, and to determine the amount of pressure applied, and adjusting means to vary the relative operating position of said pressing means and form.

1'7. A shoe shaper comprising in combination a machine support adapted to mount a plurality of shoe upper pressing forms, a shoe upper pressing form on said support and cooperating outer pressing members mounted to bear against said form, means to compress said outer pressing members against said form, means interconnecting said members and effective to equalize the pressures applied by said members against said form, and adjustable gage means effective to determine the position of a shoe upper on the form.

18. A shoe shaper comprising in combination a machine support adapted to mount a plurality of shoe upper pressing forms, a shoe upper press ing form on said support and cooperating outer pressing members mounted to bear against said form, means to compress said outer pressing members against said form, means to apply localized pressures against selected portions of said form, and means to equalize the pressures applied by said outer pressing members against said form.

19. A shoe shaper comprising in combination a machine support adapted to mount a plurality of shoe upper pressuing forms, a shoe upper pressing form on said support and a pair of cooperating outer pressing wings for said form pivotally mounted to bear against the form, means to compress said wings against the form, and means to apply localized pressures against selected portions of said form, carried by and operable in conjunction With said Wings, said forms and associated elements, and said Wing compressing means, forming separate units, independently removable from said machine support.

20. A shoe shaper comprising in combination a machine support adapted to mount a plurality of shoe upper pressing forms, a shoe upper pressing form on said support, a pair of cooperating outer pressing wings for said form pivotally mounted to bear against the form, means to compress said wings against the form, and means to apply localized pressures against selected portions of said form, carried by and operable in conjunction with said wings, and means interconnecting said Wings, and effective to equalize the pressures applied by said wings against said forms.

21. A shoe shaper comprising in combination a machine support, a member movable thereon, and adapted to mount a plurality of shoe upper pressing forms for movement therewith, a shoe upper pressing form carried by said member, cooperating outer pressing members mounted to bear against said form, and carried by said movable member, means to compress said outer pressing members against said form, and means to equalize the pressures applied by said outer pressing members against said form.

22. A shoe shaper comprising in combination a machine support, a member movable thereon, and adapted to mount a plurality of shoe upper pressing forms for movement therewith, a shoe upper pressing form carried by said member, cooperating outer pressing members mounted to bear against said form, and carried by said movable member, means to compress said outer pressing members against said form, means to equalize the pressures applied by said outer pressing members against said form, said compressing means comprising handles, and means to lock said handles with the outer pressing members in compressed position.

23. A shoe shaper comprising in combination a support, a member movably mounted thereon and adapted to mount a plurality of shoe upper shaping forms, a shoe upper shaping form mounted on said member, outer work shaping and pressing means mounted to engage said form, means to compress said outer means against the form, means to equalize the pressures applied by said outer pressing means to different portions of said form, and means to heat said form during application of pressure.

24. In a shoe shaper, means for shaping the uppers of shoes, comprising a movable form and outer pressing means movable with said form, mounted in position to be pressed against said form, said pressing means being provided with means for localizing pressure on selected portions of said form, means to compress said outer pressing means against said form, and means to equalize the pressures applied by said outer pressing means to difierent portions of said form.

25. A shoe shaper comprising in combination a machine support, adapted to mount a plurality of shoe upper pressing forms, a shoe upper pressing form mounted on said support, a pair of cooperating outer pressing wings for said form, contoured to conform to the shape of said form and pivotally mounted to bear thereagainst, means to compress said wings against the form, and means to apply localized pressures against selected portions of the form, carried by and operable in conjunction with said wings, said last means consisting of pads of soft yieldable material extending over a selected portion of the contoured surface of the wing which carries it.

26. A shoe shaper comprising in combination a machine support, adapted to mount a plurality of shoe upper pressing forms, a shoe upper pressing form mounted on said support, a pair of cooperating outer pressing wings for said form, contoured to conform to the shape of said form and pivotally mounted to bear thereagainst, means to compress said wings against the form, and means to apply localized pressures against selected portions of the form, carried by and operable in conjunction with said wings, said last means consisting of pads of soft yieldable material extending over a selected portion of the contoured surface of the wing which carries it, and means to equalize the pressures applied by the wings against said form.

27. In a shoe shaper, a form adapted to fit within a shoe, and shaped to facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, means to apply localized pressures against different portions of said form, means for controlling said first mentioned means, and a frictional locking member for retaining said last mentioned means in position, with the first mentioned means compressed against said form, and means to equalize the pressures applied by said first means against said form.

28. In a shoe shaper, a form adapted to fit within a shoe, and shaped to facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, pivotally mounted means to apply localized pressures against selected portions of said form, a member for controlling said pressing means, means for retaining said member in position with said pressing means applied, adjustable means for regulating the position of said pressing means with relation to said form, and means for regulating the disengaged position of said pressing means.

29. In a shoe shaper, a form adapted to fit within a shoe, and shaped to facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, pivotally mounted means to apply localized pressures against selected portions of said form, a member for controlling saidpressing means, means for retaining said member in position with said pressing means applied, adjustable means for regulating the position of said pressing means with relation to said form, and means for regulating the disengaged position of said pressing means, and means to equalize the pressures applied against the selected portions of said form.

30. In a shoe shaper, a heated form, shaped to receive and facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, pressing means for engaging said form provided with auxiliary means for localizing pressures on selected portions of said form, means to equalize the pressures applied by said auxiliary means against said form, and adjustable means for regulating the position of said pressing means with relation to said form.

31. In a shoe shaper, a heated form, shaped to receive and facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, pressing members for engaging said form provided with auxiliary means for localizing pressures on selected portions of said form, means to equalize the pressures: applied by said pressing'membe'rs against said form, adjustable means for regulating the position of said pressing members with relation to said form, and means for maintaining said regulated position.

32. In a shoe shaping means, the combination of a form adapted to support a shoe element, and shaped to facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, and pressing means for pressing a shoe element supported by the form, said pressing means comprising means for applying major pressures in different directions against the shoe element, and means to equalize the pressures so applied; and said pressing means also comprising auxiliary pressing means, operable in conjunction with the major application of pressure, for applying localized pressures against selected portions of the shoe element.

33. In a shoe shaping means, the combination of a form adapted to support a shoe element, and shaped to facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, and pressing means for pressing a shoe element shaped by the form, said pressing means comprising means for applying major pressures in different directions against the shoe element, and means to equalize the pressures so applied; said pressing means also comprising auxiliary pressing means, operable in conjunction with the major application of pressure for applying localized pressures against selected portions of the shoe element, and means for maintaining said pressing means in pressing position during a cycle of operation of said machine.

34. In a shoe shaping machine, the combination of a form adapted to support a shoe element, and shaped to facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, pressing means comprising the combination of members for applying pressures to selected portions of a shoe element on said form, means operable simultaneously with and in conjunction with said members for applying increased pressures to selected portions of the sides of the shoe element, and means to equal ize the pressures applied by said pressing means against said element.

35. In a shoe shaping machine, the combination of a form adapted to support a shoe element, and shaped to facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, pressing means comprising the combination of members for applying pressures to selected portions of a shoe element on said form, means operablesimultaneously with and in conjunction with said members for applying increased pressures to selected portions of the sides of the shoe element, means to actuate said pressing means, and a cushion joint between said actuating means and said pressing means.

36. In a shoe shaper, means having contoured surfaced portions for supporting a shoe element, said contoured portions being designed to facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, pressing means for localizing pressure against portions of said first mentioned means, said first and second mentioned means being movable relative to each other, and means to equalize the pressures applied by said pressing means against said first means, and means for heating said first means.

37. A shoe shaper comprising in combination, a support, a pressingform mounted thereon, said form being shaped to receive and facilitate an operation upon a shoe upper, a pair of cooperating outer pressing members mounted to bear respectively against opposite portions of said form, means to actuate said members, whereby each appliespressure to the form, and means to equalize the pressures applied by said members, said actuating means including a sliding block and a pair of links connected to said block and respectively connected to said members, and said equalizing means including a yoke pivotally interposed between said links and said block, whereby said outer members will move in opposite directions relative to each other under infiuonce of the block and links and will move unitarily in a common direction laterally of the form under influence of said yoke.

38. Apparatus for shaping a shoe upper, which comprises a form over which the shoe may be placed to present within the shoe, supporting surfaces for the side portions of the upper adjacent to the shoe opening, means for heating said form, a pair of presser elements adapted to engage the outside of the shoe on the side portions adjacent to the rim of the opening substantially from the heel to the throat of said opening, means for pressing said elements toward said forms, and automatically operable means to equalize the pressures applied by said presser elements against said form.

39. Apparatus of the class described, comprising a table, a support bracket thereon, an elongated form on said support bracket adapted to have placed thereon the topportion of a shoe adjacent to the opening thereof, the sides of said form curving inwardly at the top, means for heating said form, a pair of levers rockably mounted on said table so that their outer ends can swing toward and from each other, a pair of presser members carried by said levers and movable thereby into engagement with the sides of said form, said members having concaved faces confronting the sides of said form and approximately complemental thereto, means for rocking said levers to press said members against said form, and automatically operable means to equalize the pressures applied by said levers and members against said form.

40. Apparatus for shaping a shoe upper, which comprises a form adapted to enter the opening of a shoe and to present within the shoe an inturned side face at the top for supporting the surfaces of the side portions of the upper adjacent to the shoe opening, pressing means adapted to engage the outside of the shoe with side portions thereof adjacent to the rim of the opening, and means for pressing said means toward said form, said form being mounted for yielding movement upon engagement by said pressing means, whereby to equalize applied pressures at opposite sides of the form.

41. Apparatus for shaping shoe uppers, which comprises a form adapted to fit into the portions of the interior of a shoe adjacent to the opening thereof, the sides of said form curving inwardly at the top, pressing means adapted to be pressed toward the side of said form and press the shoe thereagainst, and an arm carrying said means and pivoted on an axis substantially lengthwise of said form, said form being pivotally mounted to yield laterally under the influence of pressure from the pressing means, whereby to equalize pressures at opposite sides of the form.

42. Apparatus for shaping a shoe upper, which comprises an elongated form over which a shoe may be placed adjacent to the opening thereof, the sides of said form curving inwardly at the top, a pair of presser elements adapted to engage the outside of the shoe on the side portions adjacent to the rim of the opening substantially from the heel to the throat, and means for pressing said elements toward said form, said form being slid ably mounted to yield laterally under the influence of pressure from the pressing means, whereby to equalize pressure at opposite sides of the form.

43. Apparatus for shaping shoe uppers which comprises a form adapted to fit into the portions of the interior of a shoe adjacent to the opening thereof, presser members adapted to be pressed toward the sideof the form and press the shoe thereagainst, and arms carrying said members, each pivoted on an axis substantially lengthwise of said form, said form being mounted for yielding movement upon engagement by said presser members, whereby to equalize applied pressures at opposite sides of the form.

44. In combination, a form over which a shoe having an upward extension back of the throat may be placed, said form having side wall portions inclined toward each other, and means for pressing the marginal portions of said shoe exten sion against said inclined wall portions, means to heat said form, and automatically operable means to equalize the pressures applied by said pressing means against said form.

45. Apparatus for shaping a shoe upper, which comprises an elongated form over which a shoe may be placed adjacent to the opening thereof, the sides of said form curving inwardly, means for heating said form, a pair of presser elements adapted to engage the outside of the shoe on the side portions adjacent to the rim of the opening substantially from the heel to the throat, means for pressing said elements toward said form, and means to provide a relative movement laterally between said presser elements and said form independently of the movement of said elements toward and from said form whereby to equalize the pressures applied by said elements to the form.

46. In a re-forming machine, the combination with an inside shaping form and an outside shaping form to press the skirting along at least one straight run of the top edge of a shoe against the shaping contour of the inside form, of means for positioning said skirting run in substantial conformity with the shaping contour of the inside form prior to the application of pressure by the outside form, means to adjust the relative position and path of movement of the outside form with respect to the inside form, and means to equalize the pressures applied by the outside form against the inside form.

47. In a re-forming machine, the combination with an inside shaping form, of an outside shaping form to press the skirting only along at least one straight run of the top edge of a shoe into conformity to the shaping contour of the inside form, said outside form being movable towards and from the inside form about an axis parallel to the longitudinal center line of the inside form, means to adjust the relative position of engagement between the outside and inside forms, and means to equalize the pressures applied by the outside form against the inside form.

48. In a re-forming machine, the combination with a stand, an inside shaping form secured thereto and adapted to fit Within and. support a low-cut shoe, arms pivoted to the stand for movement toward and away from the opposite sides of said inside form, and outside shaping forms secured to the arms, respectively, and movable therewith, said inside and outside shaping forms having coacting, substantially complementary mold surfaces adapted to engage and press between them the skirtings only along the 7 straight runs of the top edge of the shoe, of means for swinging the arms on the stand to bring the mold surfaces of the outside forms into engagement with the shoe mounted upon the inside form and press said skirtings against the mold surface of the inside form, means to heat one of said forms, and means to equalize the pressures applied by said outside forms against said inside form.

49. A re-forming machine having, in combination, a head, an inside shaping mold fixed to said head and accessible to the operative for placing the shoe thereon, an outside shaping form connected to said head for movement toward and from said inside mold about an axis parallel to the longitudinal center line of said inside mold,

means for moving said outside form to press the skirtings along at least one straight run of the top edge of a shoe into conformity With the shaping contour of the inside mold, said moving means including a member adapted to vary the extent of movement of the outside form, means to lock said outside form in its pressing position, and means to vary the point of engagement between said outside form and said inside mold and to equalize the pressures applied by said outside form against said inside mold.

50. A machine adapted for performing along a marginal portion of the angle opening of a completed shoe a finishing operation of upper shaping by yielding pressure between a form on Which the shoe is placed and means effective to press the shoe upper, at both sides of the ankle opening, against the form, said form being so mounted as to be capable of movement, laterally of a shoe thereon, as pressure is being applied.

51. A machine adapted for performing along a marginal portion of the angle opening of a completed shoe a finishing operation of upper shaping by yielding pressure between a form on which the shoe is placed, and means effective to press the shoe upper, at both sides of the ankle opening, against the form, said form being pivotally mounted about an axis extending in a direction longitudinal with respect to a shoe on the form and capable of swinging movement, laterally of the shoe, about said axis to equalize the pressures applied to opposite sides of the shoe.

BENJAMIN W. FREEMAN. JOSEPH G. I-IERZBERS.