US2502615A - Machine and method for use in making ribbed strips for insoles - Google Patents

Description

April 4, 1950 A. s. CLARK MACHINE AND METHOD FOR USE 1N MAKING RIBBED STRIPS FOR INSOLESv l1 Sheets-Sheet l n@ @c 1 .mi

k In van fwn Alfred 5. Cla rk Apri 4, 1950 A. s. CLARK MACHINE AND METHOD FOR USE IN MAKING RIBBED STRIPS FOR INsOLEs r11 sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 18, 1947 WSN In ven-fm? AJf'rea 5- CMP/f pri 4, 1950 A. s. CLARK 255025@ MACHINE AND METHOD FOR USE IN MAKING I RIBBED STRIPS FOR INSOLES 1l Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 18, 1947 pri 4, 1950 A. s1. CLARK 215029615 MACHINE AMD METHOD FOR usE IN MAKING RIBBED STRIPS FOR IMsoLEs 11 Sheets-Sheet 4 Iii-led July 18. 1947 wahl Y En www www www pnl 4, 1950 A. s. CLARK MACHINEyAND METHOD FOR USE IN MAKING RIBBED STRIPS `FOR INSOLES Filed July 18. 1947 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 l .l I."| .A

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MACHINE AND METHOD Fon USE Y1N MAKING Y RIBBED sTRlys Fox INsoLEs 11 sheets-met e April'4, 1950 A. s. CLARK K I 2,502,615

MACHINKAND METHOD FOR USE-1N MAKING RIBBED STRIPS FOR msouzs` Filed July 18, 1947 11 'Sheets-Sheet 7 /264 :f1- Ly 256 252 282, 252 AT ///l /C' I 254 284 248 27s 229 27o 278' 244 y @ym/ 9. 15 228 276 252 2 270 272 IXTXL- 229 f. m l Mfg-[8.`

Aprll 4, 1950' A. s cLARK 2,502,615

. Mmmm: AND METHOD FOR usE 1N MAKING Y 'RIBBED STRIPS Foa INsoLEs Filed July 1a, 1947 1l Sheets-Sheet 8 T F Z-cp 334 282 I ,t A E I: i I f5/4 /7' I z N l l v l I 3/0 288 286 285 E E 296 300 l 306 232 282 NAA/ /62 lnvenm@ Alfred S. Clar April 4, 1950 Afs. CLARK 2,502,515

MACHINE ANO METHOD FOR UsE 1N MAKING RIBBED STRIPS FOR INsOLEs 11 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed July 18, 1947 April 4, 1950 A. s. CLARK .MACHINE AND METHOD FOR USE IN MAKING -RIBBED STRIPS FOR INsoLEs l l1 Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed July 1s. 1947 l11 sheets-sheet 11 A A. S. CLARK MACHINE AND IVIETI-{ODv FOR USEA IN MAKING. RIBBED STRIPS FOR INSOLES April 4, 1950 Filed July 18. 1947 /n ven fr .f4/fred 5i Czar/f @www Patented Apr. 4, 1950 MACHINE AND METHOD FOR USE IN MAK- ING STRIPS FOR INSOLES Alfred S. Clark, Beverly, Mass., assignor to United Shoe Machinery Corporation, Flemington, N. J., a corporation of New Jersey Application July 18, 1947, Serial No. 761,890

87 Claims.

`This invention relates to machinesv and methods for use in making composite ribbed strips for attachment to insoles to provide sewingribs thereon and is illustrated herein with particular reference to the manufacture of ribbed strips of the typedisclosed in United States Letters Patent No. 2,458,500, granted January l1, 1949 on lan application'led in the names of Frederic E. Bertrand and Alfred S. Clark.

A ribbed strip of the type referredto, as disclosed in the above cited patent, comprises a composite stripr composed of two strips of indefinite length folded in a manner to produce a four-ply rib havinginner and outer flanges projecting laterally from'opposite sides of the rib, the outer flange comprising a single layer of material and the inner flange comprising'two vare coated with pressure-responsive cement to adapt the strip for attachment by pressure alone to the outer surface of an insole Whichfhasv been previously coated with pressure-responsive cement. As also disclosedin 'said patent, the four-ply rib may, if desired, be provided with stitches which extend widthwise through the rib adjacent to the base portion of the stripfthe stitches preferably being chain stitches and, if desired, being vcomposed of thread which contrasts in color with the material of the strip-s so that the stitches will be plainly visible in the completed strip to serve as a guide for the operator in making the shoe, for example, during the lasting and welting or inseaming operations. Moreover, the rib of the composite strip is preferably inclined inwardly toward the inner flange at a substantial angle to the horizontal, this construction further facilitating the inseaming operation since it provides a definite groove or channel along the inner side of the rib for receiving the channel guide of the welting machine.

An object of the present invention is to provide :an improved machine for making composite ribbed strips of the type described above. Another object of the invention is to provide an improved method of `making composite ribbed strips of that type in quantity production.

To these ends, and in accordance with its article aspect, the invention provides an improved machine having, in combination, mechanism for feeding strips of indefinite length in unison, a member for folding one of the stripsprogressively during the feeding movementn to form a two-ply layer, and means for thereafter folding another one of the strips progressively around the two-ply layer to cover a portion thereof and form a four-ply layer with remaining portions of' the two-ply layer andother strip projecting beyond said four-ply 1ayer',lsaid lastnamed means being also arranged to bend said remaining portions laterally with respect to the four-ply layer to produce a composite strip having a four-ply rib with fianges projecting' laterally from the base of the rib. As herein'illustrated, the feeding mechanism operates continu,-

ously to move ythe strips progressively past the operating instrumentalitiesof Vthe machine and the folding member folds' one 'strip upon itself widthwise to form a two-ply layer while the other strip is maintained in a 'substantially' flat position. Thereafter, the folded stripwhi'ch, in the present construction, is the upper strip, is guided into engagement with the other, or lower, strip, after which the second. folding means referred tooperates progressively tok fold the lower strip around the two-ply layer to form the four-ply layer. Asthe combined strips continue to travel through the machine, the folding means is provided with associated mechanism which operates progressively to bend the plies of theextending portion of the two-ply layer in opposite directions to position them at substantial anglesto the four-ply layer, thereby producing a composite strip having a four-ply rib with inner and outer anges projecting from its base, the inner flange, as herein illustrated, being covered by the remaining portion of said other, or lower strip, which extends a substantial distance beyond said flange to provide a wide reinforcement for the insole.

As illustrated, the ribbed strip after being formed is subjected to substantial pressure applied progressively during the feeding movement to shape the entire strip and also to-press y'the rib firmly against the inner flange in orderto flatten the strip temporarily and thereby facilitate winding the strip upon a'spool or reel after it leaves the operating instrumentalities of the machine. `The means for shaping and compressing the strip, as illustrated herein, comprisesja pair of driven rolls shaped and arranged to impart a predetermined shape to the lcomposite strip, Moreover, the rolls .A are also shapedto produce a crimp or crease in the upper portion ofthe multi-ply rib to provide a relatively narrow edge along the upper portion o f the rib. Since the rib ispressed over against the inner flange by said rolls, the rib will continue to lean toward said inner flange in the completed strip when the pressure is relieved. The rolls may be adjusted to apply substantial pressure to the composite strip and, since they are knurled to increase friction, they also operate as the feeding mechanismv for moving the ystrips progresconstructed and arranged to pull a length of strip intermittently from a source of supply, such as a roll or reel, under substantial tension, the length of strip pulled from the reel each time being controlled by the' length of the preceding feeding movement of the strip. Means is also provided to stop the machine automatically if for any reason the pull-off mechanism is unable to pull the strip from its reel, if, for example, the tension on the strip becomes so great that there is danger of tearing or Vbreaking the strip or damaging the machine by continued operation of the mechanism.

The reels forming the source of supply are rotatably arranged adjacent to the pull-off mechanism. In order to prevent undue delays or stoppages in the operation ofthe machine, it is de- Sirable, once the strips have been yproperly inserted or 'threaded through the various operating mechanisms of the machine, to prevent the strips from running out of these mechanisms and thus making it necessary to thread new strips through the e machine. Accordingly, means is provided at the source of supply for stopping the' machine before the strip on the reel or reels becomes completely used up, this means, as herein illustrated, being constructed and arranged to stop the machine automatically when ther stripV on either reel has diminished to leave only a predetermined amount as determined, for example, by the operator when setting up or adjusting the machine. A fresh roll of strip can then be yquickly attached to the remaining portion of the first roll, for example, by splicing to permit the new strip to be threaded into the operating mechanisms of the machine by the feeding mechanism in the rnormal operation of the machine. the work due to the necessity of threading new strips through the machine are avoided.

In accordance with still another feature, the illustrated machine is provided with means for automatically winding" the composite strip upon a reelafter the strip has been completed. As herein'illustrated, the winding means includes a reel and power-operated mechanism for rotating the reel to wind the strip automatically thereon, said mechanism being constructed and arranged to rotate the reel under sufficient ten- Sion to Wind the strip thereon irrespective of the increase in size or diameter of the reel as the windings thereon multiply. Besides winding-the strip on the reel, the winding mechanism is arranged to distribute the strip automatically over the reel in a manner to position the strip substantially evenly across the width of the reel. In addition, the Winding mechanism is provided with further means for stopping the machine In this way, delays or stoppages inv automatically when the reel is full or, if preferred, when the windings upon the reel reach a predetermined size or diameter, this means, as herein illustrated, including a micro-switch and mechanism actuated by engagement with the strip on the reel for opening the switch and stopping the machine.

If desired, the present machine is also adapted to insert stitches in the composite ribbed strip, the stitches, as indicated above, being preferably located adjacent to the base of the rib and extending widthwise through the plies thereof. As illustrated, the stitches may be omitted, if desired, by merely disconnecting the stitching mechanism from the power-operated mechanism of the machine without affecting the operation of the rest of the machine. Moreover, means is provided, operating in conjunction with the stitching mechanism if used, for automatically stopping the machine if the thread should break, this means, as illustrated herein, including a micro-switch and mechanism controlled by the tension of the thread for opening the microswitch if the thread breaks, thereby stopping the machine. 'l

In its method aspect, the invention provides an improved method of making composite ribbed strips for insoles which includes the steps of feeding strips of indefinite length in unison in a predetermined path, folding one of the strips progressively during the feeding movement to form a two-ply layer, folding another strip progressively around the two-ply layer to cover a portion thereof and form a four-ply layer with the remaining portions of the two-ply layer and other strip projecting therefrom, and bending the remaining or projecting portions of said twoply layer and other strip laterally into substantial angles relatively to the four-ply layer to form flanges at one end thereof, the bending operation, as herein illustrated, acting to turn the two plies of the remaining portion of the twoply layer in opposite directions, thereby forming inner and outer flanges on the four-ply layer or rib, one of saidanges, the inner vflange as herein illustrated, being coveredby the remaining portion of said other layer which extends a substantial distance beyond said flange to provide a wide reinforcement for the insole.

The method further includes the step of temporarily compressing or flattening the composite strip to cause the rib to be inclined inwardly towardrthe inner flange in the finished strip, thereby permitting the strip to be readily wound upon a reel. It further contemplates inserting stitches through the ribbed strip, if desired, although the stitches may be omitted Without weakening or otherwise affecting the strip since coatings of pressure-responsive cement on the strips insure that the composite strip will be strongly constructed. In addition, the present method includes the step of supplying the precoated strips under relatively light tension for use in forming the composite strip, and for supplying the strips in suflicient lengths to carry out the methodv irrespective of the speed at which the strips are fed. Moreover, as a final step, the method includes the operation of winding the composite strip automatically upon a reel, the Winding being performed in such a manner that the strip will be wound upon the reelunder sufficient tension to hold the strip yproperly on the -reel whether the reel is empty or nearly full, and also in a manner which insures thatthe completed strip will be distributed substantially evenly across the width of the reel. l l

With the above and other features and aspects in' view, the invention will now be described in detail in connection with the accompanying drawings and will thereafter be pointed out in ythe claims. In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of the strip supplying reels and pull-off mechanism of the present machine; f l

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of a 'portion of the pull-off mechanism in an operated position;

Fig. 3 is a plan View of the pull-olf mechanism with the forward reel removed;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of the pull-off mechanism located below that shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan View of the reels shown in Fig. l;

Fig. 6 is a front elevation of the mechanism for making the composite ribbed strip, including means for inserting stitches through the strip;

V'Fig. 7 is` a transverse section on an enlarged scale taken on the line VII--VII of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged side elevation of the rolls shown in Fig. 6 for shaping and feeding the ribbed strip, the rolls ybeing shown as viewed from Athe right in Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a side elevation, similar to Fig. 8, of

rolls for compressing and attening the ribbed 2 strip to adapt it for winding upon a reel;

Fig. 10 is a rear elevational View of the portion of the machine illustrated in Fig. 6;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary end view of means for folding the upper strip as the strips enter the machine;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the folding means shown in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a'plan view of the portion of the machine'illustrated in Figs. 6 and l0 with the upper part of the stitching mechanism removed;

Fig. 14v is a fragmentary plan view of the upper portion of the stitching mechanism;

Fig. 15 is a side elevation of the ribbed strip forming or shaping rolls and means for operating said rolls;

Fig. 16 is a front elevation, partly diagrammatic, of mechanism for driving the present machine, including a clutch and treadle mechanism;

Fig. 17 is a side elevation of the clutch and treadle mechanism as viewed from the right in Fig. '16;

vFig. 18 is a fragmentary plan View, on an enlarged scale, of a. portion of the strip guiding, folding and pressing mechanisms illustrated in Figs. 6'and 13;

Fig. 19 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line XIX-XIX of Fig. 18;

- Fig. 20 is a transverse section, on a further enlarged scale, taken on the line XX-XX of Fig. 18; Fig. 21 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line KIQ-XXI of Fig. 18;

Fig. 212V is a transverse section similar to Fig. 21 taken on the line XXH-XXII of Fig. 18;

, Fig. 23 is an enlarged side elevation of a portion of the stitching mechanism shown in Fig. 6, as

. viewed from the right in that gure;

FigQZl is a plan view of the portion of the strip making mechanism located between the rst pressing roll and the strip forming rolls illustrated in Figs. 6 and 13;

Fig. 25 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken on the line XXV- XXV of Fig. 2.4;

' Fig. 26 is an enlarged transverse sectional View taken on the line XXVI-XXVI-of Fig. 24;

v'Fig'. 27 is a transverse section similarto Fig. 26 taken on the line XXVII-XXVII of Fig. 24';

f Fig. 28 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line XXVIII- XXVIII of Fig. 24;

Fig. 29 is an enlarged vertical' section through cooperating portions of the strip shaping and feeding rolls;

Fig. 30 is a sectional viewsimilar to Fig. 29 taken through the strip compressing rolls;

Fig. 31 is a transverse sectional view of the completed ribbed strip attached to the margin of an insole;

Fig.v 32 is a sectional View, similar to Fig. 31, showing the ribbed strip formed without the stitches;

Fig. 33 is a plan view of strip winding mechanism in the present machine with an intermediate portion of the strip receiving spool or reel broken out;

. Fig. 34 is a fragmentary front elevation of an upper portion of the winding mechanism;

Fig. 35 is a. side elevation of the winding mechanism and means for actuating it, as viewed from the left in Fig. 32, portions of the mechanism being broken away or shown in section; and

Fig. 36 is a fragmentary detail View of means on the winding mechanism for automatically stopping the mechanism when the reel is full.

The illustrated machine for making ribbed strips for attachment to welt insoles is adapted to operate upon a pair of relatively narrow strips A and B of indefinite length compos-edof textile or fabric material, such as canvas or Gem duck, the strips being preferably delivered in unison to the operating instrumentalities of the machine under relatively light tension and in superimposed relation to each other from a source of supply such as illustrated in Fig. 1.y The strips A and B are preferably supplied to the operating instrumentalities from rolls 40, 42 of the strips wound respectively on ber vspools or reels 44, 46 carried by filler rolls 41 rotatably mounted by annular slot and screw arrangements on a shaft 48 secured in the upper end of a standard 50 on a bracket 52 fastenedto a base 54 which supports the machine. In order to prevent the reels 44, 46 from turning loosely on the shaft 48, compression springs 56 are interposed between the reels and collars `53, 6D secured respectively to the opposite ends of the shaft by thumb-screws l62, thereby creating enough friction to prevent upwardly toward the strip A, as viewed in Fig. 1.

The cement utilized in making the composite ribbed strip of the present invention is-preferably neoprene cement although it could be latex or other pressure-responsive cement comprising synthetic materials which will not cause adhesion between two surfaces unless both areV coated with the cement in which case a substantially permanent bond will be obtained upon the application of suflicient pressure.

In accordance with the present invention, the strips A and B are supplied fromrthe rolls 40, 42 to the strip forming mechanisms of the machine un-der Arelatively light tension and are fed progressively through the machine during the strip forming operations. Since the lower strip B is coated with pressure-responsive cementon'fits .most position.

upper' 'surface-foray;thewindings of the ystrip forming the roll 42 on the reel 46 are not stuck ,firmly together and the strip may be unwound from its roll by a fairly light pull sufficient merely to overcome the tension of the spring 56. Consequently, the lower strip B may be ,pulled directly from its roll and advanced through the machine by the strip feeding mechanism of the machine Aas will be explained hereinafter. The upper strip A, however, having pressure-responsive lcementl :on both surfaces, thereof, may have its windings stuck together by a fairly lstrong bond so that, in some cases at least, considerable force may be required to pull the strip from its roll. Accordingly, the strip A is unreeled or pulled from its roll by pull-off mechanism form- .ing a part of the machine and adapted to provide a sufficient length of strip under relatively light tension to supply the strip feeding mechanism irres-pective of the rate of feed of said feeding mechanism.

The pull-off mechanism of 'the machine, as illustrated in Figs. l to 4, inclusive, comprises a bracket 64 mounted on the base 54 and provided with an upstanding plate 68 upon the forward surface of which is rotatably mounted on stud screws a pairof spaced rolls 68 and 10, the rolls having peripheral flanges for holding the strip .thereon and being arranged in substantially parallel relation. Located forwardly -of the plate 66, above and approximately centrally of the spaced rolls 68 and l0, is an eccentric or crank in the 4form of a roll 12 rotatable about a pin 13 mounted eccentricallv on the forward 'end of a shaft 14, the shaft having bearings in the plate l66 and in an upstanding projection T6 (Fig. 3) on the bracket V64 and being held against axial movement in the bearings by collars 'I8 `and `80 pinned to the shaft. At its rearward -end the shaft 14 has a pulley 82 pinned thereon and connected by a belt 84 to the power driving mechanism of the machine, as will be later explained,

`to rotate the shaft 14 in va counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig.. l, and thereby cause the crank 12 intermittently to engage 'the length Iof the strip A which extends across the parallel rolls 68 and 'I0 in a relatively straight condition, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the crank depressing the :strip upon each revolution and pulling a predetermined amount -of the strip A from its roll 40 len the reel 44. If, during the normal operation-of the machine, the feeding mechanism uses up the full amount 'of Yexcess strip pulled from the roll 40 by the crank 12, the strip vextending between the spaced rolls will be returned each Y time to the `straight position illustrated in Fig. l.

If, however, the .feeding mechanism does not .use `up the full amount of strip pulled from the roll,

. the length of strip extending between the spaced rolls 68, 'I0 will .not be returned to a straight or taut position and, on its next rotation, the crank will merely pull @if an additional amount of strip sufcient to -permit vthe kcrank to assume 'its lower- 4In other werds, the arrangement is such that the pull-off mechanism will pull a length of strip A .from -itsroll which is controlled by the length of the previous feeding movement of the strip through the machine, the full throw of the crank, of course, being great enough to provide sufficient excess strip to supply the feeding mechanismcontinuously even though the latter is operating at a highspeed.

Tn vorder to prevent reverse Yor rectrograde movement of the lstrip fdue to backlash Ain the mechanism vor torebounding ofthe roll 40 under the tension created by the double-coated strip A, the pull-off mechanism is provided with means in the form of pawls which prevent any .reverse movement ofl the strip A after it has once been pulled from the roll. As shown in Figs. l and 2, the vstrip A passes downwardly from its roll through a guide and around an idler'roll 86 rotatably mounted on a screw in the plate 66 and then Ipasses forwardly or toward the left -over the spaced rolls 68 and 10. From the roll I0 the strip A travels downwardly over another roll 88 which, under normal conditions, operates `as a fixed idler roll but is rotatable on a pin 9| Amounted in the forward end of an arm or lever 90 pivoted on a pin 92 in the plate 66 for a purpose that will be presently explained. `The -strip then passes upwardly over another idler roll 84 rotatable on a pin 96 mounted in the upper end of a bracket 98 fastened to the base 54 by screws |00., the stri-p thereafter moving forwardly or toward the left, yas viewed in Figs. 1 and 3, into the ribbed strip forming instrumentalities of the machine.

Pivoted -on the plate 68, below the roll 86, on a pin |82 is an vupwardly extending pawl l|04 (Figs. 1 and 2) which is urged ltoward the right about its pivot by a tension spring I|06 extending between the pawl and a pin |08 on an upstanding arm |I0 provided on the bracket 52. The pawl |013 engages the strip A 4under the idler roll 86 and grips the strip to Iprevent any reverse movement thereof while permitting the strip to pass freely around the roll duri-ng the normal feeding movement of the strip toward `'the left, as viewed in Fig. l. The pawl |04, as illustrated, is maintained constantly in `engagement `with the strip by the spring |06.

Pivoted on .a yscrew I2, vabove the spaced roll '10, is another pawl II4, the lower end Aof which engages the strip A as it passes over the roll 10, the pawl being arranged -to grip the strip yand prevent retrograde movement thereof but permitting free passage of the .strip around the roll in the direction of the feed-ing movement of the strip. The pawl II-4 is urged into engagement with a strip by a spring v| I6 extending between 'the pawl and a pin I I6 on the'plate 66. Pivoted beside the pawl |.fI=4 on a screw `|20 is a lever I22,^the lower .portion of which is Vheld against a cam |23 formed -on the shaft |4 just rearwardly of the crank T62, the 'lever being maintained against the cam I23 by a spring |24 extend-ing between the lever and a pin |28 on the plate 66. A screw .|28 threaded through the pawl I t4 aengages the il-ever |22, the screw being positioned so that the y'lower `end of the vpawl will normally be located in o p- 4crank l2 4is engaging the straight length ofstrip stretching between the spaced rolls 68, 'l0 and is pulling a new length `of strip from the roll 40. As soon as the pulled-olf vstrip has vreached the position shown in Fig. 2, the pawl I I4 is vmoved away from Ithe strip `by the :cani |23 so .that lthe pulled-off length of strip 4is free 'to pass over the yroll T0 :and ytoward the operating :mechanisms of the machine under the action of the feeding .mechanism substantially lfree of tension, vor at least :under only such relatively :light tension as may be caused by friction as the strip passes over the rolls 10, 88 and 94. In this way, the doublecoated upper strip A is supplied to the feeding mechanism of the machine under relatively light tension. It will be seen from the foregoing that the lower pawl |04 is in constant engagement with the strip A while the pawl ||4 is in engage-` ment with the strip intermittently. Consequently, the tension on the strip will be varied rather than uniform from the time the strip leaves the supply roll 40 until it enters the ribbed strip forming mechanisms of the machine.

The single-coated lower strip B, as indicated above, is pulled directly from its roll 42 on the reel 46 by the feeding mechanism of the machine, the strip being under very little tension because the windings of the strip are not stuck together on the roll like those of the double-coated strip A. The strip B, with its cemented surface facing inwardly on its roll or upwardly toward the strip A, passes downwardly from the roll around a flanged roll rotatably mounted on a screw |32 (Figs. 3 and 4) threaded into the inner side of the plate 66. It then passes forwardly or toward the left, as viewed in Figs. 1 and 3, under the shaft 14 and through an upstanding guide |34 secured to the base 54 and provided with a vertical slot |36 which twists the strip into a substantially vertical or edgewise position to clear the plate 66, as illustrated in Fig. 3, and guides the strip to the forming mechanism with its cemented surface still facing upwardly toward the upper strip A. The strips A and B are thus supplied to the strip forming mechanism of the machine from the reels 44, 46 in unison and in superimposed relation to each other with the coated surface of the lower strip B facing upwardly toward the double-coated strip A, the feeding mechanism thereafter drawing the strips progressively through the operating instrumentalities of the machine.

Referring to Figs. 16 and 1'1, the power mechanism of the machine which drives the pulley 82 and shaft 14, above referred to, and also drives the ribbed strip forming mechanisms including the feeding mechanism, is illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 16 as comprising a motor |38 mounted on the floor or on a lower portion of the machine and rotating a shaft |40 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in that gure, the shaft |40 having a pulley |4| thereon connected by the belt 84 to the pulley 82 (Fig. 3) and carrying a second pulley |43 which is connected by a belt |42 to a wheel and pulley |44 rotating continuously on a shaft |46. When it is desired to Voperate the power mechanism of the machine the shaft |46 is operatively connected to the pulley |44 by a friction clutch and brake mechanism |48 of any well-known construction supported under the base 54 by a bracket |49, as illustrated in Figs. 16 and '17, the clutch |48 being actuated by a treadle |50 connected by a rod |52 to an operating arm |53 projecting rearwardly from the clutch. v

The shaft |46 has a grooved collar |54 threaded on its inner end which, together with a washer and nut |55 on its forward end, prevents axial movement of the shaft in the bracket |49. The shaft |46 also carries a three-speed pulley |56 which, through a belt |58 and a pulley and drive wheel |60 (Figs. 13 and 16), rotates the main driving shaft |62 of the strip forming mechanism of the machine in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 16. The driving shaft |62, as illustrated in Fig. 13, has another pulley l| 64 se- 10 cured to its rearward end which, through a belt |66 and a pulley |68 (Figsl and 33) drives a strip winding or reeling mechanism provided on the present machine which will be described hereinafter. The treadle |50 is fulcrumed on a pin |10 mounted in a bracket |12 secured to the base of the machine, the treadle being provided with a rearwardly extending lip |14 which is arranged to catch under a latch |16 when the treadle is depressed to lock the treadle in a depressed position and thus cause the machine to operate continuously until the latch is released by the operator. As illustrated in Fig. 17, the latch |16 is pvoted on a pin |18 mounted in a bracket and is urged forwardly toward the treadle by a spring |82 extending between the latch and the bracket |12.

The pull-off mechanism illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, operates continuously as long as the power is turned on whereas theother operating mechanisms yof the machine operate only when the treadle |50 is depressed and latched down as described above. Moreover, the constantly operatingpull-off mechanism is not timed or synchronized with the operation of the rest of the'machine because by the present arrangement that is not necessary.

It is desirable to prevent damaging the strips or breakage in the machine if, for example, eX- cessive tension of the strips upon leaving their rolls should cause any of the mechanisms to become jammedor locked while the pull-off mechanism continues to operate. Means is provided, therefore, for automatically stopping the machine if the adhesion between the windings of the double-coated strip A, as it is pulled from its roll 40 should be great enough to cause sufficient tension to tear the strip or prevent it from being pulled from its roll by the crank 12. The flanged roll 88 on the lever 90previously referred to normally acts as an idler roll over which the strip A passes-on its way to the forming mechanism. The lever is normally held in a downwardly inclined position against a stop pin |84 by a torsion spring |86 (Figs. 2 and 4) -surrounding the pivot 92 and connected at one end to a screw |88 securing a collar |89to the pivot 92, the opposite end of the spring bearing downwardly against a pin |90 in the lever 90. The spring |86 exerts a downward force on the lever 90 such that a medium tension on the strip A will not move the lever upwardly away from its stop |84 and the roll 88 will then act merely as an idler roll. However, if the tension of thedouble-coated strip becomes greater than the resistance of the spring |86, it may then be suhicient to tear or breakthe strip orto cause-jamming of the strip forming mechanism and, accordingly, the lever 90 will be elevated away from the stop |84 by reason of the fact that the feeding mechanism has already used up the excessstrip provided by the pull-off mechanism on its previous rotation so that, when the crank 12 rotates again into engagement with the strip extending between the rolls 68 and 10, the strip will be substantially straight or taut, as shown in Fig. '1. Since the strip A cannot be pulled from its reel because of the adhesion, continued operation of the feeding mechanism of the machine, in conjunction with the continued rotation of the crank, shortens the length of strip passing from the roll 10 downwardly around the roll 88 and up to the guide roll 94, thereby elevating the lever v90. Upward movement ofthe lever causes a collar 89 located on the pinl9| forwardly of the roll 88 to engage the left-hand end of an elongated horizontal lever |92 fulcrumed at |94 on an upstanding bracket |96 secured to the bracket 64. The elongated lever |92 is normally maintained with its lefthand end downwardly against the bracket 64, as illustrated in Fig. 1, by a tension spring |98. The opposite end of the lever |92 has a laterally and downwardly projecting arm 200 which, when the forward end of the lever is elevated by the lever 90 as described, engages a micro-switch 202 in a housing 204 mounted on the bracket 52 and shuts off the electric current to the motor |38, thereby stopping the machine automatically to prevent damage to the strip or machine. The micro-switch 202 is connected in a usual manner by wires 205 to a push button circuit which, in turn, operates a control box (not shown) preferably mounted on the rear portion of the base 54.

It is also desirable in the present machine, in order to increase production, to prevent delays or stoppages in the Work. To this end, means is provided for automatically stopping the power driven mechanism of the machine before either of the rolls 40, 42 of the strips A and B on the reels 44, 46 have been completely used up so that it will not be necessary when introducing new rolls into the machine to thread the two strips individually through the successive operating mechanisms, a process which requires considerable time and skill on the part of the operator. The means for automatically stopping the power mechanism before the strips on the rolls 40, 42 4are used up comprises a pair of levers 208, 208 (Figs. 1 and 5) pivoted respectively on screws 2| 0, 2|2 threaded into bosses formed on opposite sides of the standard 50, the levers having enlarged flat surfaces at their upper ends adapted to engage the adjacent sides of the rolls 40 and 42 at points near the centers of the rolls.

The lever 208 is maintained against the forward side of the inner roll 42 by a light tension spring 2|4 (Fig. 1) connected to the lower arm of the lever and to the housing 204 of the microswitch 202. The lever 206 is maintained in engagement with the inner side of the front roll 40 by a spring 2|6 which, through an intermediate offset lever 2| 8 pivoted to the standard 50 by a screw 220, urges the upper end of the lever 206 forwardly against the front roll 40 through the engagement of a pin 222 in the lever 206 with a slot in the upper end of the lever 2 |8. When the strip on either of the rolls 40 or 42 has been used up to a point such that the windings of the roll fall below the flat surface on the corresponding lever 206 or 208, the lever drops off the roll and its lower end opens the micro-switch 202 and shuts off the electric power, thereby stopping the motor |38 and driving mechanism of the machine. Consequently the machine is stopped automatically without attention on the part of the operator when either of the rolls of strip material 40, 42 becomes small enough in diameter to warrant the introduction of a new roll into the machine or, in other words, before either strip is completely used up so that a new roll can be spliced or otherwise attached to the remainder of the strip on the old roll and fed into the machine during its usual operation, thereby obviating the necessity of threading the new strip manually through the various operating mechanisms of the machine.

The strips A and B pass respectively from the roll 94 and guide |34 into the ribbed strip forming mechanisms of the machine in superimposed relation to each other and at an equal rate of speed under the action of the feeding mechanism as stated above, the double-coated strip A being located above the single coated strip B and the cemented surface of the single coated strip facing upwardly toward the double-coated strip. The strip A enters a folding member 224 illustrated in Figs. 6, 10, 11 and 12, in which the strip is folded progressively upon itself during its feeding movement to form a two-ply layer C (Figs. 19 and 20) The folding member 224 is mounted on a bracket 228'secured by screws to a table 228 having a cover plate 229 secured thereto, the table supporting the ribbed strip forming instrumentalities of the machine, as illustrated in Fig. 6, and being mounted on upstanding walls 230 secured to a base member 232 fastened by screws to the machine base 54. The folding member comprises a vertical plate 224 provided on its inner or rearward side, as viewed in Fig. 13, with spaced U-shaped wires or staples 234, 236 and 238, the staples being secured in the plate by binding screws 240 and diminishing progressively in size from the staple 234 to the staple 238, as illustrated in Fig. 12. The plate 224 is also provided with a lateral projection or rib 242 (Figs. 11 and 12) located centrally of the openings in the staples and tapering to a relatively thin end adjacent to the smallest staple 238. The strip A is threaded through the staples, as shown in Fig. 12, which, in conjunction with the rib 242, folds the strip progressively during the feeding movement to cause it to emerge from the smallest staple 238 in a folded over position forming a two-ply layer C. As illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12, the plate 224 is cut back at its lower portion to form a step or shoulder 243 which permits the edge of the lower layer of the folded strip to extend beyond the other edge a distance of approximately one-sixteenth of an inch.

The lower strip B enters a slot or guideway 244 (Figs. 18 and 19) formed in the table 228 with the plate 229 overhanging its opposite sides, the strip entering the guideway in a substantially flat position and traveling forwardly or toward the left, as viewed in Fig. 6, below the folded strip A under the action of the feeding mechanism. Upon leaving the folding member 224, the strip A passes into a guideway 248 (Fig. 19) formed by a plate 248 adjustably secured by screws 250 to the cover plate 229, as best shown in Figs. 13, 18 and 19. Adjustably mounted upon the plate 248 by screws 252 is a bracket 254 provided with upstanding ears between which is pivotally mounted on a pin 256 an arm 258 carrying at its left-hand end, as viewed in Figs. 6 and 13, a roll 260 rotatable about a pin 262. At its opposite end the arm 258 carries an adjustable thumb screw 264 which engages theplate 248 for regulating the pressure applied by the roll 260.

Between the bracket 254 and the roll 260 is another bracket 266 having upstanding ears between which is pivoted, on a pin 268 (Figs. 6 and 18), a lever 210 carrying a roll 212 at its rearward end, as viewed in Figs. 13, 18 and 20, the roll 212 being rotatable about a screw 214 threaded into the end of the lever. The lever 210 carries a thumb screw 216 at its opposite end which er1- gages the bracket 266 for regulating the pressure applied by the roll 212. As shown in Fig. 20, the roll 212 is arranged to engage the inner portion of the two-ply layer C of the double-coated strip A after the latter has been folded and to apply pressure to said inner portion as it passes through 5 the guideway 246. Since the strip A is coated on 13 both surfaces with pressure-responsive cement, theE inner portion of the two-ply layer C, which receives pressure from the roll 212, will become firmly bonded together at this stage of the method whereas thel remaining portion of the two-ply layer, or left-hand portion as viewed in Fig. 20, will not be bonded together and may be readily separated up to the portion which receives pressure from the roll 212.

After the strips A and B have been acted upon by the roll 212,v but before they are engaged by the roll 288, they pass under a folding member 218 adjustably secured to the table 228 by a slot and screw arrangement 219 and adapted to operate upon the lower strip B, as best illustrated in Figs. 18, 20 and 2,1, by engaging the inner edge of the strip B, as the strips move along their predetermined path, and turning the inner portion of the strip progressively upwlardly into the positions illustrated successively in Figs. 20 and 21, the folder 218 then bending said inner portion downwardly around the twoply layer C into the position shown in Fig. 22 to cover and enclose a portion of the layer C, thereby forming a four-ply layer D. The folding member 218 is shaped as illustrated in Figs. 18,

and 20 to 22, inclusive, and is provided with 4a l pair of projections or fingers 288, 28| which extend over the guideway 244 and are shaped to accomplish the folding operation in the manner described during the progressive movement of the strips through the machine under the action o f the feeding mechanism. The folder 218 is adjustable laterally of the guideway 244 so that it can be positioned to fold the inner portion of the lower strip B in a manner to leave a portion of the two-ply layer C extending beyond the folded portion of the strip B, for example, one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch. Accordingly, when the strips reach the roll 260, the four-ply layer D has been formed, as illustrated in Fig. 22, except for being positively bonded together to l'nold the strips permanently in their folded position. The roll 288, in addition to applying pressure progressively to the four-ply layer D to bond the cemented plies thereof permanently together, operates also to kassist in maintaining the bonded strips in the guideway 244. The roll 288 has a knurled forward portion 283 adapted to apply relatively heavy pressure to the folded margins of the strips and a slightly beveled but smooth inner portion adapted to apply some pressure to the portion of the folded strips adjacent to the bend therein -but vprimarily to guide the strips in the guideway 244, this result being further facilitated by the folding finger 28| (Figs. 18 and 22) `which extends beyond the axis of the roll 28o and likewise tends to confine the strips in the guideway 244. The knurled portion 283 of the roll 268 causes it tobe rotated by friction alone as the strips pass thereunder. j

It should be pointed out that, although `the lower strip B is'shown in Figs. 22 and 25 as being folded rather tightly around the two-ply layer C or in such a manner that the layer C completely fills the fold in the strip B, the strip B could, if desired, be folded more loosely around the two-ply layer C so that the latter would not completely l'ill the fold in the strip B but would leave a space or opening between the folded end of the layer C and the adjacent endof the strip B, this result being readily obtainable by lateral adjustment of the folding member 218 relatively to the guidway 244. Such a construction facili- 514 tates the formation of Yav crimp or indentation along the upper portion of the rib during subsequent operations on the composite strip; as

will appear hereinafter, this crimp lproducing 'a relatively narrow edge along the upper portion of the rib rather than a thick or rounded edge, the narrow edge being more advantageous for some kinds of work.

'I'he combined strips leave the roll 280 and pass forwardly until the four-ply portion D enters a continuation of the guideway 244 in the table 228, the guideway having now been'reduced in width at its inner portion by a plate 282 secured to the table 228 by screws 284, as shown in Figs. 13, 24 and 25.l Secured to the plate 282 by screws 285 is another plate 286 shaped in plan View, as shown in Figs. 13 and 24, so that its front edge curves forwardly to overlie the reduced guideway 244, as illustrated in Fig. 25, and then swings rearwardly again to clear the guideway. The'plate 286 is provided with a hole 288 which registers with a hole in the table 228 through which a vneedle 298 of stitching mechanism (presently to be described) may operate to insert a row of stitches through the four-ply layer D to secure the plies permanently together along a line preferably spaced a short distance from the left-hand end of the four-ply layer, as viewed in Fig. 25, the plate 286 serving the same purpose as apresser foot in a conventional sewing machine. The guideway 244 is covered at its forward side by a plate 232 (Fig. 13) secured to the table by screws 294 and overlapping the gu-ideway, as sho-wn in Fig. A18 and Figs. 20 to 22, inclusive, to confine the strips as they move progressively through the machine.

Located substantially opposite the needle hole 288 in the plate 288 is a plow 296 adjustably secured to the `plate 292 by'a screw 298 and having `an inner portion 30B which overlies the guideway 244, as illustrated in Figs. 24 and 25, the portion 388 tapering to a relatively thin edge atvits lower end, as viewed in Fig. 24, and being arranged to pass under the forward portion of the upper ply of the two-plylayer C and to bend this portion upwardly substantially at 4right angles to the remaining portions of the strips, as illustrated in Fig. 25, as the strips move progressively along their path, the upturned portion of the two-ply layerC being indicated in Fig. 25 by the letter E and reachingits upstanding position substantially opposite the needle hole 288.

The stitching mechanism of the machine is illustrated in Figs. 6, 10, 14, 23 land 25. The driving shaft |62 has a crank formed on its forward end (Fig. 23), the crank being indicated by the numeral 3DG and being balanced by discs 302 and 384 integral with the shaft |82, the latter, forwardly of thedisc 382, being concentric with its rear portion. A connecting rod 3H) is connected tothe crank pin 386 by a bearing cap 388 secured in place by a pair of screws 3|2. The connecting rod 3|0 is located within a housing 3|4 projecting upwardly from the plate 282 and having a pair of bosses.3|6, 3|8 (Fig. 23) in its forward portion in which is mounted for heightwise reciprocating movement a needle bar B20-having a yneedle 290 securedin its lower end by a screw The connecting yrod, 3H)` is connectedto the needle bar 328 in a conventional manner by a split collarv 324 and screw 326, the collar carrying a pin 328 which extends through the `upper end of the connecting rod which, in turn, is' held on` the pin by a washer and screw 3311-. Rotation of the shaft 102 in a counter-Clockwise direction. as viewed in Fig. 6, reciprocates the needle bar 320 and needle 290 to insert a single row of stitches S, preferably chain stitches, through the four-ply layer D a short distance from the upturned layer E, as illustrated in Figs. 23 and 25, the needle cooperating in the usual manner with a looper 325 secured to the forward end of the shaft 162 by a set screw 321. The thread, indicated in the drawings by the letter T, may, if desired, be of a color which contrasts with that of the strips, for example, black thread against white' or gray strip material, so that the stitches `will be plainly visible in the completed strip and will serve as a guide for the operator when lasting or welting the shoe, the inseam in the welting operation, for example, being located below the line of stitches in the strip and thereby insuring that the inseam will be positioned low enough on the rib to insure a tight welting operation.

The thread T may be supplied from any usual source of supply, such as a spool (not shown) and, as illustrated in Fig. 10, may be conducted to the stitching mechanism by a guide rod 323 fastened to the base 54, the thread passing through a conventional tensioning device 331v on the housing 314 in the usual manner and then passing through othel` guiding members presently to be described forwardly and downwardly to the needle 290 and looper 325, as shown in Figs. 6 and 23, the thread being lubricated by felt pads 332 clamped to the front wall of the housing 314. Fig. 26 shows the combined strips A and B after the row of stitches S has been inserted through the four-ply layer D adjacent to the open end thereof from which the two-ply layer C projects, the upper ply E of said two-ply layer, as stated above, having been turned upwardly out of the plane of said layer to position it at a substantial angle thereto, as illustrated in Figs. and 26.

-The stitching mechanism, as herein illustrated,

inserts a row of chain stitches, the loop of which is located at the lower surface of the four-ply layer D, as viewed in Fig. 25, which surface, in the completed ribbed strip, forms the inner side of the multi-ply rib.

It will be apparent from the foregoing, that the stitching mechanism, as illustrated herein, does not feed or assist in feeding the work through the machine, as is usual in sewing m'achines, because the needle 230 reciprocates in a vertical direction only with no sidewise or lateral movement for feeding the work. In view of this, the strips must remain stationary while the needle is in the work and the feeding movement can take place only when the needle is removed from the work. The construction and operation of the feeding mechanism and its synchronization with the operation of the stitching mechanism' will be described hereinafter. As illustrated in Figs. 6, 23 and 25, the plate 282 which supports the housing 314, carries a guard or shield 334 which extends upwardly in front of the connecting rod 310 and shields the opening between the table 228 and the front wall of the housing 314. The driving shaft 162 normally runs at a reasonable speed, for example, about 1500 to 1700 revolutions per minute although the speed of the shaft can be increased, if desired, up to 3000 R. P. M. without damage to the moving parts.

It is desirable to have the operating mechanisms of the machine, including the stitching mechanism, cease operating if the thread should break. To this end, means is provided for automatically stopping the machine if the thread breaks, this means being controlled by the tension of the thread T. VMounted on the upper portion of the housing 314 is a bracket 336 (Figs. 6 and 10) having adjustably secured thereto by screws 338 an upstanding bracket 340 carrying on its upper end a box containing a micro-switch 342. The thread T passes upwardly from the tensioning device 33|, through an upstanding thread guide and controlling member 344 iastened to the housing 314, the member 344 being provided with a leaf spring 345 secured to its lower portion by a screw 341 for controlling the thread. The thread passes downwardly from the member 344 through a thread guide 335 (Fig. 14) and an eye 346 formed on the front of the housing 314 and continues downwardly through the felt pads 332 to the needle 290. The upper end of the needle bar 320 has a horizontal take-up plate 348 secured thereto by a screw 350 and carrying a headed pin 352 which supports a torsion spring 354, one end of which projects toward the left, as viewed in Figs. 6 and 14, into a position just behind the micro-switch 342. The thread T, as shown in Figs. 14 and 23, passes over the take-up plate 348 and the projecting end of the lspring 354 as it passes downwardly to the needle.

The micro-switch 342 is provided with a switch lever 35E (Fig. 10) in the form of a leaf spring which tends normally to snap rearwardly, as viewed in Fig. 14, to open the micro-switch and shut off the electric current, thereby stopping the motor 138 through a wire connection 358 extending between the micro-switch and the control box referred to. Pivoted on the micro-switch is a small latch 350 (Figs. 10 and 14) which extends rearwardly and normally engages the leaf spring 356 and holds it forwardly, as viewed in Fig. 14, to prevent the spring from opening the microswitch. When the needle bar is in its lowermost position, the thread T passes loosely over the projecting end of the torsion spring 354, so that the torsion spring is located in a more forward position than is shown in Fig. 14, or so that the left-hand end of the spring is positioned directly below the latch 360. As the needle bar moves upwardly with the thread extending over the takeup member 348, the thread becomes tensioned to pull the stitch tight in the Work, This upward movement of the needle bar and take-up means 348 nally, near the upper end of each stroke, tightens the thread passing over the projecting portion of the torsion spring 354 and pulls the spring rearwardly, as viewed in Fig. 14, to move it out of the path of the latch 360. Consequently, the latch 360 is not lifted to release the leafspring switch 35,6 to open the micro-switch and stop the machine during its normal operation or when the thread is not broken. If, however, the thread should break, elevation of the needle bar and take-up means 348 will not tighten the thread as described above so that the end of the torsion spring 354 will not be moved rearwardly out of the path of the latch 360. Consequently, the spring 354 will strike the latch and lift it away from the leaf-spring switch 356, thereby permitting the latter to snap rearwardly against a stop 362 on the housing of the micro-switch 342 and shut oitv the power to stop the machine through the connections to the control box referred to above. Since the power-operated mechanisms of the machine, as illustrated in Fig. 16, are all driven from the single motor |38, opening 'of theA micro-switch 342 will stop all the operating mech' anisms of the machine simultaneously. The micro-,switches 202 (Fig. l) and 342, and other micro-,switches to be described hereinafter, are all -located in switch boxes or housings and are Wired in series with a push button circuit (not shown) in the usual manner, the push button circuit'operating the control box above referred to which is preferably located on a rear portion of the base of the machine.

It should be pointed out that, while it may be desirable in some cases to insert the stitches S through the four-ply layer D `of the strip because some manufacturers' may prefer the stitches in order to strengthen the finished strip or to provide visible means to serve as a 'guide in the lasting or welt'ing operations, it is not necessary in order to -construct the present ribbed strip that stitches be inserted through the layer D. In' other words, the completed ribbed strip will be just as strong and lwill retain its shape just as well if the stitches S are omitted. The mechanism has been arranged, therefore, so that the stitching mechanism can be readily rendered inoperative, if desired, without effecting the operation of the other mechanisms of the machine, thereby permitting the composite strip to be made without stitches extending through the four-ply layer D. In order to render the stitching mechanism inoperative, it is necessary merely to remove the connecting rod 3H).

The combined strips A and B, folded and stitched as shown in Fig. 25, now pass progressively forwardly or to the left under the action of the feeding means and, as illustrated in Figs. 13, 24 and 26, are gradually tumed bodily as a unit so that the four-ply layer D, which forms the rib in the completed strip, extends downwardly in a substantially vertical position as shown in Fig. 28, thereby positioning the composite strip for the next operation to be performed thereon. The means for turning the strip bodily consists of a downwardly inclined surface 364 (Fig. 26) provided on the lower side of the plate or presser foot 286, the surface 364 engaging the four-ply layer D after it leaves the stitching mechanism and bendingit downwardly, as shown in Figs. 26 to 28, inclusive, into the vertical position referred to. The remaining portions of the composite strip, that is, the portions of the two-ply layer C which project beyond the fournply layer D, and the portion of the lower strip B which extends beyond said two-ply layer, are now free of the guidewa'y 244 in the table 228 because the guideway terminates a short distance to the left of the stitching mechanism, as viewed in Fig. 24, approximately in line with the plow 296. A plate 366 is adjustably secured to the table 228 by a screw 368 opposite the inclined surface 364 on the plate 286, the plate 366 extending to the end of the table 228 and both the plate and table being cut away at their inner edge portions, as shown in Figs. 26 to 28, to provide sufficient space to permit the strip to be turned approximately 90. maining portions of the composite strip, that is, the laterally extending portion E, the other ply of the two-ply layer C, and the marginal portion of the-lower strip B which extends beyond said two-ply layer, are now free of support from below and canbe turned with the four-ply layer D, said other ply of the two-ply layer C being indicated in Fig. -26 by the letter F, and the portion of the lower strip B projecting beyond this ply being indicated by the letter G. y

The reare shaped as illustrated in Figs. 8 and 29, the

the upper strip A is permitted to swing rearwardly and downwardly as the strip moves progressively along its path, this action being assisted by a" presser member or arm 312 (Figs. 24 and 28) adjustablysecured to the plate 366 by a screw 314 (Fig. 24) and having an inner portion 316 are"v ranged to overlie the turned strip and to eng'ag'e the base portion of the strip, as illustrated in Figi'v 28, the portion 316 of the arm laying the portion" E of the stripiirmly against the horizontal sur-g face 310and also'engaging the remaining por# tions F and G, which project from the rib D in opposite direction to the portion E, the projecting-f portions E and FG now forming substantial angles" relatively to the four-ply rib D.

After passing under the member 312, the' ribbed strip, hereinafter designated generally by' the letter H when referred to as a unit, travels'v progressively toward the left, as Viewed in Fig.I 6 and passes through a guide 318 (Figs. 6 vand 1) secured to the wall 230 by screws 380 and pro" vided at its upper end with a U-shaped-slot 382 f arranged to receive the rib D and guide the strip in a proper lateral position between a pair of cooperating rolls 384, 386 constructed and arf ranged to apply pressure progressively to the" composite strip to shape the rib and the later? ally extending portions E and FG and also'to" bend the portion FG into a still further inclined' position relatively to the rib D, the portions E:

and FG forming outer and 'inner flanges on the rib after they have been caused to project later-V'V ally from opposite sides of the base of the rib asv described.

The rolls 384, 386, which incidentally Aforml part of the feedingmechanism of the machine,

upper roll 384 being larger in diameter than the roll 386 so that, as the rolls are rotated at equal speeds in opposite directions in a manner to be presently explained, the upper roll 384 will exert:

y a downward wiping pressure upon the portionof the strip engaged thereby, namely, the flange FG, due to the greater surface speed of the roll"- 384 and will thereby produce a relatively sharp, bend or creaseA along the base of the rib D lce-4 tween the rib and the flange FG, as illustrated' in Fig. 29; The roll 384 has an inclined surface 388 on its periphery which is preferably knurled or roughened to create friction between it andv the strip, the lower roll 386 having a similarly Ainclined surface 380 cooperating with the sur face 388. The roll 386 is provided with an an nular slot 392 adapted to receive the rib D and' maintain it in its downwardly extending posi# ,tion as the composite strip l-I passes betweenthe.`

rolls. As stated above, the rolls form part of the feeding mechanism of the machine for drawing the strips progressively therethrough, the knurled surface 388, in conjunction with the pressure applied by the rolls, creating suicien friction to accomplish this result.

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