US3359585A - Method and apparatus for attaching shoe soles - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 26, 1967 c. K. WOODMAN 3,359,585

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ATTACHING SHOE SOLES 9 Sheets-Sheet'l Filed June 13, 1966 ATTORN EY Dec. 26, 1967 c. K. WOODMAN 3,359,585

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ATTACHING SHOE SOLES 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 13, 1966 mjOmFDO Dec. 26, 1967 c. K. WOODMAN 3,359,585

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ATTACHING SHOE SOLES Filed June 13, 1966 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG.3

Dec. 26, 1967 c. K. WOODMAN 3,359,585

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ATTACHING SHOE SOLES Filed June 13, 1966 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 v I86 I86 I89 Dec. 26, 1967 3,359,585

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ATTACHING SHOE SOLES C. K. WOOD MAN 9 Sheets-Sheet Filed June 15, 1966 Dec. 26, 1967 c. K. WOODMAN 3,

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ATTACHING SHOE SOLES 9 Sheets-Sheet .7

Filed June 13, 1966 wm V vmm OPW N 07 w NmN mom Dec. 26, 1967 c. K. WOODMAN 3,359,585

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ATTACHING SHOE SOLES Filed June 13, 1966 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Dec. 26, 1967 Filed June 13, 1966 C. K. WOODMAN METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ATTACHING SHOE SOLES XI s CONTROL TRA s A- I l L@ I w SIZING PICKERS T2 SOLE PICKUP I! E J v3 T3 SOLE DEPOSIT v4 VACUUM T4 JD RECT MAS. CLUTCH CAR CLUTCH n m LS8(CAR DOCK) C RI CEMENT ROLL ,f \E (I INNER END OF V2 TRACK I0 m RI v5 GAGES T5 m INNER END OF TIMER MOTOR TRACK QQ LQQJM3 COUNTER C LS3 BOLT :3 PAD & TOGGLE- L58 3? LAST sENsOR l ,mvs-cz V6(TOGGLE) BOLT T6 ("1 L85 L .I R3

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9 Sheets-Shet 9 United States Patent 3,359,585 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ATTACHING SHOE SOLES Charles K. Woodman, Beverly, Mass, assignor to Compo Shoe Machinery Corporation, Waltham, Mass, a corporation of Delaware Filed June 13, 1966, Ser. No. 557,175 59 Claims. (Cl. 12142) This invention relates to machines for use in the manufacture of shoes and especially to adhesively applying outsoles to the bottoms of lasted uppers.

The principal objects of the invention are to provide a machine for receiving a lasted upper and a preformed outsole at a loading station, transporting it to a gauging station where the outsole is positioned accurately on the bottom of the lasted upper, applying adhesive to the outsole, spotting the adhesive-coated outsole on the bottom of the lasted upper and then transporting the lasted upper with the outsole spotted thereon to an attaching station for permanently uniting the outsole to the bottom; to provide a machine in which the foregoing operations are carried out successively without manipulation on the part of the operator except to place a lasted upper and outsole in the machine; to provide a machine which will accommodate shoes of different size by adjustment as each shoe is placed in the machine; to provide a machine in which the alignment of the outsole with the bottom is determined prior to spotting the same on the bottom of the lasted upper; to provide a machine which does not require precise adjustments to synchronize the several operations embodied therein as the shoe moves from one station to the next; and to provide a machine which is dependable and requires a low expenditure of power for uniting the outsole to the bottom of the lasted upper. Other objects are to provide a machine which is dependable and labor saving.

As herein illustrated, the lasted upper and outsole are moved along a predetermined path from a loading station to a gauging station and at the gauging station the outsole is first positioned on the bottom of the lasted upper and then removed therefrom to a lateral position where adhesive is applied to it and finally restored to its gauging position and spotted on the bottom of the lasted upper. Following spotting the lasted upper and outsole are moved further along the path to an attaching station and attaching pressure is applied by a pressure-applying platen which is moved downwardly from above the path of movement into engagement with the outsole. The lasted upper is moved from one station to the next by a conveyor having on it carrier plates which are spaced apart a distance corresponding substantially to the distance between stations, and there is a pressure fiuid operable motor having a stroke corresponding substantially to the distance between stations for moving the carriers successively to present the carriers to the several stations. A latch stop at the gauging station brings each carrier to a stop when it reaches the station independently of the drive at a predetermined position so that a precision drive is not required. Each carrier has on it a heel and toe support and these are arranged for relative movement to enable semior automatic adjustment of their spacing for different size shoes. Locking means is provided in conjunction with the heel support comprising a pivotally mounted spindle adapted to enter the spindle hole at the heel end of the last and to be biased in a direction to press the toe of the last against the toe post. Preferably the spindle has a lefthand buttress thread which operates as the last is placed on the spindle and rotated in a counterclockwise direction to place the toe on the toe rest to pull the last down on the spindle. There are heel and toe gauges at the gauging a in the form of suction cups engageable with the outsole to pick it off the bottom, move it laterally for application of the adhesive and then return it to the gauging position. At the lateral position there is an applicator movable from a position below the tracks to a position into engagement with the outsole on the carriage, and there is means for effecting movement of the applicator to raise it into engagement with the outsole as the latter is moving from its lateral position toward the gauging position for spotting. The applicator embodies a transfer roll which is rotated at a speed such that its surface speed corresponds to the linear speed of the carriage. The adhesive-coated outsole is released from the carrier, lowered into engagement with and pressed against the bottom of the lasted upper and then the carrier moves the lasted upper with the outsole spotted thereon to the attaching station between a supporting plate below it anda pressure-applying platen above it, the latter being movable downwardly into engagement with the outsole and embodying an inflatable cushion for conforming the outsole to the bottom. Beyond the attaching station the carrier moves over the end of the conveyor and forwardly beneath the carriage to the loading station where the finished shoe is removed from the heel and toe supports.

The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

' FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the machine;

FIG. 2 is an elevation, partly in section, taken transversely of the machine at the loading station where a lasted upper with an outsole mounted thereon is mounted on heel and toe supporting means preparatory to commencement of the bottom-attaching operation;

FIG. 3 is an elevation taken transversely of the ma-- chine at the combined gauging and spotting station;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the gauges at the combined gauging and spotting station showing only the heel and toe gauging means;

FIG. 5 is an elevation, partly in section, taken transversely of the machine at the attaching station;

FIG. 6 is an elevation at the loading station showing an alternative form of shoe sizing means;

FIG. 7 is an elevation transversely of the machine at the combined gauging and spotting station showing the carriage for effecting transfer of the outsole from the gauged position to the lateral position for application of adhesive and back to the gauged position;

FIG. 8 is an end elevation of FIG. 7, as seen from the right side, showing the carriage for transferring the outsole from gauging to adhesive-applying position and back;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary elevation of the adhesive receptacle and drive for the adhesive transfer roll; and

FIG. 10 is a wiring diagram for control of the apparatus.

The machine illustrated in the foregoing figures of the drawings is designed for automatically attaching outsoles to the bottoms of lasted uppers and embodies a succession of stations located in a predetermined path, comprising a loading station 10 where the operator places a lasted upper bottom side up with an unattached outsole resting thereon on a conveyor for movement along said predetermined path, a combined gauging and spotting station 12 where an outsole is properly positioned with reference to the bottom of the lasted upper, adhesive is applied thereto and the adhesive-coated outsole is spotted on the bottom of the lasted upper, and an attaching station 14 where the spotted outsole is permanently attached to the bottom of the lasted upper. The instrumentalities of the several stations and conveyor means 16 for effecting transportation of the lasted upper relative thereto are supported, as illustrated in FIG. 1 in elevation, on a rectangular base frame 18 fabricated of beams 29 and suitable bracing.

The conveyor 16 (FIGS. 1, 3 and is comprised of a pair of conveyor chains 22 entrained about longitudinalily spaced pairs of sprockets 24 and 26 mounted on horizontally disposed shafts 28 and 30, the latter being supported in suitable bearings 32, 34 on the frame. The bearings 32 for the shaft 28 (FIG. 1) are mounted between vertically spaced, horizontally disposed confronting tracks 34 and are movable relative to the shaft 30 to enable obtaining the right degree of tension in the conveyor chains 22 by screws 36 rotatably connected at one is fixed a sprocket 38. A sprocket 40 is mounted for- I wardly of the shaft 30 on a stub shaft 41 parallel to the shaft 30 for supporting, in conjunction with the sprocket 38, a drive chain 42. Movement of the drive chain 42 will, by rotating the sprocket 38, effect movement of the conveyor chains 22. In order to obtain intermittent movement of the conveyor chains 22 through distances corresponding substantially to the distances between stations without requiring precise adjustment of the operating parts, movement of the drive chain 42 is effected by a pressure fluid operable motor M comprising a motor cylinder 44 (FIG. 1) having a rod 46 protruding from one end, the distal end 48 of which is connected to a link of the drive chain 42. The rod 46 has a stroke of predetermined length which is appreciably greater than the distance between stations and there is means at the combined gauging and spotting station 12 to intercept and stop the movement of the conveyor chains so that if there are appreciable variations in the distance between successive carriers and/or changes in the length of the carrier chains due to wear and/ or temperature variations, the motor M will provide the additional movement where needed or will absorb the additional movement when not needed without destruction of any of the parts. As illustrated, the retraction of the piston rod 46 within the motor cylinder 44 moves the lower run of the drive chain 42 toward the left, as indicated by the arrow, and the drive chain in turn rotates the sprocket 38 ina clockwise direction so as to advance the upper runs of the conveyor chains 22 from left to right. The sprocket 38 is connected to the shaft 30 by a one-way clutch 50 so that on the outward stroke of the piston rod 46, the sprocket 38 turns freely on the shaft 30 and on the inward stroke it drives the sprocket 38 and hence the shaft 30.

The conveyor chains 22 support carrier plates 52 (FIG. 2) in longitudinally spaced relation at a spacing corresponding substantially to the distance between stations. Each carrier plate 52 (FIGS. 2 and 3) is connected at its opposite ends to the conveyor chains 22, so that it is movable from a loading station at the left end of the machine through the combined gauging and spotting station 12-and from thence to the attaching station 14 along a horizontal path and following the attaching operation is moved downwardly over the far end of the conveyor chains and back along the underside to the loading station 10. To prevent the lower ,runs of the conveyor chains from sagging, each of the carrier plates has mounted diagonally thereof, that is at the leading corner of the left end and at the trailing corner of the right end, a roller 11 which projects laterally from the end for engagement with the upper side of a track 13 (FIG. 5) secured to the frame below the carrier chains.

Each carrier plate 52 (FIGS. 2 and 3) has on it a pair of spaced parallel, transversely disposed plates 54. The plates 54 are set on edge and support in transversely spaced relation heel supporting means 56 and toe supporting means 58. A hollow post 60 is mounted at the left side of the carrier plate on the upper edges of the plates 54 and has a base flange 61 secured to the plates by bolts 63. A shaft 62 is mounted in the post 60 with its upper end protruding therefrom and has at its upper end a bifurcated head 65 on which is pivotally mounted a block 64 having downwardly extending, spaced parallel flanges supported on the outwardly extending ends of a pin 67 journaled crosswise of the bifurcation. A lever arm 68 is pivotally mounted on the pin 67 between the bifurcations on the head and the block 64- and has secured to it a spindle 66 which extends upwardly through a suitable opening in the block 64 for engagement with the spindle hole in the cone at the heel end of the last. A pair of coil springs 70 are connected at one end to the lever arm 68 and at their opposite ends to pins 72 screwed into the base of the post. The springs bias the spindle 66 in a clockwise direction toward the toe supporting means 58. The shaft 62 is free to move heightwise of the post and is supported therein by a wedge 65 which extends through aligned diametrical slots 67 and 69* in the shaft and post respectively, the purpose of which will be related hereinafter. The spindle 66 may have a knurled surface to afford frictional engagement with the spindle hole. Preferably, however, the spindle 66 is provided with a left-handed buttress thread 66 which operates when the last is placed on the spindle and swung in a counterclockwise direction as it is when mounting it in position to pull the last down on the spindle. An adjustable screw 68 provides for limiting pivotal movement of the spindle.

The toe supporting means 58 comprises a pad block 74- covered with a suitable cushioning material 76 for contact with the upper, detachably mounted on the head 78 of the shaft 80, the latter being supported in a hollow post 82. The shaft 80 contains a groove 80" for receiving the inner end of a screw 84 threaded through the wall of the post which permits heightwise movement of the shaft but prevents rotation within the post. A nut 81 is threaded on the shaft and provides for adjusting its heightwise position. A latch plate 83 is secured to the post by means of the screw 84 which has a bent end 85 overlying the nut, so as to prevent the shaft 86 from slipping out of the post when the carrier is at the underside of the conveyor chains. The lower end of the post 32 is provided with a flange plate 86 having spaced parallel edges slidably engaged with confronting grooves 88 formed in the plates 54 which enables moving the post 82 toward and away from the post 60. The flange plate 86 has at its underside a rack 92 and a pair of pawls 94 are pivotally supported below the flange plate. The pawls 94 are pivotally supported so that when the tooth 96 at the end of one of the pawls is engaged with the bottom of the rack between a pair of successive teeth, the tooth at the end of the other pawl rests on the apex of the preceding or succeeding tooth. The pawl which is engaged between a pair of teeth at any given time operates to hold the toe supporting means 58 at a fixed distance from the heel supporting means 56. Each pawl 94 has on it a cam 98 which rests upon the upper end of a lifter 1G0 mounted on the carrier plate 52. As the carrier plate moves over the rear end of the'conveyor, a cam 101 fixed to the shaft 30 by engagement with the lower ends of the lifters 100; operates to disengage the pawl, which is engaged with the rack, to release the toe post. The pawls are urged toward the rack by springbacked pins 93 set into blocks secured to the carrier 75 plate 52 below the rack. A spring 97, connected at one end to the flange plate 86 and at its other end to the block 95, provides for moving the post 82 away from the post 60 when released by disengagement of the pawl from the rack.

To enable adjusting the heel and toe posts relative to each other for shoes of different size account must be taken of the depth of the last as well as its length. This is accomplished herein by selecting an arbitrary level for the bottom of the lasted upper suitable for the operations which are to follow, drawing a line from the grading point p at the breast line of the bottom through the end of the spindle hole at the cone of the last and on the center line of the spindle hole, and then fixing the heel post on the carrier plate at an angle such that the center lines of the post and spindle coincide substantially with the line drawn from the grading point through the spindle hole. Now a point is selected on the toe of the last with which the toe support would have contact and a line was drawn through it to the grading point. The slope of this line represented substantially the ratio of movement of the toe post toward the heel post to maintain the bottom of a lasted upper in the selected plane for any size shoe in the range of sizes to be operated on. Accordingly, by mounting the toe post on an incline corresponding to the slope of the line, so that as it is moved toward the toe post it moves along the slope and by designing the wedge so that it raises the shaft 62 in the heel post a proportionate amount, it is possible to preset the machine by suitable indexing means to accommodate itself to the particular shoe to be operated upon. Movement of the toe post is effected along the slope at the loading station by a ram 186 (FIG. 3), the extension of which is controlled by a pressure fluid operable motor 108 mounted on the frame. The stroke of the ram is constant and so by properly positioning the motor 108 relative to the flange plate and by providing a graduated cam 110 for positioning the motor, it is possible by rotating the cam to so position the motor that when pressure is supplied to the motor the ram will move the toe post to a position relative to the heel post, corresponding to the size for which the cam was set. A knob 104 is provided for rotating the cam 110.

Optionally, the sizing may be done fully automatically (FIG. 6) by supporting a feeler above the heel post. The feeler 15 is adjustably mounted on an arm 17 pivotally mounted between the upper ends of a pair of posts 19 on a pin 21, the opposite ends of which extend through slots 23 in the post. The arm 17 has on it an extension 25 pivotally connected to the upper end of a piston rod 27. The piston rod protrudes from the upper end of the cylinder of a motor 29, the lower end of which is pivotally connected to the frame. Pressure supplied to the motor normally depresses the feeler toward the top of the heel post. A link 31 connects the arm 17 with a valve V1, so that the heightwise position of the feeler controls the position of the valve and this in turn supplies pressure fluid to the motor 108. If the feeler 15 is at a position below the predetermined plane, it operates to supply pressure to the pressure fluid operable motor 108 to advance the ram 186 toward the heel post thereby to force the toe post upwardly along the slope of the supporting grooves toward the heel post which, in turn, advances the wedge 65 so as to elevate the spindle 66. As soon as the bottom of the lasted upper reaches the predetermined level the pressure will be terminated.

At the loading station 10 the operator places a lasted upper on the heel and toe supporting means 56 and 58 by engaging the spindle hole in the cone at the heel end of the last with the spindle 66 and then swinging the last in a counterclockwise direction until the toe rests against the top of the pad block. The rotation of the last, as previously explained, pulls the last down on the spindle and the biasing of the spindle presses the toe against the pad. The finished shoe is removed at the loading station by 6 swinging the last in a clockwise direction away from the toe post and then lifting it off the spindle.

After a lasted upper has been mounted on the heel and toe supporting means 56 and 58 at the loading station 10, indicated in FIG. 1, the conveyor 16 moves the lasted upper to the station 12 where the outsole, which has been placed on the bottom of the lasted upper at the loading station, is accurately registered with the bottom of the lasted upper by gauging means 116 (FIGS. 2 and 3). Prior to the gauging, however, the carrier is stopped at a predetermined position by a latch bolt 99 which is moved into engagement with a notch 101 at the edge of the carrier plate. The latch bolt 99 is secured to the forward end of a piston rod 103 projecting from a motor cylinder 105 mounted on the frame. As the carrier plate approaches the gauging station, the roller 11 at the right end operates a switch which in turn operates a valve. The valve supplies pressure fluid to the head end of the motor cylinder 185 so as to extend the piston until the bolt 99 bears against the end of the carrier plate. When the carrier plate reaches the gauging position the bolt will drop into the notch 101 and thus stop the carrier plate and the conveyor.

The gauging means which comprises heel and toe gauges 118 and 120 (FIG. 2) are mounted in transversely spaced relation for movement toward each other into engagement with the heel and toe ends of the lasted upper and for movement transversely of the bottom of the lasted upper, that is along the path of movement of the conveyor so as to enable the gauging means to center themselves with respect to the longitudinal center line of the lasted upper.

To provide for transverse movement the gauge means are pivotally supported for swinging movement about spaced parallel shafts 122, 124 (FIG. 3) parallel to the conveyor, the shafts being journaled in bearings 126 and 128 secured to a carriage frame 130 having an upper part comprised of rectangularly arranged beams 132 and 134 supported by downwardly extending legs 136 at the four corners for movement transversely of the bottom of the lasted upper. Suspension of the carriage frame 130 is provided for by pins 138 (FIG. 1) fixed to the lower ends of legs, the outer ends of which are pivotally connected to the lower ends of links 140. The upper ends of the links 140 are pivotally mounted on horizontally disposed, spaced parallel shafts 142 mounted in bearings 144 on the machine frame. The pivotal connections between the lower ends of the legs 136 and the shafts 142 permit the entire carriage frame 130 to shift forwardly or rearwardly longitudinally of the conveyor relative to the bottom of the lasted upper supported at the gauging position.

The heel gauging means 118 comprises a flexible part 146 (FIG. 4) which is adapted to be conformed or wrapped about the heel end of the lasted upper by movement into engagement with the end. A flexible plastic member such as Teflon or polyurethane may be employed and preferably is provided at its inner side with a plurality of grooves 148 which make it flexible lengthwise. The ribs between the grooves afford a relative amount of stiffness heightwise. The part 146 is mounted to permit it to accommodate itself to the ends of the last between the arms 150 and 152 of a yoke 154 which has a lateral extension 156 substantially parallel to the arms 150 and 152. The ends of the part 146 are bolted to the arms 150 and 152 in suitable fashion and the portion intermediate the ends extends rearwardly into the yoke and is freely flexible. A positioning plate 158 containing a re-entrant recess 160 which is symmetrical with respect to the part 146 is supported below the yoke and parallel thereto. The yoke and gauge plate are pivotally supported on pins 166 and 162 fixed to bracket arms 168 and 164. Thus the yoke 157 is swingable about the pin 166 and a gauge plate 158 is swingable about the pin 162. 'A link 170 is pivotally connected at its opposite ends, respectively, to the yoke and to the gauge plate. The arms 164 and 168 are rigidly secured in spaced parallel relation to a bar 172 which connects the lower ends of a pair of parallel legs 174, the upper ends of which are adjustably fastened by screw and slot connections 176 (FIG. 3) to the rear ends of a pair of levers 178 pivotally mounted on the shaft 122. The forward end of one of the levers 178 is pivotally connected to the upper end of a piston rod 180 protruding from the upper end of a motor cylinder 182. The lower end of the motor cylinder is pivotally connected to the carriage frame. By supplying pressure to the head end of the motor cylinder 182 so as to extend the piston rod 180, the legs 174 are swung inwardly so as to engage the positioning plate 158 and the flexible part 146 with the heel end of the lasted upper. The positioning plate 158 establishes the position of the carriage frame relative to the bottom of the lasted upper and the part 146 conforms to the end so as to position the rear or heel end of the outsole in registry with the heel end of the lasted upper.

The toe gauging means 120 comprises a part 184 (FIG. 4) similar to the part 146 supported at its opposite ends between a pair of arms 186, for example, by bolting the ends of the part 184 to the arms 186. The arms 186 are in turn fastened to plates 188 pivotally mounted on pins 190, the lower ends of which are fixed to a plate 192. The plate 192 is mounted on a bar 193 which connects the lower ends of a pair of parallel legs 194. The upper ends of the legs 194 are adjustably connected by slot and screw means 196 to the rear ends of levers 198 mounted on the shaft 124. The forward end of one of the levers 198 is connected to the upper end of a piston rod 200 protruding from the motor cylinder 202. The lower end of the motor cylinder is connected to the carriage frame. By supplying pressure fluid to the head end of the motor cylinder 202, the toe gauge 120 may be swung inwardly to engage the part 184 with the toe end of the lasted upper. The plates 188 have at their adjacent ends notches which provide shoulders 187 and a pin 189 is fixed to the plate. 192 between the notches against which the shoulders are held by a tension spring 191 connected to the arms rearwardly of their pivot pins 190.

Having established the correct relation between the bottom of the lasted upper and the outsole resting on the bottom, by bringing the gauges 118 and 120 into engagement withthe ends of the lasted upper, the outsole is now transferred to a position for application of adhesive thereto and then returned to the gauging position and spotted on the bottom in the exact same position that it occupied when initially positioned thereon by the gauging means. The application of the adhesive is carried out at the gauging station but laterally of the path of movement of the conveyor 16. To this end spaced parallel tracks 204 .(FIG. 3) are mounted transversely of the path of movement of the conveyor which have lateral extensions 206 supported laterally of the frame on a shelf 210 provided with diagonal bracing 212. Each track is comprised of vertically spaced rails. A carriage 214 provided with wheels 216 is supported on the tracks with its wheels constrained between the rails for movement transversely of the direction of movement of the conveyor from a position directly above the bottom of the lasted upper, that is the gauging position, to a position on the lateral extensions 206 of the tracks and back again. The carriage 214 is transversed on the tracks by means of a link 218 ends 249* of the bearing shoulders are tapered to facilitate entrance into the gnooves of the docking blocks. An adjustable stop 219 is mounted on the frame at the left side opposite the carriage for engagement of the carriage plate therewith to provide for establishing the transverse position of the carriage at the gauging position and to insure that the carriage will occupy the same position when returned to the gauging position. As the carriage moves to the docking position into engagement with the stop, it effects operation of a switch which will be described hereinafter to initiate movement of the conveyor.

The chain 220 which drives the carriage from the gauging position to the position for application of adhesive and back is entrained about transversely spaced sprockets 222 and 224 rotatable about shafts 221 and 223 supported on the frame parallel to the path of movement of the conveyor. In order to allow the link 218 to move around the sprocket 224 after the carriage has been brought to a stop by the docking blocks 2&5 and the adjustable stop 219, the end which is connected to the carriage is provided with a yieldable connection. The yieldable connection also compensates for changes in length of the chain due to wear and/ or temperature, so that precision adjustments are not necessary. The chain 220 is driven by the sprocket 222 and the sprocket 222 is in turn driven by the shaft 221. The shaft 221 is connected by means of an electrically operated clutch 238 (FIG. 1) to a shaft 232. The shaft 232 is driven by a chain 234 entrained at its opposite ends about a sprocket 236 fastened to the shaft 232 and a sprocket 238 fastened to the shaft of a speed-reducer R which in turn is connected to the shaft of a motor M The motor M drives the shaft 232 through the speed-reducer constantly. A switch provides for energizing the clutch 230 so as to connect the shaft 232 to the shaft 221 for a sufiicient length of time to traverse the chain 220 and hence the carriage from and to the gauging position to effect the application of the adhesive to the outsole and to spot the outsole on the lasted upper.

To make the transfer Without losing the gauged position of the outsole, the carriage 214 (FIGS. 7 and 8) is provided withpickers for picking the outsole off the bottom of the lasted upper. This means comprises two suction cups 258 and 260 mounted on the carriage so that when the latter is moved to a position above the bottom of the lasted upper, the suction cups may be lowered into engagement with the outsole to pick it off of the bottom of the lasted upper. The carriage plate 248 contains in its lower surface recesses 252 and 254- within which are seated the cups 258 and 260 with their lower surfaces substantially flush with the lower surface of the plate 248. The cups are secured to the lower ends of tubes 258a and 26011 which extend upwardly through openings in the plate. The upper ends of the tubes extend through openings in a beam 280 which is pivotally supported for movement toward and away from the plate 248 on the arms 276 of two bell-crank levers having angularly disposed arms 276 and 277. The bell-crank levers are pivotally mounted on the ends of a bar 274 at the top of a post 272 and the post is secured to a U-shaped bracket member 268, the legs of which have flanges 270 at their lower ends fastened to the plate 248. The arm 277 at the righthand side, as shown in FIG. 3, has an extension 279 and the latter is pivotally connected to the protruding end of a piston rod 288 of a motor cylinder 290. The head end of the motor cylinder is pivotally connected to the plate 248. By supplying pressure fluid to the head end of the motor cylinder 290, the arms 276 may be rotated in a counterclockwise direction to effect lowering of the beam 280 relative to the plate 248. Collars 296 and 298 are fastened to the tubes 258a and 260a and coiled springs 300 and 302 are mounted under compression between the lower side of the beam 280 and the upper sides of the collars 296 and 298. Downward movement of the beam 280 will thus move the tubes 258a and 168:: and

hence the cups 258 and 260 downwardly and when contact is made, with the outsole resting on the bottom of the lasted upper, will permit yield of the cups relative to the outsole by displacement of the tubes upwardly through the beam 280. Pressure supplied to the head end of the cylinder 290 effects lowering of the cups 258 and 260 into engagement with the outsole. The upper ends of the tubes are connected by suitable flexible conductors c to low pressure means LP for effecting a vacuum as the cups are lowered into engagement with the outsole sufiiciently to hold the outsole engaged with the vacuum cups. The motor 290 is spring-returned so that when pressure is vented from the head end the vacuum cups can be lifted away from the outsole of the lasted upper.

Having picked the outsole off of the bottom of the lasted upper, the carriage 214 is moved laterally onto the track extensions 206 for application of adhesive to the underside of the outsole by means of an applicator located below the track extensions. The adhesive is applied during movement of the outsole from its lateral position toward the gauging position above the bottom of the lasted upper. This is provided for by a cement container 306 (FIG. 3) mounted by means of bracket arms 308 fastened to its opposite sides by bolts 310' for pivotal movement about a shaft 312 supported in bearings 314 on the frame. A lever 315 is secured to the bottom of the container and this in turn is pivotally connected to a rod 316 projecting from a motor cylinder 320. The motor cylinder is pivotally connected to a clamp 321 supported by a bar 322 forming part of the frame. By supplying pressure to the rod end of the motor cylinder 320 the receptacle may be elevated and lowered with respect to the track extensions 206. The motor cylinder 320 is provided with a pressure regulator to enable controlling the pressure of the applicator roll against the outsole. A knob 325 provides for adjusting the height of the container and hence the cement roll.

The container 3% (FIG. 9) has in it a transfer roll 327 which is supplied with adhesive from the container, for example by pick-up rolls indicated at 329. The container is raised to bring the transfer roll into tangential engagement with the outsole as the latter is being moved from its lateral position to its position above the bottom of the lasted upper and then lowered following application of adhesive so that when the next outsole is moved laterally outward it will pass over the transfer roll without contact therewith.

It is desirable that the surface speed of the applicator roll 327 be the same as the linear speed of the carriage 214 and this is provided for, as shown in FIG. 9, by suitable driving connections between the motor M and sprockets on the shafts of the transfer and pick-up rolls. The drive comprises a chain 331 entrained about sprockets 333 and 335 on the shaft of the reducer R and the shaft 312 respectively; and a second chain 337 entrained at one end about a sprocket 339 mounted on the shaft 312 and at its other end about sprockets 341, 343 and 345. The sprocket 341 drives a shaft 347 which has on it a gear 349 and the latter by way of gears 351, 353 and 355 effects rotation of the transfer roll 327.

Having applied adhesive to the outsole and moved it back into a position above the lasted upper, the outsole is moved down into engagement with the bottom of the lasted upper and spotted thereon, that is, becomes temporarily adhesively attached to the bottom of the lasted upper by the tacky character of the adhesive, so that it will remain in this position until it can be permanently united to the bottom by application of attaching pressure. Spotting is achieved by supplying pressure to the head end of the motor cylinder 290 to again lower the suction cups thereby to press the outsole into engagement with the bottom of the lasted upper. Simultaneously the vacuum is cut off so that the vacuum cups release the outsole.

As the carrier supporting the lasted upper with the outsole spotted thereon moves to the bottom-attaching station 14, the carrier plate 52 moves onto a rigid supporting platen 332 mounted on the frame between the conveyor chains to take the pressure of the pressure-applying platen 333". The pressure-applying platen 333 is supported above and parallel to the platen 332 between ways 336 secured to the inner sides of vertically disposed, spaced parallel beams 338 rising from the frame at the pressure-applying station and rigidly joined at their upper ends by a cross-beam 339 Movement of the pressure-applying platen 333 into and out of position is provided for by a pressure fluid motor 340 and toggle linkages 342 and 344. The linkage 342 comprises a pair of toggle links 346 and 348 pivotally connected at their ad jacent ends to a tongue 350 at one end of the motor cylinder 340. The distal end of the link 346 is pivotally connected to the lower end of a hanger 352 threaded onto the lower end of a screw 353 mounted in the crossbeam 339*. The distal end of the link 348 is pivotally connected to the platen 333 at that side. A bracket 360 is fastened to the link 348 and has an arm 352. pivotally connected to one end of a link 364. The linkage 344 comprises toggle links 366 and 368 connected at their adjacent ends to the protruding end of the piston rod 370 of the motor 340. The distal end of the link 366 is pivotally connected to a hanger 352 threaded onto the lower end of a screw 353 mounted in the cross-beam 339*. The distal end of the link 368 is pivotally connected to the end of the platen at that side. A sprocket 373 is fastened to the upper end of each screw 353 and a chain 375 is entrained about them by means of which the hangers may be raised and lowered. A hand wheel 377 at the upper end of one of the screws provides for rotating the screws in unison. The toggle linkages provide for lowering and raising the platen 333* and when they are straightened to lower the platen to its lowermost position they absorb the attaching pressure independently of the motor 340 and attaching pressure is applied by an inflatable pad so that in effect the motor need only be large enough to support the weight of the platen, that is to raise it from its lowermost position to its uppermost position.

Pressure is applied by a yieldable pressure-applying member 372 secured to the underside of the platen 333 and comprises an inflatable bag 374 for contact with the bottom of the outsole to apply conforming pressure thereto. The pad is inflated in the usual manner after it has contact with the outsole.

The conveyor has, as related above, a plurality of carriers spaced therealong for mounting lasted uppers thereon one after another as they are moved into position at the loading station and in operation after a lasted upper is mounted on a carrier at the loading station together with an outsole the carrier moves the lasted upper and loosely mounted outsole to the gauging and spotting stations where it is stopped, gauged, adhesive is applied thereto and then the outsole is spotted on the bottom in gauged position. Finally the carrier moves the lasted upper with the outsole spotted thereon to the pressureapplying position for permanent attachment of the outsole to the lasted upper. As the finished shoe moves beyond the sole attaching station the toe post is released to permit the latter to return to its initial position for the next sizing operation. However the lasted shoe continues on with the carrier beneath the conveyor and back to the loading station where it is removed.

The sequence of operation is controlled by cam-operated and limit switches shown diagrammatically in FIG. 10. The operation of the machine is based on the setting time of the adhesive employed, that is, the outsole must be moved from the place of application of adhesive thereto to the attaching station and subjected to attaching pressure before the adhesive dries or loses an appreciable amount of its tackiness and holding power. For the particular adhesive here used the timeper-iod is approximately 12 seconds. However, it is to be understood that for different adhesives different time periods may be employed. The cam shaft, not shown since it is conventional, is driven by a timing motor so as to rotate once in 12 seconds. Each cycleof operation terminates with the conveyor at an at-rest condition and with a lasted upper and outsole at the gauging position with the outsole in gauged position on the bottom of the lasted upper and the gauges withdrawn. A cycle is initiated by closing a treadle-operated switch TR1 which is shown in the control diagram (FIG. Power is supplied to the circuit by way of a transformer Ti and switch Ts. A cam-operated switch T2 is now closed to energize the coil of a valve V3 which supplies pressure to the head end of the cylinder 290 to lower the pickers into engagement with the outsole. As the pickers engage the outsole a switch T4 is closed to energize the coil of the valve V4 of the vacuum-producing means LP to cause the outsole to adhere to the vacuum cups. Now, the cam-operated switch T2. is opened to vent pressure from the cylinder 290 and allow the pickers to lift the outsole oii of the bottom of the lasted upper. A cam-operated switch T1 is now closed which energizes the coil of the clutch 230 to cause the carriage 214 to start its traverse from the docked position above the bottom of the lasted upper to the lateral position and back. At the far end of the tracks the carriage actuates a limit switch LS2 which energizes a relay R1 and this in turn by closing a switch Rib energizes the coil of a valve V2. The valve V2 supplies pressure to the rod end of the cylinder 320 to raise the cement receptacle and hold it while the outsole travels over the transfer 1 roll 327 on the way back to the docking position. Upon return the carriage actuates a limit switch LS1 to deenergize the relay R1 and hence vent the motor 320 so that the cement receptacle is returned to its lowered position. At the docking position a limit switch LS8 is actuated to de-energize the clutch 230 and hence to stop the traversing chain 220, Now, a cam-operated switch T3 is closed to energize the coil of the valve V3 which supplies pressure to the motor cylinder 290 to lower the valve cups into engagement with the outsole and to press the.

adhesive-coated outsole against the bottom of the lasted upper.- Simultaneously the switch T4 is operated to deenergize the coil of the valve V4 to cut off the vacuum and release the outsoleUpon release of the outsole the switch T3 is opened and the coil of the valve V3 de-energized to elevate the vacuum cups. Now, the outsole is spotted on the lasted upper and the lasted upper with the outsole on it is ready for movement to the attaching station. To this end a normally closed switch NC is opened to de-energize the coil of a valve V8C2 which supplies pressure to the motor cylinder 105 to vent the motor cylinder and permit the latch 99 to be withdrawn. As the latch is withdrawn a cam 99a on the latch actuates a switch 1S3and this in turn energizes the coil V9 of a valve VSCl. The valve V8C1 supplies pressure to the cylinder 44 of the motor M in a direction to drive the conveyor 16 forwardly until it is stopped by engagement of the roller 11 on the carrier plate with the switch T6, the closing of which energizes a coil R3 which in turn energizes the coil V8C2 to supply pressure to the motor 105 to movethe latch into engagement with the edge of the carrier plate 52. The latch 99 slides along the edge of the carrier plate until the notch 101 reaches it whereupon the latch drops into the notch and actuates the switch LS3 to open it and supply pressure to the opposite end of the motor M to advance the piston rod therein for the next stroke. During the interval when the carriage 214 is moving laterally from the gauging position at the gauging station for applying adhesive to the outsole and returning it to the gauging position, the platen 333 at the attaching station is lowered to a position above the preceding lasted upper and outsole by a pressure supplied to one end of the motor 340. Pressure is delivered to the mot-or 340 by a valve V6, the coil V6C2 of which is in a circuit including switches LS3, LS8 and LS7. The switch LS7 is supported in a position to be closed only if a lasted upper and outsole are present beneath the pressure-applying platen. The purpose of this switch is to prevent the platen from being lowered and the pad from being inflated in the absence of a lasted upper and outsole which would result in bursting the pad.

The automatic sizing and the gauging also takes place while the conveyor is stationary. The treadle-operated switch TRl which initiates operation of a cycle of operations energizes the coil of a valve V1 which supplies pressure to the sizing motor 108. A cam-operated switch T5 energizes the coil V5 of a valve for supplying pressure to the motor cylinder 182 and 202, to eifect movement of the gauge means into and out of operative position. It is within the scope of the invention to employ a programming tape to control operation of the apparatus.

The semi and automatic sizing provided, that is adjustment of the heel and toe supports relative to each other to accommodate shoes of different size throughout an entire range of sizes is based on the use of graded lasts and was achieved by selecting a last substantially at the middle of the range of sizes to be operated on and using this as a starting point determining the slope along which the toe support is required to be moved relative to the heel support with changes in size and the ratio of movement of the heel support in elevation with changes in size in proportion to the movement of the toe support. The grade point used for determining the disposition of the heel and toe supports and their movement relative to each other was taken in the plane of the bottom of the last at the breast line.

It should be understood that the present disclosure is for the purpose of illustration only and that this invention includes all modifications and equivalents which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A machine for operating on shoes comprising a support for mounting a lasted upper bottom side up, a pair of end gauges supported for movement into engagement with the ends of the lasted upper, said end gauges being adapted to embrace the ends of an outsole deposited on the bottom of the lasted upper, to register the outsole with the bottom, and a transfer device movable through a predetermined fixed path operable to move the gauged outsole from the bottom of said lasted upper at said gauging position, transfer it to a position for application of adhesive thereto, and then restore it to its original gauged position in adhesive contact with the bottom preparatory to uniting it to the bottom.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gauging means are mounted in position for engagement with the ends of the lasted upper and outsole prior to movement of the transfer device into engagement with the outsole, and are moved out of engagement with the ends of the lasted upper and outsole following engagement of the transfer device with the outsole.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support is movable from a loading station to a gauging position where said end gauges are located, and there are means on the support for fixing a lasted upper bottom up thereto for movement from said loading position to said gauging position between said end gauges.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support comprises a carrier mounting a heel post and a toe post for engagement, respectively, with the heel cone of the last and the toe, and means operable to adjust the spacing of the heel and toe posts to enable spacing them for shoes of different size.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support comprises; a carrier plate mounted for movement along a predetermined horizontal path from a loading position to a gauging position between said end gauges, heel and toe posts on the carrier plates mounted in transversely spaced relation with respect to the direction of movement, said heel post embodying a spindle for engagement with the spindle hole at the heel end of the last, and

. 13 said toe post embodying a pad for engagement with the toe of the last, and means adjustably supporting the heel post and toe post for movement relative to each other transversely of the direction of movement of the carrier.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the heel post embodies a spindle pivotally mounted thereon and there is means yieldably biasing the spindle in a direction to clamp the toe of the last against the toe post.

7. Apparatus accarding to claim 6, wherein the spindle has a buttress thread operable to pull the last down on the spindle when the latter is rotated in a direction opposite to the hand of the thread.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heel post is hollow, a shaft is mounted in the post with its upper end projecting therefrom, said upper end embody ing a bifurcated head, a pin is mounted in said bifurcations, a block is pivotally mounted on the outer ends of said pins, a lever is mounted on the pin between the bifurcations, a spindle is fixed to the lever and extends through an opening in the block, and spring means connected to the lever operated to bias the spindle in a direction toward the heel post.

9. A machine according to claim 4, wherein the toe post is hollow, a shaft is non-rotatably mounted in the post for adjustment heightwise therein, a toe pad is fixed to the upper end of the post, and there is means for fixing the heightwise adjustment of the shaft in the post.

10. A machine according to claim 4, wherein the heel post is fixed in relation to the support, the toe post is movable thereon relative to the heel post, and there is means operable by movement of the toe post relative to the heel post to eflect heightwise movement of the heel post to maintain the relative heightwise positions of the heel and toe posts for shoes of difierent size.

11. A machine according to claim 4, wherein the toe post is supported for movement along a plane inclined upwardly toward the heel post, and there is means connected to the toe post operable, as the latter is moved toward the heel post, to raise the shaft in the heel post in proportion to the movement of the toe post toward the heel post to preserve the relative positions of the heel spindle and the toe pad for shoes of different size.

12. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the toe post is supported for movement up an inclined plane toward the heel post, the heel post contains an opening through it through which a wedge is movable relative to a shoulder on the shaft mounted in the heel post to effect elevation thereof, and there is a link connected to the toe post and to the wedge, respectively, operable, by movement of the toe post relative to the heel post, to effect elevation of the toe post a proportionate amount. 13. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein there is a power-operable latch member at said gauging position operable by interengagement with the support as the latter is moved to said position to stop it at said position. 14. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the support is a carrier plate, there are conveyor chains for effecting movement of the carrier plate from the loading station to the gauging station, there is power-operable means to effect movement of the conveyor chains at least the distance between said stations, and a poweroperable latch at said gauging station operable to intercept and stop the carrier plate at said station.

' 15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein there is means operable by movement of the latch into latching position to stop the carrier plate to termination operation of said conveyor power operable means.

16. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein there is a latch member at the gauging position, and means operable to move the latch into and out of locking engagement with the support to lock the latter in position during gauging and to release it following spotting of the outsole.-

17. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said end gauges comprise transversely spaced. parts adapted to become engaged with the ends of the lasted upper by movement toward each other, and means supporting the end gauges for movement toward each other and for movement transversely of the bottom of the lasted upper as they engage the ends to align the gauges with the longitudinal center line of the bottom.

18. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising means for advancing the support along a predetermined path from a loading position to said gauging position, means supporting the gauges for movement transversely of the path of movement of the support, and other means supporting the last-named means for movement transversely of the bottom of the lasted upper.

19. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a conveyor for advancing the support along a predetermined path toward said gauging means, a frame suspended above the path of movement for displacement longitudinally of said path of movement, means supporting the gauges on the frame in transversely spaced relation for pivotal movement about spaced parallel axes parallel to the direction of movement, and parts on the gauges engageable with the ends of the outsole by movement of the gauges into engagement with the ends of the lasted upper to align the ends of the outsole with the ends of the lasted upper.

20. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein there is power operable means for eifecting movement of the gauge means into and out of engagement with the ends of the lasted upper.

21. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said parts comprise flexible members adapted to wrap around the ends of the lasted upper.

22. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the toe gauge comprises a pair of spaced arms mounted for pivotal movement toward each other about vertical axes, a flexible part mounted between the arms with its ends secured thereto, and means on the arms controlling pivotal movement thereof equal amounts.

23. Apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the last means comprises shoulders on the arms engageable with a fixed pin situated therebetween.

24. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heel gauge comprises a flexible member adapted to be conformed to the ends of the lasted upper and outsole by pressure thereagainst, and means supporting the opposite ends of the flexible member with the portion intermediate the ends unconstrained.

25. Apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the means supporting the ends of the flexible member comprises a yoke having spaced arms to which the ends of the flexible member are secured, and means supporting the yoke for pivotal movement about an axis perpen dicular to the plane of the yoke.

26. Apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the means supporting the ends of the flexible member comprises a yoke having spaced arms between which the flexible member is supported with its opposite ends secured to the ends of the arms, and means supporting the yoke for movement about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the yoke and situated laterally of the longitudinal center line of the bottom.

27. Apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the heel gauge embodies a rigid locating plate containing a re-entrant opening in one edge for engagement with the heel end of the lasted upper, and means pivotally supporting the plate for pivotal movement about a vertical axis located laterally of the longitudinal center line of the bottom.

28. Apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the heel gauge member embodies a locating plate, containing a re-entrant opening in one edge for engagement with the heel end of the lasted upper, a yoke having spaced arms between which the flexible member is supported with its ends secured to the ends of the yoke arms, means pivotally supporting the plate and yoke for pivotal movement about spaced parallel axes perpendicular to the plane of the yoke, and a link pivotally connected at its opposite end, respectively, to the gauge plate and to the yoke.

29,. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support is movable from a loading position to a gauging posi tion where said end gauges are located, and wherein the supports for the end gauges are mounted for .swinging movementtoward each other on axes parallel to the path of movement, and there are power-operable means for effecting swinging movement of said gauge means into and out of gauging position.

30. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support is movable from a loading position to a gauging position where said end gauges are located, and wherein there 'is means supporting the gauges for movement along the path of movement as the gauges are moved into engagement with the ends of the lasted upper to permit alignment of the gauges with said ends.

31. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support is movable from a loading position to a gauging position where said end gauges are located, and wherein a frame is supported above the path of movement for movement longitudinally relative to said path of movement, and said gauges are pivotally supported on the frame for swinging movement toward each other about spaced parallel axes parallel to the path of movement.

32. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising means for advancing the support along a predetermined path to a position between said gauges, tracks at said gauging position, above said path of movement of the lasted upper, said tracks having lateral extensions, and said transfer device comprising a carriage on the tracks movable from a position above the path of movement to a lateralpositionon the track extensions and back to said position above the path of movement, means on the carriage operable to pick the outsole from the bottom of the lasted upper at said gauging position and move it to said lateral position and back, and means operable duringsaid lateral movement of the outsole operable to apply adhesive thereto.

33. Apparatus according to claim 32, wherein there is means at said gauging position operable by engagement of the carriage therewith to determine the transverse position of the carriage relative to the path of movement at said gauging position.

34. Apparatus according to claim 33, wherein there is a stop adjustable transversely of the path of movement operable by engagement of the carriage therewith to establish said gauging position. a

35. Apparatus according to claim 32, wherein there are docking blocks at said gauging station containing grooves, and the carriage has bearing shoulders engageable with said grooves to determine the gauging position independently of said tracks.

36. Apparatus according to claim 32, wherein there is means for effecting movement of the carriage from said gauging position above the path of movement laterally and back to said gauging position, said means comprising a chain to which the carriage is connected.

37. Apparatus according to claim 36, wherein a link yieldably connects the carriage to the chain.

38. Apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the means for applying adhesive is operable to apply adhesive only during return movement of the carriage.

39. Apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the adhesive-applying means is a transfer roll to which adhesive is supplied, and there is means mounting the transfer roll for movement from a position below the path of movement of the outsole to a position for engagement of the outsole therewith as the latter is moved toward said gauging position.

40. Apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the adhesive-applying means is a transfer roll to which adhesive 16 the transfer roll is tangent to the underside of the outsole when the outsole is travelling back to said gauging position to a position below said level when the outsole is travelling to said lateral position.

41. Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the means mounting the transfer roll is a receptacle pivotally supported below the tracks, and there is power operable means operably connected to the receptacle for lowering and raising the receptacle.

42. Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein there is means for effecting rotation of the transfer roll at a rate such that its surface speed corresponds to the linear speed of the carriage.

43. Apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the transfer device embodies implements movable into engagement with the upper surface of the outsole at said gauging position of the outsole for holding the outsole throughout its transfer to said lateral position and back, and operable to restore the outsole to its initially gauged position.

44. Apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the transfer device embodies suction cups supported on the carriage for movement into engagement with the outsole at said gauging position, said suction cups, when unconstrained, occupying a common plane and being relatively movable when pressed into engagement with the outsole to accommodate to the contour of the outsole.

45. Apparatus according to claim 44, wherein there is means for creating a vacuum at said cups to hold the outsole thereto as the cups are moved into engagement with the outsole.

46. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising means for effecting movement of the support for the lasted upper following spotting of the adhesive-coated outsole thereto to a position for bottom-attaching, and power-operable means at said attaching position operable to apply pressure to said outsole to effect attachment to the bottom of the lasted upper.

47. Apparatus according to claim 46, comprising a platen supported above the path of movement for movement downwardly to a position above the outsole spotted on the bottom of the lasted upper, said platen embodying a pressure-applying face confronting the outsole which is conformable to the bottom as pressure is applied to effect attachment of the outsole to the bottom of the lasted upper.

48. Apparatus according to claim 47, wherein said platen mounts an inflatable pad in confronting relation to the outsole, and there is means for inflating the pad after engagement of the latter with the outsole.

49. Apparatus according to claim 46, wherein said power operable means comprises a motor cylinder embodying a rod protruding from one end, and toggle linkages connecting the cylinder and the rod to the frame and platen, said toggle linkages being operable by extension of the rod to move the platen vertically relatively to the bottom of the lasted upper supported therebelow.

50. Apparatus according to claim 47, comprising a frame mounting spaced parallel, vertically disposed ways on which the platen is supported for movement perpendicularly relative to the path of movement, toggle linkages suspending the platen on said ways, said toggle linkages comprising components pivotally secured to the frame and the platen, and a motor embodying a motor cylinder and piston rod pivotally connected to the toggle linkages operable by extension of the rod to extend the toggle components and upon retraction to contract the toggle components.

51. Apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the extended linkages support the platen in opposition to the pressure applied by expansion of the pad independently of the power operable means.

52. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising lastsupporting means for'supporting the bottom of a lasted PP F a a P detcrmined working level, means operable 17 to effect movement of the last-supporting means to adjust the level of the bottom of a lasted upper mounted thereon to said predetermined level, and a sensing device operable by engagement with the bottom of a lasted upper when mounted on the supporting means to effect operation of said last-named means.

53. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprismg lastsupporting means for supporting the bottom of a lasted upper at a predetermined level, power operable means for adjusting the last-supporting means in a direction to bring the bottom of a lasted upper mounted on the supporting means to said predetermined level, and a senslng device operable by engagement with the bottom of a lasted upper mounted on the supporting means to control the extent and direction of operation of said power operable means.

54. Apparatus according to claim 52, wherein said sensing device is pivotally supported for engagement wlth the bottom of a lasted upper mounted on the last-supporting means, means yieldably holds the sensing device in engagement with the bottom, and a valve operable by movement of the sensing device in proportion to the difference between the level of the bottom of the lasted upper placed on the supporting means and said predetermined level effects operation of the power operable means to move said last-supporting means to a position such that the bottom of the lasted upper is moved to said predetermined level.

55. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising heel and toe supporting means for supporting the bottom of a lasted upper mounted thereon at a predetermined Working level, power operable means for effecting relative movement of the heel and toe supporting means to adjust their position for shoes of different size to support the lasted upper mounted thereon with its bottom at said predetermined level, a sensing device supported above the heel and toe supporting means, means yieldably depressing the sensing device to a position below the level of the bottom of the smallest shoe which would be placed on the heel and toe supporting means, and a valve operably connected to the sensing device, said valve being displaceable thereby in proportion to the position of the sensing device and being operable by displacement to supply pressure fluid to said pressure operable means.

56. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the conveyor is provided with a drive shaft and wherein there is power operable means for effecting rotation of the drive shaft comprising a pressure fluid operable motor, a piston rod reciprocable by said motor, a chain entrained about spaced sprockets to which the rod is pivotally connected and by means of which the chain is reciprocated, one of said sprockets being mounted on said drive shaft, and a one-way clutch operable to connect the sprocket to the drive shaft 'so that movement of the piston rod in one direction effects rotation of the drive shaft and disconnects it in the opposite direction.

57. The method of applying a preformed outsole to the bottom of a lasted upper comprising adjusting an uncoated outsole on the bottom of a lasted upper to the precise position it is to have when attached thereto, picking the outsole off the bottom without loss of its position with respect to the bottom of the lasted upper, applying adhesive to the outsole while removed from the bottom, and restoring it to the exact same position on the bottom of the lasted upper as it had prior to being picked off.

58. A method according to claim 57, comprising adjusting by means of end gauges the ends of an uncoated outsole to the uncoated bottom of a lasted upper, lifting the gauged outsole from the bottom without changing its orientation with respect to the bottom, applying adhesive to the outsole while removed from the bottom, restoring the adhesive-coated outsole to the bottom to said gauged position, and then applying bottom-applying pressure.

59. A method of applying an uncoated preformed outsole to the bottom of a lasted upper comprising depositing an uncoated outsole loosely on the bottom of the lasted upper, moving gauging means into engagement with the opposite ends of the lasted upper and the outsole to align the outsole longitudinally and transversely with respect to the bottom of the lasted upper in the exact position it is to have when attached thereto, picking up the gauged out-sole from the bottom without changing its orientation with respect thereto, retracting the gauging means, applying adhesive to the outsole while lifted off the bottom, restoring the outsole to the gauged position without the aid of the gauging means, and then applying bottomattaching pressure.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,107,376 10/1963 Reid et al l2-1 3,220,034 11/1965 Lofiler et al 12-7 3,238,547 3/1966 Reid et al. 12-142 PATRICK D. LAWSON, Primary Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. 59. A METHOD OF APPLYING AN UNCOATED PREFORMED OUTSOLE TO THE BOTTOM OF A LASTED UPPER COMPRISING DEPOSITING AN UNCOATED OUTSOLE LOOSELY ON THE BOTTOM OF THE LASTED UPPER, MOVING GAUGING MEANS INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE LASTED UPPER AND THE OUTSOLE TO ALIGN THE OUTSOLE LONGITUDINALLY AND TRANSVERSELY WITH RESPECT TO THE BOTTOM OF THE LASTED UPPER IN THE EXACT POSITION IT IS TO HVE WHEN ATTACHED THERETO, PICKING UP THE GAUGED OUTSOLE FROM THE BOTTOM WITHOUT CHANGING ITS ORIENTATION WITH RESPECT THERETO, RETRACTING THE GAUGING MEANS, APPLYING ADHESIVE TO THE OUTSOLE WHILE LIFTED OFF THE BOTTOM, RESTORING THE OUTSOLE TO THE GAUGED POSITION WITHOUT THE AID OF THE GAUGING MEANS, AND THEN APPLYING BOTTOMATTACHING PRESSURE.

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