improvements connected with Picking Sticks.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 10th May, 1897
Complete Specification Left, 6th Oct., 1897-Accepted, 4th Dec., 1897
improvements connected with Picking Sticks.
I, GEORGE LITTLEWOOD, of 90, Yews Hill, Lockwood, Huddersfield, in the
County of York, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:
This invention refers to those picking sticks which act direct on the pickers
to propel them across the loom and the object of my improvements is to avoid
the rapid destruction or wear and tear of the portion of the picking stick which
strikes against the pickers and which early renders such picking sticks useless
although in all other respects they are as good as new.
For the purpose of my invention I employ vulcanite fibre to resist the force
of impact and take up wear and tear such fibre being preferably cut out of the
sheet to the size and shape required to fit that part of the picking stick which
comes into contact with the picker, and to which I secure it by screws or other
suitable means. The application of vulcanite fibre to the picking stick pre-
vents any wear or tear of the wood or destructive action thereon at the part
concerned, it wears smooth and will not cut, roughen or otherwise injure the
picker, its extremely hard and tough nature minimises wear and tear and it
will last out the life of the picking stick. The fibre is very much superior to metal
and is lighter.
D
1
.
1007
TASKER & CROSSLEY
Huddersfield Patent Agents.
Improvements connected with Picking Sticks.
I, GEORGE LITTLEWOOD, of 90, Yews Hill, Lockwood, Huddersfield, in the
County of York, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:-
This invention refers to those picking sticks which act direct on the pickers
to propel them across the loom, and the object of my improvements is to avoid
the rapid destruction or wear and tear of that portion of the picking stick which
037

page_text: strikes against the pickers, and which early renders them useless although in all
other respects they are as good as new.
My invention consists in the application to those portions of picking sticks
above alluded to of special "bits" or wearing pieces composed of vulcanized fibre
or what is sold or used as such, or as a substitute therefor and consisting of blocks
of hard compressed paper. The said "bits" or wearing pieces are cut out of
the sheet or block to the size and shape required to fit that part of the picking
stick which strikes the picker to send it across the loom and they are secured
thereto by screws or like means, provision preferably being made to allow a little
play to one of the screws so as to give with any slight depression, shrinkage, or
other abnormal change in the shape or section of the picking stick at the part
concerned, and thus prevent breakage of the "bit" or wearing piece.
In order that my said invention may be fully understood reference is hereafter
had to the annexed drawings forming a part of this Specification, in which:-
Fig. 1 is side elevation of part of a picking stick shewing the application of
my improved vulcanized bit or wearing piece;
Fig. 2 is front elevation thereof;
Fig. 3 is front elevation of improved "bit" or wearing piece; and
Fig. 4 is sectional side elevation of same.
Referring to the drawings, letter A represents the picking stick and B the
picker (portions only of which are shewn) the said picker being supported or
carried on spindles along which it travels when propelled by the rapid oscillation
of the picking stick, as is well known..
"
My invention consists of the application to the part A¹ of the picking stick,
which is in alignment with and opposed to the picker, of a "bit" or wearing
piece C composed of vulcanized fibre, or its substitute or equivalent, namely,
paper compressed to approximately the same degree of hardness, compactness
and toughness as vulcanized fibre and which it closely resembles. The vulcanized
fibre or its equivalent may be in the grey or coloured. In the application of a
vulcanized, or hard compressed paper, bit" or wearing pioce to the part A' of
the-picking stick there is great utility, as such "bit" or wearing piece is prac-
tically unwearable and very little affected by the constant blows which are dealt
upon the picker, consequently, the picking sticks are better preserved and have
a much longer life, thereby effecting a considerable saving in renewals of same,
while the non requirement of renewals of the wearing bits or pieces effects a
further saving.
The said vulcanized fibre or compressed paper "bits" or wearing pieces C have
two or more openings D, D', formed or cut therein to receive screws E by which
the "bits" are secured to the picking sticks, as shewn. The opening D (or
both openings if required) is preferably elongated to allow for any slight move-
ment of the screw passing therethrough, in the event of the picking stick altering
or changing its section or shape where the "bit" is attached to it, either by con-
traction, depression, or otherwise, this provision preventing the hunding and
breaking of the bits. The elongated opening or slot may, however, if desired,
be omitted, and a round opening similar to be formed in its place.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the-same is to be performed, I would have it
understood that I make no claim to the use of vulcanized fibre per se, as this is
used for other purposes and on other parts of looms, nor do I claim the employ-
ment of a bit or wearing piece on the picking stick, as buffalo hide and metal
bits have heretofore been used, but I declare that what I do claim is :-
Firstly. The application to that part of a picking stick which strikes against
the picker of a bit" or wearing piece composed of vulcanized fibre or like
material, substantially as herein set forth.
Secondly. The application to that part of a picking stick which strikes against
the picker of a vulcanized fibre or hard compressed paper bit or wearing piece

page_text: having one or more elongated openings or slots for receiving the screws for
securing same to the picking sticks, substantially as herein shewn and described
and for purposes set forth.