Improvements in the Motive Apparatus for Sewing Machines and the like.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 27th May, 1897
Complete Specification Left, 18th Jan., 1898-Accepted, 19th Feb.,
1898
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Motive Apparatus for Sewing Machines and
the like.
I, JOIN HELLIWELL LAWSON, of 20, Carver Lane, Sheffield, in the County of
York, Mark Maker, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
The object of my improvements in the motive apparatus for sewing machines and
the like, is to dispense entirely with the rocking or cradle motion such as is now in
use for driving them.
I entirely dispense with the rocking or cradle motion hitherto adopted and in its
place I arrange a circular, or treadle motion such for instance as is applied to an
ordinary cycle with any suitable means of gearing, or placed in any suitable posi-
tion; so that when the pressure of the feet are placed upon my treadle arrangement
the action is taken either directly or indirectly by belt or other suitable gearing to
the sewing machine. By this method better facilities for either stopping or in-
stantly moving the machine are obtained and also greater freedom to the operator's
feet.
The operator will not experience the aching and tired feeling which occurs in
using the ordinary rocking or cradle system.
.
I do not bind myself to the manner in which my treadle arrangement is made nor
to the manner of gearing up; any suitable material may be used, such as india-
rubber guttapercha or the like upon the treadle as in cases of the ordinary cycle; for
may use any suitable means without departure from the spirit of this invention.
I
Dated this 27th day of May 1897
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Motive Apparatus for Sewing Machines and
the like.
I, JOHN HELLIWELL LAWSON, of 26, Carver Lane, Sheffield, in the County of
York, Mark Maker, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:―
The object of my improvements in the motive apparatus for sewing machines and
the like, is to dispense entirely with the rocking or cradle motion such as is now in
use for driving them, and employ instead, driving-gear operated by pedals which
are arranged to move continuously in a circular path, like cycle-pedals for instance.

page_text: In the accompanying drawings :—
Figures 1 and 2 are end and front elevations, respectively, of an ordinary sewing
machine with my motive apparatus thereon..
Like letters indicate like parts throughout the drawings.
An ordinary sewing machine A is illustrated, having side frames B and B¹, which
are generally cast of an ornamental design. On the side frame B I cast, affix or
attach a boss or bearing C. The frames B and B are attached in the usual manner
to the table D of the machine A. Underneath the table D and in any suitable
position between the side frames B and B¹ I fix or fasten in any suitable manner a
frame E of any design having lugs and screws E2 for fastening it to the table. On
the said frame E are the bosses or bearings E and C¹, the latter to correspond with
the bearing or boss C.. In the boss or bearing E¹ of the frame E turns any suitable
pedal arrangement such as F preferably of the cycle type, with any suitable means
of gearing such as pulleys, wheels, or sprocket and chain arrangement F¹ to drive
the spindle G carrying the driving pulley H which gears with the pulley K on the
driving-spindle of the machine A.
On rotation of the pedals F the wheel or pulley K on the machine A is conse-
quently operated by a motive mechanism driven by a circular or rotary pedal
arrangement, dispensing with the rocking or cradle motions. If necessary in-
stead of forming the bracket E to carry my pedal or pedals, I can construct a double
throw crank shaft or spindle, and the side frames B and B¹ can form the bearings
for it, bosses being cast thereon or attached thereto, the driving wheel being fixed
upon such shaft in a direct line with the wheel K on the machine A. In this case
I drive the main spindle of the machine directly from the treadle or pedals by
sprocket and chain or other suitable gearing. Any means may be adopted. to
prevent the operators dress or the like from being entangled in the gearing as
guards can be used such as are in use on cycles, and the pedal treads may carry india-
rubber or any suitable material as may be found necessary.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
1. In sewing machines or other tools operated by foot-power, driving-gear oper-
ated by pedals which are arranged to mové continuously in a circular path sub-
stantially as described:
2. In a sewing machine or other tool operated by foot-power, pedal driving gear
arranged and operating substantially as and for the purpose described and illus-
trated in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 11th dow of Ianua1000