An Improved Process and Machine for Covering Metal Eyelets with Celluloid or other like Mouldable Substance or Composition without the application of Heat.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 21st Dec., 1898-Accepted, 25th Mar., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Process and Machine for Covering Metal Eyelets with
Celluloid or other like Mouldable Substance or Composition
without the application of Heat.
I, OCTAVE BUTIN, of No. 64, Boulevard de Strasbourg, Paris, in the French
Republic, Manufacturer, 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 present invention relates to an improved process and machine for covering
metal eyelets with celluloid or other like mouldable substance or composition
without the application of heat. The chief object of the invention is to simplify and
shorten the process as hitherto performed.
At present metallic eyelets are encased in or covered with celluloid or similar
material by cutting washers of the material out of a sheet and stamping or moulding
them while hot on the collar or flange of the eyelet. Perforated plates have also
been employed in the holes in which a number of eyelets are arranged by hand
which eyelets are then covered by a sheet of hot celluloid and on the top of this
is placed a second plate. Between these two plates the celluloid is pressed against
the eyelets, thus moulding it upon the eyelets as desired. These processes are long
and tedious and require considerable amount of labour, and the application by
moulding and compression which is sometimes accompanied by cementing with
acetone, requires considerable force to effect.
The novel process which I have designed may be said to avoid the employment of
labour and enables the most important industrial progress to be realized.
The principle of my invention, is as follows:-
The celluloid is first cut in the form of a band or ribbon and carried by suitable
mechanism, hereinafter described, continuously over a mould, then brought by the
said mould under a row of punches which fulfil either separately or simultaneously
the following functions:-
1. They cut out circular discs from the ribbon of celluloid and these discs are
deposited in the moulds so as to form a sort of little basin, filling it.
2. The eyelet is taken up in a continuous distributor and deposited in the little
basin of celluloid.
3. The centre of the disc of celluloid is cut out while its edges and surface are set
respectively in the collar and base of the eyelets.
An endless line of similar moulds is brought under a series of punches which
thus act simultaneously.
It will be convenient to point out here the novelty of the process, which consists
in taking the material forming the coating (or lining) of celluloid in a band or
ribbon; this band being brought by a carrier and rolled out under a cutting punch,
and afterwards subjected to the action of a series of other punches performing the
functions above described; i.e. gathering the eyelet to deposit it in the celluloid
cup or basin and fastening the cup to the collar or flange of the eyelets; all these
operations being performed without the application of heat and without the
assistance of a workman.

page_text: most practical methods of constructing the machine for the purpose of carrying out
this novel process.
The parts of the machine necessary for the process are:-
1. A carrier or feeder for progressively and intermittently unrolling the celluloid
ribbon.
2. An automatic distributor of the eyelets.
3. A series of punches for cutting, moulding, and fixing; the cutting punch
being arranged in front of the ribbon carrier, and the gathering punch in front of
the distributor.
4. An endless row of similar moulds brought successively under the row of
punches.
It is plain that in practice it will suffice to give to the endless row of moulds a
displacement relative to the other parts, or vice versa to give the other parts a
displacement relative to the moulds.
In the example in the drawing, the former of these methods has been adopted.
I have found it advantageous to arrange the row of similar moulds on a disc or
plate which is intermittently rotated; the other parts of the machine are arranged
as necessity demands. The punches, the axes of which are in line with those of the
moulds, are guided in a fixed plate mounted on the same axle as the moveable plate
carrying the moulds; and opposite the cutting and gathering punches are placed
radially to the plate respectively the ribbon carrier and device for automatically
distributing the eyelets.
It will be easily understood that if care be taken to make the row of similar
moulds in number au exact multiple of the number of punches necessary for
performing the different steps of the process, a machine may be put together which
instead of merely finishing one eyelet at a time, would finish off a considerable
number simultaneously.
Supposing, for example, that five punches are required for performing the
operation, if the circular row of moulds comprises twenty similar moulds, four sets
of punches may be arranged round the same axle, and opposite each of these sets
a ribbon carrier and distributor. Under these circumstances all the moulds
constantly perform their functions and the machine will turn out four at once instead of
only one. This arrangement though not indispensable is particularly advantageous,
and it is for this reason that we have preferred to show it in the drawing.
Figure 1 is a view of the complete machine arranged for simultaneously
finishing four eyelets. It comprises for a circular row of moulds m four sets of
punches p, four carriers for the ribbon r, each situated in front of the cutting
punch of the sets; and four distributors d each in front of the gathering punch
of each set.
In the detail drawings I have only represented one of the sets of punches p
together with the ribbon-carrier a and the corresponding distributor d; i.e., one of
the four identical sectors of the machine.
Figure 2 is a partial plan of Figure 1, but on a larger scale.
Figure 3 is a vertical sectional elevation on the plane 3-3 of Figure 2. It
shows in lateral elevation the carrier and the celluloid ribbon 7 engaged on one
of the moulds m under the cutting punch pl.
Figure 3 is an elevation in detail showing the end of the inclined plane d¹ of
the distributor when in its to-and-fro movement; it is brought on to a mould m
under the gathering punch 222 for the purpose of picking up the end
eyelet o.
Figure 4 is a partial elevation of one of the four sectors of the machine, shown
for greater clearness, on one plane, and showing a set of punches and the endless
row of moulds in the position they occupy under the said punches.
Figure 5 is a longitudinal section corresponding to Figure 4 along the axis of
the punches shown in their position of rest, i.e., when they have completely
escaped from the action of their respective actuating cams c¹, c², c³, c².

page_text: Figures 5 and 5 represent in plan as seen from below the actuating cams c¹,
respectively, of the cutting and gathering punches p', p².
c²
Figure 6 is a sectional elevation corresponding to Figure 5; the punches being
shown in their working position and at the end of their travel.
Figures 7 and 7ª are transverse partly vertical sections along the plane 7-7 of
Figures 2, 4, 5 and 6, and show respectively in the positions of repose and work the
mechanism which enables by means of the hook p³ the eyelets to be ejected when
finished and covered with the coating of celluloid.
Figures 8, 84, 88, show in detail respectively in elevation, end view, and longi-
tudinal section along the plane 8b, 8b of Figure 84, the mechanism of the carrier a
of the celluloid ribbon r.
C
Figures 9, 94 and 9" show in detail the mechanism for transforming the continuous
motion of rotation imparted to the shaft M by the pulley P into intermittent move-
ment for the various working parts of the machine.
The circular plate C which serves to communicate motion to the row of
moulds m is mounted loose on the axle F, fixed to the frame G parallel to the
driving shaft M. This axle F may carry an arın F¹, one end of which will serve as
bearing for the shaft M. The plate C may receive an intermittent rotatory
movement in the direction of the arrow C round the axle F gliding upon an
underlying plate D fixed to the same axle; its circumference is provided with a
number of teeth corresponding to the number of moulds m.
A plate B fixed to the axle Fabove the plate C serves to support the punches
and guide their upward and downward movements. Finally ou the axle F are
mounted loose two end plates A. and E to which the driving shaft communicates
an oscillatory movement at the desired moment.
The oscillatory movement of the plate A (of which the movement in one
direction lowers the punches p while the return movement raises them) is com-
municated to it by a cam A² (Figures 1, 9, 9*) keyed on the driving shaft M which
when the latter is in motion successively actuates the arms L1 and L2 of a lever A¹
fixed to the plate A. It is plain that between each of these successive movements
in one direction and the other the plate will stop for a period corresponding to the
passage of the cam A² between the arms L' and L. The plate E, likewise receiveş
an intermittent oscillatory motion which is communicated to it by the double
cam E E2 (figures 9 and 9B) keyed to the shaft M. The part E¹ of the double cam
acts (arrow) to cause said plate E to move in a forward direction over the arm E³
of a lever pivoted at E to the frame G and guiding the plate by the fork E5; the
cam E2 causes the return of the plate E by acting on the roller E6 carried by the
opposing arm of the lever. The return movement is slower than the forward
movement and the double cam E-E² are keyed to shaft M in such a manner
relatively to the cam A2 that the periods of stoppage of the plate A correspond to
the movements of the plate E, aud the parts which it actuates.
The said plate E actuates by its movements; 1st, the toothed plate C by the
intermediary of the pawl H (Figures 2, 4 and 9) pivoted on the axle h carried by
the plate E and kept constantly between the teeth by a spring H¹. In the forward
movement of the plate E caused by the action of the cam E¹, the pawl H causes the
plate C to turn; the angular displacement of this latter being such that the moulds m
all pass from under one punch to under the following one. In the return movement
produced by the action of the cam E2, the pawl H slides on to the tooth C¹ next to
that which it has just acted on.
2nd. The plate E likewise actuates the four distributers of the eyelets. These
latter are of the ordinary type. The inclined plane d' of each distributer (Figures 2, 3,
and 3) is successively brought on to a mould and opposite the gathering punch p².
After the last eyelet retained by a spring catch o¹ is caught by the punch p² which
is lowered, the distributer d receives a retrograde movement and the inclined plane (¹
is removed to allow the passage of the punch p². These movements of advance and
retrogression of the distributer are caused by a cam s¹ carried by a projection $ of
U

page_text: the plate E. This latter carries a similar cam for each set of puuches, that is to
say, in the drawing four similar ones s¹.
The distributer (which we will not describe in detail, since it is commonly
employed in apparatus for placing or setting eyelets down) is mounted on an arm d*
pivoted on the axle d³ carried by the frame or support a¹ of the carrier or supported
from any other suitable part of the machine. The arm d² carries a roller which
receives the impulse of the cam s¹. A spring d continuously tends to bring the
arm d² of the distributer towards the machine and thus keeps the roller s² in contact
-with the cam 8¹.
The arm d² carries in addition a roller d (Figures 2, 3 and 8) which during
the forward and backward movements of the distributer actuates the ribbon
carrier a.
This carrier shown in detail in Figures 2, 3, 8, 84, 8B, consists essentially of two
feed rollers a³, a³ having preferably milled or serrated peripheries as shewn, between
which rollers the celluloid ribbon is fed along being suitably guided at its
entrance and exit. The axles a, a, of these feed wheels carry respectively toothed
wheels a, a engaging with each other. It may be seen that it suffices to obtain
the intermittent forward movement of the ribbon r to communicate an intermittent
rotary movement to the axle a'. On this latter axle is keyed for this purpose a
ratchet a8. A finger a is mounted loose on the axle a laterally to the said ratchet;
and a spring a constantly tends to depress the end of this finger while it is
normally kept raised (in the position shown in Figure 2 and in dotted lines in
Figure 8) by the roller which carries the distributer. The finger a³ carries a
pawl all kept in engagement with the ratchet as by a spring a
The result of this construction is that each time the roller raises the end of the
finger a, the pawl a turns the ratchet a and the ribbon 7 to advance in the
direction indicated by the arrow. Each time the roller d liberates the end of
the finger this latter obeying the action of the spring at, the pawl will glide over
the teeth of the ratchet. The forward movement of the ribbon takes place
during the return of the arin de towards the machine, that is to say, whilst the
metal eyelet is brought by the distributer on to one of the moulds m and under the
gathering punch p2, the ribbon is unrolled to the required extent by the carrier and
brought over the preceding mould under the cutting and moulding punch p¹.
The moulds all of which resemble each other and shown in detail Figures 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, and 7ª comprise a socket m fixed in a cylindrical orifice of the plate C
by means of a screw (Figure 3). The upper part of this socket projects above
the plate and serves to guide the working ends of the punches. The mould
properly so called m¹ is formed by a cylinder fixed in the socket, traversed by a
longitudinal perforation, its head being cut out cup-shape as shown on the drawing
according to the form which the washer takes before the gathering punch deposits
the eyelet therein. The cylinder m' slides with but little friction in the socket m;
its base carrying on its circumference a collar m² slides on the plate D when
the plate C is displaced to allow the forward movement of the line or row of
moulds.
The set of punches comprises :-
1. A punch p¹ (Figures 4, 5, and 6) under which the ribbon of celluloid is
unrolled by the carrier a.
2. A punch p2 which collects the eyelet at the end of the inclined plane of the
distributer.
3. A punch 3 which turns over the inner edge of the celluloid cup upon
the inner edge of the eyelet collar and atthe same time cuts off the centre of
the cup in applying the covering to the eyelet.
4. A punch p which secures the celluloid to the interior face of the collar.
Figure 6 which shows the punches in their working position also shews on the
right of each of the punches the appeararce presented successively by the washer
cut in the celluloid ribbon, then on the eyelet when the corresponding punch has
been raised to allow the mould to move forward.

page_text: The punches are guided by smooth contact in the cylindrical sockets in the fixed
plate B. They are supported by a spacial rocking support engaging under a
nipple t and carried by the plate B (Figures 2 and 3). This support is formed by
a sort of bracket B1 carrying an axle B2 on which turns freely the support properly
so-called formed by a lever with two branches B3, B4. The branch B terminates in
a spoon in which the nipple trests: The branch B terminates in an inclined plane
on which constantly presses a projection or point I carried by the plate A. The
point I rests upon a different point of the inclined plane according to the position
the plate A assumes in its oscillations. The inclination of the plane and the position
of the projection are such that the return movement of the plate A brings tho
rocking support into the position shewn in Figure 3, for raising the punches.
The movement of the plate A on the contrary causes a downward movement of the
punches. The plate therefore carries a cam (c¹, c², c³, c,) for each of the punches of
a form suited to the functions of its respective punch.
The punch p (Figures 5 and 6) comprises a case or sheath relatively to which a
piston moves longitudinally. The head of the piston 2 is guided by a screw pb
(Figure 5) and is maintained normally in the position shewn in Figure 5 by a
spring p. In this position the lower end of the piston is just inside the cutting
edge of the sheath or case.
The actuating cam c¹ of the punch p¹, shewn as seen from below in Figure 5 is
hollowed out; the inclined planes c", c, just press upon the head of the sheath for
cutting the ribbon into the form of a disc 1 (Figure 6) the inclined plane cc then
presses upon the head of the piston pa; this latter on descending takes the washer r¹
into the conduit of the socket m while the sheath engaged in the depressions ed of
the cam c¹ rises again slightly. Finally the disc 1 compressed in the cup of the
mould properly so-called m³, takes the form ². It is in this form that it is carried
by the mould under the punch p².
Figures 5 and 3 shew the rod of the piston in its position of rest in respect to
the inclined plane of the eyelet distributer. The action of the cam c2 depresses the
punch and causes it to penetrate the last eyelet; the inclined plane is then with-
drawn and the punch descends into the socket to deposit the eyelet into the
celluloid cup 2, (Figure 6). The whole of o2 is then carried by the mould under
the punch p³. This latter comprises two parts longitudinally moveable relatively
to one another: the sheath-the end of which is arranged as shewn in Figures 5
and 6, for turning over the raised edges of the cup 2, and a central piston pd, the
sharpened lower end of which serves for cutting out the centre of the washer; the
rod of this piston passes into the eye'et during the operation, and in its
return movement applies the celluloid to the interior edge of the eyelet.
After the performance of the punch p³ the covering on the eyelet assumes the
form (Figure 6). It is finally subjected to the squeezing or gripping action
of the punch p¹.
The plate C turning to the extent of one tooth the mould holding the finished
eyelet, comes vertically over the orifice D¹ of the plate D (Figures 5, 6, 7 and 7)
while its collar or flange embraces the end D2 of a rod D³ (Figures 4, 7 and 7^).
The rod D3 suitably guided in the fixed plates B and D receives from the plate A an
alternative intermittent movement causing it to rise and fall, its two extreme
positions being represented in Figures 7 and 7. For this purpose it is connected
at its upper end to one of the arms D+ of a lever with two branches D4, D5,
(Figure 4) pivoted at D to the fixed plate B; the other branch D abuts against a
projection D7 of the moveable plate A. It follows that during the forward move-
inent of the plate A the rod D³ descends carrying by means of the finger D2 the
mould properly so-called m¹ which fits into its socket m. The descent of the rod
D2 is suitably limited by the stop D³ arranged on the arm D. The projection D7
causing the arm D5 to turn on its pivot when the plate A returns brings the finger D²
and in consequence the mould back to its original position. These movements occur
while the plate C is at rest.

page_text: The sockets m carry level with the upper surface of the plate C, a conduit m³.
This conduit is closed by the mould properly so-called m³, but is uncovered as soon
as the latter is brought into the position of Figure 7A.
The hook p5 receives a backwards and forwards movement from the moveable
plate A.. The conduit m³ comes in front of the hook at the moment when the
mould is brought by the plate C above the conduit D¹. The finished eyelet is
ejected by the hook p5 (Figure 7A) which thereupon returns to its original position.
These backward and forward movements are communicated to the hook as follows:-
The vertical arm of the hook is fixed to a bar J passing between the guides J¹ of
the fixed plate B. To the bar J are attached the levers J2 J3 actuated by an arm J
fixed to the plate A (Figures 2 and 4).
It will be seen that the backward and forward movement of the ejecting hook p³
combined with the descent and subsequent elevation of the mould mi takes place
while the punches p¹, p², p³, p² rise and fall.
The details and mechanism for transmitting the motion are of course susceptible
of variation.
Further, the moulds and punches are arranged in such a way as to be easily
capable of being removed, and the form and sizes of these parts may be varied
according to the shape and dimensions of the eyelets which it is proposed to cover
with celluloid. A single machine may therefore serve for a great variety of
eyelets.
As we have pointed out in the first part of this Specification the endless row of
imoulds and the corresponding sets of punches instead of being arranged circularly
around a fixed axle, may be arranged in any manner which appears most
advantageous. Instead of moving the row of moulds relatively to the sets of
punches p, and the carrier a and distributor d, they may be moved while the row of
moulds is kept fixed-the principle of the machine remaining unaltered.
In addition the set of punches including the ejector for the finished eyelets does
not necessarily consist of five separate parts, the operations of piercing and fixing
being capable of being performed by a single tool, or by a greater number.
Finally, the eyelets may be provided with perforated or ribbed collars to ensure
the better adherence of the celluloid.
It is clear that the process may be applied to all sorts of metallic eyelets no
matter what their nature, shape or dimensions and it is also to be understood
that wherever in this Specification the word celluloid is mentioned, other like
mouldable and otherwise suitable substance or composition is included.
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. The process and machine in general for coating metal eyelets with celluloid or
other like mouldable substance or composition, consisting in taking the celluloid or
other material in the form of a ribbon, bringing it by means of a carrier through
feed rollers, continuously feeding it in front of one of an endless series of moulds,
each mould passing successively under punches so that the mould after having
received a disc cut out of the ribbon by one of the said punches, receives into this
disc an eyelet fed by a collecting punch in an automatic distributor, and finally
carries the eylet and washer together respectively under a cutting, fixing, and
ejecting punch,. substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
2. The mechanical process characterised by the arrangement of an endless row of
moulds composed of a socket and a mould proper fitting in the said socket arranged
in a circle in a plate which plate receives an intermittent rotatory movement under
suitably formed punches guided in a plate fixed on the same axle and receiving an
up-and-down movement by a plate fitted with cams, a second plate having an
oscillatory movement alternating with that of the first plate about the said axle

page_text: actuating the eyelet distributer and the carrier, arranged respectively in front of the
collecting and ribbon-cutting punches, substantially as described and illustrated
in the accompanying drawings.
Dated the 01st
1
1000
PHILLIPS & LEIGH,
No. 22, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.