Improvements in Button Hole Attachments for Sewing Machines.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 25th May, 1887.
Specification Accepted, 28th June, 1887.
Improvements in Button Hole Attachments for Sewing Machines.
I, JAMES YATE JOHNSON of 47 Lincolns Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex
Gentleman 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 :-
This Invention relates to improvements in button hole attachments for sewing
machines which I will proceed to describe with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a button hole attachment for sewing machines
embodying the elements of this Invention. Figure 2 is a top view and Figure 3
a rear end view of same--figure 4 is a central vertical longitudinal section of the
attachment on the line ab of Figure 2.-Figure 5 is a top view of the attachment
one portion being shewn in section on the line c d of Figure 1 and illustrating certain
parts in a different position from that shewn in Figure 2. Figure 6 is a vertical
transverse section on the line ef of figure 2 looking towards the front end of the
attachment. Figure 7 is a top view of the attachment (a portion of same being
omitted) illustrating a position of the parts during the operation of forming a button
hole as hereinafter described. Figure 8 is a similar view the upper portion of the
cloth clamp being omitted for the purpose of clearly illustrating the lower parts of the
attachment. Figure 9 is a view of the under face of the ratchet wheel by which
the cloth clamp is fed forward. Figures 10 and 11 are enlarged diagram views of
two forms of button holes capable of being produced by means of the attachment.
Figure 12 is a view of the under side of a finished button hole made after the pattern
illustrated by diagram Figure 10, and Figure 13 is a view of a button hole made of
straight stitches according to the diagram shown in Figure 11.
Referring to the drawings 1 designates the bed plate of the attachment in the
forward portion of which is provided a needle hole 2 and upon the under side of the
forward portion of which is secured a plate 3 by which the attachment may be applied

page_text: to various styles of sewing machines. The plate 3 will be of suitable dimensions to
cover the shuttle race of the machine and will be varied according to the style of the
machine to which the attachment is to be applied. At the sides of the rear end of
the bed plate 1 are formed the lugs or brackets 4, 5. These brackets at a suitable
distance above the bed plate 1 are slotted to receive the lateral reciprocating plate 6
as shown more clearly in Figures 7 and 8. The plate 6 is provided at its longitudinal
centre with a slot 7 in which is adjusted the set screw 8 for the purpose hereinafter
described and upon the upper surface of the plate 6 adjacent to the bracket 4 is
provided the friction roll 9.
Upon the inner face of the bracket 4 is secured upon a screw 10 the wheel 11
having upon its periphery the cam 12 which is corrugated in outline and of sufficient
dimensions between its two walls to receive and move over and actuate the friction
wheel 9 secured upon the plate 6. Between the cam 12 and the bracket 4 the
wheel 11 is provided with a series of teeth 13 forming a ratchet wheel, by means of
which (and the pivoted pawl 14 and bell crank lever 15) the wheel II with its
cam 12 is caused to rotate from the needle bar of the sewing machine to which the
attachment may be applied. The teeth 13 are of such size that the length of two of
them is equal to the length of one of the corrugations in the cam 12, hence, when the
wheel 11 is rotated the distance of one tooth of the ratchet 13 the cam 12 will move
upon the roll 9 the distance of one half of one of its corrugations, moving the plate 6
accordingly either towards one side or the other of the bed plate 1. Upon the
revolution of the wheel 11 the roll 9 (shown in dotted lines in Figure 2) will move
from the higher point of the cam down the incline to the adjacent lower point of same,
causing the plate 6 to be likewise moved and then upon the continued revolution of
the wheel 11 the distance of another tooth of the ratchet wheel 13 the roll 9 will move
the next adjoining incline to the higher point of the cam and return thereby the
plate 6 to its former position being that shown in Figure 2.
up
Upon the inner face of the wheel 11 are drilled cavities 16 in which are firmly
packed appropriate pieces of felt 17 or similar substance, which will exert when the
screw 10 is applied an elastic pressure against the face of the bracket 4 and thus
afford a suitable tension for the wheel 11 preventing it from moving unduly when
actuated by the pawl 14 and securing a firm regular revolution. Any suitable number
of the cavities 16 with their filling of material 17 may be employed according to the
wish of the manufacturer. Upon one side of the bracket 4 is formed the ear 18 to
which the lever 15 is pivotted and upon the upper edge of which is cut a slot 19 as
shown in dotted lines in Figures 1 and 4 in which slot moves a pin 20 secured upon
the lever for the purpose of controlling the extent of movement of the latter. The
lever 15 has the upwardly and downwardly extended arms 21 and 22 in the upper
end of the former of which is pivotted the pawl 14 supplied with the detent 23 and
the extension 24'.
The pawl 14 may be thrown from contact with the ratchet 13 as indicated in dotted
lines in Figure 1 and its extension 24' is of great importance since when the lever 15
is depressed by the needle bar of the sewing machine the extension will rest upon the
teeth 13 and preserve the detent 23 from contact therewith but when said lever 15
is elevated by the movement of the needle bar the entension will slide over the teeth
of the ratchet 13 until the detent 23 reaches the teeth of the ratchet almost centrally
over the screw 10 whereby the ratchet 13 will be rotated a distance of about one tooth
notwithstanding the extent of the movement of the needle bar and lever 15. If the
extension 24' were omitted from the pawl 14 it is probable that the detent would
engage the tooth ahead of that intended to be acted upon and if so would rotate the
wheel 11 with its cam and ratchet the distance of at least two of the teeth and thus
destroy the functions of the wheel. The purpose of the lower arm 22 of the lever 15
will be described hereinafter in connection with the devices which are actuated by it.
Upon the bed plate 1 is arranged the plate 24 (see figure 8) the forward portion of
which constitutes the lower half of the cloth-clamp and which has a horizontal pivotal
movement upon the pin 25 when actuated by the cam 12 through the plate 6 and
adjusting screw 8 as hereinafter described. In the forward end of the plate 24 is cut

page_text: the slot 26 which is of suitable dimensions to receive the downwardly turned lips 27
on the upper half 28 of the cloth-clamp and at the longitudinal centre of the plate 24
is cut the elongated slot 29 whereby the said plate is permitted to have a forward and
backward movement on the plate I without obstruction from the pin 25.
At one side
of the slot 29 the plate 24 is provided with a slot 30 which encompasses the pin 31
and the walls of which by coming in contact with said pin prevent any undue lateral
movement of the plate 24. In the rear portion of the plate 24 is cut the longitudinal
slot 32 which is centrally below the slot 7 in the transverse plate 6 and contains a
follower 33 in which is set the lower end of the adjusting screw 8 the upper end of
the screw being supplied with a suitable nut 34. The rotation of the cam 12 operates
to give the plate 6 a lateral reciprocating motion as aforesaid and this movement is
communicated to the rear end of the plate 24 through the screw 8 whereby said
plate has a horizontal pivotal movement. The purpose of said screw 8 is to adjust
the point at which the plate C shall act upon the plate 24 to give it its proper
movement. When the screw 8 is moved to the extreme rear end of the slot 7* as
illustrated in figure 8 the force exerted upon the plate 24 will then be at the farthest
point from the pivot or pin 25 and under this condition the forward end of the
plate 24 will have the smallest lateral movement that can be imparted to it and
consequently the cloth in the clamp will be carried but a slight distance laterally
across the needle hole 2 and the stitches made by the sewing needle will as a result
be slight in length. When however the screw 8 is moved towards the opposite end
of the slot 7 that is towards the sewing needle--it will be nearer to the pivot 25 and
hence the plate 24 will be given a more extensive movement upon its pivot and
consequently the cloth will be carried a greater distance on each side of the needle
hole 2 and the stitches will under this condition be greater in length than when the
adjusting screw 8 is at the rear of the slot 7. The longitudinal adjustment of the
screw 8 is permitted by the slot 32 which in connection with slot 29 permits
the plate 24 to move longitudinally upon the plate 1 without altering its lateral
movement. Notwithstanding the longitudinal position of the plate 24 upon the
plate 1 its lateral movement will remain the same since the distance between the
pivot 25 and the screw 8 will not vary except when the operator moves the same when
it is desired to make button holes having stitches greater or less in length. The lower
end of the pin 25 moves in a transverse slot 35 cut in the plate 1 while the upper
end of said pin is held and moved positive. Hence when said pin is moved either
to one side or the other it will change the fulcrum of the plate 24 and cause the
formation of the opposite sides of the button hole as hereinafter explained.
Over the central portion of plate 24 is secured by means of the legs 36, the bridge
37 upon opposite sides of the forward portion of which are the upwardly turned
lugs 38 upon the outer sides of which depend the lugs 39 formed on the plate 42 of
the cloth clamp and through the said lugs 38 and 39 is passed a pin 40 around which
is coiled the spring 41, one end of which rests upon the bridge 37, while the upper
end impinges against the upper surface of the plate whereby said plate is given an
upward tension. The forward portion of the plate 42 is formed into the arms 43
between lugs, at the extremities of which is pivoted the upper half 28, of the cloth
clamp, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Upon the forward part of the bridge 37 is
rigidly affixed the post 44 which extends upward through a slot in the plate 42, and
has pivoted upon its upper end the cam 45, having a suitable handle, which when
turned downward toward the rear, operates the cam to depress the plate 42, and at
the same time the upper half 28, is clamped upon the cloth placed between it and the
forward end of the plate 24, whereby the cloth is securely held. When the handle of
the cam 45 is elevated to the position illustrated in Figure 1 the spring 41 will
elevate the plate 42 and upper half 28 of the cloth clamp at which time the goods may
be withdrawn from the attachment.
Upon opposite sides and at about the centre of the plate 1 are formed the ears or
lugs 46 upon which are secured the depending lugs 47 supporting the frame 48 (See
Figure 6). The lugs 47 have elongated apertures 49, through which screws pass into
the plate 1 and the purpose of these apertures 49 is to permit the frame 48 to move

page_text: a slight distance laterally without altering the position of the plate 1. The frame 48
approximates to the form of a circle in outline and has its centre removed, forming a
circular aperture 50 in which is placed the upper reduced edges of the wheel 51
which adjacent to the lower surface of the frame 48 has a circular line of ratchet
teeth, 52 as indicated in Figures 2, 6 and 9. The wheel 51 has a lateral movement
upon the pin 25 which it carries, and the lower end of which projects into the elongated
slot 35 formed in the plate 1 before described. In the lower surface of the wheel 51
is cut a cam groove 53 consisting of the parts 54 and 55 both parts being in the are
of a circle, and the latter slightly larger than the former and connected with it by the
inclined portions 56 at opposite sides of the cam as shewn in Figure 9. When the
wheel 51 is in position in the frame 48 as indicated in Figure 6 the cam groove 53
will be over the friction roll 57, and during the rotation of said wheel 51 it will be
affected as to its lateral movement by the fact of its cam 53 travelling over said
friction roll. The friction roll 57 is stationary and will move the wheel 51 and
frame 48 laterally, according to the formation of the parts of the cam.
Between the wheel 51 and the plate 24 is placed a washer 58, consisting of thin
metal having a hole at its centre through which the pin 26 may pass, and an aperture
to one side thereof to permit of its being placed over the friction roll 57. Upon one
side of the frame 48 is formed a lug 59 to the under side of which is pivotted the
leyer 60, the short end 61 of which terminates in a sleeve 62 in which is placed an
adjusting screw 63, the point of which terminates adjacent to the lug 47 of the
frame 48. The other or longer end of the lever 60 passes in the arc of a circle upon
the rear portion of the wheel 51 and transversely across the attachment, terminating
in a handle 64, and squared shoulder or heel 75, the latter being in a suitable position
to be acted upon by the arm 22 of the lever 15 when the attachment is in use.
Upon the handle end of the lever 60 and in line with the heel 75 is pivoted the
pawl or detent 65 adjacent to which is secured upon a pin or screw the spring 66 one
end of which is in contact with the pawl 65, while the other end is in contact with
the pin 68, secured on the pawl 69. The effect upon the pawl 69 of the spring 66 is
to retain it in contact with the teeth of the ratchet 52 and to prevent during the
movement toward the rear of the lever 60 any reversal in the movement of the
ratchet 52. The ratchet is given its rotary movement by means of the pawl 65
during the forward movement of the handle end of the lever 60, the said ratchet being
stationary at all other times.
The movement of the lever 60 may be regulated at will by adjusting the screw 63
either toward or from the lug 47.
It will appear obvious that by adjusting the screw 63 towards the lug 47 the lever
will be capable of having a smaller sweep or movement than it would have were the
screw moved from the lug 47. By restricting the movement of the smaller end 61 of
the lever 60 its other end is likewise controlled. The regulation of the movement of
the lever 60 controls the extent of the rotation of the ratchet 52 on the wheel 51
whereby said ratchet may be caused to rotate the length of one two or more of its
teeth with the forward throw of the lever 60, according as the screw 63 is adjusted
toward or from the lug 47. The adjustment of the lever 60, and the consequent
regulation of the rotation of the ratchet 52 on the wheel 51 is of great importance,
since by it the distance between the stitches of the button hole is controlled, as
hereinafter explained.
The teeth of the ratchet 52 may be of any suitable size, and their size will regulate
in part the character of the button hole produced. For small button holes the teeth
will preferably be fine. Any suitable number of teeth may be employed according to
the size of the button holes to be sewed.
In the upper surface of the wheel 51 is formed the T or undercut groove 70 which
extends from a point adjacent to the pin 25 to the periphery of the wheel. Within
the groove 70 is placed the screw 71, which has a head conforming to the contour of
the groove and adapted to slide freely therein. The screw 71 passes upward through
an aperture in the forward end of the arm 72, and is provided with a nut 73, by
which it may be secured in any set position in the groove 70 (See Figures 4 and 8).

page_text: The adjustment of the screw in the groove 70, regulates the distance the plate 24 and
bridge 37, carrying the upper half of the cloth clamp, shall travel forward and
rearward upon the plate 1. and consequently regulates the length of the button-hole
formed in the fabric. The arm 72 is pivoted at its rear end to the bridge 37 as shewn
in Figures 4 and 5 and its front end moves with the screw 71 and is provided with
an index end 76, which denotes on the front edge of the slot 74 the centre of the
screw 71. When the screw 71 has been adjusted in any set position in the groove 70
and the wheel 51 is rotated by the ratchet 52 and pawl 65, the nut 73 will retain the
screw in such position, and consequently as the wheel rotates, said screw will travel
in the line of a circle, and will move laterally within the segmental slot 74, formed in
the transverse centre of the bridge 37. The extent of the movement of the nut 73 in
the slot 74 will vary with the distance the screw 71 is adjusted from the centre of the
wheel 51. When the screw 71 is set in the inner end of the groove 70 the smallest
button hole will be produced, and the nut 73 will have the minimum extent of
movement in the slot 74 and as the screw 71 is adjusted in the groove 70 towards the
periphery of the wheel 51 the size of the button hole produced will be increased, and
the movement of the nut 73 in the slot 74 will be proportionately extended.
Upon the rotation of the wheel 51 the nut 73 is carried against the front and rear
walls of the slot 74, and operates to force the bridge 37 and plate 24 either forward or
rearward a distance equal to twice the radius from the centre pin 25 to the screw 71
and this distance is the length of the button hole that will be produced. A series of
figures may be placed on the front edge of the slot 74 as a guide to the Operator in
adjusting the screw 71 for producing a button hole of the desired size, for instance
(the figures being one eighth of an inch apart, and the figure 4, which denotes four
eighths, being at each side of and equally distant from the longitudinal centre of the
slot 74) when the groove 70 is in a transverse position to the length of the attachment
and the index point 76 is on the figure 4 it will denote that a button hole an inch
long will be made, since the figures will indicate that it is one half of an inch from
the centre pin 25 to the screw 71. This is one half of the length of the longitudinal
movement of the cloth clamp.
In the operation of forming the button hole the cloth is placed over the front end
of the plate 24 nd the upper half of the clamp 28 closed down upon it by the
operation of the cam 45. The attachment is applied over the shuttle race of the
sewing machine and the shank of the needle screw is enclosed in the bifurcated
extremity of the lever 15. Upon the sewing machine being set in motion the
lever 15 will be actuated and will cause, through its pawl 14 and the ratchet 13, the
revolution of the wheel 11 and cam 12 as herein before described, the result being that
the cam 12 will act upon the plate 6 to cause a horizontal lateral movement of the
plate 24 upon the pin 25 whereby as aforesaid, the cloth is moved laterally over
the needle hole 2, in order that the needle may enter the material at points separated
from each other, and this is the prime object of giving the plate 24 its pivotal
movement aforesaid. During the horizontal pivotal movement of the plate 24,
carrying the material laterally across the needle hole 2, the arm 22 of the lever 15 at
cach upward stroke of said lever comes in contact with the heel 75 of the lever 60
and causes the rotation of the ratchet 52, forming a part of the disc or wheel 51.
The revolution of the wheel 51 causes through the screw 71, groove 70 and nut 73, a
longitudinal sliding movement of the plate 24 and bridge 37, carrying the material
forward or rearward in position to be acted upon by the sewing needle. The revolution
of the wheel 51, in connection with the stationary friction roll 57 in the cam 53, also
operates to shift the frame 48 laterally at the completion of each half of the button
hole sewed, and the shifting of the frame 48 moves at the same time the plate 24 and
bridge 37 and intermediate devices. The shifting of the frame 48 is permitted by the
elongated slots 49 and by the slot 35 formed in the plate 1. The lateral movement of
the frame 48 occurs at the moment when the wheel 57 has travelled a sufficient distance
to bring the inclined portions 56 of its cam 53 in contact with the friction roll 57.
After the smaller part 54 of the cam 53 has travelled over the roll 57 and the said
roll enters the larger part 55 of the cam, the said cam and through it the frame 48,

page_text: will be moved a short distance outward in the direction of the said larger part of the
cam, and the reverse of this is true when the friction roll 57 enters the smaller part 54
of the cam.
Thus as the wheel 51 is rotated it and the frame 48 will be moved a
short distance, first to one side and then to the other, at different intervals, and since
the parts of the cam 54 and 55 are equally divided in length these intervals will be
after the wheel 51 has made one half of a revolution and at the time the sewing
needle has reached the ends of the button hole, whereby after one side of the button
hole has been sewed during the forward movement of the bridge 37 and plate 24, the
cam 53 causes the frame 48 to shift its position and at this time, the rotation of the
wheel 51 continuing, the plate 24 will move in a reverse direction to that above
described, whereby the other half of the button hole will be formed.
The length of the button hole will be regulated, as aforesaid, by adjusting the
screw 71 in the grove 70. The distance between the stitches of the button hole will
be controlled by adjusting the screw 63 on the short end of the lever 60 and the
length of the stitches may be regulated at will by adjusting the screw 8 in the slot 7.
Upon the disengagement of the pawl 14 from the ratchet 13 and the working of the
lever 60 and ratchet 65, the cloth clamp will be moved directly forward on one side of
the button hole, making straight stitches as shewn in Figure 13, and then shift and
move directly rearward on the other side thereof. At any time, if during the sewing
of a button hole the thread has become broken, it will be found an easy matter to stop
the sewing needle and cause (by working the lever 60 by hand) the movement of the
material, until the part where the thread was broken is brought over the needle hole 2,
to continue the sewing of the button hole. When the attachment is operated in the
regular manner-that is, by the lever 15 from the needle bar of the machine without
the pawl 14 being in contact with the ratchet 13-straight stitches will be formed, as
above specified and shewn in Figure 13, and when the pawl 14 engages the ratchet
13 the diagonal style of stitch shewn by diagram view Figure 10 will be produced.
The horizontal lateral movement of the plate 24, is caused by the rotation of the
wheel 11 from the pawl 14, and hence it is plain that this movement may be continued
independently of or conjointly with the longitudinal movement of said plate; and
that the plate 24 may be moved longitudinally without regard to its lateral
movement.
It will be observed upon reference to Figures 10 to 13 inclusive, that the spaces
between the stitches gradually narrow toward the ends of the button hole; and this is
a matter of importance, since by thus forming them the ends of the button hole are
made very strong, and are able to resist the strain upon them when in use without
losing their shape. This formation of the button hole stitches is due to the fact that
the plate 24 and bridge 37 move less rapidly while the stitches toward the end of the
button hole are being sewed.
It will be remembered that the longitudinal movement of the plate 24 and bridge 37
is due to the revolution of the wheel 51, carrying the set screw 71, the latter moving
in the segmental slot 74 of the bridge. When during the rotation of the wheel 51
the screw 71 is approaching or leaving the longitudinal centre of the slot 74, it will
move the bridge less rapidly than when it is at the ends of the slot, and thus at these
times the cloth will be moved less rapidly, and the machine will have opportunity to
make an increased number of stitches in a given length of the material. When the
screw 71 is in the ends of the slot 74 the leverage between the screw and the centre of
the wheel 51 will have its greatest sweep against the bridge, and as the screw
approaches the centre of the slot this effect is gradually lessened.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said Invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :-
First In a button hole attachment for sewing machines the bed plate, longitudinal
plate 24, having at its rear end the slot 32, cloth-clamp, transverse plate 6, having
slot 7, screw 8, passing downward through slots 7 and 32, and the friction roll 9, in
combination with the cam 12, ratchet 13, secured to said cam, and pawl 14 actuated
from the needle bar of the sewing machine substantially as set forth.

page_text: Second-The actuating lever 15 having the arm 21, to which is pivoted the
pawl 14, provided with a detent, 23, and extension 24¹, in combination with the
ratchet wheel 13 cam 12, plate 24, cloth carrying clamp and intermediate mechanism
between the cam and the plate substantially as set forth.
Third: In a button hole attachment for sewing machines the cloth carrying clamp,
the plate 24, retained upon a pin 25 and having a longitudinal slot 32 in combination
with the transverse plate 6 having a slot 7, and adjusting screw 8, and intermediate
mechanisin for communicating a transverse reciprocating motion to the plate 6 from
the needle bar, substantially as set forth.
Fourth In a button hole attachment for sewing machines the wheel 11, having
the cam 12 and ratchet 13, and having cavities containing packing 17, in combination
with the bracket 4, transverse plate 6, adapted to be actuated by the cam 12, the cloth
carrying clamp, and the plate 24, connected at its rear end with the plate 6, substantially
as set forth.
:
Fifth In a button-hole attachment for sewing machines, the operating lever 15,
pawl 14, wheel 11 carrying the cam 12, and ratchet 13, in combination with the
plate 24, the cloth carrying clamp, and intermediate mechanism between said cam and
the plate 24, whereby the latter is actuated, substantially as set forth.
Sixth-In a button-hole attachment for sewing machines, the cloth carrying clamp,
in combination with the rotating wheel 51, having around its upper peripheral edge
an annular recess, the shifting frame 48, enclosing the wheel and fitting within said
recess, the cam groove 53, formed in the under side of said wheel concentric with the
pivot on which it turns, and consisting of the connected parts 54 and 55, differing
from each other in size, and each constituting about one half of the cam groove, and
the fixed roll 57, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Seventh-In a button hole attachment for sewing machines, the bed plate and
cloth clamp, in combination with the substantially-circular shifting frame 48, the
wheel 51, having a recess around its upper peripheral edge to receive said frame, and
ratchet teeth 52 on its periphery beneath the frame, the cam groove 53, formed on the
underside of the wheel 51, concentric with the pivot on which it turns, and consisting
of the connected parts 54 and 55, differing from each other in size, and each con-
stituting about, one half of the cam groove, the roll 57, the pawl 65, substantially as
and for the purposes set forth.
:-
Eighth In a button hole attachment for sewing machines, the cloth clamp, in
combination with the shifting frame 48, wheel 51, carrying the cam and ratchet, and
the pivoted lever 60, provided at one end with the pawl 65 and at its other end with
the adjusting screw 63, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Ninth In a button hole attachment for sewing machines, the cloth clamp, in com-
bination with the pivoted lever 60, adjusting screw 63, pawls 65 and 69, the wheel 51,
mounted in the shifting frame 48 and carrying the pin 25, cam 53 and ratchet 52 the
lower end of the pin 25 being enclosed in a transverse slot cut in the plate 1,
substantially as set forth.
Tenth The plate 24, having a horizontal pivotal movement, and the cloth clamp,
in combination with the shifting frame 48, wheel 51 having the cam 53 and ratchet
wheel 52 the pivoted lever 60, carrying the adjusting screw 63 the pawl 65, the
stationary friction roll 57, and pin 25, the lower end of which terminates in a transverse
slot, 35, formed in the plate 1, substantially as set forth.
Eleventh-In a button hole attachment for sewing machines, the cloth clamp
having a lateral pivotal movement and the bridge 37 forming a rigid part of said
clamp and provided with the transverse curved slot 74, in combination with the
rotating and laterally shifting wheel 51, provided on its upper face with the under cut
radial groove 70, and the screw 71 extending from said groove upward through and
being adjustable in the said slot 74, and having the nut 73 substantially as and for the
purposes set forth.
Twelfth The plate 24, the cloth carrying clamp and bridge 37, having the slot 74
in combination with the rotating wheel 51, having the guide slot 70 and adjusting

page_text: screw 71, and the arm 72, the forward end of which is carried by the screw 71,
substantially as set forth.
Thirteenth In a button hole attachment for sewing machines, the cloth carrying
clamp, the bridge 37, having a slot 74 the wheel 51, carrying a pin, 71, which has a
movement in said slot, and the arm 72, having an index point and connected with the
pin 71, suitable indicating characters being arranged adjacent to the slot and in proper
relation to said index point, substantially as set forth.
Fourteenth In a button hole attachment for sewing machines, the cloth carrying
clamp, the lever 15, having arms 21 and 22, and pawl 14 in combination with the
ratchet and cam mechanism for giving the cloth clamp a lateral pivotal movement,
and pawl and ratchet mechanism for giving the clamp a longitudinal movement
substantially as set forth.
Fifteenth-In a button hole attachment for sewing machines, the bed plate, the
cloth carrying clamp the lever 15, having arms 21 and 22, and pawl 14, in combination
with the ratchet and cam mechanism for giving the cloth clamp a lateral pivotal
movement, pawl and ratchet mechanism for giving the clamp a longitudinal move-
ment, and ratchet and cam mechanism for shifting the clamp laterally substantially as
set forth.