IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MEANS OR MODE OF FORMING AND FIXING STUDS, KNOBS, BUTTONS, AND FASTENERS FOR BRACES, BELTS, STRAPS, MILL BANDING, BALE TIES, AND OTHER LIKE ARTICLES
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Frederick Dowler, Henry Dowler, and Frederick Dowler,
junior, all of Aston, near Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Eyelet
Manufacturers, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MEANS OR MODE
OF FORMING AND FIXING STUDS, KNOBS, BUTTONS, AND FASTENERS FOR BRACES,
BELTS, STRAPS, MILL BANDING, BALE TIES, AND OTHER LIKE ARTICLES."
Scaled the 12th July 1878, and dated the 6th May 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Frederick Dowler, Henry
Dowler, and Frederick Dowler, junior, at the Office of the Commissioners of
Patents on the 6th May 1878.
FREDERICK DOWLER, HENRY DOWLER, and FREDERICK DOWLER, junior, all of
Aston, near Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Eyelet Manufacturers. "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN THE MEANS OR MODE OF FORMING AND FIXING STUDS, KNOBS,
BUTTONS, AND FASTENERS FOR BRACES, BELTS, STRAPS, MILL BANDING, BALE TIES,
AND OTHER LIKE ARTICLES."
Our Invention relates to the mode of forming stems adapted for fastening buttons
and other articles, so that they may be produced in a more effectual manner than
heretofore; also to the use of an improved cap to be used with stems and fasteners
in place of the washers generally used for spreading out the ends of eyelets upon
the said cap, not only securing the eyelet from being withdrawn through the fabric,
but at the same time covering the end of the eyelet so as to cover the ordinary
jagged or cutting edges, and causing a neatly finished end to be presented to
view.
And our Invention consists in forming the stems that we intend to be used as
fasteners by means of one eyelet with a contraction at the end, such end being

page_text: opened and spread out and clinched after being inserted in the fabric or substance;
or the fastening may be formed by means of two eyelets united at the heads. We
effect the junction of the eyelets at the heads by so forming the heads in relation to
each other as to admit of their being united by placing ono head within the other,
and turning the latter over the former, and effecting by means of pressure a secure
junction of the parts so fitted together. The joining of the heads may however be
effected by other methods.
The end of one of the eyelets is afterwards passed (as far as the junction of the
two eyelets) through the substance or fabric to which the stem or fastener is to be
applied, and then clinched by the process known as eyeletting, the other eyelet
being joined to the button, stud, or other material intended to be fastened also by
eyeletting; or the stem may be formed by means of two eyelets united at the
heads, and having contracted points which are opened out as required in order to
form the fastening; or a stem for knobs intended to be fastened to materials by
screwing may be formed by means of an eyelet having a cup-shaped head and a
contracted point, the head of the screw being inserted in the said cup-shaped head
and fastened therein by turning the edges upon it, and making a secure junction by
means of pressure; the contracted point may then be fastened to the knob by
cycletting, thus securing the whole of the parts together.
And our Invention further consists in forming a cap to be used for opening out
the ends of the before-mentioned stems and fasteners and other eyelets, the said cap
not only opening or spreading out the stem or eyelet on pressure being applied, but
becoming fixed to and covering the end of the stem or eyelet by one and the same
operation.
The before-mentioned stems and fasteners are made by forcing and opening out
portions of peculiarly formed eyelets, and causing such portions to enter cavities in
other portions adapted to receive them, and in contracting the points of eyelets so
that they may be clinched in the parts required, and the before-mentioned cap is
made from a disc of sheet metal by pressing in the centre thereof a hollow cono,
but attached to the edges of the cone and continuous with it is formed a hollow
bead, into which the opened out point of the eyelet is made to enter.
The buttons, studs, knobs, or similar articles are intended to have one eyelet.
or portion of the stem fixed to them, the other portion thereof being passed
through and fixed to the fabric or other substance, to which the said buttons, studs,
knobs, or similar articles are intended to be fastened, thereby securely fastening
the button, stud, knob, or similar article to the fabric or other substance as
required.
Ordinary washers may be added on either or both sides of the fabrics before
inserting and clinching the stems, but in any case where the spread out end of the
eyelet is liable to come in contact with garments or other soft fabrics, we prefer to
use the cap before described, which is joined to the stein by pressure being applied
to the cone, thereby causing the point of the eyelet to spread out and enter the
bead which surrounds the said cone, so that it cannot afterwards be withdrawn
therefrom.
This cap is also applicable for braces, belts, and straps, and other like articles in
conjunction with the ordinary eyelet used as a fastener for such articles; it may
also form the base of a stud.
When we use two eyelets to form the stems or fasteners, we prefer to soften the
lower eyelet which is fastened to the fabric or other substance, so that it may clinch
easily without damaging the other remaining portion of the stem or fastener.
This method of forming stems and fasteners is in substitution for methods of
forming stems hitherto employed, greater case in attachment combined with security
and cheapness being thereby attained.
The cap prevents garments or other materials from being injured by the sharp
edges of the eyelets and washers as before used.
The eyelets or portions forming the stem inay be variously formed, in order to

page_text: adapt them to the particular forms and materials of the buttons or other articles to
which they are to be combined as fasteners.
The buttons, studs, knobs, or other like articles may also be varied in form to
adapt them for the improved stems or fasteners.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by the
said Frederick Dowler, Henry Dowler, and Frederick Dowler, junior, in the
Great Seal Patent Office on the 24th October 1878.
FREDERICK DOWLER, HENRY DOWLER, and FREDERICK DOWLER, junior, all of
"IM-
Aston, near Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Eyelet Manufacturers.
PROVEMENTS IN THE MEANS OR MODE OF FORMING AND FIXING STUDS, KNOBS,
BUTTONS, AND FASTENERS FOR BRACES, BELTS, STRAPS, MILL BANDING, BALE TIES,
AND OTHER LIKE ARTICLES."
Our Invention of "Improvements in the Means or Mode of Forming and Fixing
Studs, Knobs, Buttons, and Fasteners for Braces, Belts, Straps, Mill Banding, Balc
Ties, and other like Articles," relates to the mode of forming stems adapted for
fastening buttons, knobs, and other like articles, and as fasteners for braces, straps,
bale ties, and the like, so that they may be produced in a more effectual manner
than hitherto.
And our Invention consists in forming the stems that we intend to be used as
fasteners by means of one cyclet with a contraction at the end, such end being
opened and spread out and clinched after being inserted in the fabric or substance;
or the fastener may be formed by means of two eyelets united at the heads. We
effect the junction of the eyelets at the heads by so forming the heads in relation
to each other as to adinit of their being united by placing one head within the
other and turning the latter over the former, and effecting by means of pressure a
secure junction of the parts so fitted together. The joining of the heads may
however be effected by other methods.
The end of one of the eyelets is afterwards passed (as far as the junction of the
two eyelets) through the substance or fabric to which the stem or fastener is to be
applied, and then clinched by the process known as eyeletting, the other eyelet
being joined to the button, stud, or other material intended to be fastened also by
eyeletting; or the stem may be formed by means of two eyelets united at the
heads, and having contracted points which can be opened out as required in order
to form the fastening; or a stem for knobs intended to be fastened to materials by
Screwing may be formed by means of an eyelet having a cup-shaped head and a
contracted point, the head of the screw being inserted in the said cup-shaped head
and fastened therein by turning the edges upon it, and making a secure junction by
means of pressure; the contracted point may then be fastened to the knob by
eyeletting, thus securing the whole of the parts together.
The perforation in the ball of the knob through which the point of the eyelet is
passed may be either square or fluted to increase the strength of the joint.

page_text: The before-mentioned stems and fasteners are made by forcing and opening out
portions of peculiarly formed eyelets, and causing such portions to enter cavities in
other portions adapted to receive them, and in contracting the points of the eyelets
so that they may be clinched in the parts required.
The buttons or similar articles are intended to have one eyelet or portion of the
stem fixed to them, the other portion thereof being passed through and fixed to the
fabric or other substance to which the said buttons or similar articles are intended
to be fastened, thereby securely fastening the button or similar article to the fabric
or other substance as required.
Ordinary washers may be added on either or both sides of the fabrics before
inserting and clinching the stems.
When we use two eyelets to form the stems or fasteners, we prefer to soften the
lower eyelet which is fastened to the fabric or other substance, so that it may
clinch easily without damaging the other remaining portion of the stem or
fastener.
This method of forming stems and fasteners is in substitution for methods of
forming stems hitherto employed, greater ease in attachment combined with security
and cheapness being thereby obtained.
The eyelets or portions forming the stem may be variously formed, in order to
adapt them to the particular forms and materials of the buttons or other articles to
which they are to be combined as fasteners without departing from the principle of
this Invention.
The buttons, studs, knobs, or other like articles may also be varied in form to
adapt them for the improved stems or fasteners.
Having thus stated the nature of the said Invention, we will proceed to describe
more particularly in what manner the same is to be performed by the aid of the
accompanying Drawings, in which are represented stems for fastening buttons,
studs, knobs, and other fasteners for articles, such as those herein-before referred to.
Fig. 1 represents a stem formed from one eyelet with a contraction at the
point, the part of the eyelet where the contraction ends forming a shoulder or
Bet off.
Fig. 2 represents a stem formed from two eyelets united at the heads; and
Figures 3 and 4 represent stems formed by eyelets united at the heads and having
contractions at the points also.
Fig. 5 shows a stud adapted for a corset fastener made in accordance with our
Invention, the stud being fixed to a busk by passing the point or contracted part
of it through the busk as far as the shoulder at a, and clinching it on the under
side by the process commonly known as eyeletting.
Fig. 6 shows a stud similar to Fig. 5 fastened to a soft fabric, in which case a
washer is placed on each side of the fabric before clinching the stem.
Figures 7 and 8 represent collar and shirt studs formed in accordance with this
Invention; Fig. 9 is an elevation, and Fig. 10 a section of a button formed in
accordance with this Invention.
Figures 11, 12, and 13 are also elevations of buttons and their stems formed in
accordance with this Invention; and Figures 14, 15, and 10 represent the same in
section and as fixed in a piece of cloth.
The buttons are fastened to the fabric by passing the lower part of the stem
through the cloth as far as the shoulder at a, and then clinching it on the under
side, a washer being generally used to prevent the stem from being withdrawn
through the fabric.
The remaining portion of the stem keeps the button c at a fixed distance from
the cloth, and allows a space for the buttoned over part of the garment to
lic in

page_text: It is preferred to soften the eyelet which forms the lower part of the stem before
joining the two parts thereof, so that it may be easily clinched after being inserted
in the cloth, the upper portion of the stem by reason of its hardness resisting the
pressure of the tool used to fix the button.
The buttons shewn in the Drawings are represented as made from sheet metal,
but it must be understood that the stems above described are applicable to many
other kinds of buttons, whether covered with cloth or linen or otherwise finished.
Figures 17 and 18 represent in elevation knobs made in accordance with this
Invention; and Figures 19 and 20 show the same in section.
It will be seen that the eyelet which forms the stem or central portion of the
knob is fixed at one end to the ball or bulb of the knob, and at the other end to
the head of a screw, such as is commonly used for fixing such knobs to wood or to
similar material.
Figures 21 and 22 show the mode of using stems made in accordance with this
Invention as fasteners for braces, belts, straps, mill banding, bale ties, and such like
articles.
Part of the fastener is passed through one of the pieces intended to be joined and
clinched therein as shewn in Fig. 21, and the remaining portion thereof is afterwards
passed through a corresponding hole in the other piece and then clinched, theroby
securing the parts together as shown in Fig. 22. The number of fasteners used in
this way is proportioned to the length of the overlap or to the strength of the
joint required.
From the foregoing illustrations of our said Invention, it will be seen that the
stems adapted for use as fasteners for the various purposes referred to are formed
by means of eyelets with a contracted point or part which is opened out and
clinched after insertion, or by means of two eyelets united at the suitably fitting
heads, the parts of such stems being respectively united to the materials or articles
required to be fastened, all as herein-before described.
The following are the methods employed by us for forming the stems or
fasteners:-
*
In order to form the contraction and shonlder at the point of any of the stems or
fasteners, we take an eyelet (which preferably has not been pierced at the point)
made from sheet metal by any of the well-known methods, but finished as hard as
possible, and force it into a die by means of pressure applied to the head of the
eyelet.
The die into which the eyelet is forced has a contraction at its lower part, and is
internally of the size and shape desired for the eyelet when finished. After being
removed from the die it may be pierced and is then ready for use.
In order to form the eyelet with a cavity in the upper part for the purposes
herein-before mentioned, we take an eyelet with a very wide flange or head, and
by means of a suitably formed punch and corresponding die we forin the head
into a cup-shaped cavity, the sides of which are parallel with the eyelet barrel.
The eyelet may afterwards be forced into another die to give it the required
contraction and shoulder at the point, as represented and described.
Any of the eyelets herein-before described may be finished sufficiently hard by
making them from soft sheet metal of the same kinds as those of which eyelets are
usually made without annealing between the processes of manufacture, and finishing
them by forcing them into dies as described. "We do not however confine ourselves
to the methods of manufacture described herein.
Having thus described the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, we hereby declare that we do not claim as of our In-
vention the fastening of buttons to fabrics by means of eyelets or hollow stems,
except when the stems are formed in the manner herein-before described, so as to
be readily and securely fastened to the buttons, and also to the garments for which
the buttons are intended, with a shoulder to keep the button at a fixed distance
from the fabric; but what we do claim as of our Invention is,-
First. The mode or method of forming a stem by means of an eyelet having a

page_text: contraction near the point terminating in a shoulder or set off, and adapting the
same for use as a fastener for buttons and studs as herein-before described.
Secondly. The adaptation and junction of two eyelets at the heads to form
stems and fasteners suited for the various uses herein-before described.
And, Lastly. The formation of an eyelet having the head formed into a cup-
shaped cavity, and either with or without a contraction at the point, and the use of
the same for stems and fasteners as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, we, the said Frederick Dowler, Henry Dowler, and
Frederick Dowler, junior, have hereunto set our hands and seals, the Seven-
teenth day of October, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred 1
and seventy-eight.
Signed, sealed, and delivered by the said
Frederick Dowler, Henry Dowler,
and Frederick Dowler, the younger,
in the presence of
JOSEPH BROWN,
Solicitor,
Birmingham.
FREDERICK DOWLER.
HENRY DOWLER.
(LS)
(L.S.)
FREDERICK DOWLER, JUNIOR. (LS.)