IMPROVEMENTS IN MANUFACTURING OF CARPETS, RUGS, AND OTHER NAPPED FABRICS
Year: 1838

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, MOSES
POOLE, of the Patent Office, Lincoln's Inn, in the County of Middlesex, Gen-
tleman, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at West
minster, the Twenty-first day of April, in the first year of Her reign, did, for
Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said Moses
Poole, Her especial licence, full power, sole privilege and authority, that I, the
said Moses Poole, my exors, admors, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
Moses Poole, my exors, adñiors, or assigns, should at any time agree with,
and no others, from time to time and at all times during the term of years
therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend,
within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, the Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MANUFACTURING OF CARPETS, RUGS, AND OTHER NAPPED
FABRICS," being a communication from a certain foreigner residing abroad;
in which Letters Patent is contained a proviso that I, the said Moses Poole,
shall cause a particular description of the nature of the said Invention, and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be inrolled in Her said
Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in
and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large
appear.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Moses Poole, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention, and the
manner in which the same is to be performed, are fully described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being had to the
Drawing hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked thereon,
that is to say:-
The Invention relates to two modes of making carpet, rugs, or other napped
fabrics, as will be hereafter fully explained. And in order to give the best
information in my power, I will proceed to describe the Drawings hereunto
annexed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of a machine suitable for carrying out
the first part of the Invention. a, a, is a quadrangular frame, having the
guides b, b, affixed by screws or other suitable means, allowing of their being
readily removed to take out the work. The frame a, a, is supported by the
legs or frames c, c. On the under side of each of the guides is a groove b¹, b',
or space between the guide and the frame a, the object of which will be
hereafter fully explained. d is a roller or beam, on which is warped a num-
ber of yarns or threads of worsted, wool, cotton, silk, or other fibrous materials,
or mixtures thereof, in like manner to winding a warp beam or roller of a loom,
as if the same were to be woven into a fabric in a like manner to ordinary
weaving with warp and weft, and the warp beam or roller d is weighted, and
has friction cords or bands, as is practised in looms for weaving, and as is
shown in the Drawing. The ends of the warp threads are made fast to the
front rail of the frame a, in like manner to fastening a warp to the cloth or
work roller of a loom. The workman then proceeds to work in the following
manner-He has a number of strips of thin metal, such as copper, zinc, or
other suitable material, the strips being all of the same size, and are to be in
width what the depth of the desired nap is to be, and the strips are to be of a
length somewhat greater than the width of the fabric produced in the machine,
and the frame a and guides 6 are to leave a space between them equal to
the width of the intended fabric to be produced. The workman first places
one of the strips of metal under the warp, and draws it up to the end, and.
parallel with the front rail of the frame a, the two ends of the strip being
placed under the guides b, b, by which they are prevented rising up. He then
places the next strip edgewise on the upper surface of the warp, and depresses
the warp evenly between the first and second strip, and he springs or bends.
the second strip in such manner as to allow of the two ends thereof entering

page_text: into the grooves 61, formed between the guides and the sides of the frame a.
He then places another strip under the warp, and raises the same up evenly
between the second and the third strips, and he bends the strip in such manner
as to cause the two ends to enter the grooves 6', formed between the guides
and the sides of the frame a, and then straightens the strip so as to lay the
same parallel with the preceding ones. Then he takes a fourth strip, and places
it on the upper surface of the warp, and depresses the threads evenly between
the third and the fourth strips, and causes the ends of the fourth strip to enter
the grooves formed between the guides 6 and the frame a, and with a straight
edge he presses the strips up evenly together from time to time, so that they
may each be kept upright on their edges, and in straight lines parallel to each
other; and when the frame a, a, is full, the yarns or threads composing the warp*
will be so arranged between the strips of metal or other suitable material as to
pass first over then under each succeeding strip, as is shewn at Fig. 2, Fig. 2",
Fig. 2b, and Fig. 20, where the red lines indicates the course of the yarns
or threads. The warp thus arranged should have a smooth surface of metal
or other suitable material passed over and pressed on the upper surface, in
order to lay and press the yarns or threads down evenly, and also to cause
them to spread out in such manner as to produce a touching of the fibres
throughout, so that when a suitable cement be placed or spread thereon
and dried, the whole will become one sheet of fabric, when the strips are
removed by cutting, as hereafter explained. The best cementing material
with which I am acquainted is dissolved india-rubber (caoutchouc), which is
a material well known, and may be readily purchased. At the same time I do
5 not confine myself thereto, as others cementic materials, such as shellac, may
be used. One or more coats of dissolved india-rubber or other cement is to be
spread over the surface of the warp, arranged and prepared as above explained,
and permitted to dry, and in this condition the frame a, a, may be turned over,
and then by a sharp knife or other suitable cutting instrument the strips may be
O successively removed by cutting the yarn from side to side of the fabric, in like
manner to cutting the warp when weaving velvet; but it is not necessary to
have the strips grooved, as in the case with the wires used in making velvet;
but they may be, if it is desired to be very correct in the cutting, or the cutting
may be facilitated by using two strips or folded strips as shewn in the Drawing.
5 The fabric thus prepared is then suitable to be applied to woven fabrics or
other surfaces by cementing it thereto, but I prefer that the back of woven
fabric (such as calico, canvass, or other low priced woven manufacture, depend-
ing on the purpose to which the fabric when made is to be applied), should be
cemented on to the warp immediately on the warp having been treated with

page_text: the cement, and before cutting out the strips of metal or other suitable
material employed, and this may be performed by having first spread a layer of
the cement on to the warp and another on to the fabric, which is to constitute
the back, and then bring the two cemented surfaces together, and press them
well, and if the surfaces be extensive the pressure may be conveniently per-
formed by means of a smooth iron roller passed over the upper surface. Such
roller being made hollow may be heated with an iron heater; in case it be
desired to make carpets, or rugs, or other fabrics with patterns then it will be
desirable to print the yarns or threads in the warp, as is well understood; but
each pattern in the printing must be so lengthened as to allow of the bending
up of the yarn, and the colors used must well penetrate the yarn. Fig. 8
shows another arrangement of machine for performing a like operation of
bending lengths of threads or yarns to that above described, the only difference
being that the frame a, and guides b, are formed into a cylinder, and this
machine requires that the fabric when produced should be unwound before the
cutting out the strips; in other respects the description above given, aided by
the Drawing, will be sufficient; the same letters indicating similar points in this
machine as were used in Fig. 1; and it will be seen that the cylinder a, a, has
an axis with suitable bearings at each end, in order that it may be turned
round by the workman as he proceeds with his work. Another means of per-
forming this operation of bending a number of threads or yarns, (in such
manner that each portion of thread or yarn when cut shall be cemented
at a point or part intermediate of its length, and the two ends thereof
rise to the surface, and form the nap of the fabric), may be performed in the
following manner :-In place of warping the threads or yarns on a roller or
beam, as above explained, and then bending the warp over and under a series
of thin strips, the strips may have thread or yarn wound spirally around them,
as is shewn at Fig. 4, and then a number of such covered strips are to be
packed side by side in a frame a, a, and the yarns or threads cemented
together and to a suitable fabric, and the strips cut therefrom as above
explained. Although I have directed the fabric produced by simply cementing
the warp to be stuck on to another fabric, yet under some circumstances it
will be preferable not to perform that operation, such as in making a suitable
napped fabric for the covering of hats and bonnets, in which case the napped
fabric being made as above explained, in places of cementing it to any other 8
fabric, it is to be cemented directly on to the hat or bonnet body or shape. I
would here remark, that this part of my Invention relating to the producing of
a napped fabric by bending threads, or yarns, or suitable combination of fabrics
in such manner that each piece is cemented at a point intermediate of its

page_text: length, I do not therefore confine myself to the precise arrangement of appa-
ratus or machinery and modes of working described, as variations may be made
without departing from this part of the Invention.
I will now proceed to describe the second part of my Invention, which
relates to another mode of manufacturing carpets, rugs, and other napped
fabrics, which differs from that above described, but is capable of being so
worked as to produce very ornamental surfaces, and may be made to resemble
tapestry and highly finished paintings, depending on the taste of the person who
works the pattern, as will be hereafter explained. Fig. 5 represents a frame
or apparatus suitable for working the pattern when performing the second
part of my Invention, A, A, are quadrangular frames affixed on the board B,
over each of the end frames; A is evenly stretched open canvas, such as is
used for worsted work, in such manner that the canvas at each end shall be
stretched to coincide one with the other as nearly as possible can be done.
The person who works the pattern is to proceed as follows:-By means of a
needle he draws the worsted, wool, or other yarn or thread thro' a hole or
mesh in the canvas at one end, and thro' a corresponding hole in the canvass in
the other frame A, commencing the work at the lower corner hole, and work-
ing successively through each hole of the lower rows of the surfaces of canvass,
then the next above, taking care that the thread or yarn (between the frames A)
lie even and smooth, and are drawn equally tight, and the work is to be con-
tinued till the yarn has been passed through every hole, when there would be a
long quadrangular mass of yarn or thread, which is to be encompassed with a
box or case c, open at both ends; and having so encompassed and secured the
mass of yarn or thread, the same may be cut away from the canvas or fabric,
and a piston or rammer inserted into the box or case c, which fitting closely.on
all sides will, when desired, force out portions or lengths of the yarn, in
order that the same may be cutt off after the same has been combined by
cementing the same into a fabric, as will be hereafter described, and the ends
of the fibres in the box, against which the ram is to press, should be cemented
to the ram and permitted to dry before commencing to force out the mass of
yarn by the ram.
Above I have given an account of the mode of working without reference
to the pattern. I will now proceed to explain how any design or a pattern may
be worked in the frame, and subsequently transferred, and subdivided into a
multitude of surfaces or portions of surfaces. But I would would first remark
that the canvass or fabric used on the frames A should be fine or course,
depending on the degree of fineness of the yarn or thread used, whether of
worsted, wool, cotton, silk, or other fibrous materials, or mixtures thereof, and

page_text: a pattern or design is to be worked or executed with the needle by counting
the meshes and drawing through colors, according to the order of a pattern set
before the person performing this part of the work, drawing the thread or
yarn through each of the frames, as has been above explained, or it may in
some patterns be performed by marking the canvas thus:-Supposing that the
pattern to be produced was to be a red cross on a white ground, and that the
shape of the cross was marked on the canvas, the person working would
continue to draw white yarn or thread through the canvass so long as the
lower part of the frame was to receive the ground, then with white, and then
with red, according as the portions of the row of meshes or holes of the canvas
across from side to side was ground or pattern, and so on, till all the holes were
worked through; having performed this operation, he would surround the mass
of yarn or thread with the box or case C, as above explained, the boxes or
cases C being formed in parts capable of being put together readily by screws,
or otherwise. I have chosen this simple pattern in order to give a clear
description of this part of my mode of working; but from the foregoing descrip-
tion, a person will readily be able to perform other patterns of varied degrees
of intricacy, depending on the taste of the design, which should be drawn on
paper, such as are now used in working worsted work or canvass, that is, by
having the colors in small equal-sized squares, as is well understood, and con-
sequently forms no part of my Invention, and then by counting the meshes or
interstices of the fabric, draw in threads of the color required, and as may be
marked on the pattern paper, or in some cases the pattern may be marked on
the canvass or fabric on the frames A, when the frames A are full, a case
just sufficient to embrace the mass of threads or yarn, and retain the same
closely together, in such manner that in forcing the mass of threads or yarns
through the case in which they are included, they will be prevented getting out
of the correct position; hence each successive portion or slice cut off from the
end of the case will be a repetition of the same pattern, which being combined
together will produce a carpet, or rug, or other napped fabric, depending on
the nature of the fibrous materials employed, and the mode of getting up the
saine.
There are other modes by which masses of yarns or fibres may be obtained
within cases or boxes C, and worked therefrom according to the Invention.
I do not, therefore, confine myself to the one above explained, though I believe
it to be the best, where intricate designs or patterns for surfaces or parts of
surfaces are desired to be produced; I will therefore now explain two other
modes, slightly differing from each other, and from the one above explained,
but by both the object of this part of the Invention may be obtained, whereby

page_text: a mass of yarns or threads, or such like combination of fibres may be produced
in masses, in suitable cases or boxes, and allow of a succession of cuts or slices
being successively taken therefrom, in order to produce successive surfaces or
portions of surfaces, which being cemented before cutting, will form the nap
of fabrics.
of
Fig. 6 represents a perspective view of an apparatus or machine, wherein
is a number of warp rollers a, a, a, having warped thereon threads or yarns
any suitable fibre, according to the fabric desired to be produced, the warp
rollers being equally weighted, each layer or warp of yarns is made fast to a
rod, which keeps the layers of the thread separate and correctly placed one
warp above the other.
And having so obtained a mass of threads or yarns, the same is to be
enclosed in a suitable case or box C, as above described; such boxes or cases C
may be of any convenient length, say twelve inches, which is a convenient
length, any they may be successively cut from the system of warps, taking care
that before cutting off one box or case that a second box or case or more
securely encompasses the system of yarns or threads, in order to hold them
securely, the cut being made between the two cases or boxes by a sharp thin
knife, or such like suitable instrument; each of these boxes or cases C will
then be worked off by having suitable pistons placed and forced through them,
as above explained; or in cases where the length of nap will allow of it, the
cases or boxes C may may be made up of parts, each only as deep as the
intended nap; then in order to cut off each successive layer or slice, india-
rubber or other suitable cement should be evenly spread over the external ends
of the system of warps, in order to cement all the ends together; a slice and
case, or box C may be cut off, starting with several such narrow cases, and
applying one around the yarn, as one is cut off, in order to retain the nap
secure, the cases being hinged or otherwise. Figure 7 shews another mode of
obtaining a system of threads or yarns into a box or case in order to allow of a
succession of slices or surfaces being cut off to form napped fabrics. It consists
in what may be called a folding machine, whereby a warp of yarns or threads,
either all of one color or of intermixed colors, according to the will of the
party, and depending on-the description of napped fabrics it is desired to pro-
duce. a is a warp beam, on to which the threads or yarns are warped; 6 is a
table, and C part of a box or case in which it is desired to pack a quantity of
threads or yarn; and C¹ is the top or cover of the case. The warp is first
made fast to a rod which is at one end of the case C; the warp is then drawn
evenly to the opposite end of a case, and a rod or other suitable instrument is
laid across the top of the warp; the warp is then taken evenly back to the

page_text: other end of the case C, and another rod laid on, and the warp again brought to
the other end of the case, and another rod laid on, till the warp is folded and the
case is full, the rods being of such a length as to protrude beyond the end of the
case C; and in order to pack the whole closely, the rods are kept pressed down
by the weighted instrument D at each end of the box or case, and when a
number of layers of the warp have been folded the lower rods may be succes-
sively removed in order to allow the layers to go more closely together, and
by this means a system of threads will be packed in a case or box, from which
may be cut a succession of slices, each slice forming the napped surface or
part of the napped surface of a fabric. I have thus far spoken of the frames
or cases into which the threads or yarns are packed as being rectangular, but
I would remark that they may be of other forms, depending on circumstances,
by which arrangement, where an extensive surface is desired to be napped, the
cases or boxes may be made into such forms as will, when combined together,
produce the forms required, and place the patterns or parts of a pattern in the
proper place, which arrangement will allow of the patterns or ornamental
designs (which require the most time in packing) being worked into separate
boxes or cases, and the threads or yarns which are to form the ground may be
in separate boxes or cases C.. Whatever be the course pursued in obtaining
systems of yarns or threads in cases or boxes, as above explained, the fibres at
the end which may protrude should be carefully shaved or cut off evenly,
and india-rubber or other suitable cement is to be laid on to the surface of
fibres, and permitted to dry sufficiently before the ram or piston is caused to
force a quantity equal to the length of the desired nap from the case. When
sufficiently dry, and on examination the cement appears to be complete over
the whole surface, the piston is to be forced into the case or box a length
equal to the length of the nap, when that quantity is to be cut off with a sharp
knife or other suitable instrument, and the ends of the yarn which is in the
case or box is to be again coated with cement, and so on till the whole is cut
up into slices, which may be afterwards applied by cement to canvas and other
fabrics, or to other surfaces; or in place of cutting, when the fibres have been
only combined by cement, they may be further combined by cementing on
canvass or other fabrics before cutting; and for hats and such like fabrics, where
it is desired to have a laid nap, then this may be accomplished by having the
end of the boxes or cases from which the cut is made on a bevel, and the face
of the ram also of a bevel; hence each slice or surface will be protruded, and
cut on a bevel or angular direction, and when cemented together will produce a
laid nap surface or fabric.
Having thus described the nature of the Invention, I would remark that I

page_text: am aware that various fabrics have been heretofore made and proposed to be
made by cementing portions of yarn and fibrous materials on to other fabrics
in order to produce napped surfaces thereto, and there have been several
Patents for modes of accomplishing that object. I do not therefore claim the
producing napped fabrics by combining length of yarns, threads, or such like
fibres generally, nor indeed do I claim any process or mode of applying lengths
of fibre or yarn or thread when the lengths required for the nap is first cut, but
only when performed according to the modes herein described; and I would
have it understood that I lay no claim to the parts of the apparatus or ma-
chinery separately which are herein described, nor do I confine myself to
the precise arrangements shewn, provided the Invention be performed.
But what I claim is :-
First, the mode of manufacturing carpets, rugs, and other napped fabrics by
cementing lengths of thread, yarn, or such like combinations of fibres, by
cementing such lengths intermediate of their length, and producing the napped
surface by means of the two ends of each such lengths, as above described.
Secondly, I claim the mode of manufacturing carpets, rugs, and other
napped fabrics by packing threads or yarns in design or otherwise, into cases
or boxes, from which successive quantities can be cemented, protrudes, and
allow of successive slices or surfaces being cut therefrom, as above explained.
In witness whereof, I, the said Moses Poole, have hereunto set their
hand and seal, the Nineteenth day of October, One thousand eight
hundred and thirty-eight.