IMPROVEMENTS IN BUTTON-HOLE ATTACHMENTS FOR SEWING MACHINES
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Sydney Pitt, of Sutton, in the County of Surrey, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN BUTTON-HOLE ATTACHMENTS FOR SEWING
MACHINES." A communication from abroad by Samuel Rockwell, of the City
of Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, United States of America.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Sydney Pitt at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 4th February 1879.
SYDNEY PITT, of Sutton, in the County of Surrey. "IMPROVEMENTS IN BUTTON-
HOLE ATTACHMENTS FOR SEWING MACHINES." A communication from abroad by
Samuel Rockwell, of the City of Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, United States
of America.
My Invention relates to improvements in button-hole working attachments for
sewing machines of the class which are adapted for application to and use in con-
nection with sewing machines without necessitating material if any alteration in
or special adaptation of the machine in conjunction with which the attachment is
to be employed. The attachment is provided with connections and securing or
clamping devices, all independent of the sewing machine, that is to say, the button-
hole attachment is complete in itself, with the exceptions only of stitch-forming
mechanism and the motor or driving power in contradistinction to attachments for
working button holes, which require, for connecting them to sewing machines,
more or less material alteration in or special adaptation of the sewing machines
themselves.
Now I would have it understood that I do not broadly claim a button-hole
attachment of the class above described as I am not the originator of such type of
attachments considered generally, and my object mainly is to remedy defects in
prior Inventions, and in particular to adapt the button-hole attachment as improved
by me to the formation of regular stitches or those of uniform length throughout
a given period or fixed amount of work, and enable it with entire success to be
used in working button holes in heavy goods, leather, &c., as well as in lighter
material.
To convey a complete understanding of my Invention or improvements without
requiring reference to what has before been accomplished I shall describe both the
old and the new, with the understanding however that my claim is confined, first,
to improvements or to the new, and then to the combination of the new features of
my. Invention with certain features, which are of themselves old. My improvements
[Price 10d.]

page_text: may therefore be stated to consist in double organizations of parts and in certain
combinations of devices herein-after first fully described with reference to the
annexed Drawings, and specifically designated by the claim.
In the accompanying Drawings Figure-l--is-a plan or top view of a button-hole
attachment embodying or adapted to have attached to it all my improvements;
Figure 2, a side elevation of the same, showing the manner of connecting it with
-or-driving it by sewing machines, the connection for one kind of machine being
shown in full lines and for another kind in dotted lines, and those parts of tho
sewing machine shewn being in dotted lines also; Figure 3, a longitudinal. vertical
section on the line 3, 3, of Figure 1; Figure 4, a bottom view of the entire
attachment except the base plate, which is removed; Figure 5, a view similar to
Figure 4 with some parts removed and others broken away to show devices not
clearly represented by Figure 4; Figure 6 is a bottom view, showing the gearing
with the base plate, rack bar, and other parts detached; Figure 7 is a view partly
in front elevation and partly in transverse vertical section on the lines 7, 7, of
Figures 1 and 3, particularly designed to show the driving devices, the ratchet
securing and covering plate or face disc of the turret or ratchet chamber being
removed; Figure 8 is a vertical transverse section on the line 8, 8, of Figures 1, 3,
and 4; Figure 9, a similar section on the lines 9, 9, of Figures 1, 3, and 4; Figure
10 is a plan or top view of the shifting or oscillating cam for presenting a different
side of the button hole to the needle of the machine upon changing the direction of
the feed of the fabric; Figure 11, a view of the same, partly in section, on the line
11, 11, of Figure 10, and in part in longitudinal elevation or edge view.
Suitable gearing, herein-after to be described, is inclosed and protected in a box
or casing A, having a vertical chamber or turret A' and detachable base plate B,
with the extension or cloth clamp supporting base plate B'. A single reciprocating
shouldered or hooked ratchet actuating bar, pawl, or driver B² driven by the
sewing machine is employed to operate the gearing of the attachment instead
of two drivers heretofore used. This driver B2 is in the construction I prefer
pivoted or pin jointed at its upper end to a horizontal piece or cross head A2; the
pivot a by which the driver is jointed to the cross head passes through. the bar near
one edge and secures it in a slot a³ in the cross head. A. spring b over the slot acts
upon the heel b or top end of the driver at the edge opposite that near which the
pivot is located.
The driver bar is curved, so as to conform to the turret cavity,
and moves up and down through a way or slot in top of the turret, in which slot
it may also play laterally a distance sufficient to disengage its hook or shoulder b²
from the ratchet C on the downward stroke. During the downward movement of
the driver its inclined nose slips past the ratchet teeth as the spring b yields. The
turret is drilled through its top wall to form two parallel holes or guides, in which
reciprocate two rods A3, A3, for steadying and controlling the movements of the
reciprocating cross head and its attached ratchet driver.
The
The cross head at its projecting end may be acted upon by a vertically vibrating
bar of the sewing machine to which the attachment may be clamped, or the
reciprocating movements be given the driver in other and suitable ways.
connections varying with the different machines to which the attachments may be
suited, and being such as would readily be suggested to the skilled mechanic or
manufacturer after inspection of the connections shown in the Drawings and herein-
after described.
The ratchet C is covered by the disc C¹ upon the front or face of the turret A'
and detachably secured by the screw C², which serves as the shaft or bearing for
the ratchet and a crown wheel C³ connected therewith. The ratchet is operated
but once at each complete reciprocation or advance and return stroke of the
driver B², the ratchet being actuated upon the up stroke only of the driver. Were
two drivers used as heretofore there would be two actuations for each reciprocation,
one on the down stroke and the other on the up stroke.
A main spur gear or master wheel D is driven by the ratchet attached crown
wheel C³, and the master wheel in turn drives the pinion e and the cam shaft E..

page_text: It is essential to proper operation of the ratchet actuating bar or driver B² that
it be caused to ascend with the needle (see Figure 2) and perform its office of
imparting motion to the ratchet C on the up stroke of the needle when it is out of
goods being operated on, and that this driver be caused to slip past or work free
of the ratchet on the down stroke of the needle, so as not to disturb the fabric
while the needle is in it. Suitable and preferable connections or means for
actuating the driver will be described. No particular devices are required however
so long as the required movements at the proper times as stated are given the
driver.
Particularly referring to Figures 2 and 7 of the Drawings, description will now
be given of the preferred connections between the driver B2 and the part of the
machine constituting the motor or driving power (when the machine is in operation)
and moving in unison with the movements of the needle. The connections shown
have been devised with specific reference to the two well-known leading kinds or
generic types of sewing machines in common use; one of said machines, of which
there are many subordinate types or species, has an endwise reciprocating_rod or
sliding arm bx carrying the needle and working in suitable guides. The Wheeler
and Wilson and the Howe machine show two species of this genus. In the former
machine, a portion of which is illustrated in the Drawings, the needle-carrying
rod 6x is supported in guides in the outer end of the overhanging stationary
bracket portion or arm B, and is actuated by the vibrating needle bar b³. In the
Howe machine a rotating shaft passes through a hollow fixed bracket or over-
hanging part, the equivalent of the arm B³ for the purposes of this description, and
actuates the needle rod b*. In the other leading style or genus of machines, of
which there are likewise numerous species or subordinate types, the needle is.
carried by or actuated from a lever vibrating bar or some other moving part, the
equivalent for the purposes of this description of the needle bar 63, that is to say,
in all species of the second genus there is a moving part of the machine operating
in unison with the needle and suited to actuate the driver connection employed.
One of the connections between the driver and moving part of the machine
consists of the post or rod c detachably connected at the lower end by a screw
secured in the screw hole a in the reciprocated bar or cross head A. An
adjustable laterally projecting arm or horizontal lever c¹ is secured at any desired
point near the top of the post c by jam nuts or suitable clamps so that the outer
end of the lever c' will when adjusted properly be struck by the top of the needle
rod b near the finish of its upward movement, and after the needle has cleared the
goods to cause the driver B2 to actuate the ratchet C. The other connection
consists of the shorter rod or post secured at its lower end in the tap or screw
hole as in the cross head or reciprocated bar A2 at or near the end opposite that next
which the screw hole a³ is provided. The short arm or laterally projecting lever c³
is adjustable horizontally or around the post c² as well as vertically, and may be
secured in the desired position to be struck by the needle bar or moveable arm
in the same manner as the lever c¹ as adjusted on the post c is struck by the
needle rod bx and for the same purpose. It will of course be understood that
when one connection is to be used the other is removed. In the machine in part
shown either connection may be used, and the post c² and lever c³ are preferably
used.
A turning upright or brace rod A* screwed into the casing top at its lower end,
and bent or cranked at its upper end B has an adjustable head or nut C+ at top by
which to adjust the attachment and firmly hold it upon the bed of the machine.
This brace being properly adjusted both vertically and horizontally is caused to
clamp or press the attachment to the bed of the machine by adjusting the screw
nut C against the overhanging bracket or arm B3 or its equivalent.
The master wheel D revolves with the shaft & which is supported at its opposite
ends in the casing top and in a bent arm or plate D¹. This plate is secured at its
rear end by a screw to the under side of the casing top, and is supported at its front .

page_text: end in a rest or slot d¹ in the front wall or face of the casing. The master wheel D
revolves a small pinion e and a cam shaft E on which it is fastened, as will herein-
after be explained, and also imparts motion to a small pinion E¹ fast on the shaft d
above the master wheel. The pinion E¹ ineshes with and drives a larger pinion E2
turning with a large shaft e¹. This great pinion E is supported on the straight
highest portion of the plate D' which is bent downward and then extended parallel
with its upper portion to support the shaft d of the master pinion, as before
described. To steady-the-great pinion shaft e¹ and admit of its removal it is
mounted in a long bushing or sleeve bearing formed by a thumb nut e² screwed
into the casing top. At its lower end this shaft carries a small pinion e³ engaging
with either one of two racks, as will herein-after be explained, to feed the fabric in
either direction desired.
A horizontally oscillating or vibrating arm or lever is composed of a plate F,
which is termed an oscillator, in a suitable guideway F', in the front end of which
the cloth clamp or fabric holder reciprocates endwise, and by which oscillator the
said clamp is also laterally reciprocated or internittingly moved to and fro
transversely to the lines of stitching for a well-known purpose. This oscillator
lever is pivoted at for at any of the points f' near its heel or extreme rear end.
By pivoting at f a slighter lateral movement is given the cloth clamp (which is
operated as presently to be explained) than would be imparted were the pivot at
one of the points f', and the farther from the heel of the oscillator the pivot is
located the greater the vibration becomes. The adjustment of the lever pivot
enables the attachment to be suited to different goods and varying sizes of button
holes.
The lever F fits in a socket, groove, or trough-like recess g in the under side of a
cam frame or shifting plate G so as to partake of the movements imparted to this
plate which rests upon the casing bottom or base plate B. The cain shaft E before
referred to passes through a slightly inclined cam slot G1 (see particularly Figure 10)
at the forward end and near one side of the shifting plate or cam frame. Were the
slot exactly parallel with the longitudinal centre or recess g of the frame, it would
not be acted on by the cam shaft E to shift the cloth clamp, as herein-after fully
explained. This slot at or about midway its length is made of a width from the
top to the bottom of the plate less than the width of the slot for a portion of the
thickness of the plate at its ends. By reference to Figures 10 and 11 it will be seen
that the slot is widened by recesses g¹, g¹, at each side of the narrow portion g...
There are two cams or excentrics h, h¹, on the cam shaft E formed by circular
enlargements eccentrically applied to or formed upon the shaft. The oscillating
cam frame or shifting plate G is adapted to operate in connection with the cams of
the driven cam shaft E so as to prevent "Jost motion and guard against the
liability of the fabric being accidentally and improperly moved by vibrations of this
cam frame independently of the cams. If these cams were simply wipers or narrow
lug-like cams, or mere arms projecting from the sides of the cam shaft, the advantages
sought in this part of the Invention would not be attained, as the cam frame would
not at all times be governed and controlled by the formerly used mere arms or
wipers, for they would leave the cam frame free to be accidentally moved when they
extend in line with the length of the slot G¹. The cams or excentrics employed in
this Invention completely encircle the shaft E, and are of proper diameters to snugly
fit in or fill across at all times those parts of the slot G¹ in which they respectively
operate. This effectually prevents any injurious vibratory movement of the cam
plate G, and consequently guards against the fabric, if properly clamped, being
manipulated or shifted laterally independently of the action of the cains.
smaller cam (h) acts upon the walls or opposite edges of the narrow portions of the
slot at its ends while the larger cam (h³) is out of action, and moves in one or the
other of the recesses g¹, 9). The cam acts upon the slot walls or opposite sides
of the slot G' at its middle portion which is narrower than the recessed
portions g¹, g, and wider than the ends beneath these recesses, where the small cam
The

page_text: acts. From the above description it will be seen that the slot G¹ is so formed
as not to bind or interfere with free rotation of one cam when the other is at
work.
The crown wheel C³, master wheel D, and pinion e are respectively provided with
the proper number of teeth, and so arranged or "timed" relatively to each other
and to the ratchet and its driver B2 that a half revolution is imparted to the cam
shaft upon each up stroke of the driver, and at and near the finish of this stroke
after the needle is out of the work. No movement of the ratchet wheel is imparted
upon the down stroke of the driver, consequently the cam shaft and cams are held
stationary while the needle is in the goods, and all vibratory movement and endwise
feeding movement of the fabric is prevented while the needle is in it.
In the old style of attachment which my Invention is particularly designed to
improve and perfect the endwise feed is in part imparted upon the down stroke of
one of a pair of driving rods, and the shifting plate G therein not having its slot at
all times filled or crossed by one or the other of the cams on the cam shaft, is capable
of being accidentally and injuriously moved laterally. These imperfections are
remedied by my improvements in the initiatory or primary parts of the attachment.
By changing from the two driving shafts to the single driver operating on the finish
of the up stroke solely, instead of both on the up and down strokes and imparting
a half revolution to the cam shaft at each actuation, instead of a quarter turn as in
the old attachment, I am enabled to sew leather and other tough and thick fabrics
without breaking or bending the needle or slitting the goods by its movement
therein, and further to ensure uniform stitching while still leaving the attachment
equally as serviceable for light work as before.
At or near the rear end the cam or shifting plate has a transverse slot H on that
side of its longitudinal centre opposite the side in which the longitudinal slot G₁ is
inade. This slot H is shown as formed mainly in a shoulder or lateral lug H¹ on
the plate, and as extending entirely through it. A pin or lug i on a crank arm H³
of a short shaft I secured eccentrically upon a crank wheel or disc I' attached to a
stud which projects through the top of the casing is turned by a pivoted handle or
bent controlling lever 12 which is provided with a stop pin or lug which can be
caused to engage with any one of three holes in the casing plate. As will
hercin-after be fully explained, when this lever is locked in the position shown by
Figures 1 and 2 of the Drawings the cloth clamp is being moved outward or away,
from the casing; when it is turned one quarter round so as to project laterally from
the casing the endwise movement of the clamp is stopped and longer stitches to
cross lock" or strengthen the ends of the button holes are made; and when the
lever is given another quarter turn so as to project to the rear or opposite to the
direction in which it stands in Figures 1 and 2, the cloth clamp is being moved
inward or toward the casing.
"
The lateral or oscillating movement of the cloth clamp is produced by the action
of the ratchet-attached crown wheel C³, the master wheel D, pinion e, shaft E, and
cams or eccentrics h, '. When the cam frame or shifting plate G is moved endwise
so as to bring the sinall cam into action at either end of the slot G¹, short.vibrating
movements are given, and when the larger cam h' is acting the lateral throw is
increased.
As the cam shaft pinion is given a half turn at each upward stroke of the driver
it will be seen that at each complete revolution of the cam shaft the cloth clamp is
given a complete vibration or to-and-fro lateral movement, for at one movement of
the can shaft the cloth clamp is moved in one direction, while the succeeding turn
gives the return movement of the clamp.
The endwise reciprocation or movement of the cloth clamp lengthwise the button
hole is given through or by way of the pinions E¹, E, and e³, and a double rack J.
The teeth of this rack are formed upon the inner sides of parallel ribs or flanges 1,1,
equidistant from the longitudinal centre of a bar or plate K. The double rack is
formed upon the heel end and top surface of this plate, and the plate. rests at its

page_text: bottom upon the top of the cam frame G, so that it may move laterally and longi-
tudinally thereon. At its front end the plate K projects through an opening in the
casing, and is provided with a pin or catch k which engages the bottom plate or
-lower-section L of the cloth clamp which slides in the guideway of the oscillating
bar F. The plate K at its outer end is made springy, so as to bear with a yielding
pressure upon the cloth clamp to admit of its.ready connection with and separation
from the clamp and yet prevent accidental displacement. The rack J or heel ond
of this plate: is fitted snugly, but so as to be capable of sliding freely endwise
between short downwardly-projecting guide posts or lugs 7, 1, on a regulating plate
or rack-adjusting frame. L. This rack regulator L' is supported at top against the
plate D, and is slotted at M at one side and near-its rear end. The eccentric shaft I
projects through the slot M. This shaft is operated by the vertically rocking turning
handle or controlling lever I², as before explained. The regulating plate or rack-
adjusting frame L' is secured at its heel about in line with its horizontal centre to
a pivot N. This pivot is fitted so as to turn in a hole in the top of the casing. By
this construction when the plate L¹ is oscillated about its pivot N so as to bring
either the rack bar j or the rack bar j¹ into gear with the pinion e³, and present the
unworked side of a button hole to the needle the amount of movement or throw of
the plate is sufficient to slightly strain the springy arms n, n, of the regulating
frame L', and keep the rack and pinion in gear by the pressure of the arms, the
tendency of which is to move the plate further than is necessary to bring the rack
and pinion together. Thus accidental slip or disengagement of the pinion and rack
is prevented, and provision is made for using different sized pinions e³.
From the above description it will be seen that when the pinion engages the
toothed bar or part j¹ of the rack the cloth clamp is fed outward, and when the rack j
is engaged the reverse or inward feed takes place. The rack is held in either
position by the lever I².
When the lever is turned to and secured the inter-
mediate position both racks are disengaged from the driving pinion e³, and the end
stitching takes place as before explained.
The single handle or turning lever I³ and its attachments or connections serve to
give all the required adjustments to the cam frame or shifting plate G and the
regulating plate or rack shifting frame L¹.
In shifting the cloth clamp from one side to the other of a button hole by swaying
or vibrating the lever F on its heel pivot, and in working the ends of the holes
before so shifting the clamp the operation (which will be best understood by glancing
at Figures 1 and 2, and particularly referring to Figures 4, 8, 9, and 10) is as
follows: One side of the button hole having been stitched the handle is disengaged
from the forward catch or hole 22, Figure 1, and given a quarter turn to bring its
stop to the side hole. The result of this movement is to disengage the pinion es
and the toothed rib or side j¹ of the double rack bar J, and leave the pinion clear of
both sides of the rack, thus stopping endwise movement of the clamp. At the same
time the plate G is shifted forward half its endwise movement by the action of the
pin in the slot H, and the large cam h¹ comes into action as before fully
explained. The disengaging of the rack-operating pinion simultaneously or nearly
so with the throwing out of action of the cam h, and starting into operation of the
cam ¹ is due to the sidewise movement of the plate or rack-shifting frame L' and
also the rack bar J; this bar being embraced by the lugs 1, 1, Figures 9 and 5 of
the frame L', is forced to partake of its lateral movements. The movement of the
walls of the inclined slot G¹ in contact with the shaft E as the frame G is moved
endwise causes the frame to vibrate slightly, and this sidewise movement is imparted
to the lever F, which is thus caused to sway to the extent of half its sidewise throw
on its heel pivot. After securing the end of the button hole the handle I³ is given
another quarter turn and brought to engage the rear hole 3; this movement throws
the pinion es into gear with the side or toothed rib j of the double rack opposite to
that before engaged, and simultaneously completes the lateral movement or sway
of the lever F by the action of the shaft E.in the slot of the cam frame, and the

page_text: return movement of the clamp takes place to work the remaining side of the button
hole preparatory to locking its end by turning the handle in the reverse direction,
as will readily be understood.
It should be noticed that the detachable bearing e² for the shaft e¹ of the rack
pinion e provides for the removal of the shaft and pinion, so that a pinion larger or
smaller than the one (e³) shown may be fixed on its shaft e¹ for changing the size
of stitches. The shaft has a feather or spline connection with the great pinion E²,
which is thus caused to turn with the shaft, but it does not obstruct endwise
movement of the shaft to detach it. The pinion e³ may be made of any size not
exceeding the diameter of the large part of the shaft, and whether large or small it
is caused to work properly with the racks by the spring arms n, n, of the regulating
plate L because of the movements given this plate.
The moveable section of the cloth holder, that is, the cloth clamp proper N¹
(shown by Figures 1, 2, and 3) is especially devised to be used in connection with
the attachment. The cloth-clamp main section of base plate L has two short upright
posts or stud rods m, m', upon its inner portion, the former having a screw thread
N2 upon its upper end and therefrom downwardly for the greater portion of its
length. The inner or heel end of the clamp N¹ or moveable upper section of the
holder is thickened or otherwise suitably shaped and formed with holes or guide
ways, through which the posts pass. The clamp is moveable up and down upon its
guide posts, and to whatever position it may be vertically adjusted is always
parallel upon its under serrated face with the upper surface of the holder lower
section or base L. Upon the top of the heel of the clamp N' is formed or secured a
ratchet toothed projection plate or disc P. A screw collar, hub, or nut P¹ is fitted
to the top of the clamp, and centrally in the ratcheted projection, so as to be capable
of revolving freely but having no endwise or vertical movement independently of
the clamp J and its attached ratchet. A vertically swinging lever handle or arin p
is pivoted to the screw collar P¹, and provided with a teat or inclined stop lug on
its under side to engage the ratchet teeth. The lever is pivoted on the bifurcated
lug of the screw collar so that it may be thrown up out of the way.
It will readily be seen that by elevating the lever handle should it be in its
locked position and thus disengaging the downwardly projecting locking teat or
spur from the ratchet the clamp N₁ may be elevated or lowered by turning the
handle to the right or to the left, and the goods be removed or placed in position
and securely held by the nut whether the lever is locked or not..
Figures 12 to 17 both inclusive show an improved form of cloth clamp. The
clamp as thus modified I deem preferable to that just above described, but either form
may be employed. In the Drawings of this modification of the clamp, Figure 12
is a plan or top view; Figure 13, a side elevation; Figure 14, a vertical longi
tudinal section on the lines 14, 14, of Figures 12 and 17; Figure 15, a partial plan
or top view with parts in transverse section on the lines 15, 15, of Figures 14 and
17; Figure 16, a view partly in front elevation and partly in vertical transverse
section on the line 16, 16, of Figure 12; and Figure 17, a view partly in rear
elevation and partly in vertical transverse section on the line 17, 17, of Figure 12. -
These Drawings show so much only of the attachment as is needed to illustrate
the connection of the clamp in front of the turret A' of the casing A. The rack-
bar plate or shank K connects as before described with the cloth clamp base or
main section L in the guideway F" of the oscillator F in the supporting base B
The lower or main section L has the heel post or projection O upon which the
bollow post or upwardly projecting heel end O¹ of the inoveable section or clamp
proper N is fitted so as to be adjustable up and down. The parts and O are
dovetailed together as shewn, or are otherwise suitably connected to prevent
lateral movement, and permit the moveable section or clamp N to be adjusted
toward or from the main section or base. L. The adjusting and securing connee-
tions are as follows:-A ratchet toothed curved plate or detent are Qis rigidly
secured to the heel post O of the base section L of the clamp, and a rocking lever
or handle R is fulcrumed by the pivot bolt R¹ on the back of the detent, plate or

page_text: arc Q. The lever embraces a square or other angularly formed portion of the bolt,
so as to cause the bolt to turn with the lever, and thus turn the disc or wheel S
provided with the crank wrist or eccentric pin S¹, engaging a slot T in the hollow
post or projecting heel end O¹ of the upper section, or moveable part N¹ of the
clamp. A spring pawl or detent catch U holds the lever at any point desired by
locking it with the detent-arc-Q.-No changes are necessary to attach this clamp
in place of that shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, beyond the mere removal of one
clamp and the proper placing of the other in position and connecting it with the
plate-or-shank K of the rack bar.
The improved attachment is, as already explained, complete in itself, with the
exception of the stitch-forming mechanism (the sewing machine needle and its
co-operating mechanism) and the driving power, and may be used in connection
with most if not all sewing machines without any alterations in the machines.
I would have it understood that this Invention is not confined to the precise
arrangements and constructions of parts which have been described and are shown
by the Drawings annexed. The most essential characteristic of the Invention is
its capacity of feeding the material without interfering in the slightest with the
working of the needle and its co-operating stitch-forming devices. The attachment
can be inade cheaply and does excellent work equal to that done by any of the
expensive sewing machines especially designed for working button holes.
I claim as of my own Invention,―
First. The improved button-hole working attachment for sewing machines
having the capacity when connected with a sewing machine of operating the cloth-
clamp actuating mechanism without interfering with the work of the needle and
its co-operating stitch-forming mechanism, substantially as herein-before described
with reference to the accompanying Drawings.
Second. The combination of the chambered turret, the single pivotted recipro-
cated driver, and the ratchet wheel actuated by the driver on its upward movement
only, and serving to impart motion by way of the crown wheel to cloth clamp
actuating mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose herein-before set forth.
Third. The combination substantially as herein-before set forth of the box or
casing, the cam frame or shifting plate, the intermittently operated cam shaft
having the cams h, h¹, snugly fitting in the slot of the cam frame and mechanism,
substantially such as described for imparting a half revolution to the cam shaft at
intervals.
Fourth. The combination substantially as herein-before set forth of the single
reciprocated driver, the ratchet actuated on the upward movement only of the
driver, the crown wheel, the master wheel, the cam shaft, the circular cams or
eccentrics on said shaft, and the cam plate or shifting frame in the slot in which
the cams snugly fit for the purpose described.
Fifth. The combination of the chambered turret, the ratchet therein, the single
driver, the reciprocated bar or cross head in a slot in which the driver is pivoted,
and the spring acting upon the top of the driver, substantially as herein-before set
-forth.
Sixth. The combination of the box or casing having the chambered turret, the
ratchet secured in the turret, the slotted reciprocated bar or cross head having
guide rods working in holes in the turret, and the curved driver pivotted in the
slot in said bar or cross head, acting by its hooked end upon the ratchet on its
upward movement only and yieldingly held in working position, these members
being constructed and operating, substantially as herein-before described.
Seventh. The improved adjustable cloth clamp and the modification thereof,
substantially as herein-before described with reference to the accompanying
Drawings.
Eighth. The combination substantially as herein-before set forth of the cloth
bolder lower section or base plate, the cloth clamp movable section, the threaded
post on the base plate, the ratchet on the movable section of the clamp, the threaded
hub acting on the screw post, and the swinging stop lever secured thereto.
'

page_text: Ninth. The combination of the posts m, m¹, on the base plate of the cloth holder,
the adjustable clamp section N¹, its ratchet projection or disc, and the turning hub
or nut acting upon the threaded end of the post m, and adapted to be locked with
the ratchet, substantially as herein-before set forth.
Tenth. The improved button-hole working attachment separate from the sewing
machine, and complete in itself with the exception of the stitch-forming mechanism
and the driving power, and having the two connections to adjust it to either of the
two kinds of sewing machines so as to operate without interfering with the working
of the needle and its co-operating stitch-forming mechanism, substantially as herein-
before described with reference to the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Sydney Pitt, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Seventeenth day of January, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-nine.
SYDNEY PITT.
L.S.