IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BACKS AND HANDLES FOR BRUSHES, MIRRORS, AND SIMILAR ARTICLES
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Herbert John Haddan, of Kensington, Middlesex, for an
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BACKS AND HANDLES
FOR BRUSHES, MIRRORS, AND SIMILAR ARTICLES." A communication from
abroad by William Hart Miles, of New York, United States of America.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Herbert John Haddan at tho
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th December 1881.
IN
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of Kensington, Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS
THE MANUFACTURE OF BACKS AND HANDLES FOR BRUSHES, MIRRORS, AND
SIMILAR ARTICLES." A communication from abroad by William Hart Miles,
of New York, United States of America.
The first part of the Invention has special relation to the manufacture of brushes
and similar articles wherein the back and handle are made of a more or less brittle
composition, but as will be readily understood from the following description, the
improvements may be applied to any of the ordinary forms of brushes, &c. The
objects of this part of the improvement are chiefly to simplify, improve, and
cheapen the manufacture of brushes, &c., to render it convenient and expedient to
employ a grade of composition cheaper than usual for the backs and handles
thereof, to strengthen or stiffen the handles at their junction with the back, to
render it expedient to make the neck more narrow than usual, and therefore more
graceful in outline, and to dispense with the expensive methods of moulding and
consequent finishing now in vogue.
To accomplish all of this, this part of the Invention involves certain novel and
useful arrangements or combinations of parts, peculiarities of construction, and
details of manipulation or manufacture, as will be herein first fully described.
Heretofore in the manufacture of composition-back brushes, mirrors, &c., which
are of rubber, glue compounds, papier-mache and various compounds, it has been
customary to resort to the use of wires or strengthening pieces embedded and
concealed within the material during the process of moulding. With this style of
strengthening, the neck and other parts of the brush-back are necessarily quite
thick, the edges all round are left exposed to wear and damage, and being brittle

page_text: they are liable to chip off, and alter coming from the moulds the backs are required
to be trimmed, finished, or ground down and polished, especially around the edges
which are left rough in the region where the two parts of the mould come together.
This increases the cost of manufacture and necessitates the employment of a fine
or expensive grade of composition which alone will withstand the damaging effects
of wear, as well as requiring that the composition be employed in a plastic state,
so that the wires or strengthening pieces may be inserted.
Figure 1 is a plan view of a fragment of a thin sheet of metal from which I cut,
stamp, or otherwise produce a blank for the improved stiffening rim as outlined
thereon; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the blank having the exterior bent up
all around and ready to receive a brush-back previously formed to fit it; Figure 3
is a plan view showing the outer edge of the stiffener bent over upon the back;
Figures 4 and 5 are cross sections upon lines x-x, and y-y, of Figure 3; Figure 6
is a cross section of a brush showing a means of applying elastic brush-bases to the
brush-backs; Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, are sections of fragments showing
different forms, outlines, or ornamentations, which may be adopted in connection
with the stiffener; Figures 14 and 15 are plan views of blanks struck out in forms
differing somewhat from that shown in Figure 1, but affording an increased
stiffness (when made up) in the region of the neck of the brush, and Figure 16 is a
perspective view of a brush completed in accordance with this Invention.
A is a strip of thin sheet metal, as brass, copper, zinc, &c., capable of being
"drawn." From this I cut, preferably by use of dies, a continuous blank B, having
an opening corresponding nearly to the shape of the brush-back but somewhat
smaller, the outer edge of the blank being at such distance from the inner edge as
will afford the requisite room for "formning up" and embracing-the-brush-back,
substantially as indicated-in-Fig. 1. The blanking out is of course intended to
be accomplished with as little waste of material as possible and in the form of
blank indicated in Figure 1, it will be convenient to produce those for the very
large sizes of brushes, &c., from the metal surrounding the part cut out, the exterior
cut in Figure 1 being employed for the interior of the larger sized blank. The
blank so formed is continuous, and the outer portion is bent or drawn up all around,
leaving a narrow inwardly projecting flange as at a. The rim might be otherwise
formed of a strip of metal, the ends being brazed.
The brush or mirror back having been previously formed or moulded, it may be
dropped into the metallic rim drawn up as in Figure 2, and the upper edge of the
metal then turned down upon it as shown at b, Figures 3, 4, and 5, so as to pinch all
around, forming a protection for the edges and stiffening the neck at the union
of the handle and brush-back. To finish the brush in this manner it is plain that
the edges of the brush-back have only to be roughed out, the metal being
made to hide all the defects therein. The metal may of course be plated or
polished in any way, and may be milled, beaded, or otherwise ornamented, as
desired. If thin metal be employed of unusual light weight, an ornamental bend,
as for instance such as indicated at g, Figure 6, will add materially to its stiffness,
and consequently to the durability of the finished brush. A cheaper grade of
composition may be employed in brushes, &c., having this strengthening rim, for
the reason that the material is protected from chipping at the edges and from
breaking at the neck.
A preferable manner of attaching the protecting and stiffening rim or band is to
form it up completely (top and bottom) and locate it in the mould so that the
material shall be pressed into the interior recess all around, and when thus made
the back comes from the mould finished and ready for the application of the brush
material or mirror. One advantage of the exterior rim in connection with the
composition brush-backs is that by its use the backs may be stamped up from
sheets of the material, the edges not requiring to be finished, whereas by the old
methods of stiffening and strengthening the mould must be employed in order that
the wires may be embedded or inserted; and the moulding is a more expensive
process than stamping.

page_text: In the use of elastic materials for the backs they may be sprung into place
within the stiffener, and all the advantages of the Invention preserved in con-
nection with them. The improvements also render it convenient, simple, and easy
to secure the wire brushes to their backs. These brushes, as is well known, have
a flexible or clastic base which permits the wires to yield readily to the touch.
The back having the binding or rim already applied and located, the flexible
base may be easily sprung in under the edge of the binder and there securely held ;
or the binder may be bent down upon the confined back and brush-base, the same
as for the solid back shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5. In Figure 61 have shown a
section wherein c represents the wires, d the elastic base of the wire brush,
and Cthe composition back. The stiffener B may be formed around the back
and base & sprung in under the edges, or if desired the two parts may be pinched
together by the application of the rim to their united edges.
If increased stiffness be required at the back of the brush the rim may be
blanked out, as in Figure 14, leaving a cross-piece e which covers the neck on onc
side when formed around the brush-back; or if blanked out, as in Figure 15, the
neck and handle will be protected on one side by the piece c¹, the opposite side
presenting an appearance when the back is finished, substantially as shown in
Figure 3.
The rim as thus made and applied may be adopted in connection with ordinary
backs of wood as well as with those of any coin position, avoiding the hitherto
necessary finishing of the edges, and making it convenient and easy to apply layers
of paper, cloth, &c., for ornamentation, holding the parts securely together by the
metal rim and avoiding the necessity of using glue as now practiced. The back is
left exposed except at the location of the narrow rim. By the method of finishing
the brushes as above pointed out it will be observed that no solder or brazing is
required, as is done in some classes of brushes wherein a continuous metallic
backing and handle are employed, and the method enables me if desired to mould
the back and handle into or upon the rim with the cavities ready for the reception
of the bristles or brush material, so that when the back comes from the mould it is
finished and ready to receive the brush; or the bristles may be moulded in the
back if desired at the same time.
The exterior of the rim may be convex, as indicated in Figure 4, concave as in
Figure 7, or ornamental as in Figure 8.
In Figure 9 I have indicated the application of a stiffener in the form of a
square or round wire embedded in the edge of the brush-back, which latter is
moulded in and on the stiffener, much as above explained, in connection with the
rim which overlaps the top and bottom of the edge of the brush-back.
This form may be stamped or otherwise formed from thicker metal, and since
it projects a little from the back it will prevent damage thereto, while it still adds
strength, especially in the region of the brush-back. The rim B, as shown in
Figure 10, does not extend above and below the edges of the back, but is embedded
therein at top and bottom, affording by use of the thin metal all the advantages of
the forms shown in Figure 9. Either of these forms, and others shown, may be
placed in the moulds and the composition applied thereto, substantially as above
explained, and either will when properly made and applied afford the desired
strength, stiffness, durability, cheapness, and finish.
The second part of the Invention has for its object the production of a neat,
simple, cheap, and serviceable handle for brushes, hand-mirrors, and similar articles,
which handles may be readily detached from an article and applied to another,
and which will admit of the application of a great variety of ornamental or other
backings holding the parts firmly together and covering the edges thereof, whereby
considerable saving to the manufacturer is effected in the assembling of the parts
and in finishing the edges thereof, and by use of which a varied assortment of
goods may be carried by the tradesman at less cost than when the parts are not
detachable or interchangeable. To accomplish all of this and to secure other and
further important advantages, this part of Invention involves certain novel and

page_text: useful arrangements or combinations of parts, peculiarities of construction, and
details of manufacture, all of which will be more fully described. In the
Drawings I have chosen a hair-brush and hand-mirror with which to illustrate
these special improvements.
Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the several parts of a hair or similar
brush, the parts being separated and intended to be afterwards assembled in
accordance with the Invention; Figure 18 is a vertical section of the brush shown
in Figure 17, the parts being assembled for use; Figure 19 is a similar view of a
hand-mirror in which the parts are united in the saine manner as the parts of the
brush and by the same means; Figure 20 is a horizontal section through either
Figure 18 or Figure 19, the backing of the implement being indicated in plan;
Figure 21 is a perspective of a completed brush. According to this part of the
Invention I employ an open band Ĺ of such form and size as to surround the
edges of the brusli-block or mirror, or like article, and the backing therefor. The
projecting ends of this band are inserted in a hollow handle M, and the handle is
secured in place by a suitable screw, pin, key, or other contrivance applicable from
the exterior when all the other parts are in place.
Upon one end of the band is a perforated plug N and upon the other end a
similar plug O screw threaded for the reception of the locking screw P.
The hand piece or handle M is slipped over the extensions of the band and
the parts locked and crowded into place by the screw P entering the screw
plug O, the head of the screw bearing against the handle and holding it firmly up
to its place.
•
The brush-block or the mirror H may be cut to any desired form or size, and
the backings are made to correspond substantially to such form or size.
The edges of these principal parts are not required_to_be-finished-up, as in the
ordinary process of-manufacture, being intended to be subsequently covered entirely
by the adjustable band and the adjacent end of the handle.
The two principal parts being placed together the band is sprung around their
combined edges and the handle applied and locked, as above indicated.
The use of separate backs render it practicable to employ various materials for
finishing, such as cloths, papers, mirrors, photographs, glasses, paintings, pictures,
&c., &c., and the ornamentations of these may be carried to any desired extent.
The customer selects his brush or mirror, &c., and the backing with which he
desires it finished. The dealer then couples the two together and the implement
is complete and ready for use. Thus with a number of backs and bases the dealer
may make up a variety of combinations which in the old style could not be
comprehended in an ordinary stock of goods.
The backs may be readily changed whenever desired. They may be made of
any composition or material, and the band being made substantially U shaped in
section, as shown (or in some equivalent shape) the back and face are firmly
clamped together all around the edges, and the use of glue, cement, or any fastening
other than the band is dispensed with.
For the application of pictures, photographs, and the like, a transparent back-
piece may be employed.
It is intended to make the bands and handles of any suitable material,
preferably of metal, and these may be polished or finished in any desired
manner.
The handle is flattened, as indicated, fits well up around the two clamped parts,
and is so formed as to give a graceful outline to the completed device and afford a
stiffening at the neck, substantially as before explained in reference to the continuous
band. The band being drawn down into the handle may be made to take up any
uneven or inaccurate portions of the edges of the back or face of the implement
being tightened until it properly secures the whole, so that the band will clamp
articles very accurately fitted to a certain size.
The locking screw may be inserted by use of an ordinary screw-driver or other
means, or when formed substantially as illustrated, the projecting ring will operate

page_text: as a lever by which to turn the screw, and will be found convenient and serviceable
if it be desired to hang up the article. The backs being interchangeable may be
replaced when worn or soiled, and the same is true of the faces or bases. For
these latter various styles and qualities may be employed. The Invention is
especially designed for use in connection with a fine or high grade of goods, but
obviously it may be applied to cheaper goods as well. I have specified only brushes
and mirrors as the articles or implements to which I intend applying these
improvements, but I desire it understood that I do not limit the Invention to such
application, inasmuch as it may be used in connection with any analogous toilet or
other implement.
CLAIMS.
1st. In combination with the brush-back, the continuous rim of metal, said rim
being applied to the lateral edges of the handle, neck, and remainder of the back,
overlapping these edges at top and bottom, and protecting thein from damage, and
leaving the top of the brush exposed, substantially as set forth.
2nd. The stiffening and protecting metallic rim enveloping the lateral edges of
the brush-back and leaving the back exposed, said rim provided with the cross-
piece extending over the neck on one side, substantially as and for the purposes set
forth.
3rd. In combination with a brush-back made of composition, moulded as
explained, an exterior metallic rim located upon the said composition back and
protecting the edges thereof, leaving the other portions of said back exposed, the
composition being moulded in the rim after the latter is formed, substantially as
set forth.
4th. The herein described brush, having its handle, neck, and back bound at the
edges all around by a narrow continuous metallic binding formed on the exterior,
affording stiffness at the neck and protection against damage and wear at the edges,
substantially as shown and described.
5th. The herein described handle for articles of the character specified, the
same consisting of an open band, a hollow hand-piece fitting over the projecting
ends of the band, and an independent locking device securing the ends of the band
and the hand-piece, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
6th. The base piece, the separate back, the clamping band having projecting
ends, the hollow handle fitting over said projecting onds and extending up around
the clamped parts, and a suitable locking device, combined and arranged to operate
substantially as shown and described.
7th. The open band adapted to clamp and hold the edges of the article, the
same being formed to cover said edges and held in place by a detachable hand-
piece fitting over the projecting ends of the band extending up around the clamped
parts and secured upon said projecting ends by an independent locking contrivance,
the parts being combined and arranged to operate substantially as shown and
described.
8th. In combination with the band and hand piece the two perforated plugs
attached to the band and a locking screw adapted to hold the hand piece in place,
substantially as shown and described.
9th. In combination with the band and hollow flattened handle a screw
plug and locking screw adapted to hold the hand piece in place, said screw being
provided with a ring, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said Herbert John Haddan, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this 28th day of December, A.D. 1881.
H. J. HADDAN.
(L.S.)