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

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Button Hole Attachments for Sewing Machines.
1, HERBERT JOHN ALLISON, of 52 Chancery Lane, London in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention which has
been communicated to me from abroad by "The Harris Button Hole Attachment
Company (Incorporated) of the City and State of New York, United States of
America, and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
;-
My invention relates to improvements applicable to Button Hole Attachments for
sewing machines of the class adapted to work either straight button holes or those
having eyelet shaped ends, and it has for its object the simplification of such devices,
whilst at the same time greater accuracy, speed of execution and elegance of finish
is obtained.
By my invention, I am enabled to make a straight button hole or an eyelet shaped
end button hole with the same attachment without removing the attachment from the
machine.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1, is a plan view of my improved attachments and parts immediately con-
nected therewith.
Figure 2 is a front view of the same.
Figure 3 is a reverse of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is an end view.
Figure 5 a reverse end view.
Figure 6 is a longitudinal central section.
Figures 7 to 24, inclusive, represent detail views of parts.
In each of the views similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts where-
ever they occur.
A represents the button hole attachment; B is the bed plate of the attachment ;-C is
the feed plate D is an adjustable lever which in connection with the triangular-shaped
cam a, and a movable fulcrum-pin b, causes a lateral movement of the feed plate, and
also determines the width of the bite in connection with other mechanism.
ID 1177

page_text: The fulcrum-pin b, is adapted to operate in conjunction with a link piece e.
When the fulcrum-pin 6 moves forward nearer to the link piece e, a narrow bite is
effected, when it is moved backward near the cam a it will cause a wide bite.
The fulcrum-pin b passes through a slot in the lever D, and also through a small
washer d placed between the bed plate B and the lever D and also through a V-shaped
sliding nute working in a beveled shaped slot in the bed plate B. The link eis con-
nected with the lever D, and is guided in its endwise reciprocation in a long slot in
the bridge piece E. To the other end of this device, is applied a nut g, which nut is
secured by a screw and plays in a slot in the feed plate C. F is a crank lever, the outer
end of which is operated by a pin, not shown, carried by the needlo bar of the machine
and the other end of this lever F is connected to a link G which in conjunction
with other devices hereinafter explained, causes all the movements of the attachment.
To the link G is secured a pawl i which engages with a six-toothed ratchet wheel H,
secured to the bed plate B by means of a screw k, operating the triangular shaped
cam a which works in a slot thereby giving a vibratory motion to the lever D.
On the securing-screw of the ratchet wheel H, I arrange a disc shaped tension
plate 1, for the purpose of controlling the motion of the ratchet wheel H.
To the end of the link G, i connect a screw by means of which the said link is
connected with an arm I arranged beneath the ratchet wheel J. Upon the arm I is a
pawl m and also a check spring n, which retains the ratchet wheel J.
Kis the feed regulator and check spring for actuating the wheel J, the operation of
which is as follows.
By moving the feed regulator forward or backward in relation to the ratchet
wheel J, the pawl m will he allowed to engage with any number of teeth required
for a coarse or fine feed. The feed regulator K is adjustably connected to a sliding
plate L by means of a screw o passing through a slot in the feed regulator K.
An adjustable screw o¹, is arranged in the rear of the feed regulator K, for the
purpose of controlling the position of the same by sliding it relatively to the screw o.
The ratchet wheel J is controlled by a hub p carried by the sliding plate L and a
boss p³ and pinion p¹. The pinion p¹ by its rotation allows the series of pins p² to
pass from one side of the pinion p to the opposite side, thereby causing the feed
plate C to move backward or forward, as the case may be, the pins p² are carried by
the feed-plate, being connected therewith as further on explained, and the pinion
works in the feed plate former slot Z shown as provided in an extension of the feed
plate formed by the plate O.
The sliding plate L plays in a slot formed in the piece M of the bed plate which is
provided at its outer end or projecting portion with an eccentric N embraced by an
opening or eccentric strap of the sliding plate in obvious ways.
The hub formed on or affixed to the ratchet wheel J passes through the sliding
plate L, and causes the ratchet wheel J and pinion p¹ attached thereto, to move with
the plate L which is operated by the eccentric N, from one side of the centre line to
the other as the pins p² move around to form the end of the button hole. This
operation will determine the contour of the button hole to be made.
The mechanism for driving the eccentric is as follows:-
A post n', passing through the eccentric N is secured in place by means of a screw n²
passing through the plate M. A crank n³ is attached to the upper end of the post n',
by means of a screw n³ and at its outer end this crank is connected with a link n by
a screw n passing through a slot in the link, and controlled by a long adjusting
screw n'. Another slot n in the link n is provided with a steadying post n³ secured
to the sliding plate L, and provided with a tension spring 10, secured in position by
a screw n which causes the link n' to retain its relative position, whilst the slot n
1212
of the guide plate O of the feed plate is traversing the stud n¹³ which is attached to
the end of the link n.
The guide plate O is slotted as shown in Figure 12, for the purpose of allowing the
pinion and pins p² to operate therein. The plate O is attached to feed plate Cand.is
secured by means of screws, and on the guide plate is applied a pin plate P. The guide
plate O is provided with a sliding guide n" at one end, whilst at its opposite end it is

page_text: provided with a recess for the reception of an end,―forming section n", shown clearly
by Figures 18, 20 and 21.
This end, forming section n¹, is removable and a series of them may be employed
and placed in position as desired so as to change the contour of the end of the button
hole. The section n¹³, with its co-operating stud carried by the plate shown by
Figures 18, 20 and 21, is adapted for making a straight button hole when placed in
position, whilst the interchangeable section n with its co-operating stud carried by
the plate Q (Figures 19, 22 and 23) when secured in the plate O in a similar position
will produce an eyelet shaped end button hole. The section ne admitting the pinion p³
to pass around a large stud n" is shown clearly by Figures 22 and 23, allowing the
boss p³ of the pinion p² to force the guide plate O away from the centre line, which
action is transmitted to the other end of the feed plate C, thereby forming an eyelet
shaped end to the button hole, as shown in the drawings by Figure 25: These
sections n¹s and n¹6, are secured in position by means of a screw o³, which passes
through the stud carrying plate Q or Q¹ and through the pin plate P, and is screwed
into the sections 15 or n¹ as the case may be.
2
The object of the sliding guide is to make a long or short button hole, by moving
the part backwards or forwards, as the case may be, so as to come in contact with the
boss on the pinion pl, to keep the pinion p¹, in contact with the pins p² whilst passing
around the end of the button hole guide.
In order to secure the sliding guide 14 to the pin plate P, I arrange a spring
post which fits into holes in the sliding guide n when the same is in position.
The pin plate P is secured to the guide plate O by means of screws. The pin plate P
is provided with a series of pin holders formed by blocks and the pins p² are rigidly
secured in the holders and project below them and pass through holes in the pin plate
adapted to keep the pins in position.
""
The rear hole in the pin plate P, is by preference formed larger than the
remainder for the purpose of placing a pin or stud, as shown by Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10,
for transforming the attachment at will into a straight or eyelet shaped end formed
device.
Most of the pins p² are rendered adjustable, so as to be thrown into and out of
operation, by moving the pin blocks up or down. In order to secure the pin blocks when
lifted up or down, I arrange a post at each end of the series of adjustable pin-blocks
one post at the rear end contains one or more pins p², as the case may be, whilst the
other post has no pin and is employed for holding the check rod R.
Both posts
are fastened on the pin plate and have a hole through them at their upper ends
through which I place the check rod as shown in the drawings. The part of the
check rod R that passes through the pin block is cut away on opposite sides to allow
the pin block to pass up and when the check rod is adjusted so that it may pass
through a space s or narrow way connecting two holes s' and s forming the enlarged
upper and lower portions of the opening for the check rod in the pin block. After
passing either up or down, I turn the check rod quarter way around as shown by
Figure 10, thereby holding the same in position.
To the feed plate I attach an armi S extending out to one side which is by
preference secured at one end to the cloth plate by screws and at the other end, I
arrange a post t, which supports the yielding cloth clamp t¹ and spring ²; spring t
serving to lift the cloth clamp t¹ when it is desired to remove the work. The cloth
clamp is spring-like or sufficiently yielding to perform its functions in proper way and
is provided with a serrated foot t³.
The cloth clamp shank is slotted and fits over the post t, and also fits into a notch
in the post for the purpose of holding it in position.
From the top of the post, I arrange a small eccentric lever t, which is employed in
connection with the cloth-clamp ( for the purpose of clamping the work whilst in
position.
The operation of the device is as follows:
The actuating lever F is moved up and down by a pin, carried by the needle bar,
not shown. This action of the lever F causes the pawl lever G to move backwards

page_text: and forwards, thereby effecting the lateral movement, and also the longitudinal feed
movement of the device, the resultant compound or zigzag movement being effected
at a point of time when the needle is out of the goods.
The lateral movement is obtained by the turning of the V-shaped cam a around
one tooth on the ratchet wheel H which will cause one action.
In order to adjust my device to make wide or narrow button holes, I move the
ulcrum pin b nearer to or farther from the cloth clamp.
To produce a narrow bite, the fulcrum pin is brought nearer to the cloth clamp,
whilst for a greater bite it is moved backwards nearer to the ratchet.
Whenever the fulcrum pin is moved forward or backward, it is secured firmly in
position, as herein explained.
At the end of the zigzag lever D is a small link connected to the feed plate C by
means of screws and a sliding block which works in a groove in the feed plate.
The longitudinal action of the feed is caused by moving the ratchet wheel J around;
this ratchet wheel is provided with a pinion pl which comes in contact with one or
more pins p² and a guide n arranged on the feed plate, the said guide serving to
keep the pinion in contact with the pins p² thereby causing the feed plate to move
forward or backward, as desired.
In moving around the end of the button hole, I operate the stitches so as to make
them more compact, by means of an eccentric N which is connected to the feed
plate C (as shown by Figures 1 and 5) by means of a link n operated by the crank n³,
arranged on the top of the eccentric, said link working in the guide way n¹ formed
by an elongated groove at the side of the feed plate C. When passing around the
end of the button hole as the feed plate is forced to one side it also carries with it the
link which is connected to the eccentric; the movement of the eccentric also moves
the slide plate supports carrying the ratchet wheel J and pinion p to one side of the
centre line which action is transmitted to the forward end of the feed plate through
the fulcrum pin block which works on the link and also in the elongated groove hin
the feed plate.
This movement is also employed in making wide or narrow cutting space in the
button hole by turning the small screw at the end of the link out to any desired
extent, the feed plate will then shift from one side to the other of the centre line
without affecting the eccentric, which will cause a wide space to be left in the centre
of the button hole.
.By turning the little thumb screw n' so that it is drawn in, it will cause the link n¹ to
come in contact with the screw in the crank of the eccentric which will move the
eccentric, more or less, according to the extent to which the screw is turned, thereby
securing the desired width of space in the centre of the button hole.
The small tension spring on the top of the post passing through the link, is
arranged for the purpose of giving a steady motion to the feed plate whilst passing
up and down each side of a button hole, and also for taking up any lost motion which
would otherwise occur between the pinion pins and the guide. The small slide guide
which works in the long guide in the feed plate is for the purpose of keeping the
pinion at all times when passing around the front end of the button hole in proper
contact with the pin.
Having, now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is;
First. The combination of the bed-plate, the feed-plate carrying a cloth-clamp and
having the sloth and the former slot, the cranked actuating lever, the end wise
reciprocating lever pivotally connected at one end with said actuating lever,
mechanism actuated by connection with the opposite end of the reciprocating lever
for imparting longitudinal movement to the feed plate, the pawl pivoted to the
reciprocating lever between its ends, and mechanism actuated thereby for imparting
lateral movement to the feed-plate, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Second. The combination of the bed-plate, the feed-plate having a cloth-clamp and

page_text: longitudinally slotted at h and provided with a former slot, the end wise reciprocating
lever, means for actuating it, the pawl i carried by the lever, the ratchet actuated
thereby, the cam turning with the ratchet, the adjustably fulcrumed lever having a
slot in which the cam works, the link connected at one end with the adjustably
fulcrumed lever and with the opposite end of which the feed-plate has connection by
way of its slot, and the guide way for the link, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
Third. The combination of the bed-plate, the feed plate having the sloth and
provided with the former slot, the end wise reciprocating lever, means for actuating
it, the pawl m operated by the reciprocating lever, the ratchet actuated by this pawl,
the bossed pinion of the ratchet, the sliding plate in a groove of the bed-plate and
carrying the ratchet, the pins carried by the feed-plate and actuated by the ratchet
pinion, and the automatically actuated eccentric crank, and link mechanism sub-
stantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Fourth. The combination of the bed-plate, the feed-plate having the former slot
and provided with the side guide-way, the ratchet J having the boss and pinion,
mechanism for intermittingly actuating the ratchet, the sliding plate carrying the
ratchet, the eccentric engaging with the sliding plate, the eccentric crank, the
adjustable link-connection between said crank and the side guide-way of the feed-
plate, and the pins carried by the feed-plate and actuated by the ratchet pinion,
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Fifth. The combination of the bed-plate, the feed-plate having the former slot, the
ratchet J having the boss and pinion mechanism for actuating the ratchet, the series
of vertically movable pin blocks, each having the holes and narrow connecting way
through them from side to side, the fixed posts at opposite ends of the series of
movable pin blocks, and the check-rod cut away on opposite sides, passing through
the holes in the pin blocks, and adjustably supported by said fixed posts substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
Sixth. The combination of the bed-plate, the feed plate having the former slot and
provided with the side guide-way, the eccentric, the sliding plate in a groove in the
bed-plate and engaging the eccentric, the pins carried by the feed-plate, the bossed
pinion and its actuating ratchet carried by the sliding plate, the eccentric crank, and
the link connecting it with the side guide-way of the feed-plate substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.
Seventh. The combination of the bed-plate, the feed plate, the ratchet J, the sliding
plate carrying the ratchet, the pawl actuating the ratchet, mechanism for actuating
the pawl and the adjustable feed-regulator and check spring carried by the sliding
plate, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 13th day of December 1887
ALLISON BROS.,
Agents for the Applicant.