IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ELASTIC WEBS AND IN THEACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN
Year: 1875

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Ephraim France and Alfred Bradsworth, both
of Leicester, in the County of Leicester, for the Invention of
** IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ELASTIC WEBS AND IN THE
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Ephraim France and
Alfred Bradsworth at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents,
with their Petition, on the 12th June 1875.
We, EPHRAIM FRANCE and ALFRED BRADSWORTH, both of Leicester,
in the County of Leicester, do hereby declare the nature of our said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ELASTIC WEBS AND
IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN," to be as follows:
Our Invention relates to an improved method of weaving the india-
rubber threads into elastic webs, and to improvements in the machinery
or apparatus employed for that purpose.
Ordinary elastic web whether it be terry, plain, or any other pattern,
virtually consists of a face and a back with the rubber threads between

page_text: them. The rubber threads are separated from each other and the face
united to the back by the binder threads in terry webs and by the
ground threads in plain webs. Each rubber thread therefore lies in a
woven tube, the sides of the tube being formed by the binder or ground
threads, the top by the face of the web, and the bottom by the back of
the web. The size of this tube varies according to the distance the
binder or ground threads are placed from each other. The natural
length of the rubber threads but little exceeds half their actual length
when in the web, so that a certain amount of clastic force is constantly
being exerted by the rubber threads to regain their natural condition.
When elastic webs are cut into short pieces and inserted in boots and
shoes as gussets or side springs, this elastic force frequently draws one
or both ends of the rubber threads away from the boot upper towards
the middle of the gusset, in which case the gussets are comparatively
useless as springs, as one portion of them has no clasticity in it.
In order to prevent the rubber threads from slipping, as above
described, we weave into each tube (that is the space between two
consecutive binder or ground threads, or any threads acting as binder
or ground threads) two or more rubber threads in lieu of one as
heretofore.
.
In the act of weaving we cause one or more rubber threads belonging
to each tube to be elevated, whilst the other or others is or are in tho
lower position. We then pass between the shed thus formed one or
more weft threads, and after one or more movements of the batten wo
cause all or a portion of the rubber threads to exchange positions, so
that all or a portion of those which were down are now up, and all or a
portion of those which were up are now down, when we pass the weft
thread or threads between them as before. These movements of tho
rubber and weft threads are constantly being repeated at the required
number of movements of the batten. The rubber and weft threads are
thus formed into a complete and independent woven fabric, whereas in
ordinary elastic webs the rubber threads are disconnected from each
other.
The face, back, and rubber threads are united into one fabric by the
binder or ground threads as in ordinary elastic webs.
In manufacturing elastic webs as above described, we employ ordinary
elastic wcb looms, but the rubber threads are passed on two or more

page_text: shafts in lieu of on one only, the movements of the different parts of the
loom being arranged according to the pattern required.
In the ordinary method of weaving elastic webs the whole of the
rubber threads (with the exception of the edge ones) are passed on one
shaft, termed the rubber shaft, and they are only capable of one simul-
taneous movement. This part of our Invention consists in passing the
rubber threads upon two or moro shafts or equivalent devices, and
moving the whole or a portion of them as required for carrying out the
first part of our Invention.
According to the ordinary method also cither one or two shuttles to
each piece are employed. When one shuttle is used its movements are
so arranged that the weft it carries is employed in the formation of both
the back and face of the web. When two shuttles are employed to each
picce one is used in the formation of the face and the other the back of
the web.
Our Invention further consists in the employment of three shuttles to
cach piece in lieu of one or two only as in the ordinary loom, two of
which shuttles are used for the same purposes as in ordinary looms, viz.,
one to carry the weft used in the formation of the face and the other the
back of the web, whereas the third shuttle is placed between the other
two and carries the weft which passes between the rubber threads as
herein-before described. We bring into action cither one, two, or three
shuttles at cach movement of the batten, according to the pattern
required. We also employ a front slay of increased depth which admits
of obtaining sufficient shed for the passage of the three shuttles at each.
movement of the batten if desired.
:
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Ephraim France and Alfred Bradsworth in the
Great Seal Patent Office on the 11th December 1875.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, EPHRAIM
FRANCE and ALFred Bradswortп, both of Leicester, in the County of
Leicester, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent. bearing date the Twelfth day of June, in the year

page_text: of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five, in the 38th
year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and
grant unto us, the said Ephraim France and Alfred Bradsworth, Her
special license, that we, the said Ephraim France and Alfred Bradsworth,
our executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as we, the
said Ephraim France and Alfred Bradsworth, our executors, admini-
strators, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others,
from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend
within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for " IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MANUFACTURE OF ELECTRIC WEBS AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED
THEREIN," upon the condition (amongst others) that we, the said Ephraim
France and Alfred Bradsworth, our exccutors or administrators, by an
instrument in writing under our hands and seals, or under the hand
and seal of one of us, should particularly describe and ascertain the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be
performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Scal Patent
Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the date
of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that we, the said Ephraim France and Alfred
Bradsworth, do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention, and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement, reference
being had to the accompanying Drawings and to the letters and figures
marked thereon, that is to say:—
Our said Invention relates to an improved method of weaving the
india-rubber threads into clastic webs, and to improvements in the
machinery or apparatus employed for that purpose.
Ordinary clastic web, whether it be terry, plain, or any other pattern,
virtually consists of a face and a back with the rubber threads between
them. The rubber threads are separated from cach other and the face
is united to the back by the binder threads in terry webs, and by the
ground threads in plain webs. Each rubber thread therefore lies in a
woven tube, the sides of the tube being formed by the binder or ground
threads, the top by the face of the web, and the bottom by the back
of the web. The size of this tubo varies according to the distance the

page_text: binder or ground threads are placed from each other. The natural
length of the rubber threads but little exceeds half their actual length
when in the web, so that a certain amount of elastic force is constantly
being exerted by the rubber threads to regain their natural condition.
When elastic webs are cut into short pieces and inserted in boots and
shoes as gussets or side springs this elastic force frequently draws one
or both ends of the rubber threads away from the boot upper towards
the middle of the gusset, in which case the gussets are comparatively
useless as springs, as one portion of them has no elasticity in it.
Now our Invention consists in dividing the rubber threads into sets
or series, one or more of which in the act of weaving is or are in an
elevated position, whilst the other or others is or are in a lower position,
whereby a shed is formed through which we pass one or more weft
threads, the different sets or series being caused at regular intervals to
exchange positions for the reception of the successive shoots of weft
in such a manner that the rubber threads with their weft threads are
formed into a woven fabric which is complete in itself, and independent
of the face and back of the web, or of the face of the web, but united
thereto so as to form one compound fabric by the binder threads or
ground threads, as the case may be. The defects before mentioned to
which elastic web as ordinarily manufactured is liable are thereby
obviated, and much greater durability is obtained.
According to one mode of carrying out our Invention we weave into
each tube (that is, the space between two consecutive binder or ground
threads, or any threads acting as binder or ground threads) two or more
rubber threads in lieu of one, as heretofore, and in the act of weaving
we first cause one or more rubber threads belonging to each tube to be
elevated, whilst the other or others is or are in the lower position, and
we pass between the shed thus formed one or more weft threads, and
after one or more movements of the batten we cause all or a portion
of the rubber threads to exchange positions, so that all or a portion of
those which were down are now up, and all or a portion of those which
were up are now down, when we pass the weft thread or threads between
them as before. These movements of the rubber and weft threads are
constantly being repeated at the required number of movements of the
batten, whereby the before-mentioned result is obtained.
According to a modification of the preceding arrangement one rubber
thread only is woven into cach tube, and a compound clastic web with

page_text: an independent rubber fabric is obtained similar to that hercin-before
described, but of a coarser quality, admitting of a thicker rubber thread
being employed without increasing the cost of the article.
In carrying out this modification we divide the whole of the rubber
threads into two or more sets or series, every alternate rubber thread
or each of the rubber threads at any other desired interval, as the case
may be, forming a portion of one of such sets or series. We then cause
one or more sets to be up, and one or more sets to be down, and pass
one or more weft threads between them, after which we cause the whole
or a portion of the sets to exchange positions, and pass one or more weft
threads between them, as before, and so on in succession. A fabric is
thus obtained of a character similar to that produced by weaving two or
more rubber threads into cach tube.
In manufacturing clastic webs as above described we employ ordinary
elastic web looms with the rubber threads passed upon two or more
shafts, the movements of the various parts of the loom being arranged
according to the pattern required.
In the ordinary method of weaving elastic webs the whole of the
rubber threads (with the exception of the edge ones) are passed upon
one shaft, termed the rubber shaft, and are only capable of one simul-
taneous movement, the movements of this shaft being so arranged
as to cause the rubber threads to lie between the face and back weft
threads.
This part of our Invention consists in passing the rubber threads or
two or more rubber shafts or equivalent devices so as to carry out the
former part of our Invention.
According also to the ordinary method of weaving elastic web, either
a single shuttle or two shuttles to each piece is or are employed. In
the former case the movements of the shuttle are so arranged that the
weft it carries is employed in the formation of both the back and face
of the web. When two shuttles are employed to each piece one is used
in the formation of the face, and the other in the formation of the back
of the web.
Our Invention further consists in the employment of three shuttels to
each piece in lieu of one or two only, as in the ordinary loom, two of
which shuttles are used for the same purposes, as in ordinary looms,

page_text: vidclicit, one to carry the weft used in the formation of the face, and
the other that used in the formation of the back of the web; whereas
the third shuttle is placed between the other two and carries the weft
which passes between the rubber threads, as herein-before described.
We bring into action either one, two, or three shuttles at each move-
ment of the batten, according to the pattern required.
And in order that our said Invention may be fully understood, we
shall now proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that
purpose shall refer to the several Figures on the annexed three Sheets
of Drawings, the same letters of reference indicating corresponding parts
in all the Figures.
Figure 1 (Sheet 1) of the accompanying Drawings is a diagram
representing on an enlarged or exaggerated scale a longitudinal section
through one of the tubes of a piece of ordinary single or double shuttle
full terry web made with two series of binder threads; Figure 2 repre-
sents a similar view of a tube of ordinary web in which one set of binder
threads only is used.
Figures 3 and 4 are diagram longitudinal sections similar respectively
to Figures 1 and 2 of pieces of elastic web made according to our
Invention.
Referring first to Figures 1 and 2 a is a rubber thread lying in a
wovon tube, the sides of which are formed by the binder threads b,
whilst the top is formed by the face of the web c, e, and the bottom by
the back of the web d, f. care the face warp threads; e, the face weft
threads; d, the back warp threads; and f, the back weft threads. From
these diagrams it will be seen that ordinary full terry web virtually
consists of two simple fabrics c, e, and d, f, united together by the
binder threads b, with the rubber threads a lying perfectly straight
between them.
On reference to the diagrams, Figures 3 and 4, of our improved clastic
web, the difference between our Invention and the ordinary method will
be apparent. It will be observed that the rubber threads are divided
into sets or series a, a¹, between which the weft threads are passed in
the manner herein-before described, the rubber thread a', shewn in dotted
lines, representing either a second rubber thread (in the case when two
rubber threads are woven into cach tube), or the rubber thread in an
adjacent tube (when one rubber thread only is woven into each tube).

page_text: In the arrangement, Figure 3, an
additional weft thread
is
employed; whilst in Figure 4 the weft f of the bottom fabric, d, f, is passed
between the sheds formed by the rubber threads. In the former case,
(see Figure 3,) there are three simple fabrics c, c, d, f, and a, a¹, g, united
together by the binder threads b, the rubber threads a, a', being invisible
either from the face or from the back of the web. This result may be
accomplished with the use of either two or three shuttles to each piece,
the rubber threads a, a', being carried respectively upon two rubber
shafts, as before mentioned. If two shuttles are employed the top
shuttle weaves two of the fabrics (videlicet, the face and rubber fabrics)
and the bottom shuttle weaves the back fabric, or vice versa.
however three shuttles are used a separate shuttle passes through each
shed, and they are arranged in the manner more fully herein-after
described.
When
In weaving the fabric, shewn in Figure 4, wo dispense with the
ordinary rubber shaft and pass the rubber threads a, a', upon the two
back shafts which carry the back warp threads d, whereby the rubber
threads are woven together simultaneously with the back warp threads
and by the same weft fas that by which the former are woven together,
and aro thus secured in the web. By this method of weaving the back
warp threads consist partly of rubber and partly of cotton, but as the
rubber threads are tightly woven when they contract the non-clastic
warp threads are slackened, and thus produce a pile which partially or
wholly covers the rubber threads.
It will be seen on reference to Figures 3 and 4 that one rubber thread
works in opposition to another, and they are thus secured by the weft
thread which passes between them.
In the ordinary way of weaving non-clastic warp threads have
opposed the rubber threads in a similar manner, but these have not
secured the rubber threads on account of the great strength of the latter
as compared with the former; moreover, as the rubber threads are woven
into the web whilst stretched to nearly their greatest tension they must
of necessity when they contract slacken any non-elastic warp threads,
therefore, instead, of the rubber threads and such non-elastic warp
threads forming a similar fabric to that shewn at a, a, g, and a, a¹, f, in
Figures 3 and 4 respectively, the rubber thread lies perfectly straight,
and the opposing non-clastic warp thread has a zig-zag appearance. This

page_text: "
is clearly shewn in Figure 2, the non-elastic binder thread 6 opposing or
mocking" the rubber thread a every shoot. Thus, then, by dividing the .
rubber threads and passing a weft thread between them the clastic forco
of one rubber thread is arrayed against that of the other, the weft thread
passing between them, and which is transverse to the line of contraction
of the rubber threads, is not slackened by their contraction; and further,
this weft thread is passed between the rubber threads whilst they are
tight, and consequently when they contract they will swell or thicken,
and will thus produce a species of notch between two given weft threads.
It is evident, therefore, if a rubber thread becomes broken this swelling
of the rubber thread against the transverse weft thread would prevent
the elastic force from drawing the rubber thread down the tube.
It is obvious that in lieu of utilizing two shafts of the ordinary loom
the rubber threads may be passed upon any two shafts or equivalent
devices arranged so as to oppose each other or exchange positions at
regular intervals, whereby the rubber threads will be woven together and
secured in the web.
་
Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8 (Sheet 1) represent diagram plans of the
improved rubber fabric of various patterns, with the face and back
fabrics and binder threads removed, a, a¹, a³, a³, being 'the rubber threads
and f the weft thread, which latter may correspond cither to the ordinary
weft for the special weft 7 herein-before described.
I
296
The diagram Figure 5 illustrates the pattern of the rubber fabric
herein before described with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the two
rubber shafts carrying the rubber threads exchanging positions at every
shoot.
In the arrangement Figure 6 the rubber threads are passed upon two
shafts as before, which exchange positions at every two shoots.
Figures 7 and 8 show respectively three and four thread twills, the
rubber threads being passed upon three and four shafts respectively. In
the former case two shafts are up and one down, or vice versa, whilst in
the case of the four-thread twill three shafts are up and one down, or
vice versa, the shafts changing in succession.
By weaving the rubber threads into the patterns shewn in Figures 6, 7,
and 8 certain advantages are gained in making special qualities over the

page_text: pattern illustrated in Figure 5. For example, the rubber fabric may be
made of the same pattern as the face or the back fabrics, so as not to
change their appearance. The number of movements of the rubber
threads is also reduced, whereby greater elasticity is obtained, in addition
to which by increasing the interval between the adjacent binding weft
threads a longer notch is formed to retain the rubber thread in the
event of its being cut or broken. The latter advantage is of especial
importance when the face and back of the web contain a large number
of weft threads.
Figures 9 and 10 (Sheet 2) are diagram side elevations shewing the :
shafts or harness and the warp threads in two respective positions for
weaving the web, Figure 3, with the aid of two shuttles only; Figure 11
(Sheet 3) is a similar diagram illustrating the mode of weaving the same
web by the employment of three shuttles working simultaneously or
otherwise as required in accordance with our Invention. In these
Figures A, A¹, are the two rubber shafts (when two only are required;
B, B, the binder shafts; C, C, the face warp shafts; D, D, the back
warp shafts ;
E is the face shed; F, the rubber shed; and G the back
shed; I is the front stay, which in the arrangement Figure 11 is made
of increased depth in order to admit of the use of three sheds; I is the
rubber beam; K, L, and M are rollers under which the binder threads b,
the face warp threads c, and the back warp threads & respectively are
passed.
With the arrangement shown in Figures 9 and 10 the top shuttle (not
shewn in the diagram) makes the face by passing through the face shed E,
Figure 9. The bottom shuttle (also omitted from the diagram) being at
rest the shoot of weft is then beaten up, and when the batten has
returned two sheds are formed, namely, the rubber shed F and the back
shed G, Figure 10. The top shuttle then passes through the rubber
shed F, and the bottom shuttle passes through the back shed G, the
binder shed being increased so as to receive the back weft. The shafts
again exchange positions for the reception of the next shoot of weft
which passes through the face shed E, after which they are again
brought into the position for weaving the rubber fabric and the back of
the web, and so on in succession.
When three shuttles are employed and the batten is constructed so as

page_text: described with reference to Figures 9 and 10, the middle shuttle being
employed in lieu of the top one in making the rubber fabric. We then
use the special weft g in weaving the rubber fabric, which weft by being
thinner increases the elasticity of the fabric.
Our Invention further consists in weaving the three fabrics c, c, a, a¹,
g, d, f, Figure 3, by the employment of three shuttles operating simul-
taneously.
In carrying out this part of our Invention we employ a front
stay of increased depth, as before mentioned, and the same number
of shafts, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, and we increase the binder
shed so as to allow three shuttles to pass through it. We form three
sheds E, F, G, (Figure 11) and pass the three shuttles through their
respective sheds in a manner similar to that in which two shuttles are
operated in the ordinary loom. The three shoots are then beaten up by
the batten, and on the return of the latter to its former position the
harness is changed (the shafts which were elevated being depressed, and
vice versa), and three similar sheds are again formed through which the
shuttles are passed as before, and so on continuously. By this arrange-
ment the compound fabric, Figure 3, is woven with one half the number
of movements of the batten required when weaving according to the
method illustrated in Figures 9 and 10.
Figure 12, Sheet 3, is a perspective view of a portion of a batten
shewing an improved mode of working three tiers of shuttles.
According to an existing and well-known arrangement two
shuttles N, O, are fitted to slide along guides formed by bars P attached
to the batten bed Q, and these shuttles are operated by means of
pegs 1, 2, 3, 4, carried by planks having a reciprocating to-and-fro
motion, and also a rising and falling motion, as is well understood. In
working the two shuttles N, O, two pairs of planks R, S, and T, V,
would be employed. The plank R, which carries a peg 1, takes into
an cyc 5 in the shuttle O, and as the plank is moved conducts the
shuttle through a portion of its traverse, that is to say, until the
recessed and inclined surfaco 6 reaches the roller 7, when the plank R
drops and its peg 1 becomes disengaged from the eye 5. The plank S,
which is provided with a recessed and inclined surface 8, simultaneously

page_text: comes into action so as to carry the shuttle O through the remainder of
its traverse by its peg 2 engaging with the eye 9 in the shuttle O.
The planks T, V, are respectively provided with pegs 3 and 4 for
operating the shuttle N in a similar manner. Now, in carrying out this
part of our Invention we employ an additional shuttle W, and actuate 5
the same by means of additional pegs 10, 11, carried by the front set of
planks R, S, and engaging respectively in eyes 12, 13, formed in the
shuttle, such additional shuttle containing the weft for passing through
the rubber shed, as herein-before described.
The noses of the shuttle O are slightly recessed to allow room for the 1
additional peg 10 and 11 to engage in the shuttlo W above it.
If desired the extra set of pegs may be inserted in the back
set of planks T, V, in lieu of in the front set R, S, the two
shuttles N, W, then working in concert in a similar manner to the
shuttles W, O.
The rubber fabric may also be made in a three-tiered batten with a
separate driving apparatus to cach shuttle, this arrangement being
indispensable when the rubber fabric contains a less number of shoots
than the face or the back.
1
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of our g
said Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used
or carried into effect, we would observe in conclusion, that what
we consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the
Invention secured to us by the herein-before in part recited Letters
Patent is,―
First. The weaving together the rubber threads of elastic web in
connection with the other parts of the web, but independently of such
other parts, excepting the weft thread which passes between them.
2
Secondly. The employment of two or more rubber shafts for operating
the rubber threads between the face weft and the back weft, sub- 3
stantially as herein-before described.
•
Thirdly. The application and use to and in the production of elastic
web having an independent woven rubber fabric of three shuttles, one
of which is employed in weaving the rubber fabric, the others being

page_text: employed in weaving the face and the back of the web, substantially as
herein-before described.
In witness whereof, we; the said Ephraim France and Alfred.
Bradsworth, have to this our Specification set our hands and
seals, the Ninth day of December, One thousand eight hundred
and seventy-five.