Improvements in Machinery for "Pouncing" or Finishing Felt Hats.
Year: 1896

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machinery for "Pouncing" or Finishing Felt
Hats.
We, HENRY HERBERT TURNER and ALBERT TURNER, both of Denton, near
Manchester, Hatters Machinists, do hereby declare the nature of our said invention to
be as follows:-
33
Our invention relates to the operation of "pouncing," finishing or sand-papering
the brims and bodies of felt hats, whereby to give a smooth and even surface thereto,
and has for its object to construct a machine which shall effect the "pouncing
operation at a much greater speed and with greater perfection and exactitude of
finish than heretofore. Such machine comprises three essential features, first, a
reciprocative hat block actuated by rack and wheel movement, and carrying the hat
body to be treated, secondly, a pair or set of levers having a rapid vibrating or to
and fro motion under the action of a cam or excentric shaft, and by carrying pads at
their extremity serving to smooth or polish the brim of a hat on both sides
simultaneously, and thirdly, an automatic stop motion for arresting the movement
of the machine after imparting to the hat a predetermined amount of treatment.
In accordance with the first part of our invention we mount the block for
"pouncing" the hat body upon the upper tapered extremity of a spindle and upon such
shaft we also mount a segmentally toothed wheel. Gearing with the teeth of this
wheel is a rack connected to and operated by a small disc wheel or crank of a driving
shaft. By the rotation of this disc the rack has a rapid reciprocative motion, and
by engagement with the aforesaid segmentally toothed wheel, imparts to the hat
block a corresponding circular movement, turning it for about one-and-one-third of a
revolution in one direction, and then turning it a similar distance in the opposite.
direction, and so giving to the hat mounted on said block a rapid to-and-fro motion,
whilst a sand-papering pad carried by a suitable holder and held against and worked
over it effects the desired pouncing. A sinal lever or "trigger" is fitted to the
machine for knocking off the hat block each time the block is changed. The afore-
said pad (and holder) may be actuated by hand, or it may be traversed over the hat
body mechanically from a cam or pattern block having or causing like movements.
In accordance with the second part of our invention which relates to the pouncing
both sides of the brim of a hat simultaneously we employ the aforesaid levers which
are mounted (by preference) horizontally upon a vertical shaft. Such levers are each
slotted to embrace a cam or excentric on a vertical revolving shaft and such cams
being oppositely set give to the levers osciliating or to and fro movements in opposite
directions. The free extremities of these levers carry the sand-papering pads whose
working faces are in contact with each other, and by the movements of the levers
rub on anything placed between them hence by introducing a hat brim and such brim
being traversed between the pads they effectually "pounce" the felt, and simultaneously
on both sides. The traversing of the hat brim is effected by a set of revolving
friction rolls or cones which lie behind the levers and with the hat brim placed

page_text: between them and by their weight and friction gradually pull the brim between
them, and rotate it continuously between the pads. To keep the brim well between
the pads we provide a small runner or roller on the end of a spring rod and gently
pressing against the interior of the hat opposite the opening of the pads. In the
case of soft hats, we provide in addition to the said runner à tapered ring or holder
fitting inside the hat body, and which travelling round with it supports it whilst the
brim is treated. To farther support the hat we provide a small table or rest held by
rod or bracket from the machine frame and coming beneath the unsupported
part of the hat brim, and being smooth supporting and permitting the hat
to readily slide over it. To prevent the hat body being pressed against
the moving pads and being thereby damaged we cause a smooth plate or blade
to come between the hat and pads, with a slight tendency to lie clear of the lever
ends whilst permitting as inuch of the brim as possible to be operated upon. This
blade or protector and the upper feed roller or cone aforesaid, are both connected to a
treadle which rising or falling raises er lowers said roller and blade and so permits of
the ready introduction and withdrawal of the hat brim.
The said pads are (by preference) super-posed, and one of both are or may be
connected by link, hinge or swivel connection to the lever ends so as to enable them
to adapt themselves to the variety of brims to be treated. The upper lever end is
(or may be) also hinged to enable the upper pad to be raised clear of the lower pad
for renewing the sand-paper or for the better introduction of the hat brim.
The pads are either made with a foundation of hair (or other similar substance)
and covered with leather or textile material or made of sheet india-rubber and
inflated. The sand-paper is made up in small sheets, but if desired may be drawn
from rolls carried above, beneath, or at the sides of the pads.
By the aforesaid means it will be seen that a hat brim may be readily and
expeditiously "pounced," and we will now describe the means we employ for giving
an uniform and predetermined amount of such treatment automatically. Such
arrangement comprises a clutch box in the palley which imparts movement to the
vibrating levers, and a forked lever and latch which latter hold the clutch out of
contact with the palley (which constantly revolves) until the lever is released from
the latch which is done by a ratchet rod or rack carrying an inclined boss or
projection, which under the traversing of the rod strikes the latch, and raising it clear
of the forked lever allows such lever under the tension of a spring to throw the
clutch into gear with the pulley, which taking up the motion thereof starts the
machine.
The aforesaid ratchet rod constitutes a gauge or measure for the number of
revolutions to be given to the hat brim between the pads as by an arrangement of
spring ratchet pawls and cam wheel (forming an "escape "movement) the rod travels
back at a rate proportionate to the rotations of the hat, and carrying a pin or
projection (which may be adjusted in one or other of a series of holes in the red
spaced according to the revolutions of the hat or movement of the rod) such pin is
caused to strike the forked lever aforesaid and pressing against it to disengage the
clutch and stop the machine.
By varying the speed of the palley the spacing of the holes or adjustment of the
pin the hat brim may be given one, two or more revolutions as desired, with
the advantages of the machine being stopped automatically and preventing the hat
being over-pounced by the negligence or in the absence of the operator.
In lieu of the aforesaid oscilating levers operating radially they may, operate in 4
parallel direction and instead of in a horizontal plane in a vertical or angular
plane.
It is proposed to effect the pouncer of the hat body separately from the brim, but
if desirable we may arrange our improved apparatus to act upon a hat body, and hat
brim simultaneously.
The aforesaid stop motion for arresting the movements of brim levers is equally
applicable for arresting the movement of the hat block.
Lastly, it will be seen that our improved machine may vary in design or build and

page_text: that the hat body pouncing parts inay for convenience of manipulation be detachable
from the brim pouncing parts.
Dated this 8th day of December 1896.
COME BETE DIEUITIVATION.
Improvements in Machinery for "Pouncing" or Finishing Felt
Hats,
:
We, HENRY HERBERT TURNER and ALBERT TURNER, both of Denton, near
Manchester, Hatters Machinists, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:--
Our invention relates to the operation of "pouncing," finishing or sand-papering
the brims and bodies of felt hats, whereby to give a smooth and even surface thereto,
and has for its object to construct a machine which shall effect the "pouncing"
operation at a much greater speed and with greater perfection and exactitude of
finish than heretofore. Such machine comprises three essential features, first, a
reciprocative hat block actuated by rack-and-wheel movement, and carrying the
hat body to be treated whilst a pouncing pad is held against it, secondly a pair or
set of levers having a rapid vibrating or to-and-fro motion under the action of a cam
or excentric shaft, and by carrying pads at their extremity serving to smooth or
polish the brim of a hat on both sides simultaneously, and thirdly, an automatic
stop motion for arresting the movement of the machine after imparting to the hat
a predetermined amount of treatment.
In accordance with the first part of our invention we. mount the block for
"pouncing" the hat body upon the tapered upper extremity of a spindle, and upon
such shaft we also mount a segmentally toothed wheel. Gearing with the teeth of
this wheel is a rack connected to and operated by a small disc wheel or crank of a
driving shaft. By the rotation of this disc the rack has a rapid reciprocating motion,
and by engagement with the aforesaid segmentally toothed wheel it imparts to the
hat block a corresponding circular movement, turning it for about one-and-one-third
of a revolution in one direction, and then turning it a similar distance in the
opposite direction, and so giving to the hat mounted on the block a rapid to-and-
fro motion, whilst a sand-papering pad carried by a suitable holder and held against
and worked over it effects the desired pouncing. A small lever or trigger is fitted to
the machine for knocking off the hat block each time the block is changed. The
aforesaid pad (and holder) may be actuated by hand, or it may be traversed over the
hat body mechanically from a cam or pattern block having a corresponding
movements.
In accordance with the second part of our invention, which consists in simul-
taneously pouncing both sides of the hat brim, we employ the aforesaid set of levers,
which are mounted (by preference) horizontally upon a vertical axis, and vibrate either
in a parallel, or radial direction. In the latter case such levers each embrace a cam
or excentric on a vertical revolving shaft, and the relative position of one cam to the
other, is such that as the shaft rotates, the levers move to-and-fro radially in
opposite directions.
The free extremities of the levers carry pads or cushions, covered with sand paper
or other "pouncing" medium, and the opposite, or working faces, thereof are in

page_text: touching or almost touching contact, so that a hat brim placed and traversed between
them, and subjected to the vibrating action of the pads is simultaneously smoothed
or pounced on both sides. The traversing of the hat brim is effected by a set of
revolving friction rolls or cones, which lie behind the levers, and with the hat brim
placed between them, and by their weight and friction, gradually pull the brim
between the pads.
By the aforesaid means it will be seen that a hat brim may be readily and
expeditiously "pounced," and we will now describe the means we employ for giving
& uniform and predetermined amount of such treatment automatically. Such
arrangement comprises a clutch box in the palley which imparts movement to the
vibrating levers, and a forked lever and latch, which latter holds the clutch out of
contact with the pulley (which constantly revolves) until the lever is released from
the latch. This is done by a ratchet rod or rack carrying an inclined boss or
projection, which under the traversing of the rod strikes the latch, and raising it
clear of the forked lever, allows such lever, under the tension of a spring, to throw
the clutch into gear with the pulley and so start the machine.
The said ratchet rod constitutes a gauge or measure for the number of revolutions
to be given to the bat brin between the pada, as by an arrangement of spring
ratchet pawls and cam wheel (forming an "escape" movement) the rod travels back
at a rate proportionate to the rotations of the hat, and carrying a pin or projection,
which may be adjusted in one or other of a series of holes in the rod, spaced
according to the revolutions of the hat or movement of the rod, is caused to strike the
forked lever aforesaid and pressing against it to disengage the clutch and stop the
machine.
It is proposed to effect the pouncing of the hat body separately from the brim,
but if desirable we may arrange our improved apparatus to act upon a hat body and
hat brim simultaneously.
And in order that our said invention may be more readily understood and carried
into practical effect, we have hereunto annexed 3 sheets of drawings and will now
proceed to describe the same with the figures and letters of reference marked
thereon.
On sheet one, Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate the first part of our invention in elevation
and plan respectively.
On sheet two, Figa, 3 and 4 illustrate the second and third parts of our invention,
and on sheet three, Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 illustrate important details on a larger
scale.
Referring to sheet one; (1) is the hat block upon which the hat bodies are
treated and which is placed or mounted upon the tapered upper extremity of the
spindle or shaft (2). The lower end of the shaft carries a pínion (3) which gears
with a segmental toothed wheel (4) mounted on axis (5). Also gearing with the
wheel (4) is the toothed rack (6) capable of working in slides (7) under the
reciprocating action of the connecting link (8) secured to disc wheel (9) on the
driving axle (10). With the parts set in motion it is obvious that the wheel (4)
will impart a rapid to-and-fro motion to the pinion (3), and therefore to the hat
block (1), the motion in either direction being, by preference, about one-and-one-third
of a revolution.
Whilst so actuated a pad of sand-paper is held against the hat body either by hand,
or by means of the swivel holder (11) and as such pad is constantly fed or held against
and traversed over the hat, say from side to side, the entire surface is operated]
upon in an effective and expeditious manner.
Referring to sheet two, (12) and (13) are the before-mentioned vibrating levers
mounted on a vertical fulcrum (14) and both have openings formed in them to
embrace a slide block (15) of an excentric or cam on the shaft (16). The respective
excentrics are oppositely set to each other, and thus, when rotated, cause the
levers (12), (13) to move in opposite directions. Each lever, directly or indirectly,
carries a soft elastic pad (17), over which is fitted a layer of sand-paper, and the opposite

page_text: faces of such pads are normally in touching contact, and gently press against each
other.
(19) are the conical feed rollers for drawing and rotating the hat brim between the
pads (17), and receive motion through skew wheels (20), coupling (21), shafts (22)
and (23) and wheels (24) and (25) from the friction cone (26) when in contact with
the friction pulley (27). The levers (12), (13) also receive their motion through
shaft (16), spur wheels (28) and bevel wheels (281) and shaft (23) from the friction.
cone (26) when in contact with the pulley (27), and thus as the levers (12) and (13)
cease to work the feed rollers (19) simultaneously cease to rotate or pull the
hat.
To keep the hat brim well between the pads and between the rollers (19) we
provide a loosely mounted runner (29) fitting within the hat, and carried by rod or
spindle (30) and slide plate (31) upon bracket (32). Under the pull of spring (33)
the runner serves to press the hat brim well in between the pads (17) and rollers (19).
As such runner will also press the crown of the hat against the ends of the pads, we
find it necessary, in order to protect the hat body from injury, to employ a thin
blade or plate (34), pivoted at (35), and lying between the hat and pads as shewn
more clearly in Figs. 4, 5 and 6.
To relieve the attendant of holding up the hat whilst being operated upon we
provide a smooth rest or support (36), also carried by the bracket (32), and over
which the hat readily travels under the pull of the rollers (19). In the case of soft
felt hats, we provide a stiffening ring or hoop fitting within the crown of the hat and
carried round with the hat..
To facilitate the placing of a hat in the machine or removing the same, we provide
a foot-treadle (37) to which we connect by rods or cords (38), (39) and (40), the
plate (34), the lever (41), and the slide-plate (31). By depressing the treadle the
plate (34) is tilted up; the upper conical roller (19) is raised, and the runner (29) is
drawn back, thus leaving the bands of the operator free to manipulate the bat brim
in withdrawing same from, or introducing, same between the pads (17).
To set the machine in motion, and to cause the machine to stop after acting upon
the hat brim to a sufficient or desired degree, we employ the mechanism shown more
clearly in Figs. 4, 7 and 8, which consists primarily of an "escape movement,"
comprising the rod (42), with upper and lower ratelet teeth, pawls (43) and (44),
springs (45) and (46), lever (47) fulcrumed at (48), and cam (49) on face of
wheel (24).
In conjunction with such "escape movement" we employ the latch (50), holes (51),
pin (52), sleeve (53), conical block (54), and forked fever (56) engaging with the
bush of friction cone (26).
With the machine at rest the parts assume the position shewn in Fig. 4. The
brim of a hat being introduced between the pads (17) the rod (42) is pulled forward
in the direction of arrow () as far as it will come, or until the plain part comes
immediately behind the pawls (43)-(44). The effect of so pulling out the rod is to
cause the block (54) to strike the lateh (50), raise such latch out of engagement
with the forked lever (56) (which it previously abutted against, see Fig. 7), and
thereby permit the friction cone (26), under the pull of spring (46) to be put into
driving contact with the pulley (27) and thus receive the movement thereof, and
impart it to the machine. The levers (12) and (13) and rollers (19) are then set in
motion as aforesaid, through shaft (23), bevil wheels (281), spur wheels (28), shaft (16)
and its cams, through wheels (24), (25), shaft (22) coupling (21) and wheels (20), and
the hat begins to travel round. With such motion, the wheel (24) revolves, and at
each revolution the cam (49) on its side, comes against the lever (47), and causes it
to move on its fulcrum (48) to an extent which brings the pawl (43) into engagement
with the teeth of the upper rack (57) and forces the rod (42) tooth-by-tooth (against
the frictional retarding influence of the lower pawl (44) until the pin (52) reaches the
fork lever (56) and pressing against it causes such lever to move on its fulcrum (59),
draw the cone (26) out of the pulley (27) and so stop the machine.
At the same instant, the shoulder of the latch (50) engages, with the edge of such

page_text: lever, and keeps it locked until the machine is again started, or until it is again
raised by the block (54).
The motion of the machine is thus arrested automatically, and it will now be seen
that by varying the position of the pin (52) along the length of rod (42), the degree
of treatment of the hat brim may be varied. To steady the recoil or backward.
movement of the rod (42) and prevent slip wo support it on a leather covered
bracket (60).
A further advantage of this arrangement is that any number of hats can be
uniformally treated, and the operator is relieved of all responsibility-after once
setting it of stopping the machine at the right moment, and can get through a
greater amount of work than heretofore.
To facilitate the introduction of the hat brim between the pads (17) we form the
upper lever with a hinged part (174) (see Figs. 3 5 and 6), whereby the said upper
pad, with the aid of handle (17) may be lifted clear of the lower pad, and to ensure
of the two pads adapting themselves to anything placed between them, we suspend
the upper pad from a pin (17) carried by the said part (17); or, in lieu of such
arrangements, we make the lever (12) continuous, and in one piece, as shewn by
dotted lines in Fig. 6, and suspend the upper pad from it as shewn in Fig. 9, and we
arrange for the lever (13) to be lowered and raised by means of the arrangement
shewn by dotted lines in Figs. 3 and 6, consisting of a rod (61) encircled and sustained
by a helical spring within the casing or tube (62), and carrying a runner or anti-
friction roller (63) at its upper extremity on which the lower lever (13) rests, and
after passing through tabe (62) connected by cord or chain to foot-board (37). The
strength of the spring (which may be adjustable, or he substituted by a weight)
within the tube (62) is sufficient to press the pad of the lower lever against the upper
pad of the upper lever, and the roller (63) permits of the vibrations thereof. When
a hat is to be removed, or inserted the depression of the board (37) separates the
pads, and thus it will be seen that by adopting this last described arrangement, the
hands of the operator are left entirely free to place or fix the hat briin between
the pads, or, in other words, the single depression of the foot-board serves to tilt
plate (34), raise the top conical roller (19), draw back the runner (29), and lower the
bottom lever (13).
The pads (17) are of any suitable construction, but preferably of a foundation of
wool, or hair, covered with sheet indiarubber, over which the sand-paper may be
readily and evenly stretched. They may be made hollow and be inflated, and the
supply of sand-paper may be drawn from a roll carried at the side or back as shewn
by dotted lines in Fig. 5. Clamping plates (174) and thumb-screws (17) hold the
paper in a taut condition on the pads.
In order to clear the brim of loose fur or dust after treatment we may provide
brushes (64) at one side of the pads as shewn in Fig. 9, which serve to brush both
sides of the brim previous to passing between the pads.
Whilst the hat-body pouncing mechanism may be combined with, and form an
integral part of the complete pouncing machine, we may detach it and use it as a
separate machine or appliance as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 1.
Having thus particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is :-
1-In hat body pouncing machines, the use and combination of mechanism herein
described, consisting essentially of vertical shaft (2), segmental wheel (4), and
rack (6) for imparting a to-and-fro motion to a hat block on which a hat body is
fitted, as and for the purposes set forth.
2:-In hat brim pouncing machines the use of two pouncing pads, to which is
given a rapid to-and-fro radial or like movement, in combination with a set of rollers
to rotate the hat brim between such pads, with ineans auxiliary or supplementary for
holding and supporting the hat, and facilitating its introduction or withdrawal, as
hereinbefore set forth.

page_text: 3: In felt hat pouncing machines the use and combination of the mechanism
herein described, whereby the motion of the machine is arrested after a predetermined
period of time, or degree of movement, and thus automatically regulating the amount
of pouncing to which a hat is subjected, as herein before set forth.
4-The combination and arrangement of parts constituting our complete felt hat
pouncing machine as hereinbefore set forth.
5: The combination of levers (12), (13) (with fixed, or hinged extremity), and
pads (17), as and for the purposes herein before set forth.
6: The combination of levers (12) and (13), pads (17) and rollers (19), with
plate (34), lever (41), runner (29), slide (31), rest (36), bracket (32), spring (33),
rod (61) with runner (63), spring (64), board or treadle (37), as and for the purposes
herein before set forth.c
7: The combination of rod (42) with two sets of ratchet teeth, holes (51),
pin (52), boss (54), latch (50), springs (45), and (46), pawls (43) and (44), lever (47),
wheel (24), cain (49) and fork lever (56), mounted and operating as and for the
purposes herein before set forth.
8-The plate (34), lever (41), slide (31), rod (61) in combination with foot-
treadle and the several connecting rods or cords, as and for the purposes set forth.
9: The combination of gearing for operating respectively the levers (12), (13)
and rollers (19) (including shafts (22) (23) and (16) and eccentrics oppositely set),
as and for the purposes set forth.
10 The wheel (24) with cam (49) in combination with lever (47) carrying
pawl (43) and connected to spring (45), as and for the purposes set forth.
11 The rod (42) forming part of an "escape" movement for controlling a
pouncing machine, as set forth.
12: The rod (42) in combination with pawls (43), (44), as and for the purposes
set forth.
13 The rod (42), in combination with boss or enlargement (54), and latch (50),
as and for the purposes set forth.
14 The pads (17) composed of a backing of hair or felt, or of rubber and inflated,
or made as a cushion, over which sand-paper from a roll may be placed and clamped
by plates (17) and nut (17e) as and for the purposes set forth.
15:-The combination with pads (17) of brushes (64), as and for the purposes
set forth.
16: The lever (13) with swivel head (17), and hinged or fixed part (17b), as and
for the purposes set forth.
17: The combination of plate (64) with pads (17) and means for tilting same, as
and for the purposes set forth.
18: The use and combination with pads (17) of runner (29), rod (30) and
slide (31), and controlled by spring (33) cord and foot-treadle, as and for the
purposes set forth.
19-The use and combination of bracket (34), support (36), slide (31), and
runner (29), spring (33), and foot-treadle and rod, as and for the purposes set forth.
20th-The use and combination of lever (13) free to rise, and fall from lever (12),
with rod (61), runner (63), spring (62), and operated by rod, or cord, and foot-
treadle, as and for the purposes set forth.
Dated this 8th day of October 1897.