Improvements in Machinery for Working Leather, Hides, and Skins.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 20th June, 1890
Complete Specification Left. 15th Apr., 1891-Accepted, 16th May, 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machinery for Working Leather, Hides, and
Skins.
1, EDWARD WILSON, of Commercial Road, Exeter, in the County of Devon.
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates principally to improvements on the machines described in
the Specifications of my prior Patents No. 5228 dated 14th December 1880, and
No. 3444 dated 7th March 1887, and its main object is to simplify the construction,
reduce the cost of production, and diminish the wear and tear of such machines.
I preferably still employ two sets of tools and cause same to work alternately in
opposite directions as described in the Specification of Patent No. 5228 A.D. 1880,
and a bell crank lever connected at one end to a crank shaft which is caused to
rotate, and at the other end pivotted to one of the tooth holders, as described in the
Specification of Patent No. 3444 A.D. 1887.
According to my present invention I employ a bar or rod (preferably hollow)
which is supported in two end frames and also at an intermediate point or points if
necessary, and through which supports such bar or rod can slide but without being
able to turn therein. The bar or rod constitutes the means for reciprocating the
tool holders which are mounted thereon in the manner hereinafter described.
Each tool holder consists of a frame having a vertical arm at each end, the top
ends of which arms embrace the sliding bar or rod above referred to, but with a
clearance between the arms and the rod so as to enable the frame to move vertically
in relation thereto. The necessary tools for working the leather are secured to or
mounted upon the bottom of the frame.
Two of such tool holders are mounted on the sliding bar or rod and these are
connected together (preferably towards their lower enls) by a link or rod pivotted
to each holder.
The bell crank lever actuated by the crank shaft is pivotted to one of the tool
holders and then extends upwards, its upper end being connected by a link to the
sliding bar or rod, to a collar fixed on which the link is also pivotted.
Each frame is near each end connected by a pivot to a spring toggle arm (such
as described in the Specification of my prior Patent No. 5228 A.D. 1880), the
upper end of such toggle arms being pivotted to a collar fixed to the sliding bar
or rod.
By this construction as the crank shaft rotates it will cause the bell crank to
rock on its pivot, thus raising or lowering (as the case may be) the tool holder to
which it is connected, and at the same time the bell crank reciprocates the sliding
bar and consequently the two tool holders. The tool holders being connected together
by a link and each of them to the sliding rod by their respective toggle levers, the
relative movement of the sliding rod with regard to the holders will cause one to be
raised while the other is lowered. The clearance between the arms of the tool
holders which embrace the sliding rod, and such rod, enables the holders to rise
and fall in relation thereto, and when in their lowest position the arms rest in
contact with such rod. The work to be acted upon is supported upon a recipro-
cating table or a revolving drum arranged beneath the holders, and in contact with
which the tools would rest when lowered so as to be moved across the work when
carried one way by the bell crank lever, the spring toggle arms ensuring the tools
acting with the requisite pressure. Upon the backward stroke the tool holder
which had been in action would be raised and the other one lowered, so that each
set of tools would work alternately in opposite directions from the centre to the
edge of the table or drum.

page_text: In order to enable the work to be placed upon the table or drum the latter would
be lowered, and as the arms of the tool holder which is in the lower position will
then rest upon the sliding bar, such holder will be prevented from following the
table in its descent, and the work can consequently be readily placed upon the table
or drum, which will then be raised again, and the machine started. The arms of
the holders being supported upon the sliding bar also prevent the tools coming into
contact with the surface of the table or drum when there is no work thereon.
For holding the work upon the table or drum I arrange a rod across the machine,
and support same in bearings which are capable of a slight vertical movement in
relation to the end frames. This rod carries bands or rings of india rubber or other
suitable material which when the table or drum is raised bear upon the work
thereon and so hold same in position. A rod with bands or rings may be
arranged on each side of the tool holders if desired. When the table or drum is
lowered the bearings of the rod or rods will also descend a slight distance, but as
their movement is limited the rods will be prevented from descending further, so
that they will not interfere with the placing of work on the table when necessary.
These rods for holding the work upon the table or drum may be used with machines
of any construction for working leather.
If desired a single tool holder may be employed, and same mounted as above
described so that it would be raised at the backward and lowered during the
forward stroke.
A double or two separate bell crank levers are preferably employed so as to act
upon the tool holder on both sides thereof.
Instead of a single sliding bar, two parallel bars may be employed, the tool
holders being connected to each of such bars in the manner above described. Or,
when two bars are employed, one of same may be caused to slide in its supports,
while the other remains stationary to act as a guide bar.
Further, in place of the bar or bars being made to slide through the frames in
which they are supported, same may be stationary and the part to which the tool
holders are connected in the manner above set forth, be made to slide along or
beneath the fixed bar or bars.
If desired a brush or brushes may be mounted directly upon the sliding bar or
part, so as to rest upon the work during the forward and backward stroke, and
would so prevent the pores of the skin, hide or other material being operated
upon, from becoming closed on account of the tools always working in the one
direction.
For machines in which the work is supported upon a table I prefer to construct
und actuate such table as follows:-
Beneath the tool holders a shaft is supported and caused to revolve by any
suitable means. Upon such shaft are mounted any desired number of pulleys or
wheels. The table is provided with transverse beains on its under side (the bottom
surface of which beams is preferably faced with metal) which rest upon and are
supported by the wheels on the revolving shaft, so that the friction will carry the
table along under the tools.
Each end of the table is preferably supported by a leg with a castor resting upon
the floor, and these legs are preferably jointed or provided with a spring connection
to enable the table to be lowered by lowering the shaft on which the beams rest,
when desired to place the work thereon.
This arrangement will permit of the table being turned so that it can run under
the tools in a slanting direction, the pulleys on which the beams of the table rest
being made wider than such beams to ensure their still remaining in contact therewith
when the table is turned on the slant. The outer wheels upon which the beams of
the table rest are preferably mounted loosely upon their shaft so as to facilitate the
shifting of the table to the desired angle. In order to prevent the table moving
sideways when it is turned on the slant, a horizontal pulley may be mounted on a
fixed support and arranged so that it occupies a position between the centre
beams under the table, and by bearing upon the inner surfaces of such beams

page_text: compel same to travel truly in the slanting direction to which the table has been
shifted.
This arrangement permitting the table to be shifted and caused to travel
slantingly will greatly facilitate the working of the skins, hides, or other material
being operated upon.
This table for supporting the work to be operated upon may be applied to
machines of other construction to that herein before described.
Dated this 20th day of June 1890.
ALLISON BROS.,
Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machinery for Working Leather, Hides, and
Skins.
I, EDWARD WILSON, of Commercial Road, Exeter, in the County of Devon,
Engineer, 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 :-
This invention relates principally to improvements on the machines described in
the Specifications of my prior Patents No. 5228 dated 14th December 1880, and
No. 3444 dated 7th March 1887, and its main object is to simplify the construction,
reduce the cost of production, and diminish the wear and tear of such machines.
I preferably still employ two sets of tools and cause same to work alternately in
opposite directions as described in the Specification of Patent No. 5228 A.D. 1880,
and a bell crank lever connected at one end to a crank shaft which is caused to
rotate, and at the other end pivotted to one of the tool holders, as described in the
Specification of Patent No. 3444 A.D. 1887.
My present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a machine embodying my improvements, and
Fig. 2 is an end view of means for raising and lowering the drumm or table.
Fig. 3 is a side elevation of a machine embodying my improvements in a slightly
modified form, and
Fig. 4 is an end elevation of such machine.
Fig. 5 is a side elevation of a machine embodying my improvements in another
slightly modified form, and
Fig. 6 is an end elevation of such machine.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, it will be seen that according to my invention I
employ a bar or rod A (either solid or hollow), which is supported in two end
frames B, B, and also at an intermediate point or points if necessary, and through
which supports B, B', such bar or rod A can slide, but without being able to turn
therein. The bar or rod A constitutes the means for reciprocating the tool
holders C. C', which are mounted thereon in the manner hereinafter described.
Each tool holder C, C', consists of a frame having a vertical arm c at each end,
the top ends of which arms embrace the sliding bar or rod A, but with a clearance
between the arms and the rod so as to enable the frame to move vertically in
relation thereto. The necessary tools d, d, for working the leather are secured to
or mounted upon the bottom of the frame.
Instead of the arms e embracing the sliding bar or rod A they may pass up
through slots formed in such bar or rod.
Two of such tool holders C, C, are mounted on the sliding bar or rod A, and
these are connected together (preferably towards their lower ends) by a link or
rod D pivotted to each holder.
The bell crank lever E actuated by the crank shaft F is pivotted to one of the
ool holders at e, and then extends upwards, its upper end being connected by a

page_text: LINK
LO the stag
pivotted.
Each frame C, C, is near each end connected by a pivot ² to a spring toggle
arm H (such as described in the Specification of my prior Patent No. 5228 A.D.
1880), the upper end of such toggle arms being pivotted to a collar a², a², fixed to
the sliding bar or rod A.
By this construction as the crank shaft F rotates it will cause the bell crank E
to rock on its pivot e, thus raising or lowering (as the case may be) the tool
holder C to which it is connected, and at the same time the bell crank reciprocates
the sliding bar A, and consequently the two tool holders C, C. The tool
holders C, C, being connected together by the link D, and each of them to the
sliding rod A by their respective toggle levers H, the relative movement of the
sliding rod A with regard to the holders C, C', will cause one to be raised while
the other is lowered. The clearance between the arms e, of the tool holders C, C,
which embrace the sliding rod A, and such rod, enables the holders to rise and fall
in relation thereto, and when in their lowest position the arms rest in contact with
such rod. The work to be acted upon is supported upon a reciprocating table or a
revolving drum I (the machine shown in Fig. 1 being fitted with a drum) arranged
beneath the holders C, C, and in contact with which the tools d, d, would rest
when lowered so as to be moved across the work when carried one way by the
bell crank lever E, the spring toggle arms H ensuring the tools acting with the
requisite pressure. Upon the backward stroke the tool holder which had been in
action would be raised and the other one lowered, so that each set of tools would
work alternately in opposite directions from the centre to the edge of the table or
drum 1.
In order to enable the work to be placed upon the table or drum 1, the latter
would be lowered, and as the arms e of the tool holder which is in the lower
position will then rest upon the sliding bar A, such holder will be prevented from
following the table or drun in its descent, and the work can consequently be
readily placed upon the table or drum, which will then be raised again, and the
machine started. The arms e of the holders C, C', being supported upon the
sliding bar A also prevent the tools d, d, coming into contact with the surface of
the table or drum I when there is no work thereon.
Fig. 2 shows one method of raising and lowering the drum I, and which consists
in supporting the axis of the drum in bearings J capable of moving vertically in
relation to the end frames B, B'. A treadle K is secured to a shaft L mounted in
the frame of the machine, and each end of which shaft is connected to one of the
bearings through toggle arms M, M. By depressing treadle K drum I will
be raised, and by relieving the treadle from pressure the drum will be lowered.
If desired a single tool holder may be employed, and same mounted as above
described so that it would be raised at the backward and lowered during the
forward stroke.
A double or two separate bell crank levers are preferably employed so as to act
upon the tool holder on both sides thereof.
Instead of a single sliding bar, two parallel bars may be employed, the tool
holders being connected to each of such bars in the manner above described. Or,
when two bars are employed, one of same may be caused to slide in its supports,
while the other remains stationary to act as a guide bar.
Further, in place of the bar or bars being made to slide through the frames in
which they are supported, same may be stationary and the part to which the tool
holders are connected in the manner above set forth, be made to slide along or
beneath the fixed bar or bars.
Referring now to Figs. 3 and 4 it will be seen that in this arrangement the
part A to which the tool holder frames C, C', are secured slides on a fixed bar A,
instead of the latter sliding through the end frames B, B; and, further; a second
parallel bar A2 is arranged in the end frames B, B, and serves as a guide bar
along which arms A³ projecting up from the part A' can slide.

page_text: The arrangement shown in Figs. 5 and 6 is similar to that last described, but the
bell crank lever E instead of being pivotted to one of the tool holders C, C', and
then extending upwards, in this case is pivotted to the part A' to which the tool
holders are secured and then extends downwards, its lower end being connected by
the link to the tool holder C. The action will be the same as described in
connection with Fig. 1.
Instead of raising and lowering the table or drum I, as described in connection
with Fig. 1, I prefer to raise and lower the tool holders C, C', in order to enable
the work to be placed on such table or drun. Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6 show a suitable
method of effecting this. It consists in mounting the shaft A in castings O, O',
capable of sliding vertically in the end frames B, B', and connecting the toggle
arms M, M', to such castings O, O', so that when the treadle K is depressed the
castings O. O', will be raised, carrying the tool holders C, C, and the tools d, d, with
them, while when treadle K is relieved from pressure the castings O, O', will descend
and carry the tool holders with them, so that the tools will rest on the work on the
table or drum. When (as shown in Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6) an additional guide bar A¹
is employed, this also will be mounted in the castings O, O¹, so as to be raised and
lowered with them.
P
For holding the work upon the table or drum 1, 1 arrange a rod P from end to
end of the machine, and support same in bearings which are capable of vertical
movement in relation to the end frames B3, B. This rod carries bands or rings pl
of india-rubber or other suitable material, which when the tool holders are lowered
or the table or drum is raised (as the case may be). bear upon the work on the
table or drum, and so hold same in position. A holding down rod P with bands
or rings pl may be arranged on each side of the tool holders if desired. When I
make the table or drum capable of being raised or lowered, I arrange the
bearings of the rod or rods P so that they will also descend a slight distance, but
as their movement is limited the rods will be prevented from descending further,
and will thus not interfere with the placing of the work on the table or drum I
when necessary.
P
When the tool holders C, C, (instead of the table or drum 1) are caused to rise
and fall, I prefer to employ the arrangement shown in Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6, which
consists in mounting each of the holding down rods P so that it can revolve in
bearings formed in arms Q, Q, each pivotted separately to the castings O, O¹.
To each end of the guide bar A is keyed a casting R, R', having an ear or lug
projecting on each side. The lower end of a vertical rod T is secured to each of
the arms Q, Q', carrying the holding down rods P, the upper end of each of such
rods T passing freely through one of the lugs or cars of the castings R, R, above
which such rods are provided with a head or mut t, which rests on the upper
surface of the lugs or cars . When the treadle K is depressed, and the
castings 0, 0, consequently raised, the holding down rods will be raised
together with the tool holders C, C', and the tools d, d, and will be lowered again
with the latter when pressure is removed from treadle K. Guide bar A is
preferably free to rock in bearings in castings O, O', and levers S, S', are secured
to the shaft and project out on opposite sides, so that by raising either lever the
holding down rod P on the same side can be also raised to a limited extent when
required, as bar A2 in turning will raise the lug or ear 7 on one side, and through
the rod T passing through such lug or ear and connecting it to the arm Qor Q¹,
which is pivotted to the castings or O', and which carries one end of the holding
down rod P, will raise the latter. The rods T passing freely through the lugs 9 of
the castings R, R', permit the lug on one side of casting R, R', to be depressed,
as the one on the opposite side is raised in order to raise the corresponding holding
down rod P. The rods P for holding down the work upon the table or drum
may be used with machines of any construction for working leather..
If desired a brush or brushes may be mounted directly upon the sliding bar or
part to which the tool holders C, C, are secured, so as to rest upon the work both
during the forward and the backward stroke, and would thus prevent the pores of

page_text: the skin, hide or other material being operated upon, from becoming closed on
account of the tools always working in the one direction.
For machines in which the work is supported on a table I prefer to construct
and actuate such table as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6.
In these figs, a shaft U is supported beneath the tool holders C, C¹, and is caused
to revolve by any suitable means. Upon such shaft U are mounted any desired
number of pulleys or wheels V. The table is provided with beams on its under
side (the bottom surface of which beams is preferably faced with metal) which rest
upon and are supported by the wheels or pulleys Von the revolving shaft U, so
that the friction will carry the table along under the tools.
Each end of the table is preferably supported by a leg W with a castor w
resting upon the floor, and, when desired to permit the table to be raised and
lowered, these legs are preferably jointed or provided with a spring connection to
enable the table I to be lowered by lowering the shaft U on which the beams i
rest, when desired to place the work thereon. I, however, (as above stated) prefer
to raise the tool holders and tools instead of lowering the table, and in this case
the legs W will not require to be provided with a joint or spring connection.
The arrangement above described will permit of the table being turned so
that it can run under the tools in a slanting direction, the pulleys or wheels Von
which the beams of the table 1 rest being made wider than such beams to ensure
their still remaining in contact therewith when the table is turned on the slant.
The outer wheels on which the beams of the table I rest are preferably mounted
loosely upon their shaft U, so as to facilitate the shifting of the table to the
desired angle. In order to prevent the table I moving sideways when it is turned
on the slant, a horizontal pulley X may be mounted on a fixed support Y, and
arranged so that it occupies a position between the centre beams i under the
table I, and by bearing upon the inner surfaces of such beams compel same to
travel truly in the slanting direction to which the table has been shifted.
This arrangement permitting the table to be shifted and caused to travel
slantingly will greatly facilitate the working of the skins, hides, or other material
being operated upon.
This table for supporting the work to be operated upon may be applied to
machines of other construction to that hereinbefore described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
In machines for working leather, hides or skins.
1. The employment of a bar capable of sliding longitudinally in end frames, or
of a sleeve or part capable of sliding longitudinally along a fixed bar mounted in
the end frames, the holder for carrying the tools for working the leather, hides or
skins being connected to such sliding bar or part so that it will follow the move-
ments thereof, and yet be capable of vertical movement in relation thereto,
substantially as specified.
2. The improved tool holder consisting in a frame with a vertical arm at each
end, the top end of such arms embracing or passing through a sliding bar or part
to which the frame is connected by toggle arms, but so as to leave a clearance
between such sliding bar or part and the vertical arms, substantially as specified.
3. The combination with a tool holder constructed as set forth in Claim 2, of a
bell crank lever driven by a crank shaft or other suitable means, and pivotted
either to the sliding part to which the tool holder is secured and connected by a
link to such holder, or pivotted to the tool holder and connected by a link to the
sliding part to which such holder is secured, substantially as specified.
4. The combination with a tool holder mounted as set forth in Claim 1, of an
additional guide bar capable of sliding in bearings in the frame in which it is
supported, and connected to the sliding part to which such holder is secured,
substantially as specified.

page_text: 5. The combination with a tool holder mounted as set forth in Claim 1, of an
additional guide bar supported in the frame of the machine, and along which can
slide arms projecting from the sliding part to which the tool holder is secured,
substantially as specified.
6. The combination of two tool holders connected to the same sliding part and
capable of vertical movement in relation thereto, the two holders being themselves
connected together (preferably towards their lower ends) by a link or rod
pivotted to cach, substantially as specified.
7. The employment of a holding down rod on one or on both sides of
reciprocating tools, such rod or rods resting upon the drum or table carrying the
work to be operated upon when the machine is in action, substantially as specified.
8. The means for raising and lowering the holding down rod or rods, sub-
stantially as specified.
9. The means for raising and lowering the tool holders in relation to the drum or
table on which the work is supported, substantially as specified.
10. The combined means for raising and lowering both the tool holders and the
holding down rod or rods in relation to the drum or table on which the work is
supported, substantially as specified.
11. The improved table for supporting the work to be operated upon, consisting
in providing the table with beams on its under side to run on pulleys or wheels
carried by a shaft which is caused to rotate by any suitable means, substantially as
specified.
12. The combination with a table constructed as set forth in claim 10, of a
horizontal pulley mounted on a fixed support and arranged to bear upon the inner
surface of the beams secured to the central part of the under side of such table,
substantially as specified.
13. The improved machine for working leather, hides and skins, constructed and
operating substantially as specified.
Dated this 2nd day of An 1901
ALLISON BROS.,
Agents for the Applicant.