AN IMPROVED MANUFACTURE OF ARTIFICIAL LEATHER
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Melville Clark, of 58, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, for an Invention of "AN IMPROVED
MANUFACTURE OF ARTIFICIAL LEATHER" A communication from abroad
by Pierre Benjamin Le Gondre, of Paris, France.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alexander Melville Clark at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st June 1880.
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent. "AN IMPROVED MANUFACTURE OF ARTIFICIAL LEATHER." [A com-
munication from abroad by Pierre Benjamin Le Gendre, of Paris, Franco.]
This Invention relates to the manufacture of a new product composed of morocco
and other leather scraps or waste laid one on the other, covered on both sides with
sheep or lamb skin, and the whole consolidated by pressure and cemented together
by a suitable glue. The product, which is capable of being applied to numerous
purposes, is especially suitable for use in the manufacture of boots and shoes.
The product is distinguished from all others of the kind hitherto in use by its
impermeability, and in order to increase this quality copperas is added in the
matters employed in a liquid state in the manufacture of the product.
By employing the improved product of this Invention a saving of 30% is
obtainable in the manufacture of boots and shoes, combined with increased
durability, inasmuch as it is not disintegrated either by wear or by damp. The
product is also applicable wherever impermeable sheets are required.
The following is the method of manufacture:-The scraps of morocco leather
are first dipped in glue and then laid upon sheep-skin, choosing generally a skin
of inferior quality, and after a sufficient quantity has been so applied, according to
the thickness desired, a second piece of sheepskin is laid thereon. The sheepskin
with the scraps enclosed is next placed between two thicknesses of flannel, felt, or
other material, and then between zinc plates, and subjected to powerful pressure
in an hydraulic press, the flannel serving to absorb the glue which is expressed
from the leather. In this manner the whole becomes consolidated, and after drying
the product is fit for uso.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Alexander Melville Clark in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 20th
December 1880.
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent. "AN IMPROVED MANUFACTURE OF ARTIFICIAL LEATHER." A com-
munication from abroad by Pierre Benjamin Le Gendro, of Paris, France.
This Invention relates to the manufacture of a new product or artificial leather
composed of morocco and other leather, scrap, or waste cuttings laid together so RA
to overlap one another, covered on both sides with sheep or lamb skin, and the
whole consolidated by pressure and cemented together by a suitablo glue. The
product, which is capable of being applied to numerous purposes, is especially
suitable for forming the insoles and linings of boots and shoes. The product is
distinguished from all others of the kind hitherto in use by its impermeability, and in
order to increase this quality copperas is added to the glue or to water used to dissolve
it. By employing the improved product of this Invention a saving of about thirty
per cent. is obtainable in the cost of manufacture of boots and shoes combined with
increased durability, inasmuch as this improved product or artificial leather is not
disintegrated either by wear or by damp. The product is also applicable wherever
impermeable sheets are required. The following is the method of manufacture:-
The scraps of morocco leather are first dipped in the prepared glue and then laid
upon a tanned sheepskin of inferior quality, and after a sufficient quantity of scraps
have been so laid together or superposed according to the ultimato thickness desired
a second piece of sheepskin similar to the first is laid upon them. The double
thickness of sheepskin with the scraps between them is next placed between two
sheets of flannel, felt, or other material capable of absorbing the surplus glue
expressed in the next operation, and the whole is then between zinc plates placed
in a hydraulic or other press, and subjected to a powerful pressure, whereby the
scraps and sheepskin become consolidated and strongly united, and after, drying tho
product is fit for use.
Having described the nature of the said Invention, and the manner of performing
the same, I declare that what I claim as the Invention to be protected by the
herein before in part recited Letters Patent is,-
1st. The improved product or. artificial leather composed of scraps or waste
cuttings of morocco or other leather coated with an adhesivo material and placed
between two sheets of tanned sheepskin, as and for the purpose specified.
2nd. The manufacture of artificial leather by placing between two thicknesses
of tanned sheepskin, scraps of morocco, and other leather or skins coated with an
adhesive material, and subjecting the whole to powerful pressure between flannel,
felt, or other absorbent material between zinc or other plates in a hydraulic or other
press, as specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Melville Clark, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twentieth day of December, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty.