GB182035A - Improvements in hat blocking machines - Google Patents

Abstract

182,035. Holttum, W. R., and Brown & Green, Ltd. Sept. 6, 1921. Blocking.-A hat-blocking machine comprises a stationary cap carrying one part of the mould and two or more pans each carrying the other part of the mould and pivoted so that it may be swung into and out of position beneath the stationary cap, means being provided for raising the positioned pan to effect the blocking operation and lowering it at the completion of the operation. As shown, a stationary cap 1 equipped with the usual extensible rubber bag is provided with a hydraulic pressure pipe 5 and an air bottle 3. The cap is supported by columns 6 on each of which a pan 13 forming the other part of the mould is slidably pivoted. Each pan is heated by an enclosed steam passage through which water may be passed when it is desired to cool the mould. A hat is inserted in a pan and this swung by a handle 18 into position under the cap 1. A jack 20 operated by screw and worm gearing is raised to effect the blocking operation and lowered when this is complete. The jack is controlled by a belt-shifting fork 40, Fig. 8, cooperating with a loose pulley, a lifting pulley 26, and a lowering pulley 27. The fork is restrained in mid-position by springs 41, 42 and moved by the operator to cause a cam 39 to clear a roll 44 rising and falling with the jack. The roll 40 maintains the belt fork in either of its extreme positions until the corresponding movement of the jack is complete. For preliminary heating of the pan 13, steam may be passed into openings 17. The bed-plate of the machine is flanged or surrounded by a rim 8 to collect water.