GB326413A - New or improved means for use in blocking hats - Google Patents

Abstract

326,413. Robinson & Sons (Romiley), Ltd., J., and Sydney, E. May 22, 1929. Blocking; stretching in manufacture.-Soft or hard felt hats are blocked on a movable table actuated by hydraulic power to convev the hat form positioned on its block to the steaming chamber. The steaming chamber e is positioned above a table a provided with vertical guides c and raised by a hydraulic ram in a cylinder l, valves n and o being provided on inlet and exhaust pipes respectively. 'The table is counterbalanced by weights p, and is provided with means for stretching the hat. These comprise a series of clamps each having an upper counterweighted member h pivoted to a lower member h<1> provided with a downwardly projecting pin h<4>. For closing the clamps the edge of the brim, the tails h<2> of the upper members are engaged by a ring h<5> which can be moved through an angle by a handle h<7>, a notch and incline being. formed at the upper edge of the ring for each tail. The lower members h<1> are provided with radial guides and their pins h<4> are each engaged by an inclined slot in a plate which can be moved through an angle by a handle i<2>. A pressure regulating valve (not shown) is provided in the inlet conduit n<2>, which valve is set by the operator in accordance with the particular hat to be treated. In operation, the hat form is heated by a steam jet or by immersion in hot water and placed over a wooden or aluminium block. The edge of the brim is positioned between the clamping jaws, and these closed by manipulation of the handle h<7>. The handle i<2> is then operated to stretch the hat, and a rubber or brass ring is placed on the crown. The ram is then actuated to raise the hat form and block into the steaming chamber. After, say, five seconds treatment, the steam is shut off and the work removed for further flattening of the brim.