US1709938A - Method and machine for producing hair-gripping fasteners - Google Patents

Description

April 23, 1929. s. H. GOLDBERG T AL Q METHOD AND mcrmm FOR PRODUCING HAIR GRIPPING FASTENERS d w g z ggg 2% c?! 0" or. 4 fl g? Filed. Dec. 31, 1927 April 23, 1929- s. H. GOLDBERG ET AL 1,709,938

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCING HAIR GRIiPING FASTENERS 1 llil v V JZomaz liZdZ/Z p zs, 1 929. 5. H. GOLDBERG ETAL 1,709,938

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCINQ HAIR GRIPPING FASTENERS 31, '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed 1206x7096": ,Jkmrz 1K 659%6837, I'll 6272160621.

April 1 s. H. GOLDBERG ET L 1,709,938

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCING HAIR GRIPPING FASTENERS Filed Dec. 31, 1927 '7 Sheets-SheetA April 1929- s. H. GOLDBERG ET AL 1,709,938

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCING HAIR GRIPPING FASTENERS Filed Dec. 5,1927 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 April 1929. s. H. GOLDBERG ET AL 1,709,938

METHOD AND MACI'iINHFOR PRODUCING HAIR GRIPPING FASTENERS Fi ea Dec. 31, 1927 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 1&

P 1929 s. H. GOLDBERG ET AL 1,709,938

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCING HAIR GRIPPING FASTENERS Filed Dec. 51, 1927 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 J01 -JOJ Patented Apr. 23, 1929.

1,799,938 "UNITED. STATES PATENT OFFICE.

soLoMon H. GOLDBERG AND WALTER n. HERMSDORF, oE'oHIoAGo, ILLINOIS, AS-

SIGNORS TO THE HUMP HAIRPIN MANUFACTURING (30., OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A.

CORPORATION OF WEST VIRGINIA.

I METHOD AND MACHINE FOR rnonuomo nAm-onrrrmo FASTENERS.

Application filed December 31, 1927. Serial No. 243,828.

The present improvements relate to a method and machine particularly designed to operate on a continuously advancing length of wire to automatically and econom- 5 ically produce hair gripping fasteners of the snap type.

The essence ofthe. present invention resides in a method and machine, completely automatic in operation, by which there is 1 produced a new type of hair fastener of unique characteristics and high serviceability as part of a continuous. operation, resulting in increased output at high efficiency.

The hair fastener produced by the method 1 and machine of the present'invention belongs to that class in which the fastener is constructed of metal having qualities of springiness. Hair fasteners of this type are generally madefrom material having a greater width than thickness, both width and thickness being substantially uniform throughout the length and width of the stock, said hair fasteners being identified as the flat or snap type of fastener. Such fasteners have a distinct advantage over the old style of hair pin made of springless round wire, in thatthey exert a substantial gripping force .upon the hair to' hold it firmly in place, which function the old 3o springless round type of hairpins does not perform, the latter being merely forced into I the hair.

The particular hair fastener produced by the method and apparatus .of the present 5 invention has many advantages over those of the prior 'art. Fasteners of the prior art of the snap type comprise a length of flat strip material of greater width than thickness, bent to provide an open loop and 4 two legs, which may ormay not be crimped,

said width and thickness being uniform throughout the entire length and width of the fastener. The legs are so arranged as to contact each other at predetermined points.

The fastener produced by the method and I apparatus of the present invention comprises two legs of spring material of greater width than thickness, integrally connected in a unitary structure by means of a loop substantially round in cross section. The thickness of each leg is substantially less at its extremity than adjacent its connection to said loop, the change in thickness preferably being merely throughout the length of each leg. Each leg is substantially greater in width at its extremity than ad'jacent its connection to said loop, said change in width being merely throu hout the length of the leg. One, or both, of t elegs may have one 'or more crimps to cause the fastener to more firmly grip the hair. The substantially round connecting loop provides a greater spring tension upon the legs than does the loop made from flat spring material, which tension causes the legs-to more firmly grip the hair. 1

By decreasing the thicknesspf each leg toward its extremity, these legs .will tend to bow and spread further apart at their extremities than fasteners having legs ofuniform thickness throughout their length, thus making their application to the hair easier than with the latter type. The increased width of each legtoward its extremity gives the legs more gripping surface upon the hairirelative to the snap type of fasteners of the prior art.

It is one of the purposes'and objects of the present invention to provide a method for making fasteners as 'above described from round or substantially round wire stock. The method comprises as a singlecontinuous operation feeding a continuous strip of substantially round wire raw stock and acting on said strip to produce flattened portions with intermediate spaced substantially unflattened port-ions, this strip being characterized by flattening-the flattened portions to a varying degree of thickness'and width for thev'purposes heretofore specified, said substantially unflattened portions being left to subsequently provide the unflattened connecting loop. heretofore referred to; then making crimps at predetermined points throughout the length of each unflattened portion to provide one or more crimps in one, or both, of the legs of the resulting pin; then cutting said continuously advancing strip of wire into predetermined lengths intermediate and substantially centrally of the flattened portion, this step being characterized by producing a substantially rounded severed extremity on each opposite len h of severed wire, the small waste pieces etween opposed points of severance being automatically removed; thereafter bending the severed lengths of wire intermediate and substantially centrally of the substantially unflattened portions thereof to form a fastener having two legs integrally connected into a unitary structure by means of a loop of substantially round or unflattened cross section. As a final step in the process, if desired, said fasteners may be subjected to a tempering process under heat to. increase their spring tensional qualities.

It is a further purpose and object of the present invention to provide an automatic apparatus for carrying outthe above described method. The apparatus, or machine, briefly described, comprises in combination means for feeding a continuous length of' substantially round or unflattened wire stock to a flattening means comprising, for, instance, rolls adapted to act on said continuously advancing strip of wire to produce flattened portions therein while leaving spaced unflattened portions intermediate said flattened portions, said rolls being so designed as to roll out the flattened portions to a gradual and varying degree of thickness and Width. The continuously advancing strip of wire, is then fed to a crimping means, for instance, comprising opposed rolls acting on said strip to form crimps at predetermined points in the -flattened portions of the wire. The continuously advancing wire is then -severed at the proper point by a severing means, characterized by producing a substantially round severed extremity, the waste pieces between opposed points of severance being removed, for instance, by a blast of air.

Each length of severed wire is then bent by a bending means acting intermediate and substantially centrally of its unflattened portion to form a fastener having two op-- posed legs and an integrally connected loop, said fastener being then ready for use.

If desired, means are provided for tempering said fastener under heat to increase its spring tension qualities.

Many other important objects and advantages of the present invention will be more particularly apparent from the following detailed description.

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view, of the machine of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view taken on line 22 of Fig.) 1, illustrating the mechanism'for actuating the cutting and forming I roll 21 screwed, or otherwise attached, to-

dies. a

Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view taken on line 33 of Fig. 1, illustrating the flattening mechanism.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view of the wire after it has passed through the flattening means.

Fig. 5 is a view of the wire after it has passed through the crimping and cutting means.

Fig. 6 is a view of the completed fastener after being bent to final form.

Fig. 7 is a view partly in section of the cutting and bending mechanism with the cover plate removed. I

Fig. 8 is' a view of the cover plate for the cutting and bending mechanism.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary View of the lower portion of the cover plate for the cutting and bending mechanism.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary View, partly in section, of the cutting and bending mechanism in a different stage of operation.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary View, partly in section, of the cutting an bending mechanism in a still different stage of operation.

Fig.12 is a View taken-on line 12-12 of I Fig. 11 showing an enlarged detailed View of the cutting dies.

Fig. 13 is a View illustrating the wire guide which guides the wire to the cutting dies.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged view illustrating the wire flattening rolls, and

Fig. 15 is an enlarged view illustrating the crimping rolls.

Referring more in detail to the drawings, 1 designates a suitable frame in which may be journallcd in the bearings 2 a shaft 3 adapted to be rotated by means of a suitable source of power which may drive the gear 4 which meshes with the gear 4 carried by shaft 3. A miter gear 5 may be keyed to the shaft 3, meshing with another miter gear 6, which may be keyed to one end of shaft 7, (shown more clearl in Fig. 3), shaft 7 being journalled in a bearing 8 and having keyedto the other end a crank wheel 9. Arm 10 at one end may be eccentrically and pivotally connected to crank wheel 9 by means of a pin 11, and on the other end may be pivotally connected by means ofa pin 12 to rocking lever 13 which may be loosely journalled to pivot on shaft 14. Rocking lever 13 may carry a ratchet dog 15 which may be pivotably attached thereto by means of a pin 16. A ratchet collar 17 may be mounted upon and suitably keyed to shaft 14, being adapted to engage the ratchet dog 15. A compression spring 18 may bear against dog 15 to insure its ongagement with the ratchet collar 17. Shaft 14 may be suitably journalled in bearings 19 and may have mountedupon and keyed thereto a gear 20' having a wire flattening it. A shaft 22 journalled in bearings 23 may be mounted over shaft 14 and may have keyed to it a gear 24 of the same diameter as gear 20. Gear 24 may mesh with gear 20 and in turn have attached to it by suitable means, such as screws, for instance, a flattening roll 25 of the same size as roll 21. 'A block 26 may be journalled on shaft 22, being retained by a washer 27 secured by means of a bolt 28. A thumb screw 29 may be provided to raise or lower bearing 23 to regulate the clearance between the rolls 21 and 25. Bolts 30 may connect block 26 and the casing for bearing 19 to support the free ends of shaft 22 and shaft 14, while the wire is being flattened. A nut 31 and locknut 32 may be provided for adjustment purposes.

An intermediate gear 33 may be mounted upon shaft 34 journalled in bearing 35 and may mesh with gears 20 and 36, so that gear 36 will be driven by gear 20 and be rotated in the same direction as gear 20. Gear36 is keyed to'shaft 37 and retained thereon by a washer 38 secured by bolt 39. A similar gear 40 may be similarly mounted on a similar shaft 41 directly over shaft 37 to mesh with gear 36, said shaft 37 being properly journalled in bearings (not shown). Gears 36 and 40 may each carry crimping rolls 42 and 43, respectively, said rolls having removable forming dies 44 and 45, respectively.

Referring now to Fig. 2, cams 46 and 47 may be keyed to shaft 3 contacting rollers 48 and 49 mounted upon rocker-arms 50 and 51, respectively, which arms may be pivotally mounted at 52 and pivotally connected at 53 and 5.4 to push rods 55 and 56, respectively. Rocker arms 57 and 58 may be pivotally mounted at 59 and pivotally connected to push rods 55 and 56, respectively. The rocker arms 57 and 58 may engage the cutting and die carrying blocks 60 and 61 (Fig. 7) at 62 and 63, which blocks may be slidably mounted in the housing 64 having a removable cover 65. Cutting die 66 maybe I suitably attached, for instance, by means of screws, to block 60, and forming die 67 may. be pivotally attached at 82 to block 61. Dies 66 and 67 may be maintained at the top of their stroke (in normal position) by means of compression springs 68 and 69 which may bear on suitable extensions 70 and 71 of housing 64 and washers 72 and 73 fastened to rods 74 and 75 which may be in turn screwed. into blocks 60 and '61.

A die pin 76 may be suitably mounted below the die 66, having, as will be more apparent in Fig. 12, channelsor grooves which may conform with the die 66, allowing said die to slide over it in a close fit in all points.v Immediately above die pin 76 may be ro vided an opening 77 connected to a suitable, supply of compressed air. Directlyabove opening 77 may be provided a stripping pin 78 to remove from the die 66, as it travels upward, any of'the waste portion resulting from. severing the wire. Adjacent die pin 76, and between it and the crimping rolls 42 and 43, may be provided a suitable guide 79 for the flattened crimped wire tosproperly guide said wire between cutting die 66 and pin 76. Guide 79 may be slidably mounted on a pin 80 and adapted to move downwardly when engaged with die 66 on its downward cutting stroke. A compression spring 81 may be employed to raise the guide 79 to its normal raisedposition after die 66 has completed its downward cutting stroke.

Forming die 67 may be divided into two parts which may be pivotally connected at 82. Between the two pivoted jaws may be slidably mounted a pin 83, the end of which may be kept in an extending" position below the jaws of the die 67 by meansof a compression spring 84. An anvil pin 85 may be positioned below the jaws 67 and maybe mounted on, a horizontal reciprocating block '86 (Fig. 2) properly journalled at 87. Pins 88 (Fig. 8) having enlarged heads 89 adapted to be locked in position by screws 90 may be eccentri-cally mounted in the housing cover 65 to engage the jaws of the hinged forming die 67 (Figs. 10 and 11).

Block 86 which carries anvil-pin 85 may be reciprocated by the following means: A gear 91 may be keyed to shaft 3. A gear 92 may be properly keyed to a camshaft 93 meshing with gear 91, said camshaft 93 l eing properly journalled in bearings positioned in the frame of the machine. A cam 94 may be properly keyed to said camshaft 93. A rocker arm 95 pivotally mounted at 96 may have one end adapted to engage block 86 at 97, and the other end adapted to carry a roller 98 which may contact cain 94, said roller 98 being kept in such contact by means of a constant tension exerted by a spring 99. A spring 100, the function of which will be hereinafter more particularly described, may be mounted on the frame portion 87, so that its free end will contact the side of anvil pin 85. I

Describing now the operation of the device, the shaft 3 may be rotated from a suitable source of power which drives gear 4' which in turn drives gear 4 keyed to said shaft 3. A continuously advancing length of substantially round wire 101 of suitable j size and temper may be led through guides 102 and 103 from which it may be passed between the flattening rolls 21 and 25, one or both of said rolls being indented, as. at 104 (Fig. 14), so as not tosubstantially flatten a predetermined portion 105, of the wire, said indentures being spaced substantially 90 apart. Either,or both, of'the rolls 21 and 25 may not be perfectly round, being of a slightly greater diameter midway between said indentures 105-than adjacent the indentur'es, said variation in diameter being gradual between the point of greater diameterv and the point of lesser diameter. The flattening rolls 21 and 25 are intermittently. driven by means of the crank wheel 9 which causes arm 10 to reciprocate rocking the ratchet dog'carrying lever 13 to a suflicient. degree to permit the dog 15 to engage in turn each ratchet upon the coupling '17. The

ratchets on ratchet coupling 17 may be so positioned as to cause the rolls 21 and .25

to turn one quarter of a revolution to each engagement of the ratchet, or each revolution of the crank wheel 9. Thus, as the wire 101'is' passed between rolls 21 and 25 the portion adjacent the unflattened portion 105 is thicker than it is midway betweensaid 'unflattened portions, the thickness variation being gradual between said points of greatest and least thickness. It is also obvious that the wire is of a greater width where it is rolled thinnest, as will be apparent from Fig. 4.

The flattened wire may then be drawn through the guide 106 andthrough the crimping rolls 42' and 43, having crimping dies 44 and 45, respectively, spaced substantially 90 apart, which dies will form one or more crimps 107 in a predetermined portion of the flattened portions of the wire.' The crimping rolls, being driven by gears 20, 33 and 36, rotate in unison with theflattening rolls 21 and 25. Thus, each time the rolls 21, 25, 42 and 43 make a quarter of a turn (90) suflicient wire is flattened and crimped to form one fastener.

The flattened and erimped wire is then led through guide 79'overthe cutting die pin 76 and ove'ixthe anvil pin 85. Vhen the rounded unfiattened portion of the .wiremoves to a position over the anvil pin 85 preferably substantially centrally thereof, the ratchet assembly may be so timed to have caused the flattening and crimping rolls to have completed their-quarter turn, thus interrupting the movement of the wire. The cam 46 may be so timed that at the moment the flattening 40 and crimping rolls cease turning (and the wire comes to rest), it will begin to push rod 55 upwardly to cause the end 62 of rocker 57 to push die block 60 downwardly, thus causing cutting die 66 to engage the wire and cut it at a predetermined point.

Cam 47 may be so timed to lift push rod 56 to cause the end 68 of rocker 58 to push die block 61 downwardly and cause the end of pin 83 to contact and hold the wire 101 5 qagainst the anvil pin 85 just before cutting die 66 engages the wire to cut it (Fig. 10).

The cam 46 then causes the cutter die 66 to sever the wire the moment pin 83 engages the euro. As w1ll be more apparent from Fig. 12, the cutting die 66 and the pin 76 may be so shaped as to sever the wire in such a manner as to form rounded ends on the wire when severing it. p The moment die" 66 severs the wire, cam 47 causes the die 67 t) move downwardly and bend the round unflattened portioir 105 of the wire aroundthe anvil pin 85. As the die 67 moves downwardly to bend the wire the pins 88 engage the shoulders 108 (Fig. 11) to squeeze. the

two pivoted sections of die 67 together, which in turn causes the wire to be sutficiently bent, at 105, to cause the legs 109 and 110 of the pin to firmly press against each other when the hairpin now formed is released. from the die 67. As die 67 begins to bend the wire over pin 85 the pin 83 compresses spring 84 and slides upwardly into the jaws of the die 67. Cam 47 then permits die 67 to be lifted to its former position by spring 69, the pin 83 being pushed to its normal exteiided position by the spring 84. hen the cutting die 66 has completed its cutting of.

the wire, cam 46 permits spring 68 to return the die to its former position. The small portion of waste resulting from the cutting of the wire is stripped from the die upon 'its upward travel by pin 78 where it is blown into a chute (not shown) by a blast of air issuing from opening 77. The wire guide 79 which was depressed when die 66 engaged it is returned to by spring 81.

Upon die 67 releasing the ompleted its former position fastener, cam 94 may be so timed as to permit the spring 99 to draw the lower end of rocker arm 95 inwardly, causing in .turn the upper end 97 to move outwardly, which end 97 causes block 86 to slide outwardly carrying with it anvil pin 85. As pin moves outwardly the spring 100 (Fig.2) will brush the fastener oil the pin 85, causing it to drop into the chute 111 from which it may pass into atsuitable tempering or.

finishing means, as may be desired. Then the completed fastener is removed from anvil 'pin 85, the cam 94 will cause the pin 85 to move to its former position under the jaws of die 67 by bearing against the lower end of rocker 95 and pushing it outwardly to cause the end 97 to move inwardly, carrying with it the block 86 and pin 85.

The moment pin 85 is in position crank wheel 9 has caused the ratchet mechanism to engage the next ratchet upon ratchet coupling 17 and the above described cycle is repeated. It is obvious, of course, that once the device is threaded with the wire 101 the flattening rolls 21 and 25 will draw the wire from any suitable source of supply.

or grooved cam may be employed, thus eli inating the necessity of springs to accomplish this function. Although we remove the curl from the wire.

1,709,;ese

have illustrated and described a device adapted to formone fastener during each of high utility, capable of producing hair fasteners of a superior type and quality continuously, resulting in a maximum yield per time unit of operation, since the machine is completely automatic in its operation. Due to the simplicity and arrangement of the various mechanism, the liability of interruption of operation due to mechanical difficulties has been reduced to-a minimum.

- We claim as 'our invention:

1. A machine cgmprising in combination, means acting on an advancing strip of wire stock to produce spaced flattened portions therein separated by intermediate substantially unflattened portions means for severing said advancing strip of Wire stock intermediate each flattened portion to produce severed blanks having flattened extremities and an intermediate substantially unflattened connecting portion, means for then engaging the substantially unflattened portion of each severed blank and bending same to bring the flattened extremities into opposed relationship to form a fastener, and means for imparting an intermittent movement to said various means.

"2. A machine comprising in combination, means acting on an advancing strip of wire stock to produce spaced flattened portions therein separated by intermediate substantially unflattened portions, means acting on the flattened portions of said advancing strip of wire stock to produce spaced crimps therein, means for severing said advancing strip of wire stock intermediate each flattened portion to produce severed blanks having flattened extremities and an intermediate substantially un'flattened connecting portion, means for then' engaging'the substantially unflattened portion of each severed blank and bending same to bring the flattened extremities into opposed relationship to form a fastener, and means for imparting an intermittent movementto said various means.

3. A machine comprising in combination, means acting on an advancing strip of wire stock to produce spaced flattened portions therein separated by intermittent substantially unflattened portions, means for severing said advancing strip of wire stock intermediate and substantially centrally o-f each flattened portion to produce-severed having flattened extremities and an intermediate substantially unflattened connecting portion, means for then-engaging the substantially unflattened portion, of each severed blank and bending same to bring the flattened extremities into opposed relationship to form a fastener, and means for imparting an intermittent movement to said various means.

4. A machine comprising in combination, means comprising opposed rolls, acting on an advancing strip of wire'stock to produce spaced flattened portion therein separated by intermediate. substantially unflattened portions, means for severing said advancing strip of wire intermediate each flattened portion to produce severed blanks havin g flattened extremities and an intermediate substantially unflattened connecting portion, means for engaging the substantially,

unflattened portion of each severed blank and bending same to bring the flattened portions into opposed relationship to form a fastener, and means for imparting an intermittent movement to said various means.

5. A machine comprisin in combination, means comprising oppose rolls, acting on an advancing strip of wire stock to produce spaced flattened portions therein separated by intermediate substantially unflattened portions, said flattened portions gradually varying in width and thickness from each end inwardly toward the center thereof, means for severing said advancin strip of wire intermediate each flattene portion to produce severed blanks having flattened extremities and an intermediate subst ntially unflattened connecting portion,

cans for engaging the substantially unflattened portion of each severed blank. and bending same to bring the flattened portions into opposed relationship to form a fastener, and means for-imparting an intermittent movement to said various means. i

' 6. A machine-comprising in combination, means acting on a continuous strip of advancing wire stock to produce spaced flat tened portions therein, means acting on sa1d flattened portions to produce crimps therein, means for severing said advaricmg strip of wire at a point intermediate each flattened portion to produce severed lengths of Wire, means engaging the substantially unflattened portion of each severed length cooperative- 1y associated'with means for bending the vflattened portions and bringing same into opposed relationship to produce a fastener L tened portions therein, means for severing said advancing strip of wire at a point inmeans for imparting intermittent movement to the various means.

8. A machine comprising in combination,v meansacting on a continuous strip of advancing wire stock to produce spaced flattened portions therein, means comprising reciprocal cutting dies for severing said advancing strip of wire, at a point intermediate each flattened portion to produce severed lengths of wire, means engaging the substantially unflattened portion of each severed length cooperatively associated with means for bending the flattened portions and bringing same into opposed relationship to produce a fastener having opposed flat legs and an integral connecting unflattened bend, and means for imparting intermittent movement to said various means.

9. A machine comprising in combination, means acting on a continuous strip of advancing wire stock to produce spaced'flattened portions therein, means acting on said. flattened portions to produce crimps in said flattened portions, means for'severing said advancing strip of wire at a point intermediatev each flattened portion to produce severed" len ths of wire, means. mprising reciprocal orming dies engaging the substantially unflattened portion of each severed length cooperatively associated with means for bending the flattened portions and bringing same into opposed relationship to produce a fastener having opposed flat. legs and an integral connecting unflattened bend, said forming dies being hinged to cause same to bend said unflattened portion to such an extent that the legs of the bent fastener will contact each other, and means for imparting intermittent'movement to said various means.

10. A machine comprising in combination,

' means acting on a continuous strip of advancing wire stock to produce spaced flattened portions therein, means acting on said flattened portions to produce crimps in said flattened portions, means comprising reciprocal cutting dies for severing said advancing strip of wire at a point intermediate each flattened portion to produce-severed lengths of wire, means engaging the substantially unflattened portion of each severed length cooperatively associated with means for bending the flattened portions and bringing same into opposed relationship. to

produce a fastener having opposed flat legs and an integral connecting 'unflattened bend, said severing means producing a substantially rounded end on each end of the severed blank, means comprising an automatically operated mechanism to produce an air blast for removing the waste pieces between two opposed severed ends, and means for imparting intermittent movement to said various means. i 4

11. A method which comprises acting on an advancing strip of wire stock toproduce spaced flattened portions therein separated by substantially unflatened portions, thereafter severing said wire. intermediate each flattened portion to produce severed Wire lengths, each having an intermediate unflattened portion integrally connected to oppossite flattened portions, then bending each length of wire intermediate said substantially unflattened portion to bring the oppo- 'site flattened portions into opposed relationship.

12. A method which comprises acting on an advancing strip of wire stock to produce spaced flattened portions therein separated y trolling said flattening operation to gradually vary the thickness and width of said flattened portions inwardly from both ends substantially unflattened portions, con-' thereof, thereafter severing said wire interv mediate each flattened portion to produce severed wire lengths, each having an intermediate unflattened portion integrally connected to opposite" flattened portions, and then bending each length of wire intermediate said substantially unflattened'. portion to brin" the opposite flat-tened portions into oppose relationship.

13. A method which an advancing strip of wire stock to produce spaced flattened portions therein separated by'substantially unflattened portions, controlling said flattening operation to gradually vary the thickness and Width of said flattened portions inwardly from both ends thereof, thereafter severing said wire intermediate and substantially centrally of each flattened portion to produce severed wire lengths, each having an intermediate unflat- -tened portion integrally connected to oppocomprises acting on site flattened portions, and then bending each length of wire intermediate said substantially unflattened portion to hung the opposite flattened portions into opposed relation ship.

14.. continuous strip of wire stock to produce spaced flat-tened portions therein separated by substantially unflattened portions, con;

trolling said flattening operation to rad- A method which comprises acting on a ually vary the thickness and width 0 said thereof, then acting on the flattened portions flattened portions inwardly from both ends ering said wire intermediate each flattened portion to produce severed wire lengths, each having an' intermediate unflattened portion integrally connected to opposite flat-- tened portions, then bending each length of wire intermediate said substantially unflattened portion to bring the opposite flattened )OltlOIlS into opposed relationship.

15. A method which comprises acting on an advancing strip of wire stock to produce spaced flattened portions therein separated by HIIlJStEllltlilll) unflattened portions, controlling said flattening operation to gradually vary the thickness and width of said flattened portions inwardly from both ends thereof,

thereafter severing said Wire intermediate each flattened portion at the point of greatest width and least thickness to produce severed wire lengths, each having an intermediate unflattened portion integrally connected .to opposite flattened portions, and thereafter bending each length of wire intermediate said substantially unflattened portion .to bring the opposite flattened portions into opposed relationship.

soLoMoN H. GOLDBERG. WALTER H. HERMSDORF.

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