US1793769A - Plaiting machine - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 24, 1931, L. ANGELUS 1,793,769

PLAITING MACHINE I Filed Feb. 25, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR ZmabAngeluJ,

Feb. 24, 1931. L. ANGELUS 1,793,769

PLAITING MACHINE Filed Feb. 25, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 lNV-ENTOR ZazalsAqelu'd;

r I I M can fill

quires great skill and care.

Patented Feb. 24, 1931 LOUIS ANGELUS, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

PLAITING- MACHINE Application filed. February 25, 1929. Serial No. 342,33

My present invention relates generally to plaiting machinery, and has particular ref erence to an apparatus for providing a piece of goods with a set of radially. arranged plaits.

The type of plaiting for which my present machine is designed is commonly known as sunburst plaiting. It involves the employment of two complementary patterns which are made of relatively stiff paper or the like and which areprovided with sets of radially arranged plaits of the size desired. These patterns are substantially fan-shaped and are employed by spreading the same in superposed relationship, sandwiching a piece of goods therebctween, thereupon collapsing the two patterns with the sandwiched material between, and finally subjecting the collapsed assembly to steam or the like.

T he fan-shaped nature of the patterns in conjunction with the radial folds or plaits therein renders the manipulation thereof extremely dii'ficult. The patterns have a tendency to collapse, and it is therefore anything but a simple matter to lay them substantially flat upon a table or the like. Even after this has been accomplishedan-d the piece of goods laid between them, the subsequent manual collapsing of the patterns, fold by fold, re- Frequently the patterns jump or slip and the entire proceduremust be started over again.

it is a general object of my invention to provide a machine which will accomplish the formation of radial plaits of the character mentioned in an extremely simple, exieditious, and reliable manner, requiring a minimum of time and skill, and producing uniformly satisfactory results.

Briefly, my invention resides in the provision of a machine wherein gripping means are provided for engaging the opposite ends of two complementary patterns, these gripping means being positionable upon a suitable table for the purpose of arranging the patterns in spread superposed relationship and hold ing them in such arrangement in accordance with my invention, the gripping means are adjustable for the purpose of enabling the patterns to be collapsed without any disengagement of the opposite ends thereof;

and the adj ustmcnt or movement which is necessary for accomplishing such a collapse is ciiiciontly and reliably guided in accordance with predetermined plan. as In a preferred embodiment, I provide a pair of clamping; devices, each of which is brought into substantial parallelism with the collapsed patterns therebetwecn. My invention provides for clamping these devices together at this stage and for thereupon with drawing such clamped assembly from the tabio and subsequently handling the same as a unit, as for purposes of steaming or the like.

A particular feature of my invention lies in providing means for suitably guiding the movement of one of the clamping devices during the collapse of the patterns. This move ment is not truly alon a circular are, as will be more clearly set forth hereinafter, but is partly rotational and partly translational. My present invent-ion is based upon a full appreciation of this fact and makes provision for the same. i

In general, it is an object to provide a machine which is extremely simple in structural nature, whereby the cost thereof is extremely low; and which is easy to operate upon repeated occasions without necessitating exceptional skill and without any likelihood of impaired operation.

For the attainment of the foregoing objects and such other objects as may hereinafter Iii appear or be pointed out, I have constructed a device embodying the features of my invention and illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a machine constructed in accordance with my present invention, showing the parts in the positions they assume after two complementary patterns have been arranged in spread relationp;

Figure 2 is a plan view, with parts broken away for the sake of clearness;

Figure 3 is an elevational cross-section taken substantially along the line 33 of Figure 2;

Figures 4, 5, and 6 are cross-sectional views, on enlarged scales, takensubstantially along the lines 44, '55, and 66 of Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 2 after the patterns have been collapsed;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the clamped assembly ready to be handled as a unit for purposes of steaming or the like;

' Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view upon an enlarged scale of the two complementary patterns; and

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 10-10 of Figure 7.

In the embodiment which I have chosen for illustration, I have provided a table 10 of substantially semi-circular shape, this table being suitably mounted upon legs 11 or the like. Pivoted to the table is an arm 12 whose function will be presently described. This arm is preferably a casting of substantial weightand it is curved as shown in Figure 2 for apurpose which will hereinafter appear. The arm is mounted upon the table 10 in the manner shown most clearly in Figure 3. A sleeve member 13 extends downwardly through an opening in the table and is provided at its upper end with a circular disc or boss 14. Screws 15 or the like extend through the boss 14 and secure .the same to the table. One end of the arm 12 is provided with a sleeve 16 adapted to engage over the upper end of a pin 17 which extends through the member 13. A pin 18 or the like secures the sleeve 16 upon the pin 17, and a collar 19 provided with a set screw 20 prevents the pin 17 from riding upwardly out oft-he member 13. I prefer to provide a suitable ball bearing or the like 21 in association iththis pivoted mounting.

At the free end of the arm 12 is a sleeve 22 within which a pin 23 is mounted for reciprocal movement. The upper end of the pin is provided with the hand knob 24, and a compression spring 25 arranged within the sleeve 22 is adapted to force the pin 23 downwardly under normal conditions. By lifting up on the knob 24 the pin 23 may be drawn into the sleeve 22.

I A pair clamping devices adapted to engage the opposite ends of a. pattern or patterns of the character herein involved are removably securable to the table 10 in substantially radial positions with respect to the pivot axis of the arm'12. In the illustrated embodiment,

these clamping devices have been shown in substantial alignment on opposite sides of the boss 14. Each of the clamping devices comprises essentially two parts or jaws;

Referring more particularly to Figures 3 and 4 I will point out that one of ti e clamping devices is herein shown as composed of a metallic lower jaw or plate 26 and an upper j aw or block 27. One set of ends of the patterns 28 and 29 is adapted to be clamped between the upper surface of the plate 26 and the undersurface of the block 27. Although this clamping may be a removable one, I have found it preferable, in connection with this particular end of the patterns, to make the association a permanent one, i. e., for the life of the patterns. I have therefore shown the ends of the patterns 28 and 29 ensheathed in a strip'of canvas or the like 30, and I have shown a set of wood screws 31 extending up wardly through the plate 26, through the reinforced superposed ends of the patterns 28 and 29, and into the wooden block 27 A pair of lugs or bosses 32 provided on the table 10 define the position of this clamping device, and the means for removably securing this device to the table 10 is shown as comprising a slotted tongue 33 projecting laterally from the plate 26, this tongue being adapted to engage about a stud 34 projecting upwardly from the table 10. A wing nut35 engages with the stud 34 and may be manipulated by hand to clamp the tongue 33 onto the table 10. I Carried by the block 27 is a casting 36 provided with'the spaced lugs or ears 3? and 38.

Each of these lugs is provided with a bore in which pins 39 and 40 are respectively mounted in a loose manner. Thepins 39 and 40 have knobs 41 and 42 at their ends, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The casting 36 is further provided with a slot or recess 43 arranged substantially over a midportion of the block 27 and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the latter. The pin 23 is adapted to engage within the slot 43 for a purpose presently to be described.

t is to be noted that the block 27 is tapered, being of less height near the pivot axis of the arm 12 than at the opposite end thereof. The amountof tapering depends primarily upon the sizes of the plaits in the patterns with which the clamping device is associated.

Upon reference to Figures 3, 5, and 6, I will point out that the opposite clamping device may advantageously be composed of the base jaw or plate 44 which is in this case not permanently associated with the upper jaw or block 45 but is reinovably attachable thereto.

.For this purpose I have provided the studs 46, 47, and 48 which extend upwardly from the plate 44, and I have provided suitable openings in the block 45 so that the latter mav be set downwardly upon the plate 44 with tlfe studs 46-48 extending through the block 45.

A casting 49 is mounted upon the block 45 and is similar to the casting 36, having the bored lugs or ears 50 and 51. The latter are so positioned that when. the block 27 is ultimately brought into substantial parallelism with the block 45 as shown in Figures 7 and 8 the pins 39 and 40 may be passed through the bored lugs 50 and 51. A pair of thumb screws 52 and 53 serve to hold such pins within the lugs 50 and '51.

The stud 47 is of suiiicient length to extend upwardly through the casting 49, and a thumb screw 54 is adapted to engage with the stud 47 to hold the block 45 down upon the base plate 44.

The casting 49 is also provided with a handle 55.

Referring for the moment to Figure 9 I will point out that whereas I have provided the piece of canvas or the like 30 in engage ment with one set of superposed ends of the patterns 28 and 29, the opposite ends of these patterns are entirely disconnected. The end 56 of the pattern 28 is preferably reinforced by a canvas or the like 57, and a set of eyelets 58 are provided in this reinforced end at suitably spaced points. A similar reinforcement 59 is provided upon the end 60 of the pattern 29, an d a similar set of eyelets 61 are arranged at similar spaced point V W hen the device is employed, the clampin g device of Figure 4 is secured to the table 10. At the same time, the plate 44 is secured to the table by means of the slotted tongue 62, the stud 63, and the wing nut 64. The block 45 and parts carried thereby are removed from the plate 44. The lower pattern (29) is then spread out and the eyelets 61 are hooked over the studs 46, 47, and 48. The

inner curved edge of this pattern conforms with the periphery of the boss 14, the latter thereby serving to facilitate the spreading out of this pattern. 7 As a further aid in holding this pattern in position, I prefer to provide a pin 65 upon the table 10 as shown in Figures *2 and 10. This pin normally projects up \vardiy through the table and is provided with spring means as shown most clearly in Figure 10 tor permitting the same to be yieldably pressed downwardly flush with the table top (as by pressing upon the lever 66). I provide a suitable eyelet in a midportion of the mittern 29 for engagement over the pin 65.

This having been accomplished, the piece of goods which is to be plait-ed is laid upon the spread pattern 29. This piece of goods may be of any desired size or shape, but will preferably conform substantially to a fanshape, and will not extend radially beyond the pin 65. I then proceed to cover the piece of goods by the upper pattern 28 and during the spreading ofthis pattern I engage a. suitable eyelet over the pin 65 and finally engage the eyelets 58 over the studs 46, 47, and Thereupon, the block 45 is set down upon the plate 44 to firmly hold the end-s 56 and 60 in position. The thumb screw 54 serves to complete the clamping or engagement of the ends 56 and 60.

The patterns are now in condition for a collapsing thereof. The arm 12 is swung into the position of Figures 1 and 2, and the pin 23 is brought into engagement with the slot 43. The operator then releases the wing nut 35 and proceeds to move the block 27 and the parts connected therewith toward the po sition illustrated in Figure 7. He does this with two hands, the curved nature of the arm 12 giving his right hand access to the forward face of the block .27. The patterns are collapsed. fold by fold, and the arm 12 not only ides the movement of the block 27 but prevents t is same from slipping or jumping out of control under the peculiar tension and resilience of the plaited patterns. As the operator passes the pin 65, he releases the patterns from thi pin. This he may accomplish either by lifting the 'iatterns upwardly oh? the pin 65, where the mine is stationary, or by manipulating the lever 66 to depress the pin out of engagemr-int with the patterns. Ultimately. the clamping devices will have been brought into the substantially parallel positions of Figure 7. with the collapsed patterns therebetwecn. he pins 39 and 40 are then caused to pass through the bored lugs 50 and 5]. and after the clan'iping devices have been squeezed together so as to compress the pat- 64 in order to enable the entirely clamped as sembly to be lifted bodily as a unit by means of the handle 55. This assembly appears as in Figure 8 and may, in this condition, be placed into a steam chamber or the like, or mmiipulated in other respects, in order to con'iplcte the plaiting operation.

The machine is similarly used, but in a re" verse manner, after the steaming and other i'nocessing has been completed. The plate 44 is first Iii-(night into its proper position (determined by the lugs 66) and the wing nut is tightened. The thumb screws 52 and 53 are then released and the bloclrfl? is swung back to its original position. where it is secured by means of the ring nut 35. The thumb screw 54 is then released and. by means of the bandle the block 45 is lifted off of the studs 46, 47, and 48. The upper pattern is then released from these studs and drawn out of the way to uncover the plaited piece of goods. After the latter has been removed, a new piece of goods may be inserted and the process repeated. Or, if the use of the particular patterns 28 and 29 is no longer desired, the lower pattern 29 is lifted from the studs 46-48 and the entire clamping device which includes the block "27 and the plate 26. and which is ermanently secured to the patterns 28 and 29, is removed from the machine.

The purpose of the slot 43 will be obvious upon reference to Figures 2 and 7. Al-

though it would appear ofi'hand that the movement of the block 27 is a purely rotational one, nevertheless it willbe obvious that this is not the fact, otherwise it would 2 not reach parallelism with the block 45 until it contacted the same. This is of course impossible since'the collapsed patterns have a certain thickness. As a matter of fact, the block 27 travels not only in a circular path,

" but also in a radial direction away from the pivot axis. To permit otsuch movement, the slot 43 is provided, and although the pin 23 contacts with the outer end of the slot at the start of the procedure, itcontacts withthe inner end of the slot at the conclusion, as shown in Figure 7.

I want to point out further thatithe pins 39 and 40 serve the additional function of maintaining the patterns in collapsed condi- '39 and 40.

It will be obvious that changes in the'details herein described and illustrated for the purpose of explaining the nature of my invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. It is therefore intended that these details be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is- 1. In a plaiting machine, the combimrtion of a table, a pair of complementary radiallyplaited tan-shaped patterns, and gripping means adapted to engage the'opposite ends of said patterns to hold them in spread superposed relationship upon said table, whereby a piece of goods to be plaited may be interposed 'therebetween, said gripping means being adjustable to collapse said patterns and bring said engaged ends into substantial parallelism.

2. In a plaiting machine, the combination 0]": a table, a pair of complementary radiallyplaited l an-shaped pattern, gripping means adapted to engage theopposite ends of said patterns to hold them in spread superposed relationship upon said table, whereby a piece of goods to be plaited may be interposed thereb'et-ween, said gripping means being' movable to collapse said patterns and bring said engaged ends into substantial parallelism, and means for guiding said movement.

3; In a plaiting machine,.the combination or a table, a pair of complementary radiallyplaited fan-shaped patterns, gripping means adapted to engage the opposite ends of said patterns to hold them in spread superposed relationship upon said table, whereby a piece of goods to be plaited may be interposed therebetween, said gripping means being movable tocollapse said patterns and bring said engaged ends into substantial parallelism,'and an arm pivoted to the table at the axis of said patterns and associated at its free endwitli said gripping means for guiding said movement.

l. In a plaiting machine, the combination of atable, a pair of complementary radially-plaited tan-shaped patterns, a pair of clamping devices adapted to engage the opposite ends of said patterns respectively, and means for removably securing said devices to thetable in positions which arrange said patterns in spread superposed relationship -on said table; whereby a pi'ecelot goods to be plaited maybe interposed between said patterns, and whereby said devices may then be moved to ether to colla se said s'atterns.

5. In a plaiting machine, the combination.

of a table, a pair of complementary radiallyplaited'ian-shaped patterns, a pair of clamping-devices adapted to engage the opposite ends of said patterns respectively, means for removably securing said devices to the table in positions which arrange said patterns in spread superposed relationship on said table; whereby a piece of goods to be plaited may be interposed between said patterns, and whereby said patterns may then be collapsed by moving one of said devices relative to the other; and means for guiding said movement along a predetermined substantially arcuate path.

6. In a plaiting machine, the combination of a table, a pair of complementary radiallyplaited 'fan-shaped patterns,a pair of clamping devices adapted to engage the opposite ends of said patterns respectively, means for removably securing said devices to the table in positions which arrange said patterns in spread superposed relationship on said table; whereby a piece of goods to be plaited may be interposed between said patterns, and where- 'by said patterns may then be collapsed by moving one of said devices relative-to the other; and means for guiding said movement along a partially arcuate and partially radial path to bring said devices ultimately into substantial parallelisnrwith the collapsed patterns between them.

7. In a plaiting machine, the combination 01 a table, a pair of complementary radially-plaited fan-shaped patterns, a pair of clamping devices adapted to engage the- CJI mes

opposite ends of said patterns respectively, means for removably securing said devices to the table in positions which arrange said patterns in spread superposed relationship on said table; whereby a piece of goods to be plaited may be interposed between said patterns, and whereby said patterns may then be collapsed by moving one of said devices relative to the other; and means for guiding said movement along a predetermined substantially arcuate path; said last-named means comprising an arm pivoted to the table at the axis of the patterns and pivoted at its free end to said clamping device.

8. In a plaiting machine, the combination of a table, a pair of complementary radially-plaited fan-shaped patterns, a pair of clamping devices adapted to engage the opposite ends of said patterns respectively, means for removably securing said devices to the table in positions which arrange said patterns lIl spread superposed relationship on said table; whereby a piece of goods to be plaited may be interposed between said patterns, and whereby said patterns may then be collapsed by moving one of said devices relative to the other; and means for guiding said movement along a predetermined substantially arcnate path; said last-named means comprising an arm pivoted to the table at the aXis of the patterns and provided with means at its free end for removably pivoting the latter end to said clamping device.

9. In a plaiting machine, the combination of a table, a pair of complementary radially-plaited fan-shaped patterns, a pair of clamping devices adapted to engage the opposite ends of said patterns respectively,

means for removably securing said devices to the table in positions which arrange said patterns in spread superposed relationship on said table; whereby a piece of goods to be plaited may be interposed between said patterns, and whereby said patterns may then be collapsed by moving one of said devices relative to the other; and means for guiding said movement along a predetermined substantially arcuate path; said lastnamed means comprising an arcnate arm pivoted at one end to the table at the axis of the patterns and pivotally associated at its opposite end. with a midportion of said clamping device.

10. In a plaiting machine, the combination of a table, a pair of complementary radially-plaited fan-shaped patterns, a pair of clamping devices adapted to engage the opposite ends of said patterns respectively,

means for removably securing said devices to the table in positions which arrange said patterns in spread superposed relationship on said table; whereby a piece of goods to be plaited may be interposed between said patterns, and whereby said patterns may then be collapsed moving one of said devices relative to the other; and means for clamping said devices together with the collapsed patterns therebetween.

11. In a plaiting machine, the co1nbination of a table, a pair of compleincntary radially'plaitcd fan-shaped patterns, a pair of clamping devices adapted to engage the opposite ends of said patterns respectively, means for rcmovably securing said devices to the table in positions which ar ange said patterns in spread superposed relationship on said table; whereby a piece of goods to be plaitcd may be interposed between said patterns, and whereby said patterns may then be collapsed by moving one of said devi es relative to the other; and means for cla1nping said devices together with the collapsed pa terns therebetwcen, said last-named mean 1:: including a pin on one of said devices and a bored lug on the other of said devices adapted to receive said pin tl'ierethrongh.

1.2. In a plai ting machine, the combination of a table, a pair of cornplcnientary radiallyplaited fan-shaped patterns, a pair of clamping devices adapted to engage the opposite ends of said patterns respectively, means for removably securing said devices to the table in positions which arrange said patterns in spread superposed relatioiiship on said table; whereby a piece of goods to be plaited may be interposed between said patterns, and whereby said patterns may then be collapsed by moving one of said devices relative to the other; and means for clamping said devices together with the collapsed patterns therebetween, said last-named means comprising a pair of bored lugs on each of said devices, and a pin loosely arranged in each log of one device and adapted to engage within the corresponding lug of the other device.

13. In a plaiting ma chine, the combination of a table, a pair of complementary radiallyplaited fan-shaped patterns, a pair of clamping devices adapted to engage the opposite ends of said patterns respectively; whereby said devices may be positioned on the table to arrange said patterns in spread relationship with a piece of goods to be plaited int-erposed therebetween, and whereby said patterns may then be colla pscd by moving one of said devices relatively to the other; and means for guiding said movement. said means con1- prising a slotted portion on one oi said clamp ing devices, and an arm pivoted at one end to the table at the axis of said spread. patterns and providedat its other end with a )in adapted to enga e within said slotted C3 portion.

145 In a plaiting machine, the combination superposed relationship with a piece of goods to be plaited interposed therebetween, and whereby said patterns may then be collapsed by moving one of said devices relatively to the other; and means for clamping said devices together with the collapsed patterns therebetween after said relative movement has been consummated. V

1 5. In aplaiting machine, the combination of a tab1 e,apair of complementary radiallyplaited fan-shaped patterns, a pair of clamping devices adapted to engage the opposite ends of said patterns respectively; whereby said devices may be positioned on the table to arrange said patterns in spread superposed relationship with a piece of goods to be plaited interposed therebetween, and whereby said patterns may then be collapsed by moving one of said devices relatively to the other; means for removably clamping said devices together after the patterns have been collapsed, whereby said patterns will be retained under pressure between said devices, and a handle on one of said devices for enabling said clamped assembly to be withdrawn from the table and subsequently handled as a unit.

16. In a plaiting machine, the combination of a table, a pair ofcomplementary radially-plaited fan shaped patterns, a and means for spreading and retaining said patterns in superposed relationship upon the table, said means including an arcuate boss on said table adapted to define the disposition of the inner arcuate edges of said patterns.

17. In a plaiting machine, the combination of a table, a pair of complementary radiallyplaited' fan-shaped patterns, and means for spreading and retaining said patterns in superposed relationship upon the table,- said means including an arcuate boss on said table adapted to define the disposition of the inner arcuate edges of said patterns, and. a pair of clamping devices adapted to engage the opposite ends of said patterns respectively.

18. In a plaiting machine, the combination of a table a pair of complementary radiallyplaited fan-shapedpatterns, and means for 7 spreading and retaining said patterns in superposed relationship upon the table, said means including an'arcuate boss on said table adapted to define the disposition of the inner arcuate edges of said patterns, a pair or" clampingdevicesadapted to'en age. the. op-- posite ends of said patterns respectively, and

means for ,removably securing said devices ,to the table in substantially;radial positions with respect to said boss.

In Witness whereof Ihavesigned thisspeci fication this; 8th day ofFebru-ary, 1929;

1 v V- ,LQUIS ANGELUS.

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