US1837414A

US1837414A - Hat clipping machine

Info

Publication number: US1837414A
Application number: US223281A
Authority: US
Inventors: Executor John C Doran
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1927-10-01
Filing date: 1927-10-01
Publication date: 1931-12-22
Anticipated expiration: 1948-12-22

Description

Dec. 22, 1931.

J. F. DORAN HAT CLIPPING MACHINE Filed Oct. l, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet RM ATTORNEY Dec. 22, 1931. F. mm: 1,837,414

HAT CLIPPING' MACHINE Filed Oct 1. 1927 s Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY Dec. 22, 1931.

J. F. DORAN HAT CLIPPING MACHINE Filed Oct. 1. 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 I (Mm sm B Q ATTORNEY oughl de endable in oaeration.

Patented Dec. 22, 1931 UNIT osra'rrs JAMES 1-. D-ORAN, OF DANBUBY, CONNECTICUTrJOHN C. DORAN EXECUTOR OF JAlf/Jill's IF. DURAN, DECEASED SAID HAT GLIPPING IEACHINE Application filed October 1, 1927. Serial'No. 223,281.

This invention relates to hat clipping machines and, with regard to more specific featuresthereof, to machines for clipping the crowns of hats of velure or the. like having 5 an oval shape.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a machine of the above nature which is capable of rapidly and accurately clipping hats of varying shapes and styles. Another object. is to provide a machine of the above nature which will quickly clip the crown of a velure hat of oval shape,trimming the nap to a uniform length throughout the crown surface. Another object is to provide a machine of the above nature in which there is no danger of the clipping device digging into or otherwise injuring the'hat surface. Another object is to provide a machine of the above nature which is rapid and thor- Other ob jects will be in part obvious or in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts as will be exemplified in thestructure to be hereinafter described and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which is shown one of the various possible. embodiments of this invention.

, Figure 1 is a side view of the machine,

certain parts thereof being shown in section or broken away to better disclose the structure; I

Fig. 2 is a side elevation, viewed from the side opposite to that seen in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side. view of the clipping device or mechanism, showing the parts in larger detail;

Figis a view from the right-hand side 7 of Fig. 3; v I

Fig. 5 showsa portion of the clipper of F 3 to illustrate its action with changing curvature of th hatsurface being clipped; Fig. 5 is a view similar to that shown in T-2i d'fi} wt' 1. 1g. e, snowing a moi ec cons iuction,

F1 6 is a sectional view on a smaller Fig. 8 is a section taken as indicated by the line 88 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a section taken as the line 99 in Fig. 7;

10 is a section taken as toe line 1010 in Fig. 9; and

indicated by indicated by Fig. 11 is a front view of a port-ion of the machine showin connections for operating the mechanism shown in detail in Figs. 7 to 10.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, and first to F igs. 1 and 2 thereof, the clipping machine shown herein comprises a frame con sisting of a suitable base or table 11 supported at a suitable height by legs 12 and having projecting upwardly therefrom a frame l t. in the upper portion of the frame 14 is formed a bearing 15 for a longitudinally extending driving shaft '16. 'In front of-thedriving shaft 16, and preferably substantially axially alined therewith, is a shaft '17 which is rotatably supported in a bearing portion 18 formed in the front end of the frame 1 1. The shaft 17 is adapted to be rotated from the driving shaft 16 in a manner to be. fully described hereinafter, and the shaft 17 is in turn adapted to rotate a hat block 19 upon which is positioned the hat 20, the crown of which is to be oh ped.

The driving shaft 16 is rotated at a rate of speed suitable for rotation of the hat while it is being operated upon by the clipping mechanism, and this drive may be effected by any suitable means. Preferably, however, the shaft 16 is driven from a pulley 21, this pulley being loosely mounted upon the rear end portion 16a of the shaft and being driven by a belt from any suitable source of power. The driving connection is made between the pulley 21 and the shaft 16 through a clutch in 1 of the drawings the clutch member 2 shown moved reerwardlv into driv- 2 1:5 engagement with the pulley; by sliding lutch member forwardly or the shaft driving connection is broken and the f the shaft 16 is thereby arrested.

dr ving shaft 16 has secured thereon ts forward end and adjacent the the supporting frame 1 a worm 23. The worm gear 23 is adapted to is mesh with and drive a worm wheel 24rwhich J supported in an opening in the frame Ll beneath the worm gear. The worm wheel 2% is thus rotated a slow rate of speed about the axis of the sheft noon which is is supported.

Connected to the worm wnecl 24;, by a bolt engaging a slot 27 therein, forwardly extending rank arm 28, the forward end of which is connected by a. bolt 29 to a bracket 30. The bracket 30 is secured to a bar 31 by means of a clamping bolt 34. The bar 31 is slidably supported for siidin forwardly iii) a and rearwardiy in suitable bearing supports 32 and As the worm wheel rotates, the crank arm 28 thus slowly reeiprocates the bar 31 in its bearings 32 and 83. The length of these reciprocations may be adjusted by moving the position of the bolt 26 in the slot 27; also, the locus of the movement of the bar 31 may be adjusted by changing the position of the bracket 30 upon the bur, this adjustment being accomplished by loosening the clamping bolt 3%.

The forward bearing 33, in which the sliding bar 31 is supported, is mounted upon an arm or bracket- 35 which extends forwardly from the frame subst ntially beneath the support for the hut. ii'lounted to swing about a vertical axis in the outer end of this supporting arm is an outwardly projecting arm 38. T he forward end portion of the :liding bar 31 is provided with gear teeth 2) forming a rack which meshes with a. gear 32 secured to the arm 36 around the vertical axis about which itis supported to swing. Adjacentthe outer end of the swinging arm 36 there is mounted to swing about a vertical axis 38 thereon e. second horizontully extenoing arm 39. At the outer end of this arm 39 is n'iounted the clipping nuananirm to clip toe surface of the crown of the but 90. Connected adjacent the outer end of the arm 39, in a manner to be more fully described. is a rope or cable 40 which pass-2s over a post 40a. and over e. uulley 4:07) and thence downwardly through the bracket -35, the rope or cable supporting adjustable we ghts 42 at its lower end. Tie pull of the his 4: through the rope or cable 40 tends to swing the arm inwardly about its pivot 38 to hold the clipper against the hat .31 .ace in the t rawmgs the clipping mechis thus shown in operative engagement th hat crown. The clipper may be into on inoperative position away he hat by swinging the arm 39 outabout its pivot and, when the clipthus drawn back out of operative him]. it is held in such position by a pin which carried by the arm 39 and drops htc an opening in a ledge 44 projecting outfrom the arm 36.

By means of the mechanism which has been described. as the rack bar 31 is slowly reciprocated by the rotation of the worm wheel 2 ;he clipping mechan ism mounted upon the outer end of the arm 39 is moved in a horizontal path of traverse across the surface of the crown of the rotating hat 20. The its 42 hold the clipping mechanism nst the hat surface and in operative en- :cnt therewith with a predetermined pit. use. and this pressure of the clipping mechanism against the hat may be adjusted l 3* suitable adjustment of the weights 42. By adjusting the connection between the crank .111 28 and the worm wl eel 24, by moving ti o bolt 26 along the slot 27, the length of th 1 reciprocations of the rack 31, and hence the length of the path of traverse of the clipping mechanism, may be adjusted. Also, by suitzrbic ad ustment of the position of the l 30 lengthwise of the rack 31 the clipbracket ping neehanism may be made to travel between any two desired points on the hatcrown for a given length of movement, for example, the clipping mechanism may be made to travel between the tip of the hat and the band or brim on one side, or it may be made to travel. from the band of the hat on one side 1 across the tip and to the band of the hat on the other side, or it may be made to travel between any two desired intermediate points.

t1 irably, in con'ibinatiou with other mech- -i. -m of this machine which. will be dcscribed hereinafter, these adjustments re made such that the clipping mechanism travels from the bend of the rotating hat on one s e to the band on the other side.

Considering now the clipping mechanism 7 more particularly, the details thereof are best shown in l igs. 3 and be operating cutting portions of the clipping mechan m comp. ise rotating cutter 45 having a In the preparation of a hat body-fora velure finish, some'of the fur fibers andhair fibers in the outer or surfacelayers of the hat are loosened by brushing or scratching operations and are thereby caused to project out from the body of the hat at varying lengths. The purpose of the clipping operation is to evenly clip these protruding fibers to a uniform length so as to give the hat a smooth even finish and an appearance similar to that of velvet. In clipping a surface which is rounded or otherwise not flat, such as the surface of the crown of a hat, it is dihicult to clip the nap or projectingfibers to a uniform length and to avoid digging into or otherwise injuring the hat body and its finish. The problem is particularly difficult in the case of an oval-shaped hat such as the hat shown herein. It is an extremely laborious process to clip such a hat manually and requires great skill and care on the part of the operator. Also, the provision of a machine which will automatically clip such a hat with uniform results and without injuring the hat gives rise to many diflicult problems with which certain features of this invention deal, as will be pointed out herein after.

As the hat 20 rotates, the clipping mechanism is moved at a suitable rate of speed across the surface of the crown and, during this traverse, the rotating cutter and the bed knife 46 are maintained continually operative upon the hat surface to uniformly clip the nap of the crown. Turning again to Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings, at the outer end of the arm 39 there issecured annpright post 47 which is held in position therein by any suitable means, for example, by means of a set screw 48. Upon this upright post is swiveled, preferably by

ball bearings

49 and 50, a bearing member 51 to which is fastened by means of suitable bolts or screws 52 a sup porting frame 53. The frame 53 is shaped as shown in Fig. 6, and it includes a saddle portion 53a in which is mounted a small electric motor 54. Extending'downwardly through the frame 53 is a passage 55 which serves as a discharge passage for the clippings removed by the clipper.

The rotating cutter 45 and its co-operating bed knife 46 are mounted in a supporting frame 56 which is separate from the frame 53. This frame 56 embraces the portion 535 of the frame 53 and has formed therein at each side arcuate slots 57. EX- tending transversely of the frame 53, and held in the openings 53c thereof (Fig. 6)

are a pair of rods or

bolts

58 and 59, the end portions of these bolts extending through the arcuate slots 57. Upon thesides of the frame 56 and about each of the arcuate slots 57 are a pair of laterally projecting flanges 60. Upon each of the end portions of each of the

bolts

58 and 59 is rotatably mounted a roller 61, these rollers resting in the armate channels formed by the flanges. Adjacent to the bed knife 46, and spaced therefrom in a direction transversely of the axis of the cutter 45, is a member 62 which proj ects outwardly and is adapted to bear against the surface of the hat. As shown in Fig. 3, the operative edge portion of the bed knife 46 bears against the hat surface to determine the length of nap cut by the clipper, as hereinbefore mentioned; and the member 62Ialso bears against the hat surface at a point spaced from the operative edge of the bed knife. j

The arcuate slots 57 and the arcuate channels formed by the flanges 60 are generated about an axis passing substantially through the operative edge of the bed knife or substantially through the line of contact of the operative edge of the bed knife and the surface of thehat. The rotating clipper, with its coacting bed knife, is thus supported in the frame 53, by rollers 61, to swivel or swing about this axis which is substantially coincident with the line of contact between the bed knife and the hat. The rollers 61 permit this swinging movement of the clip per with a maximum freedom and WltllOll'a. any substantial wear. The part 62 is carried by the swinging frame 56 and is preferably mounted upon the bed knife 46 as by means of screws 68 (Figure 4) so that as the bed knife is adjusted in position these two parts maintain their predetermined relation. The bed knife, or the part upon which the bed knife is mounted, isclamped in position in the frame 56 by means of clamping screw 65, and the operative edge of the bed knifemay be adjusted toward and away from the rotatingcutter, by means of adjusting screws 65a,

the lock screws 64 being loosened to permit this adjustment.

The motor 54 is connected to drive the ro tating cutter 45 preferably by meansof a belt 66 which passes over a pulley 67 on the armature shaft of the motor and over a pulley 68 onthe projecting end portion of the cutter shaft. Acting between the supporting frame 53 and the frame 56 is a spring 69 which tends to swing the frame 56 in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 3. This spring acts between a pin 70 projecting from the frame 56- and a lug 71 on the frame 53. The tension of the spring is adjustable by means of an adjusting nut 72, this nut being threaded upon a member 73 which is connected to the spring and passes through an opening in the lug 71. The swinging movement'of the frame 56 upon the rollers 61, under the urge of the spring 69, is limited by the bolts 58 coming into en gagement with the ends of the slots 57.

The operative portions of the clipping mechanism, comprising the rotating cutter 45 and the bed knife 46, are thus mounted upon the end of the arm 39 to swivel about a substantially vertical axis provided by the post 4? and about a horizontal axis provided by the arcuate slots 57 and the arcuate channels formed by the flanges 60. Since the horizontal axis about which the clipping mechanism swivels is substantially coincident with the line of contact between the edge of the bed knife and the hat, the protruding fibers of the hat are always cut to a uniform predetermined length regardless of whatever swiveling may take place about this axis. Considering the action of the clipping mechanism, when the clipper is moved into engagement with the hat by swinging the arm 39 about its pivot 38, the member 62 comes first into engagement with the hat surface and is urged against the hat by the action of the weights 4-2 as hereinbefore described. As this occurs the frame 56 swings in a direction to stretch the spring (39 and to carry the bed knife a6 also into engagement with the hat as is shown in Figure 3. The pressure exerted against the hat by the bed knife 46 is determined by the difference between the force with which the weights e2 swing the clipper against the hat and the force exerted by the spring 69 in opposition thereto. The spring 69 may be adjusted by means of the nut 72 so that the bed knife 46 bears against the hat surface without great pressure so that it does not tend to dig into the hat, and yet with suliicient pressure to insure the bed knife constantly remaining in proper engagement with the hat surface to dependably maintain the uniform length to which the nap of the hat is out.

As the oval-shaped hat rotates and the surface of the crown thereof moves past the clipper, portions of the hat surface having different curvatures are repeatedly presented to the clipping mechanism. The swivel mounting of the clipper provided by the roller supports 61 permits the rotating cutter and its cooperating bed knife to swing in and out in a direction toward and away from the axis of rotation of the hat to follow this changing curvature so that the bed knife always remains in proper engagement with the hat surfat e. As the curvature of the surface being operated upon changes, the clipping mechanism swings about the axis passing through the bed knife 46 as is illustrated, for example, in Figure Regardless of the changing curvature of the hat surface moving in engagement therewith, the clipping mechanism thus automatically adjusts itself to such changes and dependably clips the entire surface of the crown of the hat to a unifo m len 91th throughout.

The swiveling of the clipper about its horizontal axis is controlled by the spring 69 which determines the pressure of the bed knife against the hat as hereinbefore described. The swiveling of the clipper about its vertical axis 47 is controlled by the pull on the cable 40 which is connected to the bearing member 51 of the clipper through an adj ustable bracket 74. The bracket 74 may be adjusted so that the pull of the cable properly controls the swiveling of the clipper about its vertical axis and prevents any sudden tilting which might result in skipping a portion of the hat surface during the traversing movement.

At the upper end of the supporting frame is mounted a nozzle 75 for directing a current of compressed air against the hat surface just in advance of the portion thereof moving into engagement with the cutting elements. The compressed air is led to the nozzle 75 through a suitable hose 76, and the flow is controlled by a valve 77 positioned adjacent to the nozzle. A suitable flexible hose is connected to the passage 55 and preferably leads to a blower which serves to draw away the clippings removed by the clipper. In order to more the clipper into and out of engagement with the hat, the arm 39 is swung about its pivot 38 as has been described hereinbefore. For convenient manipulation the outer end of the arm 39, shown at 390: in Figure l, is formed in the shape of a handle which may be grasped to manually swing the clipper away from the hat or to guide the clipper into engagement with the hat as it moves under the urge of the weights 4:2.

s the clipping mechanism traverses the c1 11 of the hat, changes occur in the area of hat surface which at any instant engages the surface of the bed knife 46. In some hats, when the clipping mechanism is operating upon the side surface of the crown, for example, the bed knife is pressed against the hat ti 7 hout substantially its entire length. clipping mechanism passes over the square of the hat, the portion of the bed knife engaging the hat surface decreases in size. In hats having a very sharp square, only a very small portion of the length of the bed knife engages the hat surface as the square of thehat is being clipped. The result is that the entire pressure of the bed knife against the hat is concentrated on a relatively small area and, unless the pressure of the clipper against the hat is accurately and care fully adjusted, the bed knife bears into the somewhat yielding felt to an appreciably greater extent at the relatively sharp square of the hat so that the nap at the square is out somewhat shorter than at the other portions of the hat surface. It is therefore important that the clipping mechanism bear lightly against the hat and the importance of suitable means for adjusting this pressure, as by the mechanisms hereinbefore described, will be readily apparent.

As has been described hereinbefore, the current of compressed air projected by the nozzle 7 5 against the hat surface loosens up the fur fibers or nap to place the nap in proper condition for action thereon by the clipper. Referring to Figure 5a, there is shown a nozzle 175 which directs a current of compressed air against the hat surface in a direction to lay the projecting fur fibers all in one direction and in a direction away from the clipper, as shown at 176. Also, in Figure 5a, there is provided a curved plate member 177 which engages the hat surface at the portion approaching the clipper. This plate 177 is of a width substantially the same as that of the rotating cutter and the bed knife 46 and it is urged against the hat surface by a spring 17 8. The plate member 177 is secured to a bracket 179 which is mounted upon the clipper frame 56 to swing about the axis of the clipper shaft. The spring 17 8 acts between a lug 1790; on the bracket 179 and a projecting flange 180 on the frame member 573. The spring is adjustable by means of an adjusting nut 181. a

As the hat surface movesunderneath the curved plate 177 the fibers thereof are laid by the compressed air in the direction shown at 176. As the hat surface moves'frorn underneath the plate 177 'and 'toward the cutter 45, the suction raises the fibers as shown at 182. drawing them into proper engagement with the coacting cutter and bed knife.

The action of the spring 178, urging the plate member 177 against the hat surface, tends to lift the bed knife 46 away from the hat surface and thus tends to relieve the pressure of the bed knife. Theadjustment of the spring 178 by means of the adjusting nut 181 permits of a very fine and accurate adjustment of the pressure of the bed knife against the hat surface. H

As has been mentioned above, this clipping machine be adjusted sothat the clipper will travel from the band of the hat on one side of the rotating crown to the band of the hat on the other side. It is frequently found that more dependably uniform results are achieved if the hat is clipped twice, first while the clipper and the hatsurface are moving in one direction with respect to each other and then again while they are moving in the opposite direction with respect to each other. It is found that more thorough action is achieved upon the indiscriminately arranged fur fibers by employing such twoway clipping.

Referring again to Figure 1 of the drawings, as has been described, the shaft 17 is adapted to be driven from the driving; shaft 1.6 and, from this shaft 17 the hat block 19 is rotated. The rear end 170: of the shaft 17 tegrally with theworm gear 28. This meshes with a gear 81 which is loosely mounted upon a short vertical shaft 82 secured in a bracket 83 of the frame. The gear 81 meshes also with a beveled gear 84 which is loosely mounted upon the shaft 17 to rotate thereon. The gear 80 is thus rotated in one direction and the gear 84 is rotated in the opposite direction. Splined upon the shaft'l'i between the two gears 80 and 84 is a member 85 which has a clutchface at each end thereof. The face of the gear 80 is shaped to mate with the rear end of the clutch member 85, and the face of the gear 84 is shaped to mate with the forward end thereof. In the surface of the clutch member 85is a circumferential groove in which is fitted a ring 86, and connected to this ring is a lever 87 which is pivoted upon the frame at 88. 1

In the position of the parts shown in the drawing, the clutch-me1nber'85 is in neutral position, engaging neither the gear, 80 nor the gear. 84. By swinging the lever 87 about its pivot 88, the clutch member 85 may be moved into engagement with either of the gears 80 or 84 to effect thedrive of the shaft 17 in either direction.

A spring 89acts upon the lever 87 tending to swing the lower portion thereof rearwardly and thus tending to move the clutch member 85 into driving. engagement with the gear 84. Projecting from the lever 87 is an. arm 87a which is normally held by the spring 89 in the path of a cam 90, the cam =90being adj ustably secured upon the side of the worm wheel 24 by means of screws 91; passing through arcuate slots in the cam andthreaded into the worm wheel. The position of the clipping device in its path of traverse about the crown of the hat is a fixed one with respect to the positionof the worm wheel 24 in its rotation, since the clipping deviceis drlven in its path of traverse by the rotation :of

the worm wheel. The cam 90 is so positioned upon the wormwlmelthat it comes into engagement with the arm87a and forcesthe' clutch member 85rearwardly, to reverse the direction of rotation of the hat, substantially when the clipping deviceis crossing the tip of the :hat. During approximately onehalf of each rotation of the worm wheel, and

hence during approximately one-half of the length of the path of traverse of the clipping mechanism, the cam 90 holds the clutchmember 85 in engagement with the gear80, and during the remaining half of each rotatlon the cam is out of engagement with the arm 87a and the spring 89 holds the clutch memher in engagement with the gear 84. l

Thus, as the clipping mechanism passes from one side of the hat to the other the di rectien of rotation ofthe hat is reversed. In this manner the advantages of two-way clipping are achieved, and the hat surface as it approaches the bed knife and rotating cutter always moves in the same directlon with respectthereto.

As the direction of rotation of the hat is reversed, the position of the clipping device ischanged, by its path of traverse being moved to the otherside of the hat, so that the moving hat surface moves relatively to the operative clipper elements in the same direction as prior to the reversal.

The lower end of the lever 87 is shaped to provide a handle 876 by means of which the lever may be swung manually,and a set screw 92 is-provided, operating in a slot 93 in the frame, whereby the lever may be locked in neutral position or in a position to render the cam' inoperative and to cause uni-direct-ional rotation of the hat if desired. In

order that the shaft 17 and the mechanism driven thereby will run with a steady motion, there is preferably employed a restraining frictional device operating upon the shaft 17. As shown in Figure 1, this device perferably takes the form ofa pin 94 having an inner head 95 which is covered with a suitable friction -material engaging the surface of the shaft. This pin is placed in an opening in the bearing 18 of the frame and is held therein by a nut 96 threaded into the opening.

Between the nutrand the head 95 is interposed a-spri ng 97 which yieldingly holds the friction material against the shaft. The pressure of the spring 97 is adjusted by means of the nut 96.

As has been describedabove, the tilting action of the clipping device toward and away from the hat, about its horizontal axis, compensatesfor the changing curvature of the crown surfac'e of the oval hat and insures-clipping-of the nap of the crown toa uniform predetermined length throughout. As the oval hat is being clipped,and if it is rotated about a fixed-axis, the'oval shape of the hat causes not only this tilting ofthe clipper about its horizontal axis but also causes a bodily movement of the clipper toward and away from the axis of the hat; the hat pushes the clipping mechanism outwardly as the ends of the rotating oval hat approach the same and then, as the ends move away from the clipping mechanism, the clipper follows the hat surface inwardly again. This not only results in uneven pressure of the clipping device' a'gainst the hat, the'pressure applied against two quarters of the hat crown being greater than that applied against the other two uarters but ives rise to other difiiculties peculiar to a hatclipping machine of the nature shown herein. It is of great "importance in a machine of this nature, if it is to be employed in'hat manufacturing GO pIants, that it be capable of rapid operation run ahiachine of this nature rapidly, the 'rapid in and out movement of the clipping mechanism, comprising the rotating cutter and highproduction. If it is attempted to and its bed knife' and driving mechanism,

which is caused'by the rotating oval hat repeatedly pushing' the clipper outwardly, is harmful to the clipping mechanism and also seriously endangers the accuracy of the results achieved; the momentum of the rather heavy clipping mechanism rapidly moving back and forth makes it extremely difficult to keep the clipper in proper engagement with the hat withoutsuclr pressure against the hat as is liable to injure the hat body. Also, when the tilting form of clipper shown herein is employed, the momentum of the parts resulting from the in and out movement caused by the oval shape of the hat interferes with the proper tiltingaction and'proper engagement between the bed knife and the hat,

if it is attempted to run the machine rapidly. These difficulties are overcome by the mechanism which will now be described.

Referring to Figures 7 and '8, the front end of the shaft'17 projects through a plate 100 in which is slidably received a-coacting part i of a circularly shaped plate or member 10 1 which is shown more clearly in Figure 10. The member 104 has in its front face a circular groove 105 in which is slidably received a shoe 106. The shoe 106 is mounted by means of a pin 107 upon the rear side of a rotatable member 108. Between the member 108 and the circular plate member'104 is a member 109 which is rigidly fixed upon the forvmrd end of the shaft 17 by means of a pin 110 passing through the hub 109a thereof. The forward face of the member 109 is shaped to form a'V-way,'as shown in Figure 7, and in this V-Way of the member 109 the member 108 is slidably supported. The pin 107,

which connects with the shoe 106, )rojects through an elongated radial slot 111 (Figure 9) in the member 109. The member 108 carries the supporting mechanism for the hat block and hat, as wall be described hereinafter,and thusall movements which are given to the'member 108 are imparted to the hat.

As the shaft 17 rotates the member 109 rotates therewith and the member 108 is rotated by the member 109 to rotate the hat.

horizontally in its V-way 103, during rota- A tion of the parts, the shoe 106 and its connection by means of the pin 107 with the member 108, causes a movement of the memher 108 transversely of its axis of rotation and a consequent transverse shifting of the axis of rotation of the hat.

As shown'in Figures 9 and 10, there is connected to the cam slide 104 a rod 112 which projects outwardly through the cas ing 102 at one side. As shown in Figure 11, this rod 112 is connected at its outer endby a pin 113 toa downwardly extending lever 114 which is pivoted at 115 on an arm 116 extending outwardly from the frame. The lever 114 is connected at its lower end by a link 11? to the arm 118 of a bell crank lever pivoted upon the frame at 119. The other arm 120 of the bell crank is connected by a pin 121 with a vertically movable rod or member 122 which is slidably supported in a bracket 123 and rests at its lower end against a roller 124.

Referring to Figure 2, the roller 124 is carried in the forward end of a lever 125 which is pivoted at 126 in a suitable support upon the upper surface of the frame portion 11. On the rear side of its pivot 126 the lever 125 curves upwardly adjacent to the worm wheel 24 and on the side of the machine opposite to the crank 28. At the end of this rear portion of the lever 125 is mounted a roller 127 which engages the surface of a cam 128 carried upon the face of the worm wheel and rotating therewith. The cam 128, rotating with the worm wheel 24, swings the lever 125 about its pivot, raising and lowering the forward end of the lever and thus raisingand lowering the slidable member 122 which is in engagement with the roller 124. Raising of the roller 124 at the front end of the lever 125 is transmitted by the part 122, the bell crank 120118 11) the link 117 and the lever 114, andthereby causes movement'of the rod 112 inwardly to shift the position of the circular cam plate 104.

As shown in Figure 9, on the side of the plate 104 opposite to the rod 112 is secured.

a rod 129 which projects outwardly through the casing 102; coiled upon this rod 129, between an adjusting nut 130 and the casing, is a spring 131. The spring 131 acts against the inward movement of the rod. 112 and holds the member 122 in engagement with the roller 124. Preferably the lever 114 is provided with. a plurality of holes 1140' for connection with the link 117. By moving the link 11'? along the lever 114 adjustment is made of the distance through which a given swing of the lever 125 will move the circular cam plate 104.

As the cam 128 rotates, it acts upon the lever 125 to shift the plate 104 back and forth in its horizontal V-way. The cam is so shaped that the highest parts 128a and 1285 thereof move the cam plate 104 from its position on center through a distance substantially equal to one-half the difference between the major and minor axes of the oval of the hat adjacent to the band. Various sections taken parallel to the brim of hat that is very clipping mechanism is operating near the band of the hat on the other side oft-he rotating crown and at the opposite end of its traverse. Between the two portions 128a and 128?) the cam surface gradually decreases in height, and the lowestsurfaces 1280 and 128d thereof are in engagement with the roller 12? when the clipping mechanism crosses the tip of the rotating hat. At this latter point in the traverse of the clipping mechanism, no correction for the oval is required, and the cam surfaces 1280 and 128a are of such height that the plate 104 is held thereby substantiallyon center.

The earn 128 is secured to the worm wheel preferably by means of bolts 182' passing through slots 133 in the cam and thereby the angular position of the cam upon the worm V wheel may be adjusted. By means of this adjustment the cam is broughtinto proper relation to the connection between the crank arm 28 and the worm wheel so that the maximum oval action obtains when the clipping mechanism is operating adjacent the band of the hat on either side. 7 Also, the cam 128 is made with a wide face and the roller 12'? a is adjustable in the lever 125 in a direction transversely of the cam surface so as to engage different portions thereof. By shaping the cam in the manner shown, it is made adjustable for various styles of hats. The surface of the cam adjacent to the inner edge 1286 thereof is shaped so that it will properly control theshifting ofthe hat axis for a sharp at the square, and

the surface of the cam adjacent the outer edge 1 0Q?" the other extreme thereof is shaped so that it will properly control the shifting for the hat is moved bodily from the clipping mechoval shape of the hat and, moreover, this shifting is varied in accordance with the changes in the oval shape of the hat portion being clipped. As the clipping mechanism is operating upon the hat crown adjacent to the band, the shifting of the axis of rotation of the hat is at a maximum; as the clipping mechanism moves away from the band and toward the tip of the rotating hat crown, the shifting of the axis of the hat with each rotation is gradually decreased until, when the clipping mechanism crosses the tip, there is substantially no shifting; then as the clipping mechanism traverses away from the tip and toward the band of the hat on the other side, the shifting action is again started and gradually increased to a maximum as the clipping mechanism again approaches the band of the hat.

Thus, the in and out movement of the clipping mechanism, which would ordinarily be caused by the oval hat pushing the clipper outwardly, is wholly avoided and the difliculties which arise because of this feature are overcome. The clipping machine may be run rapidly without injury to the mechanism and without danger of harming the hat and, at the same time, with thoroughly dependable and uniform results. lVith the tilting clipper shown herein, the only in and out move ment which occurs is that resulting from the slight tilting about the axis passing through the bed knife, to keep the bed knife constant ly in proper engagement with the hat surface so as to uniformly regulate the length of nap; the complications which result from the combination of two in and out movements of the clipper are entirely done away with.

The mounting of the hat block for rotation with the rotating slide 108 is best shown in Figures 7 and 9. Projecting outwardly from the center of the member 108 is a spindle which is adapted to enter the central recess in the base of the hat block to center the hat block in position. The member 108 has a forwardly projecting hub 141 which is exteriorly threaded, and threaded thereon is a sleeve 142 provided with a hand wheel 143.

The hub 141. is provided with a plurality of longitudinal slots, and in these slots are pivoted a plurality of outwardly projecting claws 144. Suitable springs (Figure 7) urge the claws 144 outwardly and an inclined surface thereon bears against the outer end of the inner wall of the sleeve 142. By threading the sleeve 142 forwardly by means of the hand wheel 143 the claws 144 are forced into gripping engagement with the hub of the hat block, as shown in Figure 1. Then the sleeve is threaded rearwardly the springs 145 cause the claws to release the hat block.

Secured to the forward end of the hub 141, and rotating therewith and with the slide 108, is a face plate 146. The claws 144 as shown in Figure 1, this pin 147 enters a recess 148 in the hat block, this recess being ordinarily positioned on the line of the major axis of the oval block. The pin serves to position the oval hat in proper angular relation to the axis-shifting mechanism contained within the casing 102 so that the shifting of the axis or rotation of the hat will occur at the proper points in its rotation, effecting movement of the hat in a direction away from the clipper as the portions thereof at the ends of its major axis approach the clipper, and effecting movement in the opposite direction as these port-ions move away from the clipper.

Turning again to the driving mechanism of this clipping machine, as shown in Figure 2, the shaft 25 carrying the worm wheel.

4 is supported in an arm 150. The arm 150 at its rear end is pivoted at 151 and the front end thereof is supported by a rod 152 which is adjustably threaded into a part 153. handle or lever 154 has a bearing portion passing through the frame and carrying at its end shown in Figure 2 an eccentric pin 155 upon which the upper end of the part is swiveled. When the parts are in the position shown in the drawings, the w rm wheel 24 is held engagement with the worm 23; by turning the handle 154 so as to rotate the eccentric pin 155, the support ng arm 150 dropped to lower the worm wheel out of driving engagement with the worm 23. Thus, by means of the handle 154 the drive of the worm wheel and hence the drive of the clipper traversing mechanism and the drive of the axis-shifting mechanism may he stopped and started.

The rear end of the supporting arm 150 has an upwardly extending portion 156 to the upper end of which, at 157, is connected a rearwardly extending link 158. The sup-' porting arm 150 is fixed upon the pin 151 ant. this pin extends through the frame (Figure 1). On the side of the frame opposite to the arm 156 there is fixed to the pin a similar upwardly extending arm 159 which is connected at its upper end 160 to a rearwardly extending link 161 similar to the link 158. The two

links

158 and 161 extend rearwardly to opposite sides of the clutch member 22 and have at their ends a collar 162 which in a periphery groove in the clutch member. By the connections just described, s *inging of the supporting arm 150 about the pivot 151 effects movement of the clutch member 22. Thus, when the supporting arm 150 is dropped to move the worm wheel out of engagement with the worm, the

links

158 and 161 move forwardly and throw the clutch member 22 out of driving engagement with the pulley 21 to interrupt the drive of the main driving shaft 16.} -When it the handle 154 is moved to raise the worm wheel into e11- gagement with the worm,- the drive of the machine is-started. v

The clipping machine hereinjprovided'is capable of dependably clipping the crowns of velure hats or the like with accuracy, uniformity and speed. An iinskilledoperator may operate the machine,- the operator being required simply 'to place in position and remove the hats and to move the clipping mechanism into andout of" engagement with the hat surface. Regardless of-the shape'or style of the bet, this clipping machine willquickly clip the entire surface of the crown to a uniform length of nap Without danger of injury to the hat. v 'i V 7 As many possible embodiments may be made ofthe above invention and as many changes might. be made in the embodiments above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter hereinbefore set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings, is'tobe interpreted as illustrative andnot in a limiting sense; Iclaimz y V V 1. In a hat clipping machine, combination, means adapted to support and rotate a hat, a clipper support adjacent to said hat support, a driven clipper mounted on said clipper support, .means. for driving said clipper, yielding means for holding said clipper and the surface of said hat in engage ment, and means for relatively-moving said hat and said clipper to cause said clipper to traverse the hat surface, said clipper, being mounted upon said clipper support for rocking movementthereon and relative thereto about an axis substantially coincidental with the line of contact of said clipper with said hat and in a direction toward and awayfrom the hat surfaceduring said traverse. v y y 2. In a hat clipping machine, incombination, means adapted to support and rotate a hat, a clipper support adjacentto said hat support, a drivenclipper mounted on said clipper support, means for driving said clipper, yielding means for holdingflsaidr clipper and the surface, of .said hat inzen-j gagement, said clipper support having a part engaging'the hat surface under the urge of said yielding means and said clipper being mounted upon said support for movement relative to the point offengagement of" said part with said hat and in a direction toward and away from the hat, and means for relativelymoving saidhat and said clipper sup port to cause said clipper to traverse thehat surface. a

3. In a hat clipping machine, in combination, means adapted to support and rotate a hat, a clipper support mounted adjacent to said hat support, yielding means for urging said clipper support and said hat together, means adapted relatively to move said clipper support and said hat to cause said clipper support to traverse said-hat, aclipping device adapted to'clip the hatsurface and comprising a rotating cutter and a bed-knife coacting therewith, means 1 mounting said support, and adjustable spring means acting between said clipper support and said'clippingfdevice tending partially to counteract the effect of said yielding means and to 'regu late the pressure of said'knife against the hat surface. f a. Ina hat clipping machine, incombination, means adapted to support and rotate a hat, a'clipper support mounted adjacent to a.

said hat support, yielding means for urging said clipper support and said hat together, means adapted relatively to move said clipper support and said hat to cause said clipper support to traverse said hat, a clipping device adapted to clip the hat surface and comprising a rotating cutter a bed-knife coacting therewith and means providing a second contactpoint with said hat, saidclipping device being mounted upon said supportfor tilting s movement thereon to move said knifewith respect "to said second point of contact ina direction toward and away from the hat surface whereby proper contact with said hat surfaceis at all times'maintained. i

5; In a hat clipping machine, in combination, means adapted to supportand rotate a hat, a clipping mechanism adapted to clip thehat surface, and means adapted relatively to move said clipping mechanism and said rotating hat to cause said clippingmechanism to traverse the hat crown, said clipping mechanism having two spaced surfaces adapted to engage the hat surface during said traverse and beingmounted sothat one of saidsurfaces is capable of moving toward 7 and away from the hat surface relative to the point of engagement of said other surface with'said hat. I v

6. In a hat clipping machine, in combination, means adapted. to support and rotate a hat, a clipping mechanism adapted to clip 7 the hat surface,and means; adapted relatively to move said clipping mechanism andsaid rotating hat to cause, said clipping, mechanism'to traverse the hat, said clipping mechanism having two spaced surfaces ada-ptedto engage the hat surface during said traverse, one of said surfaces being adapted to determine the length of nap left'by said clipper and the other thereof being adapted to take e the major portion of the thrust of said clipping mechanism against the hat.

7 In a hat clipping machine, in combination, means adapted to support'and rotate a hat, a clipping mechanism adapted to clip the hat surface and comprising, a rotating" clipper and a knife coacting therewith and adapted to bear against the hat surfaceto determinethe length of nap left by said clipper, means adapted relatively to move said rotating hat and said clipper to cause said: clipper to traverse the hat, said clipping mechanism having a part spaced from said knife adapted to bear against the hat surface, and yielding means for holding both said knife and said last part closely in against the hat during said traverse.

8. In a hat clippingmachine, in combination, means adapted to support and rotate a hat,a clipping mechanism adapted to clip the hat surface and comprising a rotating clipp r audit knife coacting therewith and, adapted tobear against the hat surface to determine the length of nap left by said ,clipper,mean:-3 adapted relatively to move said rotating hat and, said clipper to cause said clipper to traverse the hat, and means mounting said clipping mechanism to permit said clipper and said knife to swivel together about two axes substantially at right angles to each other during said traverse.

9 Ina hat clipping machine, in combination, means, adapted to support and rotate a hat, a clipping mechanism adapted to clipthe hat surface and comprising a rotating clipper and a knife coacting therewith and adapted tobear against the hat surface to determine the length of nap left by said clipper, means adapted relatively to move said rotating hat and said clipper to cause said clipper to traverse the hat, means mounting said clipping mechanism to permit said clipper and saidknife to swivel together about two axes substantially at right angles to each other during said traverse, and yielding means for controlling both of said swiveling movements.

10. In a hat clipping machine, incombination, means adapted to support and rotate a hat, a clipping mechanism adapted to clip the hat surface, means adapted relatively to move said clipping mechanism and said rotating hat to cause said: clipper to traverse the hat crown, from a position adjacent the band on one side of the hat to a position adjacent the band on the opposite side of the hat, and means for reversing the direction of'rotation of said hat as said clipper passes through a position adjacent the tip 11. In a hat clipping machine, in combination, means adapted to support and rotate a hat, a clipping mechanism adapted to clip the hatsurface, means adapted relatively to move said clipping mechanism and said rotating hat tocause said clipper to traverse the hat surface, and means adapted at a predetermined point in said traverse to reverse the direction of rotation of said hat.

12. In a clipping machine, in combination, a frame, a clipper comprising a driven cutter and a part coacting with said cutter adapted to bear against the surface to be clipped and adapted to determine the length of nap left by said clipper, and means mounting said clipper in said, frame to tilt about an axis passing substantially through said part.

13. In a clipping machine, in combination, a frame, a clipper comprisinga driven cutter and a part coacting withsaid cutter adapted to bear against the surface to be clipped and adapted to determine the length of nap left by said clipper, means mounting said clipper in said frame to tilt about an axis passing substantially through said part, yielding means tending to hold said part in engagement with the surface being clipped, and yielding means acting between said frame and said clipper adapted partially to counteract the effect of said first yielding means.

14. In a clipping machine, in combination, a frame, a rotating cutter, a bed-knife coacting with said cutter and adapted to bear against the surface to be clipped, and means mounting said cutter upon said frame for tilting movement about an axis substantially coincidental with the cuttingedgc of said bed-knife and substantially parallel to the aXis of saidcutter.

15. In a clipping machine, in combination, a frame, av driven cutter, a support for said cutter, a part mounted upon said, support adapted to bear against the surface to be clipped and adapted to coact with saidcutter to determine the length, of nap left by said cutter, a second part upon said support spaced from said first part and adapted to bear against the surface to be clipped, and a slidable mounting for said. support upon said frame comprising an arcuate path generated about an axis passing adjacent to said first part.

16. In a clippingmachine, in combination, a frame, a driven cutter, a support for said cutter, a part mounted upon said support adapted to bear against the surface to be clippedand adapted to coact with said cutter to determine the length of nap left by said cutter, a second part upon said support spaced from said firstpart and adapted to bear against the surface to be clipped, means mountingsaidsupport on said frame to swing thereon about an axis passing adjacent to the surface being clipped, and spring means acting between said frame and, said support tending to swing said support about said axis to hold said second part against the surface being clipped.

17. In arhat clipping machine, in combination, means for supporting a hat block having an oval hat thereon, means for rotating saidhat block and said hat,,a clipping device comprising a driven cutter and a bed-knife coacting therewith and adapted to bear against the surface being clipped, means for supporting said clipping device in position to clip the crown of said hat, means for yieldingly holding said clipping device against the hat surface, means for giving said clipping device a traversing movelUir lieu

(Jim

me'nt across the surface of said rotating hat crown in a substantially horizontal path ex tendingbetween the band and the-tip of the hat and with said coacting cutter and bedhnife operative upon the hat surface, means adapted to move said rotating -liat block bodily in a lateral direction away from said 7 movement of said block-moving means for imparting movementthereto.

-18. In a hat clipping machlne, 1n comb nation, means for supporting a hat block having an oval hat thereon, means for rotating said hat block and said hat, a clipping device comprising a driven cutter and a bedknife coacting therewi h and adapted to bear against the surface being clipped, means for supporting said clipping device in position to clip the crown of said hat,

means for yieldingly holding said clipping device against the hat surface, means for giving said clipping device a traversing movement across the surface of said rotating hat crown in a path substantially horizontal eX- tending between the band and the tip of the hat and with said coacting cutter and bedknife operative upon the hat surface, means adapted to move said rotating hat block bodily in a direction away from said clipping device as the ends of said oval hat approach said clipping device and to move said rotating hat block bodily in a direction toward said clipping device as said end portions of said oval hat move awayfrom said clipping device, and means operating in a plane angularly disposed with respect to the path of movement of said block-moving means adapted to change the amount of said bodily movement of said hat block as said clipping device moves in its path of traverse to operate upon different portions of said rotating oval hat. V

19. In a hat clipping machine, in combination, means for supporting a hat block having an oval hat thereon, means for rotating said hat block and said hat, clipping de vice comprising a driven cutter and a bedlrnife coacting therewith and adapted. to bear against the surface being clipped,

means for supporting saidclipping device in position to clip the crown of said hat, means for yieldingly holding said clipping device against the hat surface, means for giving said clipping device a traversing movement across the surface of said rotating hat crown in a path extending between the band and the tip of the hat and with said coacting cutter and bed-knife operative upon the hat surface, said clipping device comprising said driven cutter and said bed-knife being mounted upon said supporting means therefor to rock thereon substantially about said bed-knife asan aXis and relative thereto in a direction toward and away from the hat surface during said traverse, and means adapted to move said rotating hat block bodily ina'direction away from said clipping device as the ends of said oval hat approach a said clipping device and to move said rotating hat block bodily in a direction toward said clipping device as said end portions of said oval hat move away from said clipping de- In a hatclipping machine, in combination, means for supporting a hat block having an oval hat thereon,'means for rotat ing said hat block and said hat, a clipping device comprising a driven cutter and a bedknife coacting therewith and adapted to bear against the surface being clipped, means for supporting said clipping device in position to clip the crown of said hat, means for yieldingly holding said clippingdevice against the hat surface, means for giving said clipplng device a traversing movement across the surface of said rotating hat crown ina path extending between the band and the tip of the hat and with said coacting cutter and bed-knife operative upon the hat surface, means adapted to move said 'rotating'hat block bodily in a directionaway from said clipping device as the ends of said oval hat approach said clipping device and to move said rotating hat block bodily in a direction toward said clipping device as said end portions ofsaid oval hat move away from said clipping device, means adapted to change the amount of said bodily movement of said hat block as said clipping device moves in its path of traverse to operate upon different portions of said rotating oval hat, and ad gusting means for limiting the movement imparted to said block by said last means.

' 21. In a hat clippingmachine, in combination, a hat support, a shaft adapted to rotate said hat support, a clipper adapted to clip the surface of-ahat carriedby said sup- 7 port, a rotating driving means, a clutch adapted-to rotate said shaft from said driving means, mechanism adapted to give said clipper a traversing movement over the surface of said hat; movable means adapted to shift s'aidmechanism into and out of operative engagement with said shaft, means as sociated with said last means for operating said clutchyand means for manually actuating said movable means simultaneously to arrest said traverseand to interrupt the drive of said shaft.

22.1n a hat clipping machine, in combination, hat supporting means comprising a shaft, driving means therefor, means for ro-. tating' said shaft from said driving means, a clipper adapted to clip a hat carried by said supporting means, mechanism adapted to bfil positioned alternatively in operative and inoperative positions relatively to said shaft for giving said clipper a traversing movement over the surface of said rotating hat, means for shifting said mechanism, and means associated with said last means for rendering said rotating means inoperative to rotate said shaft when said traversing mechanism is shifted to its inoperative position.

23. In a hat ciippingmachine, a rotary block for carrying a hat to be clipped, a clipper, a movable support for the clipper, means for shifting said support longitudinally of the block as the block is rotated to pass the clipper over the surface of the hat, means for yieldingly holding the clipper against the surface of a hat on the block, means for rotating the block, and means for operating the clipper.

24;. In a hat clipping machine, a frame, a rotary shaft mounted in the frame, a block for carrying a hat mounted on the shaft, a support pivoted to the frame, a lever arm pivoted to the support laterally of said pivot, a supporting member pivotally mounted on said lever arm to turn about an upright axis, a clipper having a bed knife and arotary cutter associated therewith mounted in the supporting member adjacent said block, means for rotating said cutter, and means for swinging said support about its pivot to shift the clipper relative to the block.

25. In a hat clipping machine, a frame, a rotary hat supporting block mounted on the frame, a support pivoted to the frame, a clipper mounted on the support adjacent the block and comprising a stationary knife and a rotary cutter associated therewith, means for operating the cutter, and means for swinging the support to shift the clipper longitudinally of the block to pass it over the surface of the hat as the block is rotated.

26. In a hat clipping machine, a frame, a rotary hat supporting block mounted on the frame, a support pivoted to the frame, a movable arm mounted on the support, a supporting member mounted on the arm to turn about an upright axis, a clipper mounted in said supporting member, means for swinging the support to shift the clipper relative to the block, and yielding means tending to shift said arm to hold the clipper against the surface of a hat on the block.

27. In a hat clipping machine, a rotary hat supporting block mounted to rotate about a horizontal axis, a clipper mounted adjacent the block to clip the surface of a hat mounted thereon, a support for the clipper mounted to turn about an upright axis, means for operating the clipper, and means for shifting the clipper relative to the block longitudinally of its axis to pass it over the surface of the hat as the block is rotated.

28. In a hat clipping machine, a rotary hat supporting block, a clipper mounted adjacent said block to clip the surface of a hat mounted thereon, means for mounting the clipper to turn about an upright axis, means for mounting the clipper to turn about a horizontal axis, means cooperating With the our ace of the hat to maintain the clipper in proper relation to the surface to be clipped, and means for automatically shifting the clipper longitudinally of the blocks as the block is rotated.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification this 23rd day of September, 1927.

JAMES F. DORAN.