US2311025A

US2311025A - Measuring and marking device

Info

Publication number: US2311025A
Application number: US361978A
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles F Burgner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1940-10-19
Filing date: 1940-10-19
Publication date: 1943-02-16
Anticipated expiration: 1960-02-16

Description

Feb. 16, 1943. Q F, BURGNER 2,311,025

MEASURNG AND MARKING DEVICE 'Afro/wn F6516 1943- 'c. F. BURGNER 2,311,025

4mamsumm AND MARKING DEVICE Fil'ed ocr. 19, 1940 s sheets-sheet 2 I N VENTOR.

Feb.y 16, 1943.

c. F. BURGNER l MEASURING AND MARKING DEVICE Filed Oct. 19, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

C/m/v/@S {vry/7er Patented Feb. 16, 1943 UNITED STATE znsrs S PATENT GFFICE 11 Claims.

' My invention relates to measuring and marklng devices or apparatus, and particularly to devices of this kind for operation with material as drawn from supply bodies or rolls for assembly with other material or elements of textile products.

In mounting one web portion on another, as in mounting an elastic waist-line band on an undergarment or blank, it has been usual to feed the webs in overlapping edge margin relation througha sewing machine.

Particularly where one of the webs is highly elastic, difficulty has heretofore been had in assembling successive products in which the webs are of uniform extent along the seams.y

For instance, in successively sewing fabric covered elastic bands to knitted garments having thirty-two inch waist lines, the bands in the several products may vary with respect to each other as greatly as two inches, and be f irregular lengths Within such range.

This effect produces garments which are supposed to be of the same size and type, but which are of widely different tensions in the Waist bands.

This irregularity is caused by the difculty, even for an expert operator, in feeding the respective elements or materials, length for length, through a sewing machine with the materials of different degrees of extensibility or stretchability in proper tension relation to each other.

Slight variations in force applied by the operator on one or the other element, during one or more of rapid successive assemblies, causes the garments to be practically unavoidably of the non-uniform. or imperfect character above indicated.

y The operation has been such as to retard production, and to render the product more costly in labor and material. The irregularities cause inconvenience and dissatisfaction to the user, and result in other disadvantages.

Among the objects of my invention are to avoid all of the above-mentioned trouble, expense, dissatisfaction, and other adverse features of assembling such elements or fabrics, and to provide a device that shall facilitate the production of more perfect work, with less effort, better product-ion, and lower cost.

Another object of the invention is to provide device of the above-indicated character in which micrometer means for adjusting the measuring means to effect different measurements renders the adjustment rapid and accurate, and may include means, such as a traveling nut or hub, and a lock, to so cooperate with a screw as to prevent disturbance of the adjustment.

Another object of the invention is to render the aforesaid lock so automatic as to effect its unlocking and locking actions responsive only to operation and release, respectively, of the screw.

Another object of the invention is to provide a textile fabric measuring and marking device in which a marking unit shall so cooperate with a movable measuring structure, only at times when recurrently marking the fabric as to prevent wear of parts, and avoid unnecessary retarding force on the movement of the measuring means.

AAnother object of the invention is to provide a marking unit that shall be responsive to one adjusting manipulation for movement in a direction component to two directions in which the adjustment is to be effected.

Another object of the invention is to provide a textile fabric measuring and marking device with means providng traction for the fabric, means affecting the fabric for causing marking of the latter by the marking means, and to combine such traction and fabric affecting means, or render them renewable or selectively operable.

Another object of the invention is to provide an extensible measuring structure of the aboveindicated character that shall embody elements of novelty severally and in combination, such as a screw sleeve, a shaft in the sleeve, a hub fixed to the shaft, a hub or nut movable on the screw, crossed links pivoted to the hubs, outer peripheral elements having lost-motion connection to the crossed links, operating members fixed to the screw sleeve and vto the shaft, respectively, adjustment indicating means, and other elements, for new use, function and advantages, as will further appear.

Another object of the invention is to provide a textile fabric measuring and marking device, and a material supply support severally of novel construction, and in novel relation to each other for measuring and marking the material as drawn from the support, and maintaining the material and the support in predetermined relation to each other, and to the measuring and marking means.

Another object of the invention is to provide braking means for the aforesaid support of such novel construction and relation to a control element of a sewing machine as to release the brake for feeding the materia1 upon starting the machine, and to apply the brake upon stopping the machine, whereby to maintain the material in a,

normally extended relaxed state, and to prevent excess feed of the material from the supply.

Another object of the invention is to so facilitate the mounting of successive fabric elements or blanks on a continuous web, as to avoid wasting portions of the latter web in separating the mounted blanks.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of the above-indicated character that shall be simple and durable in construction, economical to manufacture, and effective in its operation.

With such objects in view, as well as other advantages which may be incident to a utilization of the improvements, the invention comprises the elements and combinations thereof hereinafter set forth in the drawings, specification and claims, with the understanding that the several necessary elements constituting the same may be varied in proportion, arrangement, texture and method of construction and operation, without departing from the nature and scope of the intion.

In order to make the invention more clearly understood, means are shown in the accompanying drawings for carrying t-he same into practical effect, without limiting the improvements in the useful applications thereof to the particular construction and operation which, for the purpose of explanation, are made the subject of illustration.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a view, in front elevation and on a reduced scale, a part being broken away, of one example of a textile fabric measuring and marking device constructed in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 2 is a View in side elevation, taken at right angles to Fig. 1, of portions of the structure thereof;

Fig. 3 is a detail top plan view, taken along the line 3 3 of Fig. 1, of a fabric guide embodied in the device;

Fig. 4 is a detail View, partially in elevation and partially in section, taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Fig. 2, of a novel reel adjusting mechanism and associated parts of the device, enlarged to substantially full scale;

Fig. 5 is a detail view, taken along the line E-5 of Fig. 4, of a fixed hub element, a scale, and links of the structure;

Fig. 6 is a view, in front elevation, of parts seen 'in similar elevation on a reduced scale in Fig. 1, and shown in section to the same scale in Fig. 4'

Fig. '1 is a detail view, taken along the line 1-1 of Fig. 4, of an adjustable hub, the scale, and an index for the scale;

Fig. 8 is a detail rear perspective view of a marking device, seen in front and side elevation at the upper parts of Figs. 1 and 2, respectively;

Fig. 9 is a detail rear perspective view, on an enlarged scale, cf an adjustable fabric traction device, several of which are indicated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 10 is a view, partially in elevation and partially in section, of standard, fabric support, and brake elements seen at the bottom of Fig. 1, the parts being viewed generally from the front, as in Fig. 1, but at a slightly different angle somewhat from the left of Fig. 1;

Fig. 11 is an outline, or diagrammatic, plan View, indicating the device of the invention in cooperative relation to parts of a sewing machine to which the measured and marked material is fed;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged perspective outline or diagram, better indicating, for instance, how an elastic band, that is measured and marked by the device of the invention, is assembled with a fabric blank at the sewing machine parts indicated in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a detail View, partially in elevation and partially in section, of a modified form of the adjustable hub structure better seen in Figs. 4, 6 and '1; and

Fig. 14 is a detail view of a tapered helical spring that is compressed 'to substantially flat spiral form in the structure of Fig. 13.

Referring to Fig. 1, the device comprises, in general, a base A, a material supply support or turntable T, a brake structure B for controlling the starting and stopping of rotation of the table T, a standard S projecting upwardly from the base A, a measuring means or reel structure R, a marking device M, and a guide G.

The apparatus is constructed generally of metal, except as to certain detail parts to be hereinafter set forth.

The base The base A, Figs. 1, 10 and 11, comprises a disk-like bottom portion 2| for mounting, as on a table 22 of Fig. 11, and further includes an upright sleeve 23 having a vertical opening 26 which may extend into the bottom portion 2| of the base, as shown.

An upright rod or tube element 21, of the standard S, is vertically adjustably mounted in the opening 2B, and fixed in adjusted position, as by a set screw 28.

The base A further comprises a Tconnector 3| connecting upper and lower sections of the rod 21, and operating through elbows 32 to support a horizontal side arm 33, on which the turntable T and the brake B are mounted. The arm 33 extends from the base A at an angle to the front plane of the standard structure S, whereby to more effectively position the turntable T for feeding elastic material 3G, Figs. 11

and 12, over the measuring reel R to a sewing machine foot F, Figs. 11 and 12.

The material 36 is fed from a roll or supply body 31 thereof surrounding an. upright rod 38 on the turntable T, which is of the height above the table illustrated to accommodate rolls or reels of material of different Widths or heights on the table.

The material supply support The material supply support or turntable T. Figs. 1, 10 and 11, comprises a top disk 4|, of metal or other material, such as pa'per, composition, or the like, to the underside of which a brake drum 42 is fixed, as by a plate 43 secured to the disk.

The disk 4| and the plate 43 are provided with central apertures whereby they snugly fit around the rod 38 on a bearing member 45 fixed to the rod 38, as by a set screw 41, and resting on. an anti-friction bearing structure 48, through which the rod 38 extends. The bearing structure 48 is fixed in position on the arm 33, by an eblcw 5|.

The brake structure The brake structure B, Figs. 1, 10 and 11, comprises a sleeve 52 mounted on, or connecting two sections of, the arm 33, which carries a screw 53 on which is pivotally mounted a brake arm 56. The latter has a return bent top end portion 51 in the form of a sleeve, in which a brake shoe 58 is disposed, and Xed in position, as by a clamp screw 6|. The brake shoe 58, in this instance, is a section of standard leather belting, for economy, and to ensure a long supply of brake drum surface, which may be adjusted relative to the brake arm toward the inner surface of the brake drum, against which it acts for braking the movement of the turntable T. A spring 32, connected between the screw I and a screw 63 on the sleeve 52, biases the shoe 58 toward the brake drum.

A link 66 is pivotally connected at one end to the brake arm 56, as by a screw 61 adjustable in a slot 68 in the brake arm. The other end of the link 66 is pivotally connected to an upper arm of a lever 1I, as by a screw 12 adjustable in, and along, a slot 14 in the lever 1 I.

The lever 1| is pivotally mounted, as by a screw 13, on the arm 33, and has a lower arm 16, in a slot 11 of which a screw 18 is adjustably mounted for pivotal connection to a rod 8|. The latter, as indicated in Fig. II, is for extension from the lever arm 1.6 to a control or transmission lever 82 of the sewing machine having the foot F, which transmission lever is connected to a treadle 83 pivotally mounted onV a iioor bracket 86, and adapted to control the starting and stopping of the sewing machine operation.

In the positions of the parts indicated in Figs. 1, 10 and 11, the sewing machine is idle or inactive, and the brake shoe 58 is holding the turntable T stationary.

When the operator depresses the treadle 33, to turn it counterclockwise, as viewed in Fig. 1l, this action substantially simultaneously starts the sewing action at the foot F, and releases the shoe 58 from the brake drum 42, whereby the material 33 may be freely drawn from the roll 31.

When the treadle S3 is released, to turn clock- Wise, the sewing action is stopped and the brake applied substantially simultaneously, whereby to prevent over travel of the roll 31, and to avoid slack in the material 36. The latter is thereby, at all times, maintained in a normahy extended relaxed state, whereby it is laid uniformly in all of the successive blanks, facilitates pro-duction, and avoids waste.

The Standard The standard S, Figs. l, 2, 1G and l1, in addition to the rod 21, comprises horizontal upper and lower bars 9| and 92, respectively, each xed, at one end, to the rod 21, and each i'lxedly supporting, at its other end, a vertical rod 93, thus forming a rigid rectangular frame structure supported only at its lower right-hand corner, as viewed in Fig. 1.

The measuring means The measuring means or reel structure R, see particularly Figs. l to 7, inclusive, comprises

stationary journals

96 and 31 on the

rods

33 and 21, respectively, somewhat below the horizontal center line of the framework formed by the

rods

21 and 93, and the bars 9! and 92.

A horizontal shaft 38, supported directly in the journal 96, and indirectly in the journal 31, oarries a hub I8! fixed thereto, as by a set screw 1F32. Collars |86 and |81, and a knurled disk handle |83, are similarly rigidly mounted on the shaft 38.

A sleeve screw I I I, and a journal sleeve I I2 for the screw therein, surround the shaft 33, with the screw supported in the journal 31, and the shaft 98 thus indirectly supported in the journal 91 through the sleeve |,I2 and the screw Iii.

A knurled disk handle |I6, of slightly smaller diameter than the handle |03, is disposed closely adjacent to the latter, and fixed to a threadless extension of the screw III, as by a set screw II1. The disk handles |08 and II6 are of the different diameters stated, so that an ordinary quick grasp of the handle |08 may be effected, to turn the reel R as a whole, without disturbing the adjustment effected by the handle I6, and when it is desired to adjust the reel, by turning the handle I6, the latter action will require more deliberation, although as easily and quickly started.

In this instance, four pairs of crossed links. each including a link |2| and a link |22, are pivotally connected, by pins |21, to the hub I 0I, and to a hub |23 in the form of a nut on the screw III. The links IZI and |22 have farthermost ends disposed in slots |26 of the hubs IUI and |23, respectively, and are also pivotally connected to each other, by screws |28, and to outer peripheral links I3I, by screws |32 and |33, respectively. The screws |33 are xed in position at the left-hand ends of the peripheral links I3 I, as Viewed in Fig. 1, and the screws |32 are slidable in, and along, slots |36 of the links I3I, thus having lost-motion connection to the latter.

Fabric traction elements |31, see particularly Figs. 1 and 9, which also function as means for selectively causing operation of the marking means M, and which may selectively have only one or the other of these functions, each comprises, in this instance, a sheet-metal body of angle section having a broad side against which needles |38 are secured, as by soldering. Points IM, of the needles |38, project through openings in a narrow side |42 of the element |31, and a lug or end projection |43, at right angles to the narrow side |42 from which it projects, acts as a guide for one edge of the material 36.

The needles |33 are spaced from each other by progressively increasing distances from the lug |43, such that the points Iii! may effectively grip bodies of the material 36 of different widths. The needles next to the guide lug I 43 are closer to each other than the other needles, such as to effectively grip very narrow fabrics. Fabrics of intermediate widths are gripped by three or more of the needles, and fabrics of greater widths are gripped by a greater number or by all of the needles.

1n the present instance, three of the four traction elements, of which there may be more or a smaller number, are adjusted in position such that the fabric portions thereon will not touch the marking device M, whereas the fourth traction element |31 is positioned higher, or radially farther out, from its link I3 I, relative to the shaft 98, to cause the fabric portion on this higher traction element to be marked by the means M.

Obviously, also, one or more of the elements |31 may be constituted solely as traction means, or. by omitting the needles, as means for causing the marks, as stated, and may be permanently, instead of adjustably, mounted.

The nut hub |23, on the screw III, is damped or locked relative to the screw to prevent back lash, as by a body |38, such as leather, held against the screw sleeve |i| by a set screw |5| Thus, the body |133 acts as means for holding the hub |23 relative to the screw I I I which is responsive to turning of the handle Ii6 to release the nut hub |23 from its position heldto the screw for adjustment along the screw, and automatically responsive to release of the handle H6 for again holding the hub |23 against accidental displacement along the screw.

The right-hand mark |62, as viewed in Fig. 6, represents eight inches of material, as the smallest employed in certain lines of work, and the lefthand mark represents twenty-four inches, as the largest, the long marks representing two inches from one to the next, and each short mark representing one inch to the next long mark. Other distances and arrangement of marks may, of course, be provided.

When the hub lill is held stationary, and the handle I 6 turned, the nut hub |23 will be caused to travel in one direction or the other along the screw sleeve lil, depending upon the direction of turning, the pointer |6| being observed relative to the marks |62 for the adjustment desired.

Upon such movement of the nut hub |23, the cross links |2| and |22 operate as a lazy tongs to move the peripheral links |3| farther from, or closer to, the axis of the reel, while maintaining them parallel to such axis, and preventing undue axial movement of the links I3 The 'marking device The marking device M, see particularly Figs. 1 and 8, comprises a block |66 surrounding the top bar 9|, and secured thereto, as by a set screw |61 extending into the block and bearing against a flat top surface |68 on the otherwise cylindrical bar |66.

A marking element |10, in this instance, is shown as a pencil of the type having a paper ribbon body wound helically about a lead |8I, whereby, when it is desired to sharpen the pencil, a portion of the paper ribbon at the lower end of the pencil is unwound and removed from the body.

The spring |92 normally biases the lever |86 counterclockwise about the pivot screw |61 against the stationary pin |9l, to maintain the pencil |18 in position for yielding contact with a portion of the material 36 on the highest of the traction elements |31, or on portions of the ma- Cil terial on a plurality of these elements should they be adjusted relative to the peripheral links |3|, as set forth, for such purpose.

By releasing the screw |13 from the strap member |1|, the latter may be adjusted, with one motion by an operator, along the slot |12 in a direction component to directions radially and axially of the reel R, to compensate for the slight axial differences of position of the peripheral links |3| in the respective radial positions thereof, thus maintaining the lead |8| of the pencil |18 at substantially the same position relative to the edge of the material or fabric 36 irrespective of the width of the latter, or of the lengths of the sections thereof being measured.

The guide G comprises a body |96 of hexagonal section surrounding the [bottom bar 92, and secured thereto, as by a set screw |91 extending into the front end of the body against a flat side surface |36 on the otherwise cylindrical bar 92.

An element 20|, of substantially U-shape, having a long leg 202 and a short leg 263 extending parallel to the bar 92, through apertures in the body |66, is held in adjusted position along the bar, as by a set screw 206 extending into the rear end of the body |92 against the long leg 202. By adjusting the screw 206, and shifting the element 26| parallel to the bar 92, an opening 201 embraced by the body |96 and the element 20| may be made longer or shorter according to the width of the material 36.

Operation Referring particularly to Figs. 1l and l2, with the reel R set, as above pointed out, to draw and mark desired lengths of the material 36 according to the width, or waist line dimension, of one of several like elements or fabric blanks 208, to which the material 36 is to be assembled or sewed, the latter is threaded from the roll 31 on the turntable T, through the guide G, over a number of the peripheral members |3|, in this case two, over and about a stationary guide 2| I, usually mounted on the sewing machine, and downwardly to the foot F.

At the latter, the material 36 (Fig. 12) is guided, on a fiat side, by a rounded portion 2 I2 of the foot, and at an edge, by an upright disklike portion 2|3, to lie in edge marginal overlapping relation to, and on, the element blank 208 for feeding to the needles, which are not shown, but which, in this instance, are three in number, as indicated by slots 2 6 in a at bottom portion 2 |1 of the foot F.

In the relations of the parts indicated in Fig. 12, marks 2|0, made by the pencil |18 on the material 36, descend with the material on the side of the latter facing the operator, such that the marks are always readily visible for indicating their positions in the assembly relative to determinable portions of the blanks or garment portions 208, such as the beginning, the center and the end of each blank, or other portions according to the nature of the work.

With such definite parts and markings before her, the operator can easily regulate the tension and feeding of the two fabrics 36 and 268, such that irregularities of the number and extent heretofore caused, do not occur, and successive assembled fabrics are produced of more uniform character relative to each other, at higher speed, and at reduced cost.

The trailing mark 208. of each of the measured sections or lengths of the material 36 on the corresponding blank 208, is utilized as the beginning mark of the next successive blank, and so on, the successive yblanks being strung together immediately adjacent to each other by the material 36 during the sewing operation, and later cut apart, so as to avoid any wastage of the material 36.

This feature is an important advantage of the invention, since otherwise, it is commercially impractical to so effectively manipulate and conserve the material.

Thus, a textile fabric measuring and marking device is provided with the means R for measuring sections of the material 36 according to the elements 238 with which the sections are to -be assembled, and the means M for marking the sections according to determinable portions of the elements 298 for indicating the positions of the marks in the assemblies.

Although, as set forth, the material 36 is, in this instance, of fabric covered rubber yarn, and the blanks are of knitted fabric, this relation may be reversed, and any other desired combination of materials employed.

In the measuring means, or reel R, by effecting the adjustment, as stated, by the rotatable or turnable element or screw line or micrometric adjustment is quickly effected by a rough or large movement of the operators hand, in a much more effective manner than were the hub |23 to be merely pushed along a rod or shaft, and xed, as by a set screw.

Obviously, a rack and pinion arrangement may be substituted for the structure embodying the nut hub |23 and the screw sleeve and a handle corresponding to the handle IH:` employed, to retain the ne or micrometric adjustment resulting from the rotative action of the handle and pinion, in a manner not known to me to have been heretofore suggested or employed for such function.

In the arrangement whereby the marker or pencil |18 engages the material 36, or affects the measuring means or reel R, only at times when marking the material, undue torque or retarding force is not imposed on the reel, which thereby does its work more effectively, better retains its adjustment, imposes less adverse effect on the fabric and the sewing machine, and results in other advantages.

Other advantages are obtained, such as materially increasing, or substantially doubling, production in certain instances, whereby a device is provided that is of marked advance in its particular service.

Modification Referring to Figs. 13 and 14, in which corresponding parts Vare designated by corresponding reference numerals, a modification of the automatic releasing and setting lock or damper, shown in Fig. 4, comprises a nut hub 22|, similar to the nut hub |23, but not having the leather body |48, or the set screw I I.

Instead, this hub 22| has a side slot 222 in which is slidably disposed a, short straight member 223 of flat strap character, having one end secured to a cylindrical nut 226, the latter being threadably mounted on a screw sleeve 221, similar to the sleeve l above set forth, but having more threads adjacent to its right-hand end, as viewed in Fig. 13, to accommodate the nut 223. Also, in this instance, the scale guide |53 is secured to the hub by flat head screws, instead of round head screws, as in the iirst form.

Between the nut 225 and the guide |56, is disposed a spring 228. This spring, as seen in Fig. 14, is, in effect, both helical and spiral, being tapered from end to end in its relaxed state, as shown.

When placed between the nut 226 and the hub 22|, before either of these elements is mounted on the screw 221, and these elements are moved together, the spring is flattened to substantially disk form, as indicated in Fig. 13, in which th'e helical form is obliterated, and the spring convolutions compressed to spiral form in a substantially flat plane.

In such relation, the nut and the hub are simultaneously turned onto the screw, whereby, upon release, they are forced axially along the screw away from each other, only by the infinitesimal amount necessary to take up any back lash between th'e threads of the parts. Y

By textile fabric, is to be understood any element or material employed in the textile industry, such as the usual knitted or woven fabrics, rubber webbing, paper and the like, which are assembled with each other, as by sewing or other operation.

I claim as my invention:

1. In textile fabric measuring and marking apparatus, means for measuring sections of material according to elements with which the sections are to be assembled including a rotatable structure having fabric traction portions peripherally spaced thereabout, means for simultaneously adjusting the radial positions of said fabric traction portions, means for marking the sections to indicate the positions thereof with respect to the elements, and means operative independently of said simultaneous adjusting means for adjusting one or more of said fabric traction portions to cause said marking means to mark the sections.

2. In measuring and marking apparatus, a rotatable structure comprising shaft-like means, hub members on said shaft-like means movable toward and away from each other in the direction thereof, elements parallel to the shaft-like structure spaced radially therefrom and from each other thereabout, links constituting the sole supporting and positioning means for said elements connected between said elements and the hubs and responsive to axial movement of the hubs relative to each other for varying the radial positions of said elements, and means including micrometer means whereby such movement of the hubs is effected and means for operating the micrometer means upon release of which' the positions of said elements are set.

3. In textile fabric measuring and marking apparatus, means for measuring sections of material according to elements with which the sections are to be assembled, said means including a rotary structure, and material engaging members carried by said structure radially adjustable relative thereto, means adjustable according to the radial positions of said material engaging members for marking the sections to indicate the positions of the latter with respect to said material engaging members, micrometer means including relatively movable portions for radially adjusting said material engaging members, and means for maintaining said latter members and said marking means in adjusted relative position including means for preventing relative movement of said portions whereby said material engaging members are substantially immediately held in any position to which they are adjusted by said micrometer means.

4. In textile fabric measuring and marking apparatus, means for measuring sections of material according to elements with which the sections are to be assembled, said means comprising a rotary structure including axially relatively movable members, radially outwardly disposed axially extending links, and links intermediate, and pivoted to, said members and axial links, means for adjusting said members toward and away from each other causing said intermediate links to move said axial links away from and toward the axis of the rotary structure, respectively, means mounted in position for marking the sections to indicate the positions thereof with respect to said elements, and means for adjusting said marking means according to the radial positions of said axial links.

5. A measuring and marking device comprising a hub-like structure, links extending along the hub, members movable relative to each other along the hub axis, links between said rst links and said members and constituting the only supporting and guiding means for said rst links, and rotary means the rotary movement of which moves said members toward and away from each other along said axis and moves said second links to adjust the radial positions of said rst links relative to said hub structure.

6. A measuring and marking device comprising a rotatable structure including a hub and axially extending elements radially adjustable relative to the hub, said elements having axial movement incident to the radial adjustment thereof, means for eecting said adjustment of the elements simultaneously and holding them in adjusted position, means for marking material on said elements, and means for adjusting the marking means in accordance with said simultaneous adjustment and said axial movement.

7. A device for measuring and marking exible material comprising a rotatable structure including a hub and axially extending material supporting peripheral elements radially adjustable relative to the hub, means for effecting said adjustment of the elements simultaneously and able relative to the hub, means for effecting said adjustment of the elements simultaneously and holding them in adjusted position whereby to vary the lengths of sections of the material to be marked, means on at least one of said elements adjustable radially of the hub independently of said simultaneous adjustment and constituted as traction means for pulling the material, means cooperating with said independently adjustable means for marking the material, and means for adjusting the marking means in accordance with said simultaneous and independent adjustments.

9. A flexible fabric measuring and marking device for operation with and control by a sewing machine, the device comprising a material supply support, braking mechanism associated with the support for operation by a control element of the sewing machine, a measuring wheel for position between the support and the sewing machine, the Wheel periphery being radially adjustable to measure sections of the material of different lengths, means for marking the material on the wheel and adjusting the marking means according to the wheel adjustments, and guide means for leading the material to the sewing machine, the device operating such that starting of the machine simultaneously releases said braking mechanism and the material for pulling the material by the machine from said material supply over the wheel through the sewing machine, and stopping of the machine simultaneously stops said pull and applies said braking mechanism whereby to maintain the material in a substantially constant condition as to tension between the material supply and the machine.

i0. A measuring and marking device comprising a rotatable shaft, a hub fixed to the shaft, a. screw sleeve enclosing a portion of the shaft movable therewith and relative thereto, a nut on the sleeve, means carried by the nut for preventing back lash of the nut relative to the sleeve, a. plurality of links each pivotally mounted on the hub, a set of links each pivotally mounted on the nut, each hub link paired with and crossing a nut link and pivoted thereto, and links parallel to the shaft each pivoted to one of said crossed links and having lost motion connection to the link of the corresponding pair.

11. A measuring and marking device comprising a hub-like structure, links extending along the hub, members movable relative to each other along the hub axis, links between said rst links and said members and crossing and pivoted to each other, and rotary means the rotary movement of which moves said members toward and away from each other along said axis and moves said second links to adjust the radial positions of said first links relative to said hub structure.

CHARLES F.l BURGNER.