US2352937A

US2352937A - Bias-cutting machine

Info

Publication number: US2352937A
Application number: US490135A
Authority: US
Inventors: Edward B Case
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1943-06-09
Filing date: 1943-06-09
Publication date: 1944-07-04
Anticipated expiration: 1961-07-04

Description

July 4, 1944. E. B. cAsE 2,352,937

BIAS-CUTTING MACHINE Filed June 9, 1945 1o sheets-sheet 1 Julyv 4, 1944. E. B. cAsE BIAS-CUTTING MACHINE Filed June 9, 1943 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 /n/roer 50W/veo .5. CASE,

July 4', 1944. y y E. B; CASE 2,352,937

BIAS-CUTTING MACHINE Filed June 9, 194s 1o sheets-sheet s l' 74 @i /75 f HTTOEA/EK July 4, 1944. E, B, CASE 2,352,937

BIAS-CUTTING MACHINE Filed June 9, 1943 l0 Sheets-Sheet 4 July 4, 1944. E. B. cAsE BIAS-CUTTING MACHINE Filed June 9, 194s 10 Sheetsf-Sheet 6 www 4771912 MEM July 4, 1944. E. B. CASE Bus-CUTTING MACHINE 1.0 Sheets-Sheet 7 F1'.1 edA June 9, 1945 July 4, 1944. E. B. ctAsE- BIAS-CUTTING MACHINE Filed June 9, 1945 l0 Sheets-Sheet 8.

- Fuy 4g Ea @ASE BIAS-CUT-rme MACHINE l0 Sheets-Sheef. 9

Filed June 9, 1943 a .ZZ

/M/ewroe: Eon/A en 5. CASE, /@LM Patented `luly 4, 1944 UNTED STATES FTENT OFFICE 2,352,937 yBins-cU-'lrrnsin MACHINE Edward B. Case, St. Louis, Mo. l Application June 9, 194:3,` SerialvNo. 490,135

36 Claims.

without stretching and then winding the same in a uniformly tensioned rollagain without any stretching of the cloth'.

My invention has for a further object theV provision oi a bias-cutting machine having unique cloth delivering mechanism, whose rate of travel may be faci-lely synchronized with all other moving parts of the' machine, the machine also including unique means whereby the approximate predetermined rate of delivery travel for Va selected width of bias-cut material-or a selected or desired angularity ofv bias may be visually disclosed to the operator.

My invention has for another object-the provision of a bias-'cutting machine-having a cutting assembly readily adjustable for varying the biasangle of the cut cloth, the machine being also characterized' by the inclusion of unique mech'- anism for winding the bias-cut cloth in rolls uniformly tensioned throughout and readily removable from the machine for convenient use.

iviy invention has for still another object the provision of a bias-cutting machiney embodying unique means for delivering the goodsY on the straight to the cutting assembly, then effecting a cutting on the bias of the fed cloth, and then, without interruption, advancing or delivering the bias-cut cloth to winding rolls located in spaced relation from, and disposed in angular relation to the path of 'travel of the straight cloth to, the cutting mechanism. The delivery mechanism, I- may herest'ate, is preferably characterized by the inclusion of an endless` belt capable of performing the dual function of (l) drawing the uncut cloth in the form of av tube spirally along an expanding stationary mandrel until the clothv is acted upon by the cutter and then, as mentioned, 2) carrying the cut cloth to Wind-up mechanism disposed at a selectedv angle oblique to the mandrel, the machine being, Capable of eiciently producing bias-cutA cloth of either heavy or light Weight without stretching. the. material in any direction. y

And with the 'above and other obie'c'tsview, my invention resides in the novel features of I ward portion of the machine ;Y

form, construction, arrangement, and combination ci parts presentlyv described and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 is a plan viewof a bias-cutting machine embodying my invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the forward portion of the machine;

Figure 3. is an enlarged` detail. sectional view of the machineA taken approximately on the line 3 3, Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a side elevational viewvk of the rear portion of the machine, as. indicated by the line.

Figure 5 is an enlarged rear elevational View of the' machine, as'v indicatedby the line 5 5, Figure l;

Figure 6 is an enlarged side elevationalview of the rear portion ofthe machine opposite to thatshown in Figure 4,. asindicated by the line 6 5, Figure 1; ,n

Figure 7 is an enlarged detail longitudinal sectional View of the machine takenv approximately on the line 1 1, Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a like view taken-,approximately on the line 8 8, Figure 7;

Figure 9` is a detail view of one of the mandrel bearings of the machine;

Figure 10 is an enlarged side elevational View' of the, forward end of the; machine; as indicated by the line IU I0 Figure 1; f

Figure 11 isa detail sectionall viewl approximately on the line Il l If, Figure 10;k

Figures 12 and 13 are enlarged end and side elevational views of the machine, asindicated by the lines l2 |2 and I3 I3 respectively,r Figure l; i

Figure 14 is ajfurther. enlarged detail sectional View approximately on .the line 14.-14, Figure 13;

Figure 15 is aV horizontal sectional plan. view of the machine taken'. on a plane just below .the upper rails of the machine-framework and` approximately at the central region of theo-machine;

Figure y 16 is ``a reduced transverse sectional view of the machine taken approximately"on*the` line lB-IG; `Figure 15;`

Figure 17 is an enlarged plan ViewA of the for- Figure 18 i'sa transverse sectional view taken approximately on the line I8" l8, Fig'ure I' Figure 19 is an enlarged fragmental planview,

Figure 20 is a horizontal plan View, partly in section, taken approximately on the line -20, Figure 2;

Figures 21, 22, 23, and 24 are detail sectional views taken approximately on the lines 2I-2I, 22-22, 23-23, and 24-24, respectively, Figure 20;

Figure 25 is a fragmentary elevational View, illustrating, on an enlarged scale, some of the mechanism employed for elevating a belt tensioning-bar;

Figure 26 is an enlarged plan view of the central portion of the machine;

Figures 27 and 28 are enlarged sectional views taken on the lines 2'I-2'I and 28-28, respectively, Figure 26, the cloth-tube for bias cutting being shown also in Figure 27;

Figure 29 is a fragmental detail view of the rotary cutting knife assembly of the'machine;

Figure 30 is an inverted plan view illustrating the cutting knife assembly; and

Figures 3'1 to 37, both inclusive, are so-called diagrammatical views illustrating the successive steps in a bias-cutting operation as effected by the machine of my invention.

Referring now more in detailand by reference characters to the drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment Vof my invention, the machine includes, brieflystated, a suitable rigid main stationary framework or base A, a clothtube supporting mandrel B, cloth-tube unwinding mechanism C, a cloth-cutting assembly D, means, generally indicated E, for controlling and indexing the cloth-unwinding mechanism C, and means, generally designated K, for winding the bias-cut cloth-strips into roll form. A second or auxiliary framework, generally designated F, ad-

justable angularly relatively to the base or Vmain framework A about a pivot-pin G, is supported for movement on corner-rollers 93, as more fully presently appears, and mounted for travel on the framework F, is an endless belt, generally, with its associated parts or members, designated H, the framework F also supporting the rolls comprising the cloth-winding mechanism K and gearing L, whereby the belt H and rolls are driven from a suitable source'of power, such as a motor M, as bestV seen in Figures 4 and 15.

A brief preliminary description now of the function and purpose of the machine may facilitate and enable a clear understanding of its structure and co-operable parts. For such purpose, reference ris made particularly to Figures 31 to 37, b'oth inclusive.

Figure 31 illustrates a bolt of cloth a which is to be cut. on the bias, the woof and warp of cloth a, being initially on the straight, as is well understood. The cloth a is accordingly first unrolled, folded over a longitudinally upon itself, and then stitched, as at s, along its slightly overlapped margins aa', and thereby put into tubular form a", illustrated in Figure 32. Obviously, if the cloth to be acted upon has been woven in tubular form, the stitching s is dispensed with. Y'

The cloth-tube a" is now layer-wise arranged in a bin I3 of the unwinding mechanism C, and its free end disposed for tube-feeding on the mandre1 B, as is illustrated in Figure 33. The tube a is now shifted by the endless belt |46 along the mandre1 B to the cutter assembly D, the rotary cutting blade VI I6 of which, as shown in Figure 34, is positioned obliquely to the direction of tube-feeding. i

The endless belt assembly H, which parallels the cutting blade IIS, carries the now bias-cut cloth a3 forwardly to the winding mechanism K,

Figures 35 and 36, with the result that the roll of cloth a initially on the straight, shown in Figure 31, becomes the roll of cloth a3 on the bias, illustrated in Figure 37.

Reverting now to the machine proper, the main framework A includes a pair of upper and lower rails I and 2, respectively, suitably joined at intervals by uprights 3 having laterally extending feet or flanges 4 for securement to a foundation or other support. At their left-hand end, as viewed in Figure 1, the rails I, 2, are welded or otherwise secured to a fixed standard 5, to and upon the upper face of which is suite ably weldedor otherwise secured the supporting structure of the mandre1 B, such supporting structure, in turn, comprising opposed channel bars E extending longitudinally of framework A and braced and held together by a plurality of cross-rods l. As indicated at 8, two of the component channels 6 end short of the right-hand end of the mandrel B for reducing weight, desirable since the mandrel supporting frame itself is unsupported at the right beyond a diagonally disposed brace member 9 located as far to the right of the left end of base A as feasible.

As shown in Figure 2, the upper rails I of base A terminate short of the lower rails 2 and support a rectangular table Ill, upon which the clothtube a" may travel from the feeding apparatus C to the mandrel B, the extended lower rails 2, as best seen in Figure; 20, being joined at their forward end by a transverse rail 2.

The-unwinding apparatus C includes a preferably vcircular turntable II provided upon its upper face with fixed blocks I2 suitably arranged for detachably engaging the bin or container I3 for the cloth to be cut. As illustrated particularly in Figures 20, 23, and 24, the turntable II is supported primarily on a bolster I4 fixed to the lower frame-rails 2r and provided centrally with a bearing-plate I5 for co-operation with a companion bearing I6 fixed to and upon the under side of the turntable II, a `pivot pin I'I having threaded engagement at its upper end in the member I6 and loosely projecting through registering apertures I8, I8', respectively, in the bolster I4 and in a sub-bolster I9 also rigid with the frame-rails 2. Preferably, it may be mentioned, the turntable vI I is additionally supported for facile turning movement by interposed rollers 20 mounted in brackets 2I fixed to end-rail 2 and to the sub-bolster I 9, as shown. Thus the turntable I I is supported centrally and also at intervals near its periphery, so that its turning velocity, by means presently described, may be readily controlled or regulated.

It also may be stated here that rotary travel of the turntable I I is effected by a suitable roller 22 ,keyed or splined toa longitudinal shaft 23 mounted for rotation in bearings 24 provided on transverse bars 25 secured at spaced intervals to the framefrails 2.

`As presentlyA appears, the shaft 23 is driven by the motor M, and while the speed of the motor driven roller 22 isconstant, the speed of rotation imparted thereby to the turntable I I may be varied by shifting the roller 22 toward or from the center of the turntable II, as will be well understood, and it may be here noted that, in the operation of vthe machine, the cloth-tube a" advances spirally along the mandrel B. Consequently, the unwinding mechanism C must be synchronized with the rate of speed at which the cloth advances along the mandrel, in order to atentos? obtain paramount results. The .means E, whereby .such synchronization y.is obtainable, will .now be described.

With particular reference to .Figures 1, 12, 13, and 14, a suitable plate .26 Asupported horizontally on base A has inscribed thereon graduations 21 for .indicating or vdesignating ithe approximate speed .required of the .unwinding mechanism C for a selected bias angle. As has been stated, the framework, F may be pivotally 'shifted to the right orto the left about the pivot TG .for varying such `angle. It 4is to be noted, however that such variation .requiresa variation also in the rate of unwindingand .in the angularity of the cutting assembly D. .A pointer .28, .fixed to Yand upon the upper end of a vertically disposed shaft 29, in conjunction with the graduations 21, functions to inform the operator that the 'unwin'ding rate is vin approximate synchronization with the rate of movement v of the winding mechanism K and cutter assembly D. the approximate unwinding speeds required for various bias angularities, as indicated by the graduations 21., it being understood, having been predetermined mathematically.

Due to Variations in widths yof 4cloth to be cut, minute adjustments .between such speedsI frequently become necessary, and such adjustments may be conveniently .made by the operator by the means .best seen in Figure 14. As there shown, fixed to shaft 29, is a worm gear 30, which meshes with a worm 34. on a shaft 3| provided with a manually engageable knob 32 and supported for rotation in a substantially channel-shaped member 33. Adjacent its lower end, shaft I29 is provided with a fixed collar 34, which rests on a bearing 35 secured to a frame-.rail 2, and fixed on shaft 29 at its lower extremity, is a sheave 36 permanently connected, in turn, by a flexible member `31, to the rear end of a bar 38 which extends from the unwinding apparatusI C to the control apparatus E, so that rotary motion imparted to shaft 29 will shift the bar 38-to thev right or left in conjunction with means, now to be described, which forms part of the unwinding apparatus C, and which is illustrated particularly in Figures and 21.

Secured at one end to the other or forward ments while the machine snot in operation and for slowing down and eventually stopping unwinding. In such connection and referrmg particularly to Figures 12 and 1-3, it is noted that treadle :53 tis located 1in proximity to the adjusting knob 32 and that the 'free end thereof is vyielilingly maintained manv elevated position by of a suitable 'spring '5i attached to a cross-brace 52. A Y'chain or other flexible memfber 53 attached yat an end tothe treadle 5t and reeved over a -sheave or pulley 54 mounted on the Ecross-brace 52 and under a similar sheave mounted on thebase A, yas shown., is secured, as at 5e, to the forward end of a lshifftablebar 51, similar and parallel to, and locateddirectly above, the bar 38. At its other or rear end, bar Figure 2Q, is provided with a horizontally disposed 'pin to which is fastened a chain or other suitable .iiexible member 59, las well as 'also a coil spring 69 and another 'chain or flexible member :61, the Vbars S8-and 51 being supported at intervals along the length of base -A by the arrangement detailed in Figure 22 anddeSignated `62. l Member 555 passes over a sli-cave 63 mounted, as shown, on bolster le, and is secured, as at 64, tothe free end of an -oblliquely disposed suitably elongated plate 6'5 hinged, as at B5, to a bracketplate 61 fixed suitably on the frame A. Normally, whether the machine be lidle or in operation, plate 55 rests at its free end upon the floor or foundation, la slight clearance obtaining therebetween and the rounded lower extremity of turntable pivot pin -I1,- Figure 24.

'i't may be her-e stated that the spring 60, anchored, as at 5B', to base rail '2, has two functions, vin that 'the spring 6B normally vyieldirigly maintains the plate in its position illustrated end of the bar 33, is a exible member in the form of a suitable cable or chain 39 reeved around sheaves 4i! and 4l and secured atits opposite end to a horizontally disposed plate 42 endwise shiftable in a slideway 43 fixed to a horizontally disposed platform 44, in turn, secured to the lower rails 2 of base A, as shown.

Suitable coil springs 45, anchored at one end upon platform-pins 46 and at their. other end vto slide or plate pins 41, function at all times to yieldingly shift the slide 42 to the left and against an angular stop 48 fixed to the slideway 43. Obviously, therefore, the springs 45 yieldingly maintain the chains or other flexible members 31 and 3e taut, so that manipulation ofthe wormgear 3@ will shift the slide 42 either to the right or to the left, and hence roller 22, which is splined or keyed to shaft 23 intermediate upstanding angular brackets 49 fixed to the slide d2, may be selectively shifted toward or from the center of the turntable Il for increasing. or diminishing the speed of rotation thereof.

Now, since difficulty might be encountered in shifting the driving roller 22 with the weight of the turntable Il thereon, a treadle 5i! and its associated parts permit the operator. to. elevate the turntable ll for making such speed adjustin Figure 24, and, in addition, yieldingly main-A tains the free end of an auxiliary trea'dle 768 in an elevated position, see also Figure 23, the latter enabling the operator to elevate the turntable l I and thereby prevent further unwinding of the material, in substantially the same manner as may be accomplished by use vof treadle 5d.

In other words, depression of either treadle 59 or treadle $8 causes the turntable il to bet elevated. The auxiliary treadle 68, however, it will be understood, is not 'essential and may, with member 6i and rsheaves 69 and 10, be eliminated without in the slightest impairing the operation of the machine.

1 Thus the approximate rate of unwinding required for a desired width of bias-cut material is readily 'obtairiable. The operator -depresses trea'dle 5B, consequently elevating turntable l! out of contact with roller 22, manually rotates knob 32 until pointer 28 indicates the proper graduation 21, and thereupon releases the treadle 5l).-Y If, during machine operation, the rate of unwinding does not synchronizer perfectly with the moving parts of the machine, minute adjustments 'may be effected merely by actuations of the knob 32 and without stopping the machine.`

Since, as previously noted", the cloth-tube d to be cut advances spirally toward the cutter'D, for reasons presently'stated, the importance of maintaining the cloth-tube a prior to engagement upon the mandrel B in an untwisted con-4 dition is evident. By arranging the tube a" in' the bin I3 on the turntable II in the manner shown in Figure V33, and by rotating the turntable Il in acounter-clockwise direction while the advancing tube a" spirals in a clockwiseV direction, -any twisting at the source of supply' is obviated, provided the` speed of the turntable has been properly regulated.

It should be noted at this time that the unwinding apparatus C functions in conjunction with other moving parts of the machine, presently described, that is to say, the unwinding apparatus C has the duty of constantly supplying the mandrel B and `tubing a," in proper quantity and in untwisted form. Once the tubing a has progressed along mandrel B to a point where the tube a reaches the cutting blade of assembly D, the tube a is then continuously drawn toward the cutting assembly D and thence carried to the wind-up mechanism K by the endless belt assembly H.

Rotation of the roller 22 is effected by the means or mechanism best seen in Figures 4, 15, and 16. As there shown, fixed upon the end of shaft 23 remote from the turntable is a sheave 1|, driven by an endless chain, cable, or the like 12 passing over a pair of pulleys 13 suitably mounted for rotation on a plate 14 forming part of frame A and through which shaft 23 passes. The flexible member 12 also passes over a spool or sheave 15, mounted for rotation, as best seen in Figure 16, upon the frame F, and also over a sheave 18 shiftably supported in a slotted bracket 16 also fixed to frame F. Anchored to the frame F and to a plate 11, is a suitable spring 18 for yieldingly maintaining the flexible member 12 taut at all times.

The member 12 is reeved over, and driven by, a pulley 19 fixed to a cross-shaft 80 mounted in bearings 8| on framework F, the shaft 80, in turn, being driven by a pulley-and-belt 82 pulley 83 xed to a second cross-shaft 84 mounted in suitable bearings 85 and driven directly from motor M by a belt 86 engaging a large pulley 81 keyed to the shaft 84 and a pulley 88 fixed to the motor shaft.

The shiftable pulley 16 insures smooth operation at all times. In other words, when a different bias angle is desired, framework F is shifted to the right or to the left about the pivot G. Pulley 19 thus moves also, and belt 12 consequently reaches the sheave 16 from a different angle, any variations of such angularity being automatically taken care of by yieldingly shiftable plates 18, as will be obvious.

Referring now to Figure 16, which particularly f illustrates the manner in which the pivot G, base A, and framework F are associated, the frame F, similar to base A, includes longitudinal upper and

lower rails

89 and 90 and projects through the space intervening between rails l and 2 of base A. A pair of spaced plates 9| connect, and are rigid with, the pair of

rails

89 and 90. Similar plates 92 connect the rails and 2 in the region of the pivot G, which passes through registering apertures in the several plates 9|, 92, and is threaded at its opposite ends for receiving suitably retaining nuts g.

It may be mentioned that all weight and strain are removed from pin G for facilitating shifting movements of the frame F, the motor M, for convenience, being arranged on the lower plate 9|, and threaded through a bracket 94 on rail I of frame A and having a hand or turning wheel 95 at its upper end, is a suitably elongated screw or pin 96 adapted for impingement at its lower end with, and upon the upper face of, a flat bar 91 for releasably retaining the frames A and F in angularly adjustedposition. The bar 91, it may be added, is pivotally fastened at one end to one driven by a side of the frame F and normally atwise abuts 75 atits opposite end upon a ledge onthe. like 98 on theY frame A, as best seen

inFigures

16, 12, and 13, the pin 96 being readily manipulated from engagement, with bar 91 for enabling a change in the angularity or bias of, frame `F relatively to frameA.

,Having particularreference nowto Figures 1, 2, 17, .18,` and l9, the mandrel B, as shown, is substantially a cantilever, and its frame or structure 6 at its forward end comprises a cross-mem-y ber K99. Supported in advance of the structure 6.and over the table I0 by means of a control rod |00 and angular side-braces |0| suitably fixed to the mandrel-member 99, is a frusto-conical member or nose |02, which, with the oblique brace or side members |0|, it may be here stated, and as presently more fully appears, .function to spread orV expand the .cloth-tube a" laterally and vertically, as it were, as indicated in Figure 2, thus opening the tube a" just after it leaves the bin I2, so that the tube a. advances smoothlyon `to themandrel B with a minimum of friction. Fixed to and upon and adjacent the opposite ends of the mandrel-beams or channels 6, are opposed outwardly presented rigid brackets |01, lll, supported by which in suitable spaced relation to the beams 6, are longitudinally extending shafts |03, which, in turn, support preferably iixed cylindrical members or rolls |04 in a plane disposed slightly below the plane of the lower lianges of thebeams 6, as best seen in Figure 13.

Pivotally supported on the brackets |01 and disposed upon one side of the mandrel B, are arms |01', which, in turn, normally support a cylindrical bar or tube |08 in a plane spaced upwardly from the mandrel structure B, as best seen in Figures 18 and 27. Y

The tube |08 is stationary or in fixed position during machine operation. However, the arms |01 may be swingably adjusted to selectively locate the tuing |08 to meet the size requirements of any particular cloth-tube a. To such end, the arms |01 are rigid with or fixed to a rod |09 extending longitudinally through, and supported by, the brackets |01, selected or proper positioning of the particular tube |08 being had manually and locking or retention thereof in such adjusted or selected position being accomplished by any suitable means, such, for instance, as the thumbscrew and bracket arrangement indicated at ||0, Figure 1.

Extending through the brackets |l| upon the opposite side of the mandrel-frame 6, is a longitudinal rod normally secured against rotation by any suitable means, such as set-screws threaded for rod-engagement inthe brackets I l.

Pivotally mounted on the rod Hl at suitably spaced intervals throughout its lengt are arms |12, which support a cylindrical bar or tube H3, which is substantially a duplicate of tube |68, except that the tube H3 is readily swingable to selectively accommodate, and depending upon the circumferential dimension of, the particular' cloth-tube a" being cut.` In other words, the tube H3, as best seen in Figures 18, 19, and 27, is normally yieldingly or resiliently biased outwardly from the center of the mandrel-structure 6 by means of springs ||4 anchored at their opposite ends in the arms |2 and the fixed rod l as shown, the longitudinal tube |13 accordingly exerting opening or spreading tension upon the tubing a as the latter advances spirally toward the cutter D.

Hence, it will be obvious that the machine win readily accommodate cloth-tubes of varying circumferential dimens-ions and that minor irregularities in a given length of tubing a are compensated for in a simple yet effective manner.

At their right-hand or forward end, the tubes or members |98 and i3 project beyond the crossmember 99 and,'as best seen in Figures 1 and l'l,v are tapered and arcuated inwardly, as at H5, H', respectively; for facilitating travel'ofy the particular cloth-'tube a" smoothly onto the mandrel B, the'crosssectional shape or contour as-` sumed by the particular cloth-tube a as it travels rearwardly of the machine on the mandrel B being indicated by broken lines in Figure 18 and. full lines in Figure 27.

The entire cutting assembly D is so located upon the machine as to be surrounded by, or housed within, the particular cloth-tube d 'being cut, as is best seen in Figures 26 to 30, inclusive. As there shown, the cutting mechanism D includes a disc-shaped blade or cutter H6, which is removably mounted on the shaft of a suitable motor or other prime-mover H6 mounted on a suitable bracket H1 depending from a generally rectangular plate |r |'8 shiftabl-y supported in ways H9 secured to the frame 6. 1

Threaded at one end in a lug |29 depen-ding from the plate H3, as best seen in Figure 28, and adjacent its opposite end being releasably or adjustably engaged by a set-screw I |2i with an apertured block |22 fixed toframe 6, isa rod |23 formanual actuation for shifting' the Vplate H9 for adjustably positioning the cutter H9 at any desired location within the confines ol an opening |24 provided Vina suitabley rigid plate |25 xed to and upon! the under side of frame 6' and suitably elongated' to extend at its opposite ends and longitudinally of frame E a relatively short distancebeyond the margins oi diagonal framel F; as best seen in Figure l.

In addition, the angularity of the blade or cutter Ilfo relatively to the frame E vor plate i25 for varying the angle of the bias cut is inde-v pendently adjustable'and, for such purpose, the bracket H1 is preferably suitably fixed to a prei- Verably angularly-shaped plate 425, which is mounted for oscillatory movement about a pivot pin |21 carried by the slide H8 and provided, as best seen in Figure 25, with an arcuate slot |28 for accommodating a bolt-andwasher assembly |25 for retaining the plate |26 and the motor and blade'supporting Ybracket ||1 in swung or oseillated position. A suitable link |36 connects thel plate |29 pivotally with ani arm of a bell-cranklever 13| pivoted, as at |32, to the under side 0I" the slide HS, and adapted at its vother or pointerarml to traverse an arcuate index |33 substantialn ly defined by a correspondingly shaped slot |34 in the plate it, anv accommodating recess, as at |35, for such purpose being formed in the dependinglug |26, and the biade or cutter l l being locken1 in a selected or desired position by means of a thumband-screw'assembly or the like $35@ Fixed, asby screws it-1, to the vertically depend-ing flange of angle bracket lil, as best seen in Figure 27', is an: angle-member |36 having a relatively wide rectangular base-portion E49 equipped with a smooth, ila-t under iace and formed with'an arcuate groove |4| for accommodating a portion of the peripheral cutting edge' l of the blade l5, such base-pcfrticn iliil being taperedand rounded, as indicated at 42, so that any wrinkling or friction that may develop inthe particuiarv cloth-tubeict as it approaches theY blade t3 is eliminated,

The endless belt Yassembly H, as shown, is supported on the framework F and is thus disposed diagonally with respect to the mandrel B, and it may be here mentioned that, in the successful operation of the machine at high speeds,` it is extremely important that any transverse shifting of the belt be entirely obviated. y

. Withparticular reference now to Figures 1, '3,- 4, 6, andv 10, suitably mounted for rotation on, and disposed adjacent the opposite ends of, the framework F, are parallel driving and driven rollers |43, |44, respectively, circumferentially provided centrally intermediate their ends with registering V-groovesv |45, and reeved over and around the driving and driven rollers |43, |44,- is asuitable endless belt |46 permanently provided centrally on its under face and throughout its length with a relatively narrow'V-strip |41= for fitting the grooves of the-'rollers |43, |44 And preferably also mounted for rotation on the frame F intermediate the-'rollers |43, |44, and? the upper and lower runs f of the belt"|46g are' guide-pulleys |48, |49, correspondingly ,circur'rr-Y ferentially grooved', as at |59, for engagingly ac-I commodating the V-strip |141 of the belt |46, which, through the engagement ofl itsV-strip |41 with the pulleys |48, |49, and rollers |43, |44, is definitely retained from any` sidewise ortransverse slippage or movement with respect'to the rollers |43, |44, during machine' operation, a supplemental roller |52 disposed directly under the' guide-pulley |49 for Vengagementejaga'inst rthe underside of the lower run-of the belt |46 func?y tioning as a holding-member for eliminating any tendency of the Vv-stri'p |41 tole'ave o riju'mp the groove of' roller |44', y fr l e Y As best seen' in Figure l0, the drivenroller |44, guide-pulley |49, and bel'tsecuring roller |52 are mounted on a platform "|53 hinge'dly 4connected, as at 154,' to a cross-member |55 fixed on the framework F, the platform |53'at itsfree'en'd carrying orv supporting arelativelyheavy weight |56.V Hence, obviously, the endless belt |46y is maintained suciently taut, under the gravity pull ofthe weight |56, throughout machine opera tions. Y Y

' and thereby relieve the tautness of belt |46 while the machine is idle or while themachine is being prepared for operation.

More specically, when the belt |46 is in so?. called taut condition, as during machine opera-` tion, the lever |19 is swung to the left, as indicated in Figure 4, and pull on platform |53 through member |68 relieved or removed` Ob` viously, shifting the lever |19 to theright will; through pull exerted through member |68, ele-l vate the platform |53 and, consequently, as previously observed, relieve the tautness of the endless belt |46. Any suitable means, such, for instance, as a pawl-and-ratchet, or the disposition of a pin (not shown) through an apertured ear |12 on the lever |10 andalso through a selected perforation |13 in the framework F will easily retain the lever |v in la selected swung position with pull Von platform |53 correspondingly selected.

As best seen in Figure 4, the shaft |14 of the belt-driving roller |43 is rotatably mounted or journaled at its opposite ends in a pair of suitably spaced side frames |15 forming substantially ar part 4of the framework E and which also support gearing L of the winding assembly K of the machine,`

Fixed to and upon the shaft |14, is a sprocket |16, engaging with which is a suitable chain |11, in turn, driven by a sprocket |18 fixed to the shaft 80 driven through pulley-belt-and-shaft connection with the motor M, as previously mentioned. l A

Preferably a vbelt-andpulle'y assembly |9 best seen in Figure 5, is provided for enabling convenient manual rotation of the winding rolls |84and|85 while preparing the machine for operation, as will be well understood, the sideframes |15 being preferably joined and braced bycross-rods |92, |93. It may be observed here that, as best seen in Figuref, the guide-pulley |48 isY preferably journaled in suitable bearings mounted on a bracket |94 preferably integral with the frames |15, a winding-roll protectingmember or rod |95 having its ends fixed in the frames |15 and disposed in suitably spaced relationover the rolls |84,k |85, and an idler roll |98 being preferably journaled on the shaft 8| intermediate the frames |15. It may also be observed here that the lower pulley |91 of the windingroll manual actuating-means is fixed on a stubshaft |98 supported in bearings |99 on the frames |15, while the upper pulley 200 of such actuating means is preferably fixed to winding-roll shaft |89.Y

As the bias-cut cloth a3 leaves the machine proper, the same is preferably wound on a tube as indicated in Figure 3'1, readily removable from the machine. For such purpose and as shown especially in Figures 4 to 8, both inclusive, the side-frames |15 have registering rearwardly presented extensions |15' provided upon their upper surface with co-operable slide-ways 202, shiftable in which relatively to the rolls |84, |85, is a pair of angle-blocks or members 203 provided or formed, as best seen in Figure 9, with registering sockets or seats 204 providing a bearing for the end of a removable mandrel 205, around or upon which a tube 20| of required length may be sleeved.

Journaledvon the shaft |89 of the lower winding roll |85, are sheaves 206, reeved over which are suitable fiexible members 201 each having an end secured to a pin or stud 208 fixed on a block 203 and its other end engaged with aL relatively heavy cross-weight 209, which function to shiftably maintain thev tube 20| firmly against the windingrolls |84, |85, during thev winding thereon of the bias-cut strips a3 as 4the cloth emerges or isdelivered from the machine.

And attached to additional pins or studs 2|0 also fixed in the blocks 203, are flexible members 2| |,l which are first reeved over pulleys 2 |2 suitably journaled on the frame-extensions |15 and then are suitably attached, as at 2|3, to sheaves 2|4 fixed on a rock-shaft 2|5 supported in suit-` able bearings 2|6 on the frame-extensions |15', A relatively smaller pulley 2|1 is xed on the rock-shaft 2|5, and hingedly attached, as at 218, to an arm 2|9, rigid with a side-frame |15, is a treadle 220, and connecting the treadle 220 with the pulley 2|1, is a suitable flexible member 22|. Obviously, therefore, depression of' treadle 220 will shift the blocks 203 and the supported mandrel 205 and its roll 20| away from the winding rolls |84, |85, for `convenient replacement removal from the machine, the'free shifting of the roll 29| relativelyto the winding rolls |84, |85, also readily permitting the winding of the bias-cut cloth a3 on the tube 20| to the desired diametrical dimension or thickness.

As presently more fully'appears, the endless belt |46 performs the dual function of drawing or delivering or feeding the cloth-tube a to the cutter-assembly D for biascutting and then delivers or feeds` the bias-cut strip a3, without any stretching whatever of the cloth, to the windingl up mechanism K, It is hence very desirable, if not really essential, that the upper run of the belt |49 be additionally maintained in a taut condition against the mandrel B and plate |25 as it passes thereunder. For such purpose, a pair of angle members 222 extend longitudinally along the base A adjacent the roll |03 of the mandrel B and are pivotally supported at an end, as at 223, on the respective uprights |05,'|08, as best seen in Figures 1, 2, 13, 25, 26, and 27. Each angle 222 carries a belt-engaging member 224 nicely and smoothly rounded, as at 226, and suitably cut-out or grooved, as at 221, for accommodating the V-strip |41, each angle member 222 being pivotally attached at its opposite end, as at 228, to a block or member 229 adjustable lengthwise slidable in a vertically disposed way 230 fixed on an upright 23| of the framework A. Fixed at an end to a lateral extension of each block or slide 229, is a suitable fiexible member 232, which is first reeved over a sheave 233 supported for rotation on upper frame-rail and then around a second sheave 234 mounted for rotation on lower frame-rail 2, as best seen in Figures 2 and 17. Ihe flexible member 232 on the one or socalled far side of the machine, as viewed in Figure 17, is attached at its opposite end to its cooperable sheave 234, which the fiexible member 232 on the opposite or near side of the machine, after passing under its co-operable sheave 234 and thence under a supplemental sheave 235, is fastened, as at 236, to a hand lever 231 pivotally attached at an end, as at 238, on the lower framerail 2, the sheave 234 on the far s'ide of the machine and the sheave 235 on the 4near side of the machine being fixed or mounted on a common shaft 239 suitably iournaled in the machine framework A.

When lever 231 is disposed to the left, as indicated in Figure 2, the tensioning members or beams 224 are elevated to occupy the respective positions thereof illustrated in Figure 27, vthe tension on the upper run of the bel-t |46 being thereby increased for cloth engagement, any Suitable pawl-and-ratchet arrangement or other` sui-table means, such, for instance, as the means indicated at 24d in Figure y2, 'being employed for maintaining the hand-lever 231 in its swung position to the left, while the machine is in operation. When pivotally shifted to the right, the hand-lever 237 permits the blocks or'slides 229 and the angles 222 and supported tension-beams 224 to drop by gravity a predetermined distance for relieving the belt |46 of such extra tension.

suitably pivoted to the cross-member |93 ci the framework A, as best seen in Figure e, is a clutch-actuating pedal 241| having suitable ccnnection, as by means of a suitable flexible member 242 reeved over suitable guide-pulleys 243 and 24d, with an arm or lever 2015 adapted, upon movement in one direction, for shifting a clutchmenrber on the pulley 8l' for driven connection between shaft 84 and the driving mechanism L with the motor or other prime-mover M, previously mentioned, for setting the machine into operation.

When the machine is idle, the pedal 24| is yieldingly held in elevated position by means of a suitable spring 246 suitably anchored at an end to the frame F and at its opposite end rto the lever 245, as shown. Obviously, if the operator elects so to do. the clutch mentioned may be simply operated by manipulation of the lever 245, and it may be here mentioned that the motor mechanism is controlled by a suitable switch (not shown), an independent switch (also not shown) being provided for closing the circuit to the cutter mechanism D.

The operation of the forth at intervals in the Summarizing- Assuming that the .switches of the actuating and cutting motors are in off position, that the cloth-tube a has been properly positioned in the bin i3, and that the hand-levers llt and 231 are in released position to the right, the operator pivotally or swingably iirst adjusts the movable framework F relativeliT to the main or fixed framework A at such selected angle as will produce the desired width of cloth cut on the bias. then depresses treadle itl and manipulates handwheel 32 until the pointer 28 indicates approximately the required speed of rotation of the cioth-unwinding turntable sets the cutterassembly D and its blade l in proper cc-ordination with belt |45, and suitably expands and tensions the tube a" for engaging the tube a" with the belt |56 and flat plate 5.25, the latter as best seen in Figure 27.

The operator, now releasing treadle 59, manually disposes the cloth-tuberi" along mandrel B until its leading margin is positioned at or adjacent the `groove ll in the foot member |38 and in approximate cutting engagement with the rotary cutter H5. Inasrnuch as the belt |455 is at this time in a relatively sagging or released condition, and inasmuch as the aperture 24 in machine has beenset foregoing description.

plate permits convenient manipulation of the cloth-tube a, an .experienced operator may properly position the leading margin of the cloth-tube a" in a very brief period of time.

Assuming now that the cloth-tube a has been so positioned with respect to the cutter H6 and that the levers l'l and 23l`have been manipulated to the left and the belt lllt as a whole and also its upper run suitably tensioned, the switches controlling the main motor M and cutter motor circuits are shifted to on position, when the operator, veither manually or through ootactuation of the pedal 24|, shii'ts the clutch lever 245 to the left, thereby setting and continuing the machine in operation until a sufficient length of bias-cut cloth a3 has been produced to reach the Winding mechanism K. The clutch lever 24E is now released, and assuming that a proper tube Elli has been positioned on the mandrel 2El5, the'cut material a3 is at its free margin manually disposed lfor winding about the tube ttl, the treadle l22% being depressed during such operation for spacing the roll 265 and supported tube 29| from the Winding rolls for conveniently disposing the bias-cut cloth in winding position upon the tube 20|.

The machine is now ready for continuous operation, and, upon actuation again of the clutch lever 2145 and consequent closing of the circuits -of the'driving and cutter motors, will function smoothly, its capacity being limited only by the amount of material a which the bin i3 is capable of containing. Obviously an indefinite number of identical rolls of material a may, be successively bias-cut without further adjustments, except such readiustments of the cloth-tube unwinding rate, which may be very conveniently had by the means described while the machine is in operation, the endless belt l functioning, as hasbeen previously stated, in first vspirally drawing o feeding the cloth-tube a in a straight path or line of travel over the mandrel B to the cutting blade l5 and then advancing and delivering the bias-cut cloth a3 over the lframe F and in a line of travel oblique to the mandrel B `to the winding mechanism K, without any stretching whatever either of the straight-cut cloth o or the bias-cut cloth r1.3.

Obviously, while not here shown, suitable means may be employed for maintaining the clutch pedal 24| or the .clutch lever 235 in circuit closing position for enabling the operator to give his entire time and attention to diiierent parts .of the machine during operation or actuation, unwinding of the cloth-tube a" being readily interrupted at any time by depression of treadle 5Fl treadle S8, as previously described.

The cutting assembly D, as particularly seen in Figure 27, is enclosed Within the tubing a, safeguarding the operator as to injury or his hands and fingers, and the various permitted adjustments of machine parts permit precise positioning of the cutter assembly D, the belt 45 being protected by plate ifi-il from engagement with the blade or cutter l l5 and, when tensioned, as described, being in rictional or drawing contact with the cloth at all points except in the particular cutting area defined by such plate |42, the bot-torn or under surface of which, it might be stated, is preferably highly polished, so that wear on the belt .Hit is negligible, actual minute clearance obtaining between belt |123 and plate |43 during machine operation.

The machine has been found to be exceedingly efficient in the performance of its intended func.- tions', and it is to be understood that changes and modications in the form, construction, arrangement, and combination of the several parts of the machine may be made and substituted for those herein shown and described without departing from the nature and principle of my invention.

' Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a cutter, a mandrel, and means comprising an endless belt arranged for travel in a linear path extending in advance of, under, and rearwardly of, the cutter and mandrel for feeding the uncut cloth to, and shifting the cut cloth from, the cutter.

2. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a cutter, a mandrel, and means comprising an endless belt reeved over and around spaced rollers for travel in a linear path extending in advance of, transversely under, and rearwardly of, the cutter and mandrel for feeding the uncut cloth to the cutter along one line of travel and for carrying the cut cloth from the cutter along a different line of travel angularly disposed to the rst line of travel.

3. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a mandrel, a cutter disposed intermediate the length and in the plane of the mandrel, and means comprising an endless belt reeved over and about spaced rollers for travel in a linear path extending in advance of, transversely under, and rearwardly of, the cutter for shifting the cloth spirally in uncut tube form along the mandrel to and about the cutter and then shifting the cut cloth in strip form from the mandrel.

4. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a cutter, a mandrel, and means comprising an endless belt for feeding the uncut cloth in tube form along and about the mandrel and also enclosingly about the cutter for slitting engagement by the cutter with the lower run of the cloth-tube during feeding thereof.

5. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a cutter, a mandrel, means comprising an endless belt for feeding a tubiform cloth along and about the mandrel and also enclosingly about the cutter, and means for spacing the lower run of the moving cloth from the belt for slitting engagement therewith by the cutter.

6. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a cutter-assembly comprising a rotary blade, a mandrel, means comprising an endless belt for feeding a tubiform cloth along and about the mandrel and also enclosingly about the cutterassembly, and a plate forming part of the cutterassembly and slotted for blade-accommodation for elevating the lower run of the moving cloth from the belt for slitting engagement therewith by the cutter.

7. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a mandrel, a cutter disposed intermediate the length and in the vertical plane of the mandrel, a rotary table for supporting at an end of the mandrel in layerwise formation a length of tubiform cloth for cutting, and means comprising an endless belt adapted for travel in a linear path transversely of the mandrel and cutter for shifting the tubiform cloth from the table and to and about the mandrel and enclosingly about the cutter for slitting.

8. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a mandrel structure, a cutter disposed intermediate the length and within the mandrelstructure, a rotary table for supporting at an end of the mandrel in layerwise formation a length o1 tubiform cloth for slitting, and means com- 75 prising an endless belt reeved over and around spaced rollers for travel in a linear path crosswise of the mandrel and cutter for shifting, the tubiform cloth from the table and spirally along and about the mandrel to and about the cutter for slitting and then shifting the slit cloth angularly from the mandrel.

9. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a mandrel structure, a cutter disposed intermediate the length and within the mandrelstructure, a rotary table for supporting at an end of the mandrel in layerwise formation a length of tubiform cloth for slitting, means comprising an endless belt reeved over and about spaced rollers angularly located on opposite sides of the mandrel for travel in a straight path in advance of, crosswise under, and to the rear of, the mandrel and cutter for shifting the tubiform cloth from the table and spirally along and about the mandrel to and about the cutter for slitting the lower run thereof and then shifting the cut cloth from the mandrel, and means for actuating the belt and table in synchronism.

10. A bias-cutting machine including, bination, a mandrel structure, a cutter intermediate the length and within the structure, a rotary table for supporting at an end of the mandrel in layerwise formation a length of tubiform cloth for slitting, means comprising an endless belt adapted for travel in a linear path crosswise of and under the mandrel and cutter for feeding the tubiform cloth from the table and to and spirally about the mandrel to and about the cutter for slitting the lower run thereof and then shifting the cut cloth angularly from the mandrel, means for actuating the table and belt, and means for selectively indexing the rotary speed of the table relatively to the longitudinal speed of the traveling belt.

11. A bias-cutting machine including, bination, a cutter, a mandrel, a traveling endless belt, and means comprising shiftable members extending longitudinally of the mandrel for engaging the upper run of the belt for tensioning the belt for engaging the uncut cloth for shifting the cloth along the mandrel to the cutter and the cut cloth from the cutter.

12. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a frame, a mandrel-structure comprising a pair of spaced longitudinally extending rolls on the frame, a rotary cutter disposed on the mandrel-structure intermediate said rolls, a traveling endless belt, a pair of members mounted shiftably on the frame in spaced relation to the rolls, and means for shifting said members for tensioning the upper run of the belt therebetween and the rolls for engaging the uncut cloth for shifting the cloth along the mandrelstructure to the cutter and the cut cloth from the cutter.

13. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a frame, a mandrel-structure comprising a pair of spaced longitudinally extending rolls on the frame, a rotary-cutter disposed on the mandrel-structure intermediate said rolls, a at plate disposed on the mandrel-structure in underlying relation to, and slotted for accommodating, the cutter, a traveling endless belt, a pair of members mounted shiftably on the frame in spaced relation to said rolls, and means for shifting said members for engaging the upper run of the belt with said plate for slitting engagement by the cutter.

14. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, main and auxiliary framework, a manin comdisposed mandrelin comdrel-structure on the main framework, a cutter mounted on the mandrel-structure, means comprising an endless belt mounted for travel on the auxiliary framework` with its upper run traveling under the cutter, and means' for longitudinally tensioning the belt for engaging the cloth for feeding the same to the cutter.

15. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, main'and auxiliary framework, a mandrel-structure on the main framework, a cutter mounted on the mandrel-structure, spaced rolls mounted for rotation on the auxiliary framework, an endless belt traveling over said rollsfwith its upper run under the cutter, and means vfor shifting one of said rolls relatively to the other for longitudinally tensioning the belt for engaging the cloth for feeding the same along the mandrel-structure to the cutter for-cutting.

16. A bias-cutting machine including, in cornbination, a main framework, an auxiliary framework 4angularly disposed to the main framework, a cantilever mandrel-structure xed longitudinally on the main framework, a cutter on the mandrel-structure, winding mechanism mounted on, and at an end of, the auxiliary framework. and means comprising an endless belt mounted for travel over the `auxiliary` framework and under the cutter for feeding a tubiform cloth over and spirally. along the mandrel-structure tc the cutter and the cut cloth from the cutter over thel auxiliary framework to the winding mechanism.

17. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a main framework, an auxiliary framework, a mandrel-structure fixed on the main framework, a cutter disposed on and within the mandrel-structure, and means comprising an` endless belt mounted for travel in a linear path on the auxiliary framework for feeding uncut cloth along and about the mandrel-structure to v and about the cutter and from the cutter over the auxiliary framework, the auxiliary framework being shiftable relatively to the main framework for varying the angularity of travel of the belt relatively to the mandrel-structure.

18. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a main framework, an auxiliary framework, a mandrel-structure on the main framework, a cutter on the mandrel-structure, and means including an endless belt mounted for travel on the auxiliary framework in a linear path transversely of and under the mandrel and cutter for feeding uncut cloth along and about the mandrel-structure t and :about the cutter for slitting of the lower run thereof, the cutter being shiftable relatively to the mandrel-structure for varying the bias angle of the cut cloth.

19. Ai bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a main framework, an auxiliary framework, 'a mandrel-structure fixed on the main framework, a V,cutter pivoted on the mandrelstructure. for angular adjustment thereof, means includingr an endless belt mounted for travel on the auxiliary framework in a `linear path transversely of Vand under the mandrei and cutter kfor feeding the uncut `cloth along and about the mandrel-structure to and about the cutter for slitting of the lower run thereof, and means for indexing the bias-cutting angularity of the cutter relatively to the mandrel-structure.

y20. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a framework, spaced rollersl on the framework, a vcutter intermediate the rollers, an endless belt traveling over the rollers for feeding cloth to the cutter for slitting, and

means for retaining the belt from transverse slippage on the rollers.

21. A bias-cutting machine including, in` combination, a framework, spaced circumferentially grooved rollers von the framework, a cutter intermediate said rollers, an endless belt traveling over the rollers for feeding cloth to the cutter for slitting, and means comprising a projection disposed longitudinally on, and projecting from the inner face of, the belt for fitting the grooves in said rollers for retaining the belt from transverse slippage on the rollers. f

22. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a framework, spaced circumferentially grooved rollersI on the framework, a cutter intermediate said rollers, circumferentially grooved guide-pulleys also intermediate the rollers, an endless belt traveling over the rollers for feeding the cloth to the cutter for slitting, and means comprising a V-strip disposed longitudinally on, and projecting from the inner face of,l the rbelt for engaging the grooves in the rollers and pulleys for retaining the belt fromtransverse slippage on the rollers. v,

23. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a framework, spaced circumferentially grooved rollers on the framework, a cutter intermediate said rollers, an endless belt traveling over the rollers for feeding the cloth to be cutto the cutter, and means for retaining the belt from transverse slippage on the rollers, said means comprising circumferentiallyA grooved guide-pulleys disposed intermediate said rollers, a V-strip disposed longitudinally on, and projecting from the inner face of, the belt for engaging the grooves in the rollers and pulleys, and fiat-faced pulleys for belt-engagement in opposed relation to said grooved pulleys.

24. A bias-cutting machine including, incombination, main and auxiliary framework, a mandrel-structure on the main framework, a cutter mounted on and within the mandrel-structure, winding mechanism for the cut cloth, and means comprising an endless belt arranged on the auxiliary framework for travel ina linear path transversely of and under themandrel-structure for shifting uncut cloth to and about the cutter for slitting and the slit cloth'from the cutter to the winding means.

25. A bias-cutting machine including,l in combination, a framework, a cutter, a pair of winding rolls for the cut cloth, means for shifting uncut cloth to the cutter for slitting and the' slit cloth from the cutter te the wind-ing rolls, la tubesupporting mandrel on the machine forl taking the'eut cloth from the rolls, :and means for retaining the mandrel in operative cloth-receivingL comprising a rotary shaft for the cut cloth; means v comprising an endless lbelt arranged for travel onthe framework for shifting uncut clothto the cutter for slitting and the slit cloth from the cutter to the winding means, .said shaft being bodily shiftable relatively to thebelt fora-ecomrnodating increasing -diametrical dimension ofthe wound cloth, and means comprising a weight depending from said shaft for tensioning the cut cloth during winding thereof upon said shaft.

27. In a bias-cutting machine, a mandrel for receiving the cloth in tubular form for cutting7 a cutter on the mandrel, means for shifting the cloth in tubular form over and along the mandrel to and about the cutter, and means for expanding the tube about the mandrel and cutter during shifting.

28. In a`fbiascutting machine, a mandrel for receiving the cloth in tubular form for cutting, a cutter on the mandrel, means for shifting the cloth in tubular form over and along the mandrel to and about the cutter, and means comprising spaced membersdisposed longitudinally of, and in spaced relation to, the mandrel for expanding the tube about Vthe mandrel and cutter during shifting, one of said members being swingably shiftable relatively tothe other.

29. In a bias-cutting machine, a mandrel for receiving the cloth in tubular form for cutting,

a cutter on the mandreLmeans for shifting a` cloth in tubular form over and along the mandrel to and about the cutter, and means comprising a plurality of spaced elongated members disposed longitudinally of, and in spaced relation to, the mandrel for expanding the tube about the mandrel and cutter during shifting, one of said members being yieldingly swingable relatively tothe mandrel.

30. A bias-cutting machine including, Vin combination, a mandrel,v a cutter on, and disposed in the plane of, the mandrel, unwinding mechanism comprising a' rotary table for'supporting Va length of tubiformblothfor cutting', winding mechanism `for the cut' cloth, 'means comprising an endless belt arranged for Vtravel lin a linear path transversely of'andunder 'the mandrel' for shifting the tubiform cloth' from the table'and 'along and about the mandrel'and to 'and Vabout the cutter for slitting the lower run thereof and then shifting the cut cloth from the cutter to the winding mechanism; and means for actuating the unwinding "mechanism, theA4 winding mechanism, and the belt insynchronismf 31. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, main frame'v'vork,4 auxiliary framework -angularly disposed with relation to the main framework, a mandrel-structure"'onfthe main frameworlna cutter' on "the mandrel#struc-- ture, unwinding mechanism comprising artary table for supporting'adjacent' the ma'ndrpslfture a'length of tubiform clothforcuttingQwinding mechanism at the'discharg'eend of Ytheaxiliary framework for the cut`cloth,` nie'ansA comprising an endless belt arranged`for travel on the auxiliary framework for shifting 'thetubiform cloth from the tableraridV along and about the mandrel and `t'o"and about *the cutter kfor slitting the lower run thereo'f'and'then shifting the` cut cloth from 'the mandrel "to the/ winding Winding mechanism, the winding mechanism, and che belt. 32. A bias-cutting machine mldigjin "chihbination, ya. mandrel, afcutter4 on, 'andr disposed m the plane of, the mandrel,'unwindingmeeha nism comprising a 'rotary table' for supporting a length of tubiformj clotn'forfcutting, winding mechanism for the 'cut cloth, means comprising an endlessV belt arranged for travel'in a linear path transversely of and under themandreland cutter for shifting the uncut cloth from the table and along andabout the mandrel-and to and mechanism, and means for actuating'the unabout the cutter for slitting the lower run thereof and then shifting the cut cloth from the mandrel to the winding mechanism, means for actuating the unwinding mechanism, the winding mechanism, and the belt, and means for selectively indexing the speed of movement of the unwinding mechanism.

33. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, av mandrel, acutter on, and disposed in the plane of, the mandrel, unwinding mechanism comprising a` rotary table for supporting a length of tubiform cloth for cutting, winding mechanism for the cut cloth, means comprising an endless belt arranged for travel in a linear Vpath transversely of and under the mandrel and cutter for shifting the uncut cloth from the table and along and about the mandrel and to and about the cutter for slitting the lower run thereof and then shifting the cut cloth from the mandrel tothe winding mechanism, means for actuating the unwinding mechanism, the winding mechanism, and the belt, means for visibly indicating the speed of the` unwinding mechanism `relatively tothe speed Vof the winding mechanism, and means for adjustably regulating the speed ofthe unwinding mechanism in relation to the speed of the Winding mechanism.

' 34.A bias-cutting machine including,in combination, a framework, a mandrel-structure xed on -the framework, a cutter-assembly on the mandrel-structure, and `means comprising an endless belt arranged for travel in a linear path transversely of land under the mandrel structure and cutter assembly for feeding a tubiform cloth along the mandrel-structure to/and about the cutter-'assembly for slitting into strip-form, the cutter-assembly being shiftable relatively to and Within the length of the mandrel-structure for varying the Width ofthe cut strips.

35. A bias-cutting machine including, in combination, a main framework, an auxiliary framework,V a mandrel-structure xed onV the main framework, a cutter-assembly on Vthe mandrelstructure, and means comprising an endless belt mounted for travel on the auxiliary framework in-a linear path transversely of and under the mandrel-structure and cutter-assembly for feeding uncut cloth along and about the mandrelstructure and-to and about the cutter for slitting the lower run thereof kand from the cutter over the auxiliary frameworlthe auxiliary framework being shiftable relatively to the main framework for varying the angularity of travel of the belt relatively to the mandrel-structure and the cutter-assembly being shiftable relatively to the mandrel-structure for varying the width of the cut cloth. 36. A biasecutting machine including, in combination, a xed mandrel, a cutter located intermediate the'length and in the vertical plane of the mandrel, and means for shifting the cloth spirally in uncut tube form along and about the mandrel and to and about the cutter for slitting engagement by the cutter with the lower run of the cloth tube during shifting thereof.

' EDWARD B. CASE.