US2624495A - Hat pressing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 6, 1953 x. H. VICKERS ET AL 2,624;495

HAT PRESSING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 8, 1949 2 SI-IEETS-SHEET 1 3nventors 17 1/5725; 15. Vic/ 6M? 5 0 5% Ge r ge M. Pic/(as Jan; 6, 1953 H. VICKERS ET AL HAT PRESSING APPARATUS 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 Filed Sept. 8, 1949 (Ittornegs Patented Jan. 6, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HAT PRESSING APPARATUS Delaware Application September 8, 1949, Serial No. 114,594

17 Claims.

This invention relates to hat presses.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved semi-automatic power-operated hat press which quickly and efliciently shapes and presses a hat body, and provides an improved, consistently uniform pressing thereof at all times.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved hat press as above, which is simple in construction and economical to fabricate, and reliable in operation.

Each of the embodiments of the invention illustrated herein, by which these objects are accomplished, comprises a mould for a hat body, and a cooperable pressing head having an inflatable rubber bag shaped to be received by the mould. The mould and pressing head are mounted for positioning either apart from each other whereby ahat body may be placed in or removed from said mould, or close together whereby they may cooperate with each other to press the hat body. Power-operated means are provided, triggered either by manually-effected movement of the hat mould from a loading and unloading position to the operating station, as illustrated in one embodiment, or merely by a push button switch as disclosed in another embodiment for automatically carrying out a pressing cycle wherein the mould and pressing head are brought together and held so for a predetermined interval of time and the rubber bag inflated under sufiicient pressure to press a hat body carried in the mould, the bag being then deflated and the head separated from the mould, and wherein at some predetermined time during said pressing interval the bag is automatically momentarily deflated and the head momentarily separated from the mould to effect a desirable, controlled bumping of the hat body, 1. e. allowing the escape of moisture therefrom. By this organization the bumping of the hat body is accurately and reliably provided for during each pressing operation, and a close regulation may be had of the time interval, pressures employed, etc. whereby desirable efliciency and uniformity of the pressing operation is accomplished.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved semi-automatic hat press arranged to automatically bump a hat body during the pressing operation, wherein the actuation'of the pressing head and inflation of the rubber bag are effected from the same power source.

Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an improved hat press apparatus made accord- 2 ing to the invention, the frame of the apparatus not being shown.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of an improved hat press constituting another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram of the hat press shown in Fig. 2, and

Fig. 4 is a chart showing the operations of the parts of the hat press of Figs. 2 and 3 during a single cycle.

The apparatus shown in Fig. 1 comprises a hat mould III having the usual saddle H, and a pressing head l2 provided with an inflatable rubber bag l3. The mould I0 is movably mounted by means of wheels I4 and a track I5, and may be positioned at two different locations, at a loading and unloading station shown in the figure, and at an operating station the location of which is generally indicated by an arrow I6.

The tracks I 5 have depressions I I in which the Wheels M of the mould Ill may rest when the mould is at the operating station, whereby the mould is accurately positioned and yieldably retained in this position.

The pressing head I2 is provided with bearing sleeves I8 whereby it may be slidably carried on vertical bars I9 connected in predetermined relation with the tracks l5, thereby to enable the head to occupy a raised or retracted position as shown in the figure, or a lowered position at the operating station I6.

In accordance with the invention power-operated means are provided, triggered by movement of the mould II] from the loading position shown toward the operating station I5, for automatically carrying out a pressing cycle wherein the pressing head I2 is lowered and held for a predetermined interval of time in cooperable relation to the mould II) while both are at the operating station It, and the rubber bag I3 inflated under suflicient pressure to press a hat body carried in the mould. The pressing cycle is terminated by deflation of the bag I3 and raising of the pressing head I2 whereupon the mould it may be returned to the loading position shown for removal of the pressed hat body.

The present invention provides for a desirable, automatic release of moisture, generated in the hat body being pressed, during the pressing operation, and in accomplishing this the bag I3 is automatically momentarily deflated and the head I2 momentarily raised and separated from the mould at a predetermined time during the pressing cycle. Once the said cycle has been initiated it is automatically carried out to completion and the pressing time and pressures and bumping of 3 the hat body closely controlled, whereby a highly desirable, uniformly eflicient pressing of the hat body is effected. Moreover, by the present invention, the power required to actuate the pressing head i2 and also to inflate the rubber bag l3 may be derived solely from a single source.

In accomplishing the above, a source of fluid under pressure is provided, which may comprise a tank havin an outlet pipe 2| connected with a pump 22 which in turn feeds into a pipe 23 joined to a manifold 24.

From the manifold 24 a pipe 25 leads to a valve 25 having a plunger 21 and an outlet through a pipe 28 which connects with the interior of the pressing head I 2 whereby fluid under pressure may be fed to the head to inflate the rubber bag |3. with a pipe 29 which is joined to the storage tank 20, and it will be understood from an inspection.

f the figure that when the valve 26 is in the position shown, fluid pressure is relieved fromthe water bag l3 and fluid may flow therefrom through the pipes 28, 29 to the tank2fl. If the plunger 21 of the valve 25 should be raised, it will cut off communication to the pipe 29, and will enable the pipes 25 and 28 to communicate with each other whereby fluid will be forced into the bag |3 and cause inflation thereof.

Raising and lowering of the pressing head |2 is accomplished by actuation of valves-.30 and-3| respectively, said valves having intake'ports connected with pipes 32 and 33 which are joined to the manifold 24. The valves and 3| respectively have outlet ports connected with pipes 34 and 35 which respectively connect with opposite ends of a cylinder 35 pivotally mounted on a frame member F1 and carrying a piston 31.

The valves 3|] and 3| also have outlet ports connected with pipes 38 and 39 which are in'turn connected with a manifold 40 joined to the pipe 29 leading to the tank 29.

The valves 30 and 3| have plungers 4| and 42 respectively, and when said plungers are in the positions shown fluid under pressure will exist in the pipes 32 and 34, and in the cylinder 3|i'so as to maintain the piston 31 in the raised position indicated. If the valve plungers 4| and 42 should be raised, the pipe 34 will be made to communicate with the pipe 38 whereby fluid may flow out of the lower portion of the cylinder 36-through the said pipes, and through thepipes 40 and 29 to the storage tank 20. At the same time, fluid under pressure from the pump 22 will flow through the pipes 33 and 35 and into the upper end of the cylinder 35, and will force the piston 3'! downward to a lowered position in the cylinder.-

Movements of the piston 31 are utilized to shift the pressing head- I2 between its raised. position shown and its lowered position at theoperating station I5. connected with a piston rod43 which is pivotally joined to one arm of a bell crank carried bya frame member F2; the other arm of the crank is pivotally connected byalink 45 to the pressing head l2.

In accordance with the invention'meansare provided for automatically actuating the valves The valve 25 has a second outlet connected,

To accomplish this, the piston,3| is For controlling the solenoids 46, 4'! and 48 three single pole, single throw switches 5|, 52 and 53, which may be microswitches are provided, arranged in a bank and having cam portions 5| a, 52a and 53a arranged to be actuated by lugs or projections 54, 55, 56 and 51 provided on disks 58, 59 and 50 rigidly secured to a common shaft 6 I. A mechanical drive is provided, indicated by the broken line 52, between the shaft SI and an electric motor 63 whereby the disks 53, 59 and 60 may be rotated clockwise as indicated by the arrow. A releasable friction clutch (not shown) may be provided in the drive between the motor 63. and the disks 58, 59 and 60, and a helical coil spring 64 may be carried by the shaft El and anchored to the disks at 65, the other end 66 of the spring being anchored to a frame member of the apparatus (not shown). The spring 64 is adapted to yieldably oppose the clockwise movement of the said disks; By this organization, when the mechanical drive between the shaft 6| and the motor (53 is disconnected by the friction clutch mentioned, the spring 64 may function to return the disks to a starting position, such as. for example the position shown in the figure.

The control organization is completed by a pair of limit switches 67 and 68 actuated respectively by the pressing head I 2 and the hat mould H). The switch 68 is closed by engagement with a pivoted arm 59 which is normally urged to the position shown by spring 59a and is rigid with a second pivoted arm 10 connected to a link 1| having an upwardly extending projection 12 adapted to be engaged'by a-depending lug 13 on the underside of the mould ID. The adjustment is such that the switch 58 will be closed when the mould l0 reaches the operating station H5.

The switch 61 is a normally open switch and has an arm '.'4 engaged by a lug 15 carried by the bearing sleeves I8 which mount the pressing head |2, the adjustment being such that the switch 51 will be closed when the head reaches its lowermost position at the operating station |6 where it is cooperable with the mould l0.

Connections between the switches and solenoids described above are as follows. From one of the supply terminals 50 a wire '16 leads to the switch 68; a wire 11 connects the other terminal of theswitch to the cam switch 5|. The other terminal of the switch 5| is connected by a wire 18 with a terminal of the switch 52, and by a wire 19 with one terminal of the motor 63 the other terminal of which is connected by a wire 88 to the wire 49. The remaining terminal of the switch 52 is connected by a wire 8| with one terminal of the switch 53 and by wires 82 and 83 to the remaining terminals of the solenoids 45 and 41. The remaining terminal ofv the switch 53 is connected by awire B4with the switch 61, and the remaining terminal of the latter connectedrby a wire 85 with the remaining terminal of the solenoid 48.

Considering the arrangement of the lugs 54, 55, 5B and 51 on the disks 58, 59 and 60, a preferred relationshipis that shownwherein for a uniform speed of ,-rotation of the disks the width of the lug 54 willbeapproximately equal to A of the arc of the disk 59 disposed between the said lug and the camming portion 52a of the switch 52. Also the width of the lug 54 will be approximately /8 of the arc of the disk 59 disposed between the said lug and dot-and-dash line 86 projected from the foremost or leading edge 57a of the lug 51. The speed of travel of the disks 58, 59 and '60 is preferably such that one minute will elapse before the lug 55 begins to engage the cam portion 53a of the switch 53; also such that the camming portions 52a and 53a of the switches will be engaged by the lugs 54 and 55 respectively for an interval of approximately seconds and thereafter an interval of two minutes will ensue before the leading edge 51a of the lug 51 engages the camming portion 53a of the switch 53. Cycles having other sequential periods may be provided as required.

It will be understood that the switch 98 acts as a master switch for the control device; also. that when the switches 68, 5| and 52 are closed the solenoids 46 and 41 will be energized, causing the pressing head I2 to be lowered. When these switches are opened, the said solenoids will be deenergized, resulting in the pressing head I2 being raised. Moreover, when the switche 68, 5!, 52, 53 and 61 are closed the solenoid 48 will be energized causing the rubber bag I3 to be inflated, and whenever any of these switches is opened, the solenoid will be deenergized resulting in deflation of the bag I3. Normally such deflation is accomplished solely by the opening of the switch 53 during the normal operation of the apparatus, inasmuch as the leading edges 55a and 51a of the lugs 55 and 51 are positioned slightly ahead of the leading edges 54a and 56a of the lugs 54 and 56 respectively.

Operation of the hat press apparatus of the invention is as follows: With the various parts in the at rest" positions shown, a hat body is placed in the mould Ill. The mould is then manually pushed inwardly or to the right as viewed in the figure, the wheels I4 of the mould coming to rest in the depressions I I of the tracks. By this operation, the switch 68 will have been closed, thereby energizing the motor 63 and driving the disks 58, 59 and 60 in a clockwise direction. The closing of the switch 68 will also result in energization of the solenoids 46 and 41, and

actuation of the valves 30 and 3|. This will re-' sult in the pressing head I2 being lowered, and

as said head reaches the operating station I5 wherein it is cooperable with the mould II] the switch '61 will be closed. This will result in energization of the solenoid 48 and actuation of the valve 25 whereby fluid under pressure is supplied to the inside of the rubber bag I3, inflating the latter. The disks 58, 59 and 50 will rotate slowly in a clockwise direction for approximately one minute, whereupon the lug 55 will first actuate the switch 53 to open the same and then the lug 54 will open the switch 52. Opening of the switch 53 will deenergize the solenoid 48 and result in actuation of the valve 26 to cause deflation of the rubber bag I3. Immediately following this the opening of the switch 52 will cause deenergization of the solenoids 4-5 and 41 and actuation of the valves 39 and 3I whereby the pressing head I2 will be raised. Momentary raising of the pressing head is termed bumping, and is for the purpose of allowing moisture to escape from the hat body being pressed in the mould I9. Continued rotation of the disks 5'8, 59 and 69 will result in, after an interval of 15 seconds approximately, the lugs 54 and 55 leaving the camming portions 52a and 53a of the switches whereupon the latter will be again closed. This will cause the pressing head I2 to be lowered and cause the rubber bag It to be again inflated. As the disks continue to rotate an interval of approximately two minutes will elapse, during which pressing of the hat body in the mould III is continued. After this two-minute interval, the lugs 51 and 56 6. (in the order named) will engage the camming portions 53a and 52a of the switches, first releasing pressure from the rubber bag I3 and then again raising the pressing head I2. After this has occurred, a declutching of the drive between the shaft BI and the motor 53 may be effected in any suitable manner, whereby the sprin '64 will automatically return the disks 58, 59 and 60 to the position shown, as determined by suitable stops (not shown).

The hat mould I0 may now be manually pulled forward to the position shown, to remove the pressed hat body.

According to the' above organization a quick and efficient pressing of hat bodies may be readily accomplished, without requiring skill on the part of the operator. The pressing time and pressures may be closely controlled and regulated; and the bumping operation whereby moisture is allowed to escape from the hat body may be reliably provided for and accurately controlled as to its duration. The structure by which the above is automatically accomplished is relatively simple and economical to fabricate, and is reliable in operation whereby a distinct improvement is eifected in the art of pressing hat bodies.

Another embodiment of the invention i illustrated in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. In this embodiment the positions of the hat mould and pressing head are opposite to those previously described, the mould 81 shown in Fig. 2 being uppermost and pressing head 89 being below the mould and carried on a ram 89 which is vertically movable on guides 90 of the hat press.

The control mechanism of this embodiment o the invention is also different in that it mainly involves cam-operated hydraulic valves, there being but a single relay device in the control, in contradistinction to the previously described control wherein cam-operated switches and solenoidoperated valves were utilized.

As seen in Fig. 2, the ram 89 has a plunger or piston 9I movable in a hydraulic cylinder 92 connected by a pipe line 93 with a valve head 94 which carries valves 95, 95, 91 and 98 operated by cams 99, I99, SM and I02 respectively the cams being carried on a cam shaft I 93. The shaft I93 may have a hand wheel I94 for hand operation, but preferably is driven by means of a sprocket wheel I05 and chain I95, and by a sprocket wheel IBI of a motor unit I98.

The valve head 94 includes ball-check valves I99 and. III] respectively connected by passages H191: and I Illa with the valves and 91, and includes passages II I, H2, and H3, respectively connecting the valves of the pairs 95 and I09, 99 and 91, and I I0 and 98.

The pipe line 93 connects with the passage I I I, and a discharge pipe line I I4 leads from the valve 95 to a fluid supply tank I I5. A branch pipe line IIG leads from the valve 98 and joins with the pipe line H4. From the tank H5 a pipe line H! is extended, having a motor-driven pump IIB interposed in it, the pipe II'I connecting with the passage II2 of the valve head 94. A relief valve H9 is connected between the pipe lines H4 and I I! as shown, for purposes which are well understood. From the passage II3 a pipe line I29 extends to the pressing head 89, the line having branches I2I and I22 passing through reducing valves I23 and I24 and connecting with the body portion I25 and rim portion I26 of the pressing head. Preferably the said head is formed of resilient expansible material such as rubber.

The valve head 94 and valve mechanism assoscribed. constitute part of the automatic control:

for. operating the pressing head 88;: This control further comprises a limit switch. I21 carriedby the mould. 8! and actuated .by the ramg89 when the latter is in raised position, and. comprises switches I28 and I29 actuated respectively by cams I30 and I3I carried on' the shaft I03- The electrical circuit diagram of the improved hat press shown in Fig. 2.is.il1ustra-ted in Fig-.3. In this diagram an electrical relay I32 is shown, having normally closed contacts I33 and I34, and normally open contacts I35 and. I36.' The relay I32 has a coil I31 connected by a Wire I38 with a supply wire I39 which latter has a counterpart supply wire I40 connected by wires HI and I42 respectively to the relay contacts I33 and- I35. The other end of the relay coil I3? is connected to a-wire I43 which connects with a starting push button switch I44 connected to the supply wire I40. The wire I43 also connects with the switch I28 actuated by the cam I30, the said switch in turn being connected by a wire I45 with the motor unit I08 which is connected by a wire I46 with the supply wire I39. The relay contacts I34 and I36 are connected with the switches I28and. I21 to place these in multiple, and a wireI41 connects the wire I45 with the relay contact I36.

Operation of the device shown in Figsp2and 3 is clearly illustrated by the operation chart shown in Fig. l. In this chart'the latters indicate open and the letters 0' indicated .closed. When the device is at rest the parts are in the positions indicated in Figs. 2 and 3, and the at-' rest'position in the chart of Fig. 4 shows that the switches I44, I29 and I21, and thevalves 95 and .98 are all open, and that the switch I28 is closed, as well as the valves 95 and 91. To start the device, the push button switch I44 is closed momentarily as indicated in. the start'zone of the chart. Upon this occurring, the relay armature 132a, Fig. 3, will be pulled down, opening the contacts I33 and I34 and closing the contacts I35 and I36. The motor I08 will be energized, and the various cams and the cam shaft I03 will rotate. Closing of the circuit between the contacts I35 and I36 will institute a holding action, causing the relay I32 to remain energized after the.

pushbutton switch I44 has been released.

The cams 99, I00, IOI, I02,: I30 and I3I are so shaped and arranged that the following sequence ofoperations takes place: Shortly after the cam shaft I03 has started to rotate, the cams'99 and I00 will respectively close and open the valves 95 and 95. This will cause hydraulic fluid to enter the pipe 93, and consequently the cylinder 92, and will raise the piston 9| and the ram. 89, to gether with the pressing head 88. It will'be understood that previous to starting the operation of the press, a hat body which is to be pressed will have been placed over the pressing head 88. As the ram starts to ascend, the continued rotation of the cams and shaft I03 will result'in the switch I28 being opened, and this will deenergize the relay I32 and halt the motor I08, stopping further rotation of the cams and the cam shaft.

The ram 89 however continues to ascend, and when it reaches its uppermost position it will actuate the limit switch I27, closing the same and. thereby causing the motor unit I08 to be reenergized .andto drive the cams and the cam shaft ":3. After a short interval of rotation .of the cams and cam shaft, the switch I29 will be closed by the cam I3I, and at the same time the valves 952ml 90 will be closed by thecams. I00:and- I02.

Closingofqthe, switch; I29 will not at-thistime.

affect, anything since thisswitch is in parallel.

with-the switch I21 already closed. Closing of theivalve 96 will shut off pressure from the cylinder 92, and closing of the valve 98 will prevent any-venting ofiluid through the discharge pipe IIS. As the cams and cam shaft continue to rotate the valve 9'! Will'be opened, and-hydraulic fluid will be conducted through the pipe I20 and branches I2! and I22, and inflate-the pressing head 88. This corresponds with the zone labeled apply'pressure shown. in the chart and continued rotation of the'cams and shaft I03 will then 'result in the valves 91 and 98 being respectively closed and. opened, causing a releaseof pressure from the pressing head 83. Further rotation of the cams will cause the switch I21 and the valve 95 both to be opened. Openin of the switch I2! does not'cause anything to happen at'this time since the-parallel-connected switch I29 remains closed. Opening of the valve 95 enables hydraulic-fiuid to be discharged through the pipe II4-from the cylinder 92, and enables the ram-89 to be lowered. This action effects the bumping operation and enables moisture to be released from: the hat body being pressed. Furtherrotation of the cams causes the valves 95 and 93 to berespectively closed and opened, thereby again raising the ram; and during this raising the cam opens the switch I 29, resulting in a stopping of the motor I09 and the cams and camshaft I03. As the ram 89 reaches its uppermostposition it closes the switch I 21, causing the motor :IEPB to be again energized and to drive the cams and the cam shaft I03. Further rotation of. the cams causes the switch I23 and the valves 96 and'98 to be closed. Closing of the switch I29 does nothing, since the switch I21 is already closed. Closing of the valves 96 and 98 respectivelyremoves pressure from the cylinder 92 and closes the'vent through the pipe I IB.- Further rotation of the cams results in the valve 9'! being opened;-whereupon pressure is applied through the pipe I20 to the pressinghead 88. This corresponds to the second apply'pressure zone in the chart. As the cams continue to rotate, the valves 9land-9B will be respectively closed and opened, releasing pressure from the pressing head, and thereafter the switch I27 and the valve will be opened, the latter enabling the ram to be lowered andthe switch I27 not affecting anything sinceswitch I29 is still closed. Further rotation of the cams causes the'switch I29 tobe opened, halting the cams,:and immediately prior to the latter being halted the switch I28 is closed, by virtue of the inertia of the-parts causing the cams to continue moving for a'short interval of time. This will result in the device coming to a halt Wit'h'th ram 89 lowered, whereupon the hat body which was pressed may be removed from the device and another hat body applied, for a repetition of the cycle just described.

By the above apparatus and organization we have found that hat bodies may be very quickly and effectively'automatically pressed, without requiring any skill on the part of an operator, and that extremely uniform pressing of the hat bodies is accomplished in a minimum of time. The apparatus is relatively simple and inexpensive to fabricate, and is fool-proof and reliable in its operation.

Variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the claims and portions of the improvements may be usedwithout others.-

We claimi Y 1. A hat press comprising a mould movable between an inoperative position and a operating station; a pressing head includin a member movable in response to fluid pressure, cooperable with said mould; power-operated means for bringing together and separating said head and mould at said operating station; power-operated means providing fluid under pressure for moving said member, said means being operable to relieve said fluid pressure; automatic control means including a controller for each power-operated means and means operating said controllers in a predetermined sequence for operating both said power-operated means in a cycle whereby the pressing head and mould are held together at said operating station during consecutive predetermined intervals and fluid under pressure is applied -to said member, to move the same toward the mould and whereby the head and mould are held apart in the intervening time and the fluid pressure is relieved from said member; and means for initiating said cycle automatically in response to movement of said mould from inoperative position to said operating station.

2. A hat press comprisin a mould; a pressing head including a rubber bag, cooperable with said mould; power-operated means for bringing together and separating said head and mould; power-operated means for introducing fluid under pressure into said bag and ventingthe latter; and automatic control means for operating both said power-operated means in a cycle whereby the pressing head and mould are held together during consecutive predetermined intervals and fluid pressure is exerted on the inside of said bag, and whereby the head and mould are held apart in the intervening time and the bag vented, said control means including a valve connected to said second power-operated means and controlling the flow of fluid to the bag, and including a solenoid for opening the valve and a pair of switches all connected in a series circuit, both of said switches remaining closed when the head and mould are together, and remaining open when the head and mould are separated whereby accidental over-expansion and rupture of the bag are prevented.

3. A hat press comprising a mould adapted to receive a hat body; means mounting the mould for positioning either at an operating station or at a point remote therefrom; a pressing head including a member movable in response to fluid pressure and cooperable with said mould; means mounting said head for positioning either at said operating station or at a second point remote therefrom; a pair of switches respectively operated by the mould and head in their movements to and from said station; means controlled by said switches, supplying fluid under pressure to said member only when both the mould and head are at said station; means controlled by the mould switch, for automatically moving the pressing head to the operating station in response to movement of the mould to said station; and means automatically operative at a predetermined time after operation of said preceding means, for actuating the head moving means to momentarily move the pressing head away from the station, and then return it to said station, thereby to provide for escape of moisture from a hat body being pressed in the mould.

4. A hat press comprising a mould adapted to receive a hat body; means mounting the mould for positioning either at an operating station or a point remote therefrom; a pressing head including a member movable in response to fluid pressure and cooperable with said mould; means mounting said head for positioning either at said operating station or at a second point remote therefrom; means supplying fluid under pressure to said member only when both the mould and head are at said station; means for automatically moving the pressing head to the operating station in response to movement of the mould to said station; and means automatically operative at a predetermined time after operation of said preceding means, for actuating the head moving means to momentarily move the pressing head away from the station, and then return it to said station, thereby to provide for escape of moisture from a hat body being pressed in the mould.

5. A hat press comprising a mould adapted to receive a hat body; means mounting the mould for positioning either at an operating station or a point remote therefrom; a pressing head including a member movable in response to fluid pressure and cooperable with said mould; means mounting said head for positioning either at said operating station or at a second point remote therefrom; a pair of switches respectively operated by the mould and head in their movements to and from said station; means including a solenoid valve controlled by said switches, and including a pump supplying fluid under pressure to said member only when both the mould and head are at said station; means including a solenoid valve controlled by the mould switch, and including a fluid operated piston and cylinder means connected with the pump for automatically moving the pressing head to the operating station in response to movement of the mould to said station; and means automatically operative at a predetermined time after operation of said preceding means, for momentarily reversing the operation of the piston and cylinder means to and then again reversing the piston and cylinder move the pressing head away from the station, and then again reversing the piston and cylinder means to return it to said station, thereby to provide for escape of moisture from a hat body being pressed in the mould.

6. A hat press comprising a mould adapted to receive a hat body; means mounting the mould for positioning either at an operating station or a point remote therefrom; a pressing head including a member movable in response to fluid pressure and cooperable with said mould; means mounting said head for positioning either at said operating station or at a second point remote therefrom; means supplying fluid under pressure to said member only when both the mould and head are at said station; and means automatically operative at a predetermined time after the mould and pressing head are brought together, for actuating the head moving means to momentarily move the pressing head away from the station, and then return it to said station, thereby to provide for escape of moisture from a hat body being pressed in the mould.

7. A hat press comprising a mould adapted to receive a hat body; means mounting the mould for positioning either at an operating station or a point remote therefrom; a pressing head including a rubber bag inflatable by fluid under pressure and cooperable with said mould; means mounting said head for movement to po- Ease-9,495

.sitions either at said operating: stationhorcat' a second point remote therefrom; means supplying fluid under pressure to saidbagronly. when both the mould and head are at.saidstationlandtogether; and means automaticallyv operative at a predetermined timeafter themouldand pressing head are brought together, for :actuatingL-the means supplying fluid to the bag to first remove fluid pressure from the bagand then momentarily actuate the head'moving means tomove' the pressing head away from the station and for thereafter returningsaid-head to said: station and then actuating the meanssupplyinglifluid to the bag to again inflate-saidbag, -thereby to provide for escape-of moisturefromca hat body being pressed in the mould.

8. A hat press comprising a mouldadapted'to receive a hat body; means mounting-.theumould for positioning eitherat an operating stationor a point remote therefrom; a pressing head ineluding a member movableuin response to fluid pressure and cooperable with saidimould; means mounting said head for positioning eitheinat said operating station or at a secondl'point remote therefrom; means supplying fluid under pressure to said member only when both the mould and head are at said station; means for automatically moving the pressing head to the operating station in response to movement of' the mould to said station and for thereafter separating the pressing head from the mould after the elapse of a predetermined interval of time; and means automatically operative at a predetermined time in said interval, for momentarily actuating the head moving means to move the pressing head away from the station, and then returning it to said station, thereby to provide'for escape of moisture from a hat body being. pressed'inlthe mould.

9. A hat press comprising a mould adapted to receive a hat body; a pressing head includinga member movable in response to fluid pressure; power-operated means for bringing together and separating said head and mould power-operated means providing fluid under pressure formoving said member, said means beingoperable to relieve said fluid pressure; means including a plurality of cams connected together to operate simultaneously, for controlling said power-operated means according to a predeterminedplan; driving means for said cams; and automatic means controlling said driving means throughout-apiedetermined cycle including an electric circuit having a manually controlled starting switch and a second switch actuated by movementof the pressing head into pressing relation whereby the cams are driven through a cycle to cause'the pressing head and mould to be brought together and maintained together during consecutive predetermined intervals and'fluid'under pressure to be applied to said member to move the same toward the mould, and to cause the' head and mould to be separated and held apart in the intervening time and the fluid pressure tobe relieved from said member.

10. A hat press comprising-a mould adapted to receive a hat body; a pressing head including a member movable in response to fluid' pressure; power-operated means for bringing together and separating said head andmould; power-operated means providing fluid under pressure for moving said member, said means being operable torelieve said fluid pressure; means including a plurality of cams connected together to operate'simultaneously and including valves'actu'ated by said cams, for controlling said'power-operated means according to a predetermined'plany;driv- -ing:means for saidcams; andautomatic means including a limit switch actuated by said mould and head, controlling said driving means to move the cams throughout a predetermined cycle to cause the-pressing head and mould to be brought together and maintained together during consecutive predetermined intervals and fluid under pressure is applied to said member to move the same toward the mould, and to cause the head and mould to be separated and held apart in the intervening time and the fluid pressure is relieved from said member.

11. A hat press comprising a mould adapted to receive a hat body; a pressing head including a member movable in response to fluid pressure; power-operated means for bringing together and separating said head and mould; power-operated means providing fluid under pressure for moving said member, said means being operable to relieve said fluid pressure; means including a plurality of cams connected together to operate simultaneously, for controlling said power-operated means according to a predetermined plan; an electric motor driving said cams; and automatic means including an electric circuit for said motor controlling said driving means throughout a predetermined cycle Whereby'the pressing head and mould are brought together andmaintained together during consecutive predetermined intervals and'fluid under pressure is applied to said member to move the same toward the mould, and whereby the head and mould are separated and held apart in .the intervening time and the 'fluid pressure is relieved from said member, said automatic means including a restart device in said electric circuit for said driving means, made operative when the head and mould are together, and including means halting said driving means and cams in those parts of said cycle during which the head and mould arebeing brought together.

12. A hat press comprising a mould adapted to receive a hat body; a pressing head including a member movable in response to fluid pressure; power-operated means for bringing together and separating said head and mould; power-operated means providing fluid under pressure'for moving said member, said means being operable to relieve said fluid pressure; means including a plurality of cams'connected together to operate simultaneously, for controlling said power-operated means according'to a predetermined plan; electrical driving means for said cams; and automatic means controlling said drivingmeans"th1'oughout a predetermined cycle whereby the pressing head andmould'are brought together and maintained together during consecutive predetermined intervals and fluid under' pressure is applied to said member to move the same toward the mould, and whereby the head and mould are separated and held apart in the intervening time and the fluid pressure is relieved from said member, said automatic means including arelay havingnormallyclosed circuit contacts, and including a pair of'shunt-connectedswitches inseries with said relay contacts,'oneof saidswitches being controlled by relative movements of the mould and'pressing head and the other switch being controlled by one of said cams, and said switches and contacts being connected to control said'driving means.

13. A hat press'comprising a mould adapted to receive a hat body; a pressing head including a'member movable'in response to fluid pressure; power-operated means for bringing together and 13 separating said nead and mould; power-operated means providing fluid under pressure for moving said member, said means being operable to relieve said fluid pressure; means including a plurality of cams connected together to operate simultaneously, for controlling said poweroperated means according to a predetermined plan; electrical driving means for said cams; and automatic means controlling said driving means throughout a predetermined cycle whereby the pressing head and mould are brought together and maintained together during consecutive predetermined intervals and fluid under pressure is applied to said member to move the same toward the mould, and whereby the head and mould are separated and held apart in the intervening time and the fluid pressure is relieved from said member, said automatic means including a relay having normally closed circuit contacts, including a relay-control switch operated by one of said cams, and including a pair of shunt-connected switches in series with said relay contacts, one of said switches being controlled by relative movements or" the mould and pressing head and the other switch being controlled by one of said cams, and said switches and contacts being connected to control said driving means.

14. The invention as defined in claim 11, in which the driving means is electrically powered, in which the means halting the driving means includes a switch operated by one of said cams, and in which said restart device includes a second switch in parallel with said first switch.

15. A hat press comprising a mould; a pressing head including a member movable in response to fluid pressure, cooperable with said mould; power-operated means for bringing together and separating said head and mould; power-operated means providing fluid under pressure for moving said member, said means being operable to relieve said fluid pressure; and automatic control means for operating both said power-operated means in a cycle, said automatic control means including a control device actuated incident to the closing of the head and mould in pressing relation, valve means connected to each of said power-operated means, and operating means for said valves actuated in a predetermined sequence whereby the pressing head and mould are held together during consecutive predetermined intervals in the pressing cycle and fluid under pressure is applied to said member, to move the same toward the mould and whereby the head and mould are held apart in the intervening time and the fluid pressure is relieved from said member.

16. A hat press comprising a hat-supporting mould; a pressing head including a rubber bag, cooperable with said mould to press a hat carried thereby; power-operated means for moving the pressing head toward and away from the mould to insert and remove the bag from the hat during a pressing cycle; power-operated means for introducing fluid under pressure into said bag and venting the latter; and automatic control means for operating both said poweroperated means in a cycle including an electrohydraulic system having switch means actuated by the movement of the pressing head into pressing relation with the mould, valve means connected to each of said power-operated means, and actuators for said valve means controlled by said switch means, whereby the pressing head and mould are held together during consecutive predetermined intervals in the pressing cycle and fluid pressure is exerted on the inside of said bag, and whereby the head and mould are held apart in the intervening time and the bag vented.

17. A hat press comprising a hat supporting mould; a pressing head including a rubber bag, cooperable with said mould; power-operated means for moving the pressing head toward and away from the mould to insert and remove the bag from the hat during a pressing cycle; poweroperated means for introducing fluid under pressure into said bag and venting the latter; and automatic control means for operating both said power-operated means in a cycle including an electrohydraulic system having manually operated switch means to initiate said cycle, a second switch means actuated by the movement of the pressing head into pressing relation with the mould, a plurality of valves connected to said power-operated means, and actuators for said valves operating in a predetermined sequence and controlled by said pair of switch means whereby the pressing head and mould are held together during consecutive predetermined intervals in the pressing cycle and fluid pressure is exerted on the inside of said bag, and whereby the head and mould are held apart in the intervening time and the bag vented, said control means providing for application of fluid under pressure to the bag subsequent to the bringing together of the head and mould, and providing for venting of the bag prior to separation of the head and mould.

IRVING H. VICKERS. GEORGE M. RICKUS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,891,344 Casse Dec. 20, 1932 2,017,965 Hanney Oct. 22, 1935 2,258,954 Jensen Oct. 14, 1941 2,330,319 Tornberg Sept. 28, 1943 2,480,960 Press Sept. 6, 1949

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