US1460891A - Sewing machine - Google Patents

Description

July 3, 1923.

A. H. DE VOE SEWING MACHINE Filed June 22 1918 7 SheetsSheet l INVENTOR Wfim ATTORNEY WITNESSES y x W5 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR mum/2% ATTORNEY A. H. DE VOE SEWING MACHINE Filed June 22 July 3, 1923.

WITNESSES 914 7A4 yfii/z/ a/ July 3, 1923.

A. H. DE VOE SEWING MACHINE 7 $heets-Sheet 3 Filed June 22 1918 INVENTOR MM Km BY WITNESSES- ATTORNEY July 3, 1923.

A. H. DE VOE SEWING MACHINE Filed June 2" 1918 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR d/ZLJ im/216 WITNESSES= July 3, 1923.

A. H. DE VOE SEWING MACHINE Filed Jun-2 22 1918 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNEY WITN ESSES= 9 9 M/fi;

July 3, 1923.

A. H. DE VOE SEWING MACHINE Filed June 22 1918 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR WWW/m ATTORNEY W!TNESSES= July 3, 1923.

A. H DE VOE S EWI NC] MACH I'NE Filed June 22 1918 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 L h QL m 3 ML m 4 b wlf y 71( g ATTORNEY 20 W. P. Anthony,

Patented July 3,1923.

UNI- TED STATES v 1,460,891 PATENT OFFICE,

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I rac'rnnmo comm, A. conrona'non ornsw 3mm.

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.Lpplieation fled June as, me. serial-mi. man.

To all whom it may cone-cm:

Be it known that I, ALBERT HLDE Von,

a citizen of the United States, residin at Westfield in the count of Union and tate I of New jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Sewing Machines, of which the following is a. specification, reference being bad therein to the accom an ing drawings.

T is invention relates to sewing machines ofa s ial type for use in bleacheries where it is asirable to wcure together the ends of long len hs of cloth by a thin lap-seam whose ges are trimmedclose to revent II the formation of bulky ridges which are objectionable in subsequent bleaching, singein and dyeing operations. t aims to provide a new and improved machine of. the t shown in the patent to V 0. 1,001,186, dated Au ust 22, 1911, and also in my co ndlng app ication Serial No. 113,071, file August 4, 1916-, of which this applieationis a continuation in part. In the prior construction a pair of 25 trimmers is located behind the multiple needle sewing machine, the stitching point of whic is embraced by a recta lar and slide "frame having lmpaling pins flankin the needles and the trimmers. The slidab e frame holds the fabric stretched flat during the stitching and trimming operations. g

The width of the cloth that may be stitched with the prior construction is limitedby the size of the frame, it being impossible to trim and stitch material wider than the frame is long. The slidable'frame after each operation must be retracted to a position in front of the needles to make ready for the next operation and this wastes time and energy. he frame must also be made heavyand stron enough to hold the work stretched flat. an yet it must be light enough to be dr ged along by the feeddogs advance of 't e work a stitch length at a time. The opposite free margins of the lap seam joining the lengths of cloth .are in the prior construction trimmed after it is stitched and these margins cannot be cut oil very close to the lines of stitches owing to the movement of the trimming blades in a plane at right angles to the plane in' which the work travels.

The present invention aims to improve the prior constructions by providing a fabric stretching and holdin mechanism conveying the work in lappe relation to and from the stitching point which is capable of handling anywidth of cloth and which is ready to start wherever it may happen to stop at the end of a previous operation thereby .increasing the capacity of the machine.

For relievin the operator of the trouble ofremoving t e work from the conveying mechanism,it aims to provide devices stri ping the work from the stretching and holding mechanism afterthe lengths have been joined by a lap seam.

It also aims to provide positive mechanical means for conveying the work in lapped condition to and from the stitching point at a' velocity substantiall us] to the avera velocity of the, feed 03 intermittent" advance.

Also it aims to improve the character of the work done by a combination and arrangement of trimmers and separator which effect a stretching of the material immediately before it passes under the presser-foot and is gripped thereagainst by the feed-dog.

Then also it aims to provide a new and improved arrangement of trimmers which sever the cloth before it is secured together 'close to the outside rows of stitches.

It aims to provide new and improved mechanism for operating the trimmers, the blades of which are conveniently accessible for repair, replacement or resharpening.

It aims stil further to provide a new and novel marking device for making d'mtinguishing characters upon the work the device being manually operable independently of the machine.

A further aim of the invention is to provide new and useful controlling devices for conveniently holding the machine coupled to power and for manually shifting the work along when the stitch-forming mechanism is at rest.

And finall it aims to improve the construction a arrangement so that themechine speed.

In it preferred form the construction comprises a sewing machine of any suitable form making a plurality of parallel rows of stitches, a trimming mechanism including pairs of shear trimmers arranged in advance of the'stitching point and operating close and parallel to the plane of the throat-plate maybe operated at a high rate of on op ite sides of the needles, and a fabricstnetc ing and holding mechanism having as its leading feature a series of impaling ins mounted on endless chains on opposite sides of the stitchi point and flanking the shear trimmers. T rou h (parallel slots in the table extending in t e irection of feed and flanking the trimmers, roject series of pins on which the work is lapped and impaled. The table is of relatively fgreat length and is arranged transversely o the sewing machine head between the bed-plate and overhanging arm and is substantiall level with the throat-plate. At the rearen of the table adjacent the point where the endless carriers reverse their direction of movement stripping plates are provided to remove the finished work from the pins on which it is impaled. The fabic stretching and holdin mechanism is driven from the main-shafto the sewing machine. A foot-treadle afiords convenient means for coupling the machine to a source of ower for simultaneously actuating the stitc -forming, trimming and fabric stretching and holdin mechanisms. The machine is equip d wit a s cies of latch; ing mwhanism 2:1 holding t e foot-treadle depressed, enabling the operator to freely move about. in order to advantageously bandle wide material, such as table cloth seventy-two inches in width. A marking device is also provided on the machine an has a series of characters arrangled conveniently for impressing distinguis ing letters or numbers upon the work when desired.

The invention is illustmted in the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the complete machine. ig. 2 is an end elevation partly in section of the central rtion of the machine and its frame. Fig. 31s a front elevation partly in section approximately in a vertical plane in advance of the stitching point. Fig. 4 is a detail cross-section illustrating part of the mechanism for actuating the lower trimming blade. Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the machine and a portion of thetable with the work-plate of the sewing machine removed, taken on a horizontal plane sli htl above the workplate.. Fig. .6 is a etai cross section one. vertical plane of the impression roller of the marking device. Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are details in para tire, the latter being partly in section. ig. 10 is a bottom lan view of the central portion of the tab Fig. 11 is a cmss-sectiop on the line 11-13, Fig. 10 showi the grooves in one frame section of the ta le. ig'. 12 is a detail in crow-section showing the adjustable pair of end pulleys about which the endless chains turn. Fig. 13 is a plan view showing fragments of the table-top. Fig. 14 is a sectional detail showing the non-adjustable end pulleys around which the chains travel. Fig. 15 is a fragmentary side elevation of the frame sections showing theralation of the end pulleys and stripping plates. Figs. 16, 17 and 18 are pers ctive views of the components of a paw and ratchet mechanism for actuating a air of sprockets driving the endless chains.

igs. 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 represent in spaced perspective the upper and lower s ear trimming mechanisms. one of which is mounted upon the presser-foot. Fig. 24 is a cross-section through the presser-foot and throat-plate illustrating the condition of the lap seam at the stitching point. Fig. 25 is a perspective, partly in section, of the impression roll of a marking device. Fig. 26 is a detail in perspective of a pawl-carrying arm for driving the impression roll.

As represented in Fig.1 of the drawings, end standards with legs 1 connected in pairs by cross-members 2 are braced her by the tie-rods 3. On theupper en s of the le Fig. 3 bosses 4 are formed with sockets within which are adjustably secured by the screws 5(pins 6 upon which in turn a tray 7 is secure by the screws 8.

The sewing machine-Upon the tray 7 sets the bed-plate 9 of a sewin machine from whose vertical standard 10, lg. 1, extends laterally the usual overhan ing arm 11. The main-shaft, 12, Figs. 2 an 5, of the machine on which is mounted the ved hand-wheel 12' is located in suitabe bearings rising from the bed-plate and is operatively connected in any suitable manner through the vertical standard with a rockshaft 13, Fi 2, sustained in the overhanging am an having a crankarm 14 linked at 15 to the needle-bar 16 whose clamp 17 carries one or more needles 18, preferably three in number. Beneath the bed-plate loopers 19, of the non-thread carrying type and as many as there are needles, are sup.- ported on a carrier 20 secured to a sleeve 21 and operated fronr the main-shaft of the machine by any of the great variety of known mechanisms suited for the purpose.

The work-feeding mechanism for intermittently advancing the work a stitch-. len h at a time comprises a feed- 22, to which four motions may be imparted y suitable mechanism, and a cooperating presserfoot 23 on a presser-bar 24 that is supported in the head of the overhanging arm'in rea of the needle-bar as usual.

The construction above briefly described relates to the stitch-forming and work-feeding mechanisms of a sewing machine which has been employed in an embodiment ofrthe. invention but obvious] the'stitch-forming and work-feeding mec anisms maybe of any suitable form and type. Their specific construction forms no part of the present invention. 4

The fabric stretchdmf (and holding mechanism.-The work is ed to and from the stitching point, where the needle or needles penetrate the work, with the fabric lies overlapped as shown in Fig. 24 in w ich condition the plies are held flat and tensioned by being impaled upon two separate and distinct series of pins 25 secured to endless carriers 26 of any suitable form and construction. Preferabl as shown, the endless carriers are in t e form of chains.

The means for driving and supporting the endless carriers or chains 26 will now be described.

Beneath the tray 7 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 is mounted a rectangular plate 27, bein clamped by screws 28 ,to the pins 29 in t e bosses 30, four in number on the upper side of the tra To the bottom of the plate 27 is secured by screws 31 a driving head 32 of the formshown, by which head a countershaft 33 is sustained parallel with the main-shaft 12. The counter-shaft 33 is operated, see Figs. 2, 3 and 5 from a worm 34 on a reduced extension of the main-shaft 12 through a worm-wheel $5 on a vertical shaft 36 supported in a bearing 37, which is secured by the screws 37 to the bed-plate 9 of the sewing machine and. which carries a small bearing 37 for the portion of the main-shaft 12 which extends beyond the worm 34. At the lower end of the vertical shaft 36 is a beveled gear 38 meshing with a similar gear 39 on one end of the countershaft 33. On the other end of the countershaft 33, Figs. 3'and 10, is fixed a sleeve or bushing 40 with an integral arm 41 carrying a pair of pawls 42, see Fig. 16, yieldingl eld b a coil-spring 43 against a rate et whee 44, Fig. 17, which together with a sprocket-wheel 45 is fastened by bolts 46 to a double flanged'sleeve 47 loosely supported onthe countershaft 33, a second s rocket-wheel 48 being bolted to the sleeve 4 in spaced relation with the first-mentioned sprocket-wheel. In a plane and parallel with the countershaft 33 and on opposite sides thereof studshafts '49 are supported by the driving head 32 and loosely supported on the stud-shafts are idler-s 50 whose peripheral rooves 50' are in line with the sprocket-w eels 45 and 48, see also Fig. 10.

rames 51-52 are arranged in back and front respectivel of the sewing machine in line with each ot er in the direction of feed. The frames are of skeletonized construction and are sup rted above the tra 7 on the before mentioned pins 29 whic are embraced by the frame bosses 53-54, while below the tray in bosses 55-56 is clamped a rod or strut 57 havin thrust collars 59-60 mutually sup rting t e frames 51-52, one by the other in alinement. A U-shaped lug 61 depending from the plate 27 straddles the strut 57 and collars 62 u on the rod and on opposite sides ofthe ug afford means for bringing the respective frames 51-52 into alinement. On opposite free ends of the frames 51-52 are mounted in pairs peripherally rooved idlers 63-64, Figs. 15 and 12, the ormer of which may be adjusted bodily laterally in the direction of feed to properly tension the chains 26, their stud-shaft 65 bein supported in a plate 66 adjustably secure by th screw-and-slot connections 67 to a finished surface on the side of the frame.

The conveying mechanism, whose construction has thus been described is thus operated preferably at a uniform velocity equal to t e average advance of the fabric by the feed-dog and cooperating presser from the main-shaft of the sewing machine through a ratchet mechanism, the series of impaling pins on the chains bein positively advanced in the direction of fee By reason of the spring-pawl construction 42-43 movement of the pins in the direction of feed is permitted independently of the mainshaft 12, such independent movement being effected manually in a manner made apparent later. The independent movement facilitates the introduction under the presserfoot of plies of fabric in overla ping relationship before the machine is tlirown into stitching operation.

The tabla-The tops of the frames 51-52 are planed smooth and drilled and tapped at suitable intervals to receivescrews clamping in position sections 70-71 and 72 of a worksupporting table indicated generall by the numeral 3, the outside ends of t e table being bent down and secured to cross-bars v73' at the opposite ends of the frames 51-52 and at a point slightly beyond the grooved pulleys 63-64. The sections of the table 73 are spaced apart and define channels 74-7 5 on op osite sides of the stitching point and exten ing parallel to the line of seam-formation. These channels communicate with grooves 76-77 Fig. 11, provided in the top of the frames 51-52 which grooves receive the endless chains 26 carrying the impaling pins 25 which pins pro'ect up throu h the channels above'the sur ace of the ta le 73 and upon them the overlapped plies of fabric are adapted to be impaled. On the rear ends of the table 73 stri ping plates 78-79 are mounted with their n-like ribs flanking the channels 74-75 to a point where the lmsalmg pins descend beneath the curved en of the table. These stripping plates as will be readily understood lift and clear the overlapped and stitched work from the impaling pins and allow it to drop from the rear end of the table without manipulation by the operator of the machine.

The trimming mechanicm..-Between the work-feeding mechanism i. e., the feed-clog 22 and presser-foot 23, and the outlying series of work-holding pins pairs of shear trimmers are arranged to sever respective plies of fabric before it is stitched and of course these shear trimmers are supported and actuated from opposite sides of the work.

The upper trimmer, Figs. 2, 19, 20 and 21 has a movable blade 80 secured by screws 81 to an arm 82 on a vertically arranged pin 83 hinged in the spaced ears 84 fixedly connected to the presser-bar An arm 85 fastened permanently to the pin 83 and arranged between the ears 84, is provided with a ball end embraced by one of the two socket ends of a link 86 which is actuated by a ball ended arm 87 secured by a screw 88 within a groove 89 arranged transversely in the end of a rock-shaft 90 which is supported horizontally at the rear of the head of the sewing machine in a bracket-plate 90' shown in detail in ZFigs. 7 and 9. The rock-shaft 90 intermediate its ends is provided with a socket receiving a pin 91, which is setscrewed to the shaft as indicated in Fig. 9, and through a sliding sleeve 92 is actuated from a crank-pin 93 on the end of the needle-bar rock-shaft 13 in the overhanging arm.

The ledger or stationary blade of the upper trimmer in the present embodiment of the invention is formed by an edge of a hardened sole piece 94 fastened by screws 95 to the presser-foot 23 which latter is cut away as shown best in Fig. 21 to provide clearance for the movable or cutting blade 80 passing above it during the normal operation of the machine.

The lower shear trimmer Figs. 3, 4, 22 and 23, has a movable blade 96 secured by screws 9? to an arm 98 on the upper end of a ver' tical rock-shaft 99 whose lower end is connected by an arm 100 to an adjustable link 101 actuated from a crank-arm 102 formed on the t oper-carrying sleeve 21 before mentioned. the link 101 having ball-and-socket connections at its 0 posite ends. Cooperating with the mova le blade 96 is a ledger or stationary blade 103 secured by screws 104 to the throat-plate 105 of the machine.

The cutting action of the shear trimmers is completed in advance of the penetration of the work by the needles, i. a, it is completed in advance of the stitching point, which is insured by the provision of a lip 106 on the movable blade of the upper trimmer and of a similar lip 107 on the ledgerblade of the lower trimmer, both lips being located as shown forward of the needles.

It will he noticed that the movable blades of both shear trimmers operate in planes parallel to the throat-plate 105 and consequently parallel to the plane in which the work traverses. The movable blades are operated through connections with the uppeer and lower stitch-forming instrumenta ties, which connections are simple and light and do not hamper or limit the speed of the machine in operation. And all the blades are accessible for replacement, repair or resharpening.

The pardon-On the presser-foot secured by screws 108 is a plate or finger 109 which has a forwardly extending portion 110, a laterally extending portion 111 across and 1n front of the presser-foot, and a rearwardly extending portion 112, the letter bemg bent down and terminating slightly in advance of the end of the movable blade of the lower shear trimmer. A similar bend 113 connects the portions 110 and 111 of the finger just in advance of the end of the movable blade of the upper shear trimmer. These bent portions 112 and 113 insure the entrance of the horizontal portions of the overlapping plies into their respective shear trimmers and also guard against snagging the overlapping plies on the free ends of the movable blades. The laterally extendlng portion 111 of the finger 109 enters between the lapping plies of the fabric parting them slightly before they reach the bent portions 112-113. The bent rtions 12-113 in conjunction with the raised portion 105' of the throat-plate and with the presser-foot cause the material to kink or fold, as shown in Fig. 24, thereby making it taut between the flanking series of pins outside of the trimmers and stitchiforming mechanism before the work gets well under the presser-foot and before the margins of the work are out 0B. Thus there is obtained a smoothing or ironing action immediately before the stitching operation insuring a smooth flat lap-seam in the product.

The markcn-Rearward of the stitching point and supported by a lug 114, Figs. 2 and 6. depending from the frame section 51 is the character carrying part of the marker. It comprises a bushing 115 provided with a shoulder 116 and threaded end 117 taking a clampmut 118 for adjustably securing the bushing in place in the slot 119 provided in the depending lug. A shaft 120 having a haiidmrank 121 at one end is jonrnaled within the bushing 115 and at its opposite end carries an arm 122, Figs. '25 and 26 on which is mounted a pawl 123 with an actuatingspring 124 for holding the pawl in engagement with a ratchet-wheel 125 fastened permanently to an impression roller 126 loosely supported externally upon the bushing 115. To the web of the impres sion roller 126 is fastened permanently a sprocket-wheel 127 meshing with one of the endless chains 26 and within seats in the periphery of the impression roller are removably mounted plates 128 on which characters of a suitable kind are fashioned and in which open-ended key-hole slots 129 are provided to receive the tapered heads 130 of plun rs 131 pressed b the s rings 132 radially inward to hold he pla t es 128 in position.

Directly beneath the impression roller 126,

means are provided for convenientlg inking the characters on the plates 128. casting 133, provided with a boss 134 fitting over the end of the strut or rod 57 and also with a seat 135, is detachably secured by screws to the frame-section 51. On a stud 136 sustained by the casting is an inking roller 137 to which ink is su plied by a second roller 138 carried by a ever 139 pivoted to the casting as shown at 139' and arranged for emersion in a trough 140 permanently secured to the casting. Ink or other suitable fluid in the trough is carried by the supply-roller 138 to the padded surface roller 137 which wets the surfaces of the characters on the several plates 128.

Directly above the impression roller 126 is a pressing roller 141, surfaced with rubber or other suitable material, for deflecting the work downward when it is desired to mark the fabric. Normally the plates 128 on which the characters are formed are just cleared by the under surface of the work and by depressing the roller 141 the fabric is deflected into contact with the characters on the plates. For convenient manipulation, the pressing roller 141 .is carried on the end of an arm 142 having a laterally extending hub 143, Fi 8 hinged on a p Fig. 7 fast in the racket-plate 90 before mentioned, secured to the rear of the head of the-sewing machine, with an integral projection 146 of the bracket plate arran d to engage a catch 147 integra with the ub 143, when elevation of the pressing roller carries the catch clear of the projection and allows a coiled thrust spring149, Fig. 3, whom oppositeends are sunk in a collar 150 fixed on the pin 144 and in the hub 143, to displace the arm 142 bodily sidewise. The spring 149 also tends to swing the arm 142 down and hold the projection 146 and catch 147 in close engagement. By the combined thrust and tortional forces of the coiled spring 149 the pressing roller in an elevated position is secured against accidental displacement and vibration.

Manual actuation o the endless comm-- The handle or crank 21 provided on the end of the rod 120 extending through the impression roller affords convenient means for manually movin the endless chains 26 in the direction of fee before the machine is started and while the stitch-forming, work-feeding and trimming mechanisms are at rest, facilitating the location of the plies of work on opposite sides of the separator 109 before starting up.

Treadle mechanism for power operation 0 the machine-The sewing machine and t e fabric-stretching and holding mechain 144, d

nism are simultaneously operable from a power-transmitter 150' suitably secured to the lower side of the tray 7 under the vertical standard 10 of the sewing machine frame. An suitable form of transmitter may be emp oyed, the one illustrated in Fi 3 having driving and driven members whic are relatively movable into clutching relation through a bar 151, Figs. 1 and 3, inged to an arm 152 constitut'- part of a footlever or treadle 153 wh i dfi is suitably fulcrumed between the legs 1 and which is normally held raised b a coiled s ring 154. The transmitter has the usual t ulle s 150 from which power is transmitte to e main drivin shaft 12 of the sewing machine by a be t 150' passing over the ve of the band-wheel 12'. On the casing of the transmitter are spaced lugs 150 on which is fulcrumed b means of rod 150 the transmitter contro ling lever 150. The rod 151 is connected to the lever 150 by suitable means such as the screw-bolt 151 Swinging of the lever 150' connects and disconnects the clutch members as is ordinary in such devices. Power is supplied to the transmitter from an external source by any suitablemeans such as the belt ulley 150. By depressing the foot-treadle t e machine is thrown into operation.

To enable the operator to move about the machine freelly while it is in operation, evices are provi ed to hold the foot-treadle down with the operators foot thereupon. A rod 155 links the bar 151 with a hell crank' 156 fulcrumed at 157 upon the tray 7. To the bellcrank is linked a second rod 158 having a sleeve 159 fixed thereto and slidablv supported in a lug 160 depending from the tab e 73. A transverse groove 161 in the sleeve isadapted to receive the short end of a latch-lever 162 fulcrumed at 163 to a block 164 depending from the table. The fulcrum of the lever 162 is located so as to allow gravity to urge the short end of the lever up alo ide of the lu 160 into the groove 161111 the sleeve. en

the foot-treadle is depressed to couple the machine to power the vs 161 in the sleeve 159 is moved to e left (in Fig. 3) into register with the short end of the latch lever 162 which rises thereinto, thus holding th; foot-treladle a inst the tortion 0 s 54 an t ere rmittin the o r52 to remove his fo bt from thg tread e and move about the machine. This is obviously desirable in handlin material which varies in width and especially when it is very wlde- ToggIe-roller-mpport for tabla-For convenience in shifting the machine about in the factory, rollers 168 (Fi 1 only) are mounted on the opposite on s of rock-bars 164 pivotally connected by the fixed pairs of legs 1. tween ears 165 on the rockbars 164 pairs of toggle links 166 are arranged with a lateral arm 16? on one link of a pair extending outward for convenient access to the operators foot by which the toggle-links may be broken as shown in Fig. 1 to lower the ends of the legs 1 into direct contact with the floor or by which they may be straightened to support the machine upon the rollers 163 for ease in shifting it about on the floor.

Operation of the nwchz'iw.The ends of the lengths of cloth are impaled each upon both series of pins in lapping relation as shown in cross-section in P ig. 24. \Vith the plies of work introduced under the resserfoot and upon opposite sides of the separa' tor the 0 erator may readily stretch the material at and smooth over the receiving end of the tabie. When the machine is operated the pins penetrate the material one after another before it reaches the stitching point slightly in advance of which the trimmers sever the irre lar margins close to where the lines of stitches are subsequently laid. As the fabric passes oil of the delivery ends of the table it is raised and stripped from the pins and piles up loosely upon the floor until the machine operator has finished a number of bolts. A nother truck load of bolts of cloth is then drawn up to the machine and the ends thereof united to the loose ends of the previously united truck loads of bolts. These operations are continued until the desired aggregate length of material is attained.

During the stitching of contiguous len he of the work or after the machine has on brought to rest, the operator may bring down the resser roller upon the im ression roll and mark the work with an identifying character as is frequently desirable. The machine is started by depressing the foot-treadle and left in operation by reason of the detaining action of the latch-lever 162 while the operator moves about in mani ulating the cloth.

he endless carriers or chains 26 in the combination disclosed contribute material- 1y to the value of the machine over prior constructions enabling any width of work being united with less exertion and with far greater rapidity than in machines of the prior art. The capacity of the machine for different widths of material and for handling more pieces of work per day is thus increased.

If the work becomes displaced or disarranged, and while the sewing machine is at rest, the operator may find it convenient to turn the hand-crank 121 and shift the endless carriers with their impalin'g pins 25 in the direction of feed in order to straighten out the work as well as introduce its plies upon opposite sides of the separator 109.

Owing to the length of the table in front of the stitching point and to the endless character of the work-holding and stretch ing mechanism, the operator may conveniently prepare the next lengths of cloth to be united during the last portion of the stitching operation on the previous lengths of cloth.

The separator and trimming blades bend the work as shown in Fig. 24 and tension it transversely of the line of feed between the flanking rows of impaling pins thereby insuring a flat condition in the lapped plies at the critical stage when they are being stitched.

Because the trimmers operate immediately in advance of the stitching point and operate in horizontal planes the stitches may be laid as close to the cut edges of the work as the texture of the cloth renders safe thus reducing to a minimum waste of material and the liability of the cut edges creasing or folding in their passage through the rolls during subsequent bleaching, singeing and dyeing operations.

\Vhile the invention has been described in its preferred form, it is susceptible of alteration and modification in a variety of ways.

It is therefore to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited to the spe cific construction shown and described, as the same is only illustrative of the principles of operation which are capable of extended application in various forms, and that the invention comprehends all construction within the scope of the accompanying claims.

Having thus set forth the nature of the invention, what I claim herein is- I. In a machine of the class described, in combination. stitch-forming mechanism, step-by-step work feeding mechanism, endless fabric stretching and holding mechanism, means acting independently of the work for advancing said fabric stretching and holding mechanism, and shear trimming mechanism for cutting the free edges of lapping ieces of work.

2. n a machine of the class described, in combination, stitchforming mechanism, step-by-step work feeding mechanism, endless fabric stretching and holding mechanism, means acting independently of the work for advancing said fabric stretching and holding mechanism, and shear trimming mechanism on opposite sides of the stitching point for cutting the opposite free edges of the lapping pieces of work.

3. In a machine of the class described, in combination, stitch-forming mechanism, step-by-step feeding mechanism. endless fab ric stretching and holdin mechanism, and shear trimming mechanism adjacent the stitching point and including a movable blade arranged to operate in a plane parallel with the plane in which the work travels for cutting the free edges of lapping pieces of work.

4. In a device of the class described, the combination with a sewing machine having stitch-forming mechanism and work-feeding mechanism, of stretching and holding means for advancing the work to the stitch-forming mechanism in stretched condition, means for simultaneously driving said work-feeding mechanism and said stretching and holding means. and means permitting the advance of said stretching and holding means independently of said work-feeding mechamsm.

5. In a device of the class described, the combination with a sewing machine havin stitch forming mechanism and Workfee in mechanism, of a fabric-stretching and ho ding mechanism functioning independently of the work-feeding mechanism, and means for simultaneously driving said mechanisms including'devices permitting movement of the fabric-stretching and holding mechanism independently of said Workfeeding mechanism.

6. In a machine of the class described. in combination, stitch-forming mechanism, step-by-step work feeding mechanism, endless fabric stretching and holding mechanism, means acting inde endently of the work for advancing said atter mechanism, and of shear trimming mechanism arranged between the fabric stretching and holding mechanism and the stitch-forming mechanism for cutting a free edge only of lapping pieces of work.

7. In a machine of the class described, in combination, stitch-forming mechanism, step-by-step work feeding mechanism, endless fabric stretching and holding mechanism, means acting independently of the work for advancing said latter mechanism, and of shear trimming mechanism including a pair of trimming devices arranged between the fabric stretching and holding mechanism and the stitch-forming mechanism and arranged also on opposite sides of the stitchforming mechanism for cutting the opposite free edges of lapping pieces of work.

8. In a machine of the class described, in combination, step-by-step feeding mechanism. endless fabric stretching and holding mechanism, and of shear trimming mechanism having pairs'of movable and stationary blades, each pair of cooperating blades being supported and actuated from opposite sides of the work, and means for actuating the movable blades including rock-shafts extending transversely of the plane in which the work advances. p

9. In a device of the class described, a sewing machine having a presser-foot, trimstitch-forming mechanism,

ming mechanism including stationary and movable blades supported by the prcsserfoot on one side thereof in cooperative relation, and a second pair of stationary and movable blades supported independently of the presser-foot and at the opposite sides thereof, in combination with endless work holdin mechanism.

10. fn the device of the class described. stitch-formin mechanism including upper and lower stitch-forming instrumentalities. two pairs of cooperating trimmers. and means connected respectively with said upper and lower stitch-forming instrumentalities for actuating said two pairs of trimmers.

11. In the device of the class described. stitch-forming mechanism. means for feeding the work a stitch length at a time, and trimming mechanism including two pairs of trimmers operable in planes parallel with the lane in which the work is advanced for cutting the opposite free edges of lapping pieces of work.

12. In the device of the class described. stitch-forming mechanism, means for feeding the work a stitch length at a. time. and trimming mechanism including two pairs of trimmers, a rock-shaft for one of said pairs of trimmers and arranged transverse the plane in which the work travels. connections between the rock-shaft and the stitchforming mechanism, and means for actuating the other of the pairs of trimmers.

13. In the device ofthe class described, a presser-foot, a throat-plate. stitch-forming mechanism, means coacting with said presserfoot for feeding the work a stitch length at a time, and trimming mechanism including a pair of cutting devices including stationary blades'carried by the throat-plate and presser-foot res ectively and arranged on opposite sides oi the stitch-forming mechanism and movable blades cooperating with the stationary blades.

1 In a device of theclass described. a work-support, a throat-plate, a presser-foot, stitch-forming mechanism, means coacting with the presser-foot for feeding the work a stitch length at a time. and trimming mecha nism including a plural-blade shear trimmer carried by the resser-foot and a. pluralblade shear trimmer sustained by the worksupport and'each arranged to operate upon the work from opposite sides thereof for cutting the opposite free edges of lapping pieces of work.

15. In a lap trimming mechanism for sewing machines having a presser-foot and a throat plate and stitch-forming mechanism. a pair of ledger-blades on said foot and throat-plate respectively on opposite sides of the stitch-forming mechanism, movable cutting blades cooperating with said ledgerblades, and means for operating said blades including links having universal connections at their ends.

16. In a device of the class described, in combination, a sewing machine having stitch-forming mechanism including a needle and work-feeding mechanism including a feed-dog, fabric holding mechanism, trimming mechanism includin two pairs of trimmers arranged to cut tlhe fabric in advance of the stitching point, and a single implement for separating superimposed plies of lapped fabric and directing their margins into the trimmers.

17. In a device of the class described, in combination. a sewing machine having stitch-forming mechanism including a needle and work-feeding mechanism including a feed-dog, a Presser-foot, fabric holding mechanism, trimming mechanism including two pairs of trimmers arranged to cut the fabric in advance of the stitching point, and means supported bv the presser-foot and extending in front of the trimmers for separating superimposed plies of lapped fabric and directing their margins into the trimmers.

18. In a device of the class described, in combination, a sewing machine having stitch-forming mechanism including a use dle and work-feeding mechanism including a feed-dog, a resser-foot, fabric holding mechanism, trimming mechanism including two pairs of trimmers arranged to cut the fabric in advance of the stitching point, and a tongue supported by the resser-foot and extending forwardlv and then laterally across the front of the resser-foot and then rearwardly towards the resser-foot for separating superimposed plies of lapped fabric and directing their margins into the trimmers.

19. In a device of the class described, in combination, a sewing machinehavingstitchforming mechanism including a needle and work-feeding mechanism. including a feeddog, fabric holding mechanism, trimming mechanism including two pairs of trimmers arranged to cut the fabric in advance of the stitching point, and a. member having upwardlv and downwardly bent portions immediately in advance of the trimmersfor directing the margins of lapped fabric into the same and for deflecting the other portions of the fabric margins from entrance into the trimmers.

20. In a device of the class described, in combination, a sewing machine having stitch-forming mechanism including a needie and work-feeding mechanism including a feed-dog, a premer-foot, fabric holding mechanism, trimming mechanism including two pairs of trimmers arranged to cut the fabric in advance of the stitching point, and a member sup rted wholly from one side of the work an having a portion extending forwardly at one side of the line of seamformation to a point in advance of the trimmers and another portion extending in front of the presser-foot for separatin super imposed plies of lapped fabric and directing their margins into the trimmers,

21. In a device of the elm described, the

same, and trimming mechanism for cutting the free edges of la ping ieces of work.

22. In a device o the c as described, the combination with a sewing machine having stitch-forming mechanism and step-by-step feeding mechanism for advancing the work a stitch length at a. time, of a movable fabric stretching and holding mechanism, means acting independently of the work fol advancing said latter mechanism, and trimming mechanism having a pluralitv of trim ming members for severing the work at spaced intervals.

23. In a device of the class described, the combination with a sewing machine having stitch-forming mechanism, work feeding mechanism, a frame by which the stitchforming and work-feeding mechanisms are sustained, and a main-shaft supported by said frame, of an endless fabric stretching and holding mechanism, trimming mechanism, and means operated by said main shaft for driving each of said mechanisms.

24. In a device of the class described, the combination with a sewing machine having stitch-forming mechanism. workfeeding mechanism, a frame by which the stitch forming and work-feeding mechanisms are sustained, and a main-shaft supported by said frame, of a fabricstretchin and holding mechanism, and of a plurality of trimming mechanisms, and means operated by said main-shaft for driving each of said mechanisms, said trimming mechanisms being arranged to operate upon opposite sides of the work for cutting the opposite free edges of lapping pieces of work.

25. In a device of the class described, the combination with a sewin machine having stitch-forming and wor r-feeding mechanisms, of a movable (indies pair of fabric stretching and holding carriers having fabric penetration devices arranged in series on opposite sides of the stitching point, and of trimming mechanism arranged to operate upon the work between the stitching point and the endless conveying devices for cutting the opposite free edges of lapping pieces of work.

26. In a device of the class described. the combination with a sewing machine having stitch-forming mechanism and work-feedin mechanism, of a fabric stretching and ho ding mechanism, a trimming mechanism for cutting the op site free edges of lapping pieces of wor and positive means for operating said mechanisms including devices permitting advanee of the fabric stretching and holding mechanism in the direction .of feed and independently of said work-feedin mechanism.

27. In a evice of the class described, in combination, a sewing machine having stitch-forming mechanism and work-feedin mechanism, a work-supporting table provi ed with an elongated o ening parallel with the line of feed, an end ess carrier having a plurality of impaling pins projectm through the opening in said table, an means for trimming the workbetween the stitch-forming mechanism and the impaling pins.

28. In a device of the class described, in combination, a sewing machine having stitch-forming mechanism and work-feedinig mechanism, a work-supporting table exten ing in the direction of the feed transversely of the machine, and provided with elon ated parallel openings on opposite sides 0 the stitching point, an endless fabric holding and stretching mechanism having series of impaling pins projecting through the open ings, and trimming mechanism.

29. In a machine of the class described, in combination, stitch-forming mechanism, and Work-feeding mechanism, trimming mechanism for cutting the opposite free edges of lapping pieces of work, fabric stretching and holding mechanism including a plurality of pins, and means independent of the work for moving the same.

30. In a machine of the class described, in combination, stitch-forming mechanism, trimming mechanism for cutting the opposite free edges of lapping pieces of work, fabric stretching and holding mechanism including a plurality of pins and an articulated carrier therefor that is endless.

31. In a machine of the class described in combination, a table, stitch-forming mechanism, trimmin mechanism for cutting the opposite free e ges of lapping pieces of work, fabric stretching and holding mechanism including an endless carrier supported beneath the table, impaling pins on said carrier projecting through the table during a part of the endless carriers cyclic movement.

32. In a machine of the class described, in combination, stitch-forming mechanism, work-feeding mechanism, pairs of trimming devices sustained on opposite sides of the work and on opposite sides of the stitchforming .mechanism and work-holding mechanism including a plurality of pins, and means independent of the work for moving the same, said trimming'devices being adapted to cut the opposite free edges of lapping pieces of work.

33. In a machine of the class described, in combination, stitch-forming mechanism, a pair of trimming devices sustained on opposite sides of the work and on opposite sides of the stitch-forming mechanism, and work-holdin mechanism including a plurality of pins and an articulated carrier therefor that is endless, said trimming devices being adapted to cut the opposite free edges of lappin pieces of work.

' 34. In a mac ine of the class described, In combination, stitch-forming mechanism, a pair of trimming devices sustained on opposite sides of the work and on opposite sides of the stitch-forming mechanism, a table and work-holding mechanism including an endless carrier supported beneath the ta le, impalin jecting throng the table during a part of the endless carriers cyclic movement, said trimming devices being adapted to cut the opposite free edges of lapping pieces of work.

35. In a machine of the class described, in combination, stitch-forming mechanism, pairs of trimmin devices sustained on opposite sides of t e work and on opposite sides of the stitch-forming mechanism, and work-holding mechanism including independent series of impaling ins, carriers therefor, and positive means or operating the carriers to move the pins in the direction of feed, said positive means including a connection permitting movement of the carriers independently of the stitch-forming mechanism.

36. In a machine of the class described, in combination, stitch-forming mechanism, a pair of trimming devices sustained on opposite sides of the work and on opposite sides of the stitch-forming mechanism, work-holdin mechanism including independent series of impaling pins, carriers therefor, and positive means for o crating the carriers to move the pins in the irection of feed, said positive means including a connection permitting movement of the carriers independently of the machine, and means for manually moving the carriers in the direction of feed.

37. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a table, stitch-forming mechanism, a pair of trimmin r devices sustained on opposite sides of t e work and on opposite sides of the stitch-formin mechanism,- work-holding mechanism, an means for stripping the fabric from the Workholding mechanism after it has passed the stitchin point the said last named means inclu ing a stripping plate supported on the table.

38. In a device of the class described, in combination, a sewing machine having pins on said carrier pro-.

stitch-forming mechanism and a main-shaft for driving the same, a worm and worm wheel driven therefrom. a fabric stretching and holding mechanism including an endless series of ins on which fabric is adapted to be impa ed, and means for driving said fabric stretching and holding mechanism from said worm and worm wheel for conveying the fabric to the stitch-forming mechanism.

39. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a sewing machine having a main-shaft, stitch-forming nn-clumism, trim- .min mechanism. a fabric stretchiin and H P" holding mechanism including separated endless series of impaliug pins. an articulated carrier for said pins. sprocket-wheels for driving said carrier. supports for said sprocket-wheels arranged transversely of the sewing machine and front and l}2l(l\' of the stitching point. and means for turning the sprm-ket-wheels from the main-shaft of the machine at an angular velocity that is fixed relative to that of the main-shaft.

40. In a machine of the class described. in combination. a sewing machine having stitch-forming mechanism and a mainshaft. trimming mechanism. a fabric stretching and holding mechanism including separated endless series of impaling pins, an articlated carrier for said pins, sprocket-wheels for driving said carrier, supports for said sprocket-wheels arranged transverselv of the sewing machine and front and back of the stitching point. and means for positively driving the sprocketwhccls from the main-shaft of the machine including a one way driving mechanism permitting counter rotation of the sprocket- Wheels independently of the main-shaft.

-ll. In a machine of the class described. in combination with a sewin machine having a teed-dog and a bcdplate, a \vorlcsnping table. common means tor supporting a sewing machine and a work-s11pporting table. said table being arranged transversely of the machine so as to extend in the line of feed. and of endless fabric stretching and holding mechanism cooperating with said feed-dog on opposite sides thereof. and means beneath the table for sni'iporting and actuating said endless fabric stretching and holding meidianism.

42. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a sewing machine having stitch-forming and work-feeding mechanism, work-holding and stretching mechanism having endless carriers means for actuating the carriers during the operation of the sewing machine. and means for coupling the sewing machine and the work-holding and stretching mechanism to a source of power, said last named means including a controlling lever, and means for detaining the controlling lever in position after the chine machine is started for maintaining operation thereof.

43. In a machine of the class described. in combination, a sewing machine having stitch-forming and work-feeding mechanism. workholding and stretching mechanism having endless carriers, means for actuating the carriers during the operation of the sewing machine. and means for coupling the sewing machine and the work-holding and stretching mechanism to a source of power. said last named means including a controlling lever, and a latching mechanism for holding the controlling lever in position a fter the machine is started for maintaining operation thereof.

44. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a sewing machine having stitclnforming and work-feeding mechanism. work-holding and stretching mechanism having endless carriers. means for actuating the carriers during the operation of the sewing machine. and means for coupling the sewing machine and the work-holding and stretching mechanism to a source of power. said last named means including a controlling lever and automatically acting means for holding the controlling lever in position after the machine is started for maintaining operation thereof.

45. In combination with a sewing machine having stitch-forming mechanism and a main driving shaft for operating the same. an tlltllGSS labric conveyor having a series of work-holding devices thereon, means for operatin said conveyor to convey fabric to the stitch-forming mechanism comprising a counter-shaft parallel with the main-shaft. a driving member on said counter-shaft op eratively engaging said endless convevor. and a speed reduction gear between the main and counter-shafts.

46. In combination with a sewing mahaving Hllll'llffllll1lll; mechanism and a main driving shaft for operating the same. an endless fabric conveyor having a series of work-holding devices thereon, means for operating said conveyor to convey fabric to the stitch-forming mechanism comprising a ('(HlIlttl-$l]2lft parallel with the main-shaft. a driving member on said counter-shaft opcratively engaging said endless convevor. a speed reduction mechanism between the main and counter-shafts, and idler wheels on opposite sides of the countersbat't for increasing the surface of contact between the, conveyor and the driving member.

l7. In combinatioina sewing machine having stitclnforming mechanism and a mainsba'ft for actuating the same. an endless fabric conveyor having a series of impaling pins there n. means for operatin the conveyor to convey fabric to the stitch-forming mechanism including a'rotary driving the opposite free edges of step feeding mechanism, upper and lower shafts for actuating the stitch-forming devices, a pair of trimmers arranged to operate on the work from opposite sides thereof, and means for operating said trimmers, respectively, from said upper and lower shafts, said trimmers being adapted to cut apping pieces of work.

49. In a sewing machine having stitchforming and step-by-step feedin mechanism, a pair of trimmers arrange to operate upon the work from opposite sides thereof, each of said trimmers having a ledgerblade and a movable blade, and means for operating the movable blades from parts of t e stitch-forming mechanism including rock-shafts arranged at a substantial angle to the lane in which the work travels.

50. n a sewing machine having stitchforming and step-by-step feeding mechanism, a presser-foot, a pair of trimmers arranged to operate upon the work from opposite sides thereof, each of said trimmers having a ledger-blade and a movable blade, and means for operating the movable blades from parts of the stitch-forming mechanism including rock-shafts arranged at a substantial angle to the plane in which the work travels, one of the ledger-blades being fixed to the presser-foot.

51. In a sewing machine having stitchforming and step-by-step feeding mechanism, a throat-plate, a pair of trimmers arranged to operate upon the work from opposite sides thereof, each of said trimmers having a ledger-blade and a movable blade, and means for operating said trimmers from parts of the stitch-forming mechanism including rock-shafts arranged at a substantial angle to the plane in which the work travels, one of the ledger-blades being fixed to the throat-plate.

52. In combination, a sewing machine having stitch-formin mechanism including a needle and workeedin mechanism including a feed-dog, ledgerlades supported from opposite sides of the plane of the work and on opposite sides of the needle, cutting blades likewise supported and movable in planes further removed from the work than their respective cooperating ledger-blades, and means for insuring the entrance of lapped plies of material into each pair of cooperating blades.

53. In combination, a sewing machine havin stitch-forming mechanism including a nee e, work-feeding mechanism including a feed-dog, stationary and movable blades in pairs operatively supported from opposite sides of the work and separated laterally, each of said movable blades being operable in a plane parallel with the plane in which the work is advanced by the feeddog, whereby in one operation a lap seam may be trimmed and stitched uniform distances from the cut edges.

54. In a machine of the class described, in combination, stitch-forming mechanism, pairs of trimming devices sustained from opposite sides of the work and on opposite sides of the stitch-forming mechanism, and work-holding mechanism including independent series of impaling pins, carriers therefor flanking the pairs of trimming devices, and positive means for moving the carriers in the direction of feed, said positive means including a one-wa driving connection for permitting manua movement of of the carriers in the direction of feed while the stitch-forming mechanism is at rest.

55. In a device of the class described, in combination, stitch-formin mechanism including a needle, work-fee in mechanism, and trimming mechanism, the fiatter including spaced pairs of coo ratin shear blades operatin in substantia ly horizontal planes, said bla es bein adapted to cut the o posite free edges 0% lapping pieces of wori.

56. In combination, a sewing machine having stitch-forming mechanism and she by-step work feeding mechanism, an en less series of impaling pins movable in a plane transverse the plane of feed, means acting independently of the work for advancing sai pins, and means for simultaneously severing the margins of lapped plies of material whereby in one operation any lengths of fabric may be cut and la -seamed together with their margins a. uni orm distanoe from the securing stitches.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

ALBERT H. DE VOE.

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