Apparatuses and methods for stretching a pelt on a pelt board

Abstract

A stretching apparatus for stretching a pelt on a pelt board and a method of stretching a pelt on a pelt board, where the pelt has a substantially tubular shape defining an inwardly oriented leather side, an outwardly oriented fur side, a nose end and a rear end. The pelt board defines a top end for accommodating and fixating the nose end of the pelt, a circumferential wall for facing the inwardly oriented leather side of the pelt and a base end located opposite the top end. The method comprises the steps of providing a stretching apparatus comprising a holding device, a fastening device comprising a gripping mechanism, and a drive mechanism connected between the holding device and the fastening device. The method further comprises holding the base end of a pelt board by the holding device so that the pelt board extends outwardly along a longitudinal direction from the holding device. Furthermore, the method comprises the fastening of the rear end of the pelt by using the gripping mechanism of the fastening device. The method also comprises moving the holding device and the fastening device relative to each other in the longitudinal direction by using the drive mechanism for applying a stretching force onto the pelt by the drive mechanism corresponding to an estimated maximum stretching force value or more during a total time period.

Claims

1. A method of stretching a pelt on a pelt board, said pelt having a substantially tubular shape defining an inwardly oriented leather side, an outwardly oriented fur side, a nose end including a pair of front leg cavities, and a rear end; said pelt board comprising a top end configured for accommodating and fixating said nose end of said pelt, a circumferential wall configured for facing said inwardly oriented leather side of said pelt, and a base end located opposite said top end, said method comprising the steps of: i) providing a stretching apparatus comprising a holding device, a fastening device comprising a gripping mechanism, and a drive mechanism connected between said holding device and said fastening device; ii) holding said base end of a pelt board by said holding device so that said pelt board extends outwardly along a longitudinal direction from said holding device; iii) fastening said rear end of said pelt by using said gripping mechanism of said fastening device; and iv) moving said holding device and said fastening device relative to each other in said longitudinal direction by using said drive mechanism for applying a stretching force to said pelt by said drive mechanism corresponding to at least an estimated maximum stretching force value during a total time period of between 5 seconds and 120 seconds, wherein said total time period is interrupted by an intermittent time period during which said stretching force assumes a lower stretching force, said lower stretching force being between 50% and 99% of said estimated maximum stretching force value.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein during said total time period, said stretching force is increased beyond said estimated maximum stretching force value to an elevated stretching force.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein said elevated stretching force is between 1% and 100% greater than said estimated maximum stretching force value.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said stretching force substantially maintains said estimated maximum stretching force value during said total time period.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said stretching force, upon reaching said estimated maximum stretching force value, decreases to said lower stretching force value and thereafter remains substantially constant during a part of said intermittent time period, and thereafter increases to said estimated maximum stretching force value during the remainder of said intermittent time period.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said stretching force, upon reaching said estimated maximum stretching force value, remains substantially constant during a greater part of said intermittent time period and thereafter decreases to said lower stretching force value before increasing to said estimated maximum stretching force value.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said stretching force, upon reaching said estimated maximum stretching force value, decreases to said lower stretching force value during a part of said intermittent time period and thereafter increases to said estimated maximum stretching force value during the remainder of said intermittent time period.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said stretching force, upon reaching said estimated maximum stretching force value, decreases to said lower stretching force value and thereafter increases to said estimated maximum stretching force value during said intermittent time period.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said intermittent time period is between 10 milliseconds and 60 seconds.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein said total time period is interrupted 2-25 times.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein said estimated maximum stretching force value causes said pelt to deform in a non-linear relationship with said stretching force.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein said estimated maximum stretching force value is between 50% and 99% of a tear force which causes said pelt to tear apart.

13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of measuring the force applied to said pelt by said drive mechanism.

14. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of inducing an oscillation to said pelt at a frequency of between 1 Hz and 1 kHz.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein said estimated maximum stretching force value is between 100N and 1000N.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein said stretching apparatus includes a pair of stretching members, each of said stretching members being configured for insertion into a respective front leg cavity of said pelt, said stretching device being movable in a direction towards said holding device for stretching said pelt.

17. A stretching apparatus for stretching a pelt on a pelt board, said pelt having a substantially tubular shape defining an inwardly oriented leather side, an outwardly oriented fur side, a nose end including a pair of front leg cavities, and a rear end; said pelt board defining a top end configured for accommodating and fixating said nose end of said pelt, a circumferential wall configured for facing said inwardly oriented leather side of said of said pelt, and a base end located opposite said top end, said stretching apparatus comprising: a holding device configured for holding said base end of said pelt board, wherein a pelt board space extends outwardly along a longitudinal direction from said holding device for accommodating said pelt board; a fastening device comprising a gripping mechanism configured for fastening said rear end of said pelt, and a pair of stretching members, each of said stretching members being configured for insertion into a respective front leg cavity of said pelt; and a drive mechanism connected between said holding device and said fastening device and configured for moving said holding device and said fastening device relative to each other in said longitudinal direction so as to apply a stretching force to said pelt.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a pelt.

(2) FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the pelt when mounted on a pelt board.

(3) FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the pelt board and a stretching apparatus.

(4) FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the stretching assembly when the pelt is mounted.

(5) FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the stretching assembly when the stretching starts.

(6) FIG. 1F is a perspective view of the stretching assembly and of an adapter.

(7) FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a mechanical setup of the stretching apparatus

(8) FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the stretching assembly and the pelt board.

(9) FIG. 3A is a close up view of the stretching device and the rack and pinion actuator.

(10) FIG. 3B is a close up view of the stretching device when the rack and pinion actuator is adjusted.

(11) FIG. 4 is a close up view of the first fastening device.

(12) FIG. 5A is a close up view of the first fastening device when in the first position.

(13) FIG. 5B is a close up view of the first fastening device when in the second position.

(14) FIG. 5C is a close up view of the holding elements enclosing the pelt board space.

(15) FIG. 5D is a close up view of the fastening of the pelt.

(16) FIG. 6A is a plot of the stretching force vs. time according to a first cyclic scheme.

(17) FIG. 6B is a plot of the stretch length vs. stretch force according to the first cyclic scheme.

(18) FIG. 7A is a plot of the stretching force vs. time according to a second cyclic scheme.

(19) FIG. 7B is a plot of the stretch length vs. stretch force according to the second scheme

(20) FIG. 8A is a plot of the stretching force vs. time according to a third cyclic scheme

(21) FIG. 8B is a plot of the stretch length vs. stretch force according to the third scheme.

(22) FIG. 9A is a plot of the stretching force vs. time according to a fourth cyclic scheme.

(23) FIG. 9B is a plot of the stretch length vs. stretch force according to the fourth scheme.

(24) FIG. 10A shows a plot of the stretching force (F) vs. time (t) according to a fifth cyclic scheme.

(25) FIG. 10B shows a plot of the stretching force (F) vs. the plastic deformation (I) according to the fifth cyclic scheme.

(26) FIG. 11A shows a plot of the stretching force (F) vs. time (t) according to a sixth cyclic scheme.

(27) FIG. 11B shows a plot of the stretching force (F) vs. the plastic deformation (I (F) according to the sixth cyclic scheme.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(28) FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a pelt 10. The pelt 10 shown here is of a mink, however, it will be anatomically similar for other small furred mammals such as fox etc. The pelt 10 has a tubular shape and comprises an inwardly oriented leather side 12, an outwardly oriented fur side 14, a nose end 16 and a rear end 18. The rear end 18 defines a contour 20 along the circumference of the tubular pelt 10. The contour 20 may be divided into a leg side contour onto which the rear legs 22 of the pelt are attached and a back side contour onto which a tail part 24 of the pelt 10 is attached.

(29) FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the pelt 10 when mounted on a pelt board. The pelt 20 is mounted on the pelt board 26 such that a top end 28 of the pelt board 30 is accommodating and fixating the nose end 16 of the pelt 10 and the inwardly oriented leather side 12 of the pelt 10 is facing a circumferential wall 30 of the pelt board 10. The pelt board 10 extends in a longitudinal direction from a base end 32 to the top end 28. The base end 32 may be provided with a connecting element 34. The front leg parts have been inverted and are accommodated between the pelt 10 and the pelt board 26, thereby establishing a pair of front leg cavities 24 of the pelt 10 between the nose end 16 and the rear end 18. The pelt board 26 may typically be provided with a fat absorbing and preferably also water absorbing paper (not shown) between the circumferential wall 30 and the inwardly oriented leather side 12.

(30) FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of a stretching assembly comprising a pelt board 26 and a stretching apparatus 35. During use, the pelt board 26 is provided with a pelt 10 as described above. The stretching apparatus 35 comprises a stretching device 36 for stretching the upper part of the pelt defined between the nose end 16 and the front leg cavities 24. The stretching device 36 comprise a pair of cylindrical stretching members 38 which are adapted to be inserted into the front leg cavities 24.

(31) The stretching apparatus 35 additionally comprises a holding device 40 adapted for holding the base end 32 of the pelt board 26 by fixating the connecting element 34 such that the pelt board 26 extends in a longitudinal direction in the stretching apparatus 35. The stretching apparatus 35 further comprises a first fastening mechanism 42 for fastening the rear end 18 of the pelt 10 along the contour 20, a second fastening mechanism 44 for fastening the tail end 24 of the pelt 10, and a third fastening mechanism 46 for fastening the nose end 16 of the pelt 10. The first fastening mechanism 42 is used for stretching the lower part of the pelt 10 extending between the front leg cavities 24 and the rear end 18 of the pelt. At least the second fastening mechanism 44 and the third fastening mechanism 46 are considered to be optional in the present setup.

(32) FIG. 1D shows a perspective view of a stretching assembly when the pelt 10 has been mounted. All of the holding device 40, stretching device 36, first fastening mechanism 42, second fastening mechanism 44 and third fastening mechanism 46 are movable along the longitudinal direction defined by the pelt board 26 in order to adapt the stretching apparatus 35 to different pelt boards 26 and different pelts 10. This is shown by the arrows.

(33) FIG. 1E shows a perspective view of a stretching assembly when the stretching of the pelt 10 starts. The pelt 10 is thereby stretched by causing the stretching device 36, first fastening mechanism 42 and second fastening mechanism 44 to move toward the holding device 40 by means of appropriate drive mechanisms which will be discussed further below. The third fastening mechanism 44 may be caused to move in the opposite direction for relieving the pelt board 26 of pressure. The forces involved for each of the stretching device 36, first fastening mechanism 42, second fastening mechanism 44 and third fastening mechanism 46 are typically in the range of 100-200N. The forces may be applied at a steady magnitude, or alternatively a vibration or oscillation is induced in the pelt, or yet alternatively a combination of the above where e.g. a time period of oscillations is followed by a steady stretching force in order to first loosen the fibres of the pelt 10 and thereafter stretching the fibres of the pelt 10.

(34) FIG. 1F shows a perspective view of a stretching assembly and the optional provision of an adapter 48 which is used for allowing pelt boards 26 having a different sized connecting element 34 to be used in the present stretching assembly 34. The adapter 48 is thereby connected to the different sized connecting element 34 whereby the adapter is provided with the proper sized connecting element 34 for use with the holding device 40 of the stretching apparatus 35.

(35) FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of the mechanical setup of the stretching apparatus 35. The stretching apparatus 35 comprises a compressed air source 50 and a display 52. The stretching device 36 is driven pneumatically and is movable by use of compressed air from the compressed air source 50. The holding device 40 and the first fastening device 42 are mechanically driven by spindle drives 54 and 54, respectively. It is thereby understood that various combinations of drives may be used for the stretching device 36, the holding device 40, the first fastening mechanism 42, the second fastening mechanism 44 and the third fastening mechanism 46.

(36) There is also provided a user interface in the form of a photo detector 55 which is located in close proximity relative to the first fastening device 42 for controlling the fixation and non-fixation positions of the first fastening device 42 while still keeping the hands of the user in contact with the pelt. The photo detector 55 may be replaced by a similar proximity sensor or a detector using other touch free or touch technologies.

(37) FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the stretching assembly wherein the pelt board 26 is placed in the correct position in the stretching apparatus 35.

(38) FIG. 3A shows a close up view of the stretching device 36. The stretching members 38 are interconnected by a rack and pinion actuator 56. This allows the stretching members 38 to move relative to each other to adapt to different sized of pelts 10 having different distances between their front legs.

(39) FIG. 3B shows a close up view of the stretching device 36. The stretching members 38 have moved towards each other by means of the rack and pinion actuator 56 in order to adapt to a smaller pelt 10 i.e. having a smaller distance between the front legs.

(40) FIG. 4 shows a close up view of the first fastening device 42. The first fastening device 42 comprises a first gripping element 58 for fastening the rear end of the pelt along the back side contour, and a second gripping element 60 for fastening the rear end of the pelt along the leg side contour. The first gripping element 58 comprises a pair of first gripping elements 62 and 62 which are movable in relation to a first holding element 64 for fasten the rear end of the pelt along the back side contour between the gripping elements 62 and 62 and the holding element 64. The holding element 64 may be movable in order to adapt to the pelt board. The second gripping element 60 comprises a pair of second gripping elements 66 and 66 which are movable in relation to a pair of second holding elements 68 and 68 for fastening the rear end of the pelt along the leg side contour between the gripping elements 66 and 66 and the holding elements 68 and 68. The above gripping or non-gripping operations are performed in a transversal direction in relation to the longitudinal direction defined by the pelt board.

(41) While the gripping or non-gripping operations of the first fastening device 42 are controlled by the above mentioned photo detector, there is further provided a pair of additional photo detectors 70 in close proximity to the first fastening device 42 which are operating as a user interface for the drive mechanism in order to move the fastening device in the longitudinal direction of the pelt board.

(42) FIG. 5A shows a close up view of the first fastening device 42 when in the first position, which is a mounting position of the first gripping mechanism 58. The second gripping mechanism 60 is thereby folded into a non-use position. One of the set of second gripping element 66 and holding element 68 is folded to one side of the first gripping mechanism 58 whereas the other set of second gripping element 66 and holding element 68 are folded to the opposite side of the first gripping mechanism 58. In the present illustrations the pelt board has been removed. It is, however, understood that the pelt board is present in the pelt board space in front of the first gripping mechanism 58 when the stretching apparatus is in use.

(43) FIG. 5B shows a close up view of the first fastening device 42 when the second gripping mechanism 60 has been folded into a use position. The pelt may already have been fixated between the first gripping elements 62 and 62 and the first holding element 64, or alternatively as shown here this step is performed later. The second gripping mechanism 60 including the second gripping elements 66 and 66 and the second holding elements 68 and 68 are thereby first moved in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the pelt board and thereafter rotated in order to be located opposite the first gripping mechanism 58 and facing the pelt board space.

(44) FIG. 5C shows a close up view of the first fastening device 42 when the first holding element 64 and the second holding elements 68 and 68 has been moved towards the pelt board space for enclosing the pelt board.

(45) FIG. 5D shows a close up view of the first fastening device 42 when the first gripping elements 62 and 62 have been moved towards the first holding element 64 in order to fasten the rear end of the pelt along the back side contour and the second gripping elements 66 and 66 have been moved towards the second holding elements 68 and 68 in order to fasten the rear end of the pelt along the leg side contour.

(46) Thereafter, the stretching procedure as explained above may be started. Start buttons 72 and 72 may be provided on opposite sides of the first fastening device 42 in order to initiate the stretching procedure. The buttons 72 and 72 must be pressed simultaneously using both hands whereby the risk of personal injury is significantly reduced.

(47) FIG. 6A shows a plot of the stretching force (F) vs. time (t) according to a first cyclic scheme. According to the present scheme the mutual movement of the holding device and the fastening device induces an increasing stretching force onto the pelt which is fastened on the pelt board. The stretching force is increasing until it reaches the estimated maximum stretching force value designated a, which is the maximum stretching force value in the first cycle. The estimated maximum stretching force value a should be chosen to be a stretching force well below any stretching force which is known to possibly cause damage to the pelt type, while still well above any stretching force which is known to possibly cause only linear, i.e. elastic, deformation. Thus, the estimated maximum stretching force value should cause non-linear deformation. A typical value for the estimated maximum stretching force value is 300N.

(48) Thereafter the stretching force is reduced to a lower stretching force value a.sub.1. In practice, the reduction of the stretching force is achieved by reversing the direction of the mutual movement of the holding device and the fastening device such that the stretching force is relaxed. In this way, the pelt may recover in order to be able to withstand a higher stretching force.

(49) As soon as the lower stretching force value has been reached, the stretching force is again increased towards an elevated force value b which corresponds to a maximum stretching force value of a further stretching cycle which is higher than both the original maximum stretching force value a and the lower stretching force value a.sub.1. The determination of the elevated force value b may be made based on a forecast of the maximum additional stretching which may be allowed after the first stretching without any significant risk that the pelt will be damaged by e.g. tearing apart or loss of hair. The forecast may be made based on prior experience with the actual pelt type and may additionally be based on factors like the initial length of the pelt and the increase in length achieved by the previous stretch. Typically, the increased force value b is about 500N.

(50) The cyclical stretching scheme may optionally continue with further intermittent stretching force reductions, e.g. b1, c1 and d1, with intermediate stretching force increases, e.g. c, d, and e, for achieving a significant length increase of the pelt compared to the first stretch a.

(51) FIG. 6B shows a plot of the stretching force (F) vs. the plastic deformation (I) according to the first cyclic scheme. The filled circles refer to the maximum stretching force applied in each stretching cycle corresponding to the points a, b, c, d and e of the previous figure, whereas the non-filled circles refer to the minimum stretching force applied in each cycle corresponding to the points a.sub.1, b.sub.1, c.sub.1, and d.sub.1 of the previous figure.

(52) As the non-linear deformation of the pelt is permanent, the pelt does not return to its previous length when the stretching force is relaxed. The non-linear deformations, such as plastic deformation, is not linear as the elastic deformation; instead the deformation increases exponentially with higher forces up to a limit where the pelt is torn apart. Thus, when approaching the stretch limit, the stretching force should be increased with small increments.

(53) The present curve may be extrapolated in order to form basis for a forecast of the maximum length which is possible without damaging the pelt. As the gradient of the stretching force (F) vs. the plastic deformation (I) increases the risk of tearing the pelt apart increases. The forecast may be made already after one or possibly two stretching cycles and matched with the established pelt length classes. A pelt should not be stretched more than necessary to reach the lower limit of the next longer class and provided there is a significant risk that the pelt will be damaged before reaching this limit, the pelt should not be stretched any further.

(54) FIG. 7A shows a plot of the stretching force (F) vs. time (t) according to a second cyclic scheme. The present scheme includes after reaching the estimated maximum stretching force value a period of maintained reduced stretching force during an intermittent time period in order for the pelt to recover. The time period of maintained reduced stretching force before resuming the stretching force increase amounts to typically between 1 and 5 seconds.

(55) FIG. 7B shows a plot of the stretching force (F) vs. the plastic deformation (I) according to the second cyclic scheme, similar to FIG. 6B.

(56) FIG. 8A shows a plot of the stretching force (F) vs. time (t) according to a third cyclic scheme. The present scheme does not include an intermittent reduction of the applied stretching force after reaching the estimated maximum stretching force value but instead includes a period of maintaining the estimated maximum stretching force value in order for the pelt to recover. The time period of maintained stretching force a before the stretching force increases to the elevated force value b amounts to typically between 1 and 5 seconds. Further, as a basic variant, the stretching force is maintained at the stretching force a, i.e. the estimated maximum stretching force value, during the total time period without assuming any elevated force value b.

(57) FIG. 8B shows a plot of the stretching force (F) vs. the plastic deformation (I) according to the third cyclic scheme, similar to FIG. 6B.

(58) FIG. 9A shows a plot of the stretching force (F) vs. time (t) according to a fourth cyclic scheme. In the present embodiment, the intermittent reduction of the applied stretching force is assumed after a period of maintaining the estimated maximum stretching force value a. Thereafter the stretching force is increased to the estimated maximum stretching force value a and further to the elevated stretching force value b.

(59) FIG. 9B shows a plot of the stretching force (F) vs. the plastic deformation (I) according to the fourth cyclic scheme.

(60) FIG. 10A shows a plot of the stretching force (F) vs. time (t) according to a fifth cyclic scheme. The fifth scheme involves a continuously varying stretching force.

(61) FIG. 10B shows a plot of the stretching force (F) vs. the plastic deformation (I) according to the fifth cyclic scheme.

(62) FIG. 11A shows a plot of the stretching force (F) vs. time (t) according to a sixth cyclic scheme. The present scheme includes a period of maintained stretching force similar to the previous figures, however, including vibrations from a vibration actuator connected to the drive mechanism which in turn moves the holding device and the fastening device relative to each other. The vibrations, which exhibit a substantially higher oscillation frequency than the cycles of the stretching scheme, help to increase the total length of the pelt by loosening the pelt and fibres in the pelt.

(63) FIG. 11B shows a plot of the stretching force (F) vs. the plastic deformation (I (F) according to the sixth cyclic scheme, similar to FIG. 11A.

(64) The present FIGS. 6-11 describe stretching schemes according to various embodiments, which have been tested by the applicant. It is apparent to the skillful individual that numerous other schemes may be derived by amending or combining the above explicitly disclosed variants.

REFERENCE NUMERALS WITH RESPECT TO THE FIGURES

(65) 10. Pelt 12. Leather side of the pelt 14. Fur side of the pelt 16. Nose end of the pelt 18. Rear end of the pelt 20. Contour of the pelt 22. Rear leg part of the pelt 24. Front leg part of the pelt 26. Pelt board 28. Top end of the pelt board 30. Circumferential wall of the pelt board 32. Base end of the pelt board 34. Connecting element of the pelt board 35. Stretching apparatus 36. Stretching device 38. Stretching members 40. Holding device 42. First fastening device 44. Second fastening device 46. Third fastening device 48. Adapter 50. Compressed air source 52. Display 54. Spindle drive 55. Photo detector 56. Rack and pinion actuator 58. First gripping mechanism 60. Second gripping mechanism 62. First gripping elements 64. First holding element 66. Second gripping elements 68. Second holding elements 70. Photo detector 72. Start button

Points

(66) The following sets of points constitute subject matter which in relation to the present patent application remains unclaimed but which may be considered patentable separately or in combination with the presently claimed invention.

(67) First set of points: 1. A stretching apparatus for stretching a pelt on a pelt board, said pelt having a substantially tubular shape defining an inwardly oriented leather side, an outwardly oriented fur side, a nose end, a rear end and a pair of front leg cavities, said pelt board defining a top end for accommodating and fixating said nose end of said pelt, a circumferential wall for facing said inwardly oriented leather side of said of said pelt and a base end located opposite said top end, said stretching apparatus comprising: a holding device for holding said base end of said pelt board, and a stretching device having a pair of stretching members, each of said stretching members being adapted for being inserted into a respective front leg cavity of said pelt, said stretching device being movable in a direction towards said holding device for stretching said pelt. 2. The stretching apparatus according to point 1, wherein said stretching members comprise cylindrical pins. 3. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said apparatus comprising a first fastening device for fastening said rear end of said pelt, said first fastening device being movable in a direction towards said holding device for stretching said pelt. 4. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said apparatus comprising a second fastening device for fastening a tail part extending from said rear end of said pelt, said second fastening device being movable in a direction towards said holding device for stretching said pelt. 5. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said apparatus comprising a third fastening device for fastening and fixating said nose end of said pelt, said third fastening device being movable in a direction towards said holding device for stretching said pelt. 6. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said stretching device, said first fastening device and/or said second fastening device and/or said third fastening device is/are movable by means of a pneumatic drive, a hydraulic drive or a spindle drive. 7. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said first fastening device and/or said second fastening device comprise opposing gripping members for gripping said pelt between said inwardly oriented leather side and said outwardly oriented fur side. 8. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said holding device, said stretching device, said first fastening device, said second fastening device and/or said third fastening device comprise one or more vibration actuators for inducing one or more oscillations onto said pelt. 9. The stretching apparatus according to point 8, wherein said vibration actuator operates at a frequency of between 1 Hz and 100 Hz. 10. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said stretching device, said first fastening device, said second fastening device and/or said third fastening device comprise a compressed air outlet for temporarily removing any fur hair located adjacent said compressed air outlet. 11. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said stretching apparatus further comprises a holding bag applicator 12. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said base end of said pelt board comprises a connecting element and said holding device comprises a locking part for locking said connecting element to said holding device. 13. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said pair of stretching members are interconnected by a rack and pinion actuator. 14. A stretching apparatus for stretching a pelt on a pelt board, said pelt having a substantially tubular shape defining an inwardly oriented leather side, an outwardly oriented fur side, a nose end, a rear end and a pair of front leg cavities, said pelt board defining a top end for accommodating and fixating said nose end of said pelt, a circumferential wall for facing said inwardly oriented leather side of said of said pelt and a base end located opposite said top end, said pelt further defining a contour constituting a leg side contour and a back side contour, said stretching apparatus comprising: a holding device for holding said base end of said pelt board, said stretching apparatus defining a pelt board space extending outwardly along a longitudinal direction from said holding device for accommodating said pelt board, a stretching device having a pair of stretching members, each of said stretching members being adapted for being inserted into a respective front leg cavity of said pelt, said stretching device being movable in a direction towards said holding device for stretching said pelt, and a fastening device, said fastening device comprise a first gripping mechanism for fastening said rear end of said pelt along either said back side contour or said leg side contour, and a second gripping mechanism for fastening said rear end of said pelt along either said leg side contour or said back side contour, respectively, said first gripping mechanism and said second gripping mechanism being movable in said longitudinal direction and said second gripping mechanism additionally being movable between a first position in which said first gripping mechanism and said second gripping mechanism are located on the same side of said pelt board space, and a second position in which said first gripping mechanism and said second gripping mechanism are located on opposite sides of said pelt board space. 15. A method of stretching a pelt on a pelt board comprising performing the steps of: providing said pelt and said pelt board, said pelt having a substantially tubular shape defining an inwardly oriented leather side, an outwardly oriented fur side, a nose end, a rear end and a pair of front leg cavities, said pelt board defining a top end for accommodating and fixating said nose end of said pelt, a circumferential wall for facing said inwardly oriented leather side of said of said pelt and a base end located opposite said top end, providing a stretching apparatus comprising a holding device and a stretching device, said stretching device having a pair of stretching members, holding said base end of a pelt board by said holding device, inserting each of said stretching members of said stretching device into a respective front leg cavity of said pelt, and moving said stretching device in a direction towards said holding device, thereby stretching said pelt.

(68) Second set of points: 1. A stretching apparatus for stretching a pelt on a pelt board, said pelt having a substantially tubular shape defining an inwardly oriented leather side, an outwardly oriented fur side, a nose end and a rear end, said pelt board defining a top end for accommodating and fixating said nose end of said pelt, a circumferential wall for facing said inwardly oriented leather side of said of said pelt and a base end located opposite said top end, said pelt further defining a contour constituting a leg side contour and a back side contour, said stretching apparatus comprising: a holding device for holding said base end of said pelt board, said stretching apparatus defining a pelt board space extending outwardly along a longitudinal direction from said holding device for accommodating said pelt board, and a fastening device, said fastening device comprise a first gripping mechanism for fastening said rear end of said pelt along either said back side contour or said leg side contour, and a second gripping mechanism for fastening said rear end of said pelt along either said leg side contour or said back side contour, respectively, said first gripping mechanism and said second gripping mechanism being movable in said longitudinal direction and said second gripping mechanism additionally being movable between a first position in which said first gripping mechanism and said second gripping mechanism are located on the same side of said pelt board space, and a second position in which said first gripping mechanism and said second gripping mechanism are located on opposite sides of said pelt board space. 2. The stretching apparatus according to point 1, wherein said first gripping mechanism fastens said rear end of said pelt along said back side contour and said second gripping mechanism fastens said rear end of said pelt along said leg side contour. 3. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said first gripping mechanism and/or said second gripping mechanism comprise a gripping element and an opposite holding element, said gripping element being movable in relation to said holding element in order to pin said rear end of said pelt between said gripping element and said holding element. 4. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said second gripping mechanism comprises a first half part and a second half part, each half part being adapted for gripping approximately a quarter of said contour. 5. The stretching apparatus according to point 4, wherein when in said first position, said first half part and a second half part are located on opposite sides of said pelt board space. 6. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein the movement between said first position and said second position involves a linear movement and a rotational movement of said second gripping mechanism. 7. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said holding device and/or said fastening device comprise a vibration actuator for inducing an oscillation onto said pelt. 8. The stretching apparatus according to point 7, wherein said vibration actuator operates at a frequency of between 1 Hz and 100 Hz. 9. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said stretching apparatus further comprises a holding bag applicator. 10. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said base end of said pelt board comprises a connecting element and said holding device comprises a locking part for locking said connecting element to said holding device. 11. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said fastening device comprises a compressed air outlet for temporarily removing any fur hair located adjacent said compressed air outlet. 12. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said holding device and/or said fastening device is movable by means of a pneumatic drive, a hydraulic drive or a spindle drive. 13. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said fastening device comprises a laser for generating a visual alignment line on said pelt. 14. A stretching apparatus for stretching a pelt on a pelt board, said pelt having a substantially tubular shape defining an inwardly oriented leather side, an outwardly oriented fur side, a nose end, a rear end and a pair of front leg cavities, said pelt board defining a top end for accommodating and fixating said nose end of said pelt, a circumferential wall for facing said inwardly oriented leather side of said of said pelt and a base end located opposite said top end, said pelt further defining a contour constituting a leg side contour and a back side contour, said stretching apparatus comprising: a holding device for holding said base end of said pelt board, said stretching apparatus defining a pelt board space extending outwardly along a longitudinal direction from said holding device for accommodating said pelt board, a stretching device having a pair of stretching members, each of said stretching members being adapted for being inserted into a respective front leg cavity of said pelt, said stretching device being movable in a direction towards said holding device for stretching said pelt, and a fastening device, said fastening device comprising a first gripping mechanism for fastening said rear end of said pelt along either said back side contour or said leg side contour, and a second gripping mechanism for fastening said rear end of said pelt along either said leg side contour or said back side contour, respectively, said first gripping mechanism and said second gripping mechanism being movable in said longitudinal direction and said second gripping mechanism additionally being movable between a first position in which said first gripping mechanism and said second gripping mechanism are located on the same side of said pelt board space, and a second position in which said first gripping mechanism and said second gripping mechanism are located on opposite sides of said pelt board space. 15. A method of stretching a pelt on a pelt board, said pelt having a substantially tubular shape defining an inwardly oriented leather side, an outwardly oriented fur side, a nose end and a rear end, said pelt board defining a top end for accommodating and fixating said nose end of said pelt, a circumferential wall for facing said inwardly oriented leather side of said of said pelt and a base end located opposite said top end, said pelt further defining a contour constituting a leg side contour and a back side contour, said method comprising the steps of: providing a stretching apparatus comprising a holding device and a fastening device, said fastening device comprising a first gripping mechanism and a second gripping mechanism, holding said base end of a pelt board by said holding device so that said pelt board extends outwardly along a longitudinal direction from said holding device, moving said first gripping mechanism and said second gripping mechanism along said longitudinal direction, fastening said rear end of said pelt along either said back side contour or said leg side contour by using said first gripping mechanism, moving said second gripping mechanism from an initial first position in which said first gripping mechanism and said second gripping mechanism are located on the same side of said pelt board to a second position in which said first gripping mechanism and said second gripping mechanism are located on opposite sides of said pelt board, and fastening said rear end of said pelt along either said leg side contour or said back side contour, respectively.

(69) Third set of points: 1. A stretching apparatus for stretching a pelt on a pelt board, said pelt having a substantially tubular shape defining an inwardly oriented leather side, an outwardly oriented fur side, a nose end and a rear end, said pelt board defining a top end for accommodating and fixating said nose end of said pelt, a circumferential wall for facing said inwardly oriented leather side of said of said pelt and a base end located opposite said top end, said stretching apparatus comprising: a holding device for holding said base end of said pelt board, and a fastening device comprising a gripping mechanism for fastening said rear end of said pelt, said fastening device further comprising a drive mechanism for moving said first fastening device relative to said holding device and for positioning said rear end of said pelt within said gripping mechanism, said gripping mechanism being controlled by a first user interface and said drive mechanism being controlled by a second user interface, said first user interface and/or said second user interface being located a distance of less than 30 cm from said gripping mechanism. 2. The stretching apparatus according to point 1, wherein said first user interface and/or said second user interface is located less than 30 cm from said gripping mechanism, preferably less than 20 cm, more preferably less than 10 cm, most preferably less than 5 cm. 3. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said first user interface and/or said second user interface comprise a proximity sensor, such as a photo detector or an IR sensor. 4. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said first user interface and/or said second user interface comprise a pressure sensor, a resistive sensor or a capacitive sensor. 5. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said second user interface comprises a first sensor for causing said drive mechanism to move said fastening device away from said holding device, and a second sensor for causing said drive mechanism to move said fastening device towards said holding device. 6. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said distance between said gripping mechanism and said holding mechanism is unobstructed and/or said stretching apparatus enables a human user to simultaneously reach both said gripping mechanism and said holding mechanism by the same hand. 7. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said holding device and/or said fastening device comprise a vibration actuator for inducing an oscillation onto said pelt. 8. The stretching apparatus according to point 7, wherein said vibration actuator operates at a frequency of between 1 Hz and 100 Hz. 9. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said stretching apparatus further comprises a holding bag applicator. 10. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said base end of said pelt board comprises a connecting element and said holding device comprises a locking part for locking said connecting element to said holding device. 11. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said fastening device comprises a compressed air outlet for temporarily removing any fur hair located adjacent said compressed air outlet. 12. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said holding device and/or said fastening device is movable by means of a pneumatic drive, a hydraulic drive or a spindle drive. 13. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said fastening device comprises opposing gripping members for gripping said pelt between said inwardly oriented leather side and said outwardly oriented fur side. 14. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said fastening device comprises a laser for generating a visual alignment line on said pelt. 15. A method of stretching a pelt on a pelt board comprising performing the steps of: providing said pelt and said pelt board, said pelt having a substantially tubular shape defining an inwardly oriented leather side, an outwardly oriented fur side, a nose end and a rear end, said pelt board defining a top end for accommodating and fixating said nose end of said pelt, a circumferential wall for facing said inwardly oriented leather side of said of said pelt and a base end located opposite said top end, providing a stretching apparatus comprising a holding device and a fastening device, said fastening device comprising a gripping mechanism and a drive mechanism, providing a first user interface for controlling said gripping mechanism and a second user interface for controlling said drive mechanism, said first user interface and/or said second user interface being located a distance of less than 30 cm from said gripping mechanism, holding said base end of a pelt board by said holding device, moving said first fastening device relative to said holding device and positioning said rear end of said pelt within said gripping mechanism by using said second user interface, and operating said gripping mechanism by using said first user interface.