APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR STRETCHING A PELT ON A PELT BOARD

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for fixating a stretched pelt on a pelt board by means of a tubular plastics sleeve, which two outwardly extending flanges. The pelt has a substantially tubular shape, which defines an inwardly orientated leather side, an outwardly orientated 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 orientated leather side of the pelt and a base end located opposite the top end. The apparatus comprises a holding device for holding the base end of the pelt board, and further comprises a fixating device which has a pair of gripping members. Each of the gripping members is adapted for gripping a respective flange of the tubular plastic sleeve, as the sleeve is loosely positioned in a first position at the top end of the pelt board on the pelt at the nose end thereof, and for pulling the flanges apart for widening the tubular plastics sleeve, moving the sleeve from the first position at the top end to a second position at the base end of the pelt board and disengaging the gripping members from the flanges for allowing the sleeve to reform towards its original shape and in doing so, firmly engaging with the outwardly orientated first side of the pelt at the rear end thereof.

Claims

1. An apparatus for fixating a stretched pelt on a pelt board by means of a tubular sleeve having two outwardly extending flanges, said pelt having a substantially tubular shape defining an inwardly orientated leather side, an outwardly orientated fur side, a nose end, 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 orientated leather side of said pelt and a base end located opposite said top end, said apparatus comprising: a holding device configured for holding said base end of said pelt board; and a fixating device having a pair of gripping members, each of said gripping members being configured for gripping a respective flange of said tubular sleeve, as said tubular sleeve is loosely positioned in a first position at said top end of said pelt board on said pelt at said nose end thereof, and for pulling said flanges apart for widening said tubular sleeve, moving said tubular sleeve from said first position at said top end to a second position at said base end of said pelt board and disengaging said gripping members from said flanges for allowing said tubular sleeve to reform towards its original shape and in doing so, firmly engaging with said outwardly orientated first side of said pelt at said rear end thereof.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of said gripping members comprises a pair of gripping jaws configured for contacting opposite sides of a respective flange of said tubular sleeve and firmly maintaining said respective flange between said gripping jaws while moving said gripping members from said first position to said second position.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, said apparatus further comprising a fastening device configured for fastening said rear end of said pelt, while stretching said pelt by moving said base end of said pelt board towards said nose end.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said base end of said pelt board is moved by a mechanism selected from the group consisting of a pneumatic drive, a hydraulic drive, and a spin drive.

5. A method of fixating a stretched 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 orientated leather side, an outwardly orientated fur side, a nose end, 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 orientated leather side of said pelt and a base end located opposite said top end; providing an apparatus comprising a holding device and a fixating device, said fixating device having a pair of gripping members; further providing a tubular sleeve having two outwardly extending flanges; holding said base end of said pelt board by means of such holding device; positioning said tubular sleeve in a first position at said top end of said pelt board on said pelt at said nose end thereof; gripping each of said flanges of said tubular sleeve by a respective gripping member; pulling said flanges apart by means of said gripping members for widening said tubular sleeve; moving said tubular sleeve from said first position to a second position at said base end of said pelt board by means of said gripping members; and disengaging said gripping members from said flanges for allowing said sleeve to reform towards its original shape and in doing so, firmly engaging with said outwardly orientated fur side of said pelt at said rear end thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0196] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a pelt.

[0197] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the pelt when mounted on a pelt board.

[0198] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the pelt board and a stretching apparatus.

[0199] FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the stretching assembly when the pelt is mounted.

[0200] FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the stretching assembly when the stretching starts.

[0201] FIG. 1F is a perspective view of the stretching assembly and of an adapter.

[0202] FIG. 1Ga is a perspective view of the stretching assembly including a pair of gripping members and a tubular plastics fixation sleeve.

[0203] FIG. 1Gb is a sectional view of the nose end of the pelt and the tubular plastics fixation sleeve.

[0204] FIG. 1Ha is a perspective view of the stretching assembly illustrating the gripping members gripping prior to catching the tubular plastics fixation sleeve.

[0205] FIG. 1Hb is a sectional view of the nose end of the pelt and the gripping members prior to the gripping members gripping the sleeve.

[0206] FIG. 1Ia is a perspective view of the stretching apparatus and the gripping members positioned for gripping the tubular plastics fixation sleeve.

[0207] FIG. 1Ib is a sectional view of the gripping members gripping the tubular plastics fixation sleeve.

[0208] FIG. 1Ic is a sectional view of the gripping members pulling the tubular plastics fixation sleeve in opposite directions for widening the sleeve.

[0209] FIG. 1Ja is a perspective view of the stretching apparatus and the gripping members, maintaining the fixation of the tubular plastics fixation sleeve and moving the sleeve towards the rear end of the pelt.

[0210] FIG. 1Jb is a sectional view of the gripping members, the sleeve and the pelt at the position of the sleeve at the end of the pelt.

[0211] FIG. 1Ka is a perspective view of the stretching assembly and the gripping members illustrating the tubular plastics fixation sleeve tightening round the rear end of the pelt.

[0212] FIG. 1Kb is a sectional view of the gripping members, the sleeve and the pelt after the gripping members have released their grip of the sleeve.

[0213] FIG. 1La is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the gripping members and the sleeve, while stretching the sleeve.

[0214] FIG. 1Lb is a sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the gripping members and the sleeve after the gripping members releasing their grip of the sleeve.

[0215] FIG. 1Ma is a sectional view of a further alternative embodiment of the gripping members and the sleeve, while stretching the sleeve.

[0216] FIG. 1Mb is a sectional view of the further alternative embodiment of the gripping members and the sleeve after the gripping members releasing their grip of the sleeve.

[0217] FIG. 1Na is a perspective view similar to the view of FIG. 1Ga of the presently preferred embodiment of the stretching assembly including a pair of guiding rollers and a pair of gripping members and a tubular plastics fixation sleeve.

[0218] FIG. 1Oa is a perspective view similar to the view of FIG. 1Ha illustrating the function of the above-mentioned rollers.

[0219] FIG. 1Pa is a view similar to the view of FIG. 1Ja illustrating the stretching assembly including the rollers serving to position the sleeve properly relative to the pelt received on the pelt board.

[0220] FIG. 1Pb illustrates the pelt on the pelt board with a sleeve positioned on the pelt.

[0221] FIG. 1Pc illustrates the pelt on the pelt board with two sleeves positioned on the pelt.

[0222] FIG. 1Pd illustrates the pelt on the pelt board seen from the back with a sleeve being positioned on the pelt.

[0223] FIG. 1Pe illustrates the pelt on the pelt board seen from the back with a sleeve positioned on the pelt.

[0224] FIG. 1Qa is a perspective view of the stretching assembly including the rollers and the gripping members.

[0225] FIG. 1Ra is a view similar to the view of FIG. 1Qa,

[0226] FIGS. 1Rb, 1Rc, 1Rd and 1Re are details illustrating the components of the stretching assembly,

[0227] FIG. 1Sa is a planar view of a first embodiment of a sleeve according to the present invention,

[0228] FIG. 1Sb is a planar view of a second embodiment of a sleeve according to the present invention,

[0229] FIG. 1Sc is a planar view similar to the views of FIGS. 1Sa and 1Sb of a third and presently preferred embodiment of the sleeve according to the present invention,

[0230] FIG. 1Sd is a planar view of a sleeve according to the present invention.

[0231] FIG. 1Se is a planar view of a sleeve according to the present invention.

[0232] FIG. 1Sf is a planar view of a sleeve according to the present invention.

[0233] FIG. 1Sg is a planar view of a sleeve according to the present invention.

[0234] FIG. 1Sh is a planar view of a sleeve according to the present invention.

[0235] FIG. 1Si is a planar view of a sleeve according to the present invention.

[0236] FIG. 1Sj is a planar view of a sleeve according to the present invention.

[0237] FIG. 1Ta is a diagrammatic view illustrating the stroke strain or elongation of a sample of a polymer material when exposed to a stretch force.

[0238] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a mechanical setup of the stretching apparatus

[0239] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the stretching assembly and the pelt board.

[0240] FIG. 3A is a close up view of the stretching device and the rack and pinion actuator.

[0241] FIG. 3B is a close up view of the device when the rack and pinion actuator are adjusted.

[0242] FIG. 4 is a close up view of the first fastening device.

[0243] FIG. 5A is a close up view of the first fastening device when in the first position.

[0244] FIG. 5B is a close up view of the first fastening device when in the second position.

[0245] FIG. 5C is a close up view of the holding elements enclosing the pelt board space.

[0246] FIG. 5D is a close up view of the fastening of the pelt.

[0247] FIG. 6A is a perspective view similar to the view of FIG. 1C of the pelt board and a modified stretching apparatus.

[0248] FIG. 6B is a perspective view similar to the view of FIG. 1D of the pelt board and the modified stretching apparatus.

[0249] FIG. 6C is a view similar to the view of FIG. 1E of the pelt board and the modified stretching apparatus.

[0250] FIG. 6D is a perspective view of the pelt board and the modified stretching apparatus in a first step of fixating the pelt by means of a set of wrapping foils in a wrapping operation.

[0251] FIG. 6E is a perspective view similar to the view of FIG. 6D of a final step of performing the wrapping operation.

[0252] FIG. 6F is a view similar to the views of FIGS. 6D and 6E of the step of cutting the wrapping foils.

[0253] FIG. 6G is a view similar to the views of FIGS. 6D, 6E and 6F of removing the pelt board with the pelt from the stretching apparatus.

[0254] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D are schematic views of alternative implementations of wrapping techniques.

[0255] FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating somewhat exaggerated the rearward bending of the pelt board with the pelt when stretching the pelt.

[0256] FIGS. 9A and 9B are vertical sectional views illustrating the bending of the pelt board caused by the tendinous ligament of the back piece of the pelt.

[0257] FIGS. 10A and 10B are views illustrating a first embodiment for compensating the bending of the pelt board caused by the tendinous ligament of the pelt.

[0258] FIGS. 11A and 11B are views illustrating a second embodiment for compensating the bending of the pelt board caused by the tendinous ligament of the pelt.

[0259] FIGS. 12A and 12B are views illustrating a third embodiment for compensating the bending of the pelt board caused by the tendinous ligament of the pelt.

[0260] FIGS. 13A and 13B are views illustrating the addition of a fur side processing tool to the stretching apparatus according to the present invention.

[0261] FIGS. 14A and 14B are views similar to the views of FIGS. 13A and 13B, respectively, illustrating a variant of the stretching apparatus according to the present invention.

[0262] FIG. 15 is a graph illustrating the correspondence between the force which is applied to a specific pelt and the lengths produced by the force applied.

[0263] FIGS. 16A-16E are schematic and sectional views of a pelt board and a pelt applied thereto corresponding to indication of the length of the pelt indicated in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0264] 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 is attached and a back side contour onto which a tail part 29 of the pelt 10 is attached.

[0265] 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 26 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 26. The pelt board 26 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.

[0266] 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.

[0267] 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 29 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.

[0268] 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.

[0269] 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 46 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 are followed by a steady stretching force in order to first loosed the fibers of the pelt 10 and thereafter stretching the fibers of the pelt 10.

[0270] 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.

[0271] FIG. 1Ga shows a perspective view similar to the views 10, 1D, 1E and 1F of the stretching assembly including a pair of fixation gripping members 138, which serve to fixate a tubular plastic sleeve 150 at the rear end of the pelt 14 for fixating the pelt 14 relative to the pelt board 26 after the stretching has been carried out as described above or performed in accordance with the prior art techniques used in commercially available stretching and tanning apparatuses, such as the commercial product named FIX-2 manufactured and sold by the applicant company and described in Danish patent DK 177012 B1. The gripping members 138 are constituted by two horizontal arms, which are vertically movable relative to the central frame 130, as is indicated in FIG. 1Ha and will be described below. The gripping members 138 each have a pair of front plates 140, on which are mounted a pair of actuators 142, which serve to move in a reciprocating motion a pair of gripping jaws 144 relative to a pair of gripping jaws 146, which are stationary relative to the plates 140.

[0272] The tubular plastics sleeve comprises a central tubular part, from which two outwardly extending flanges 152 extend, which are provided symmetrically relative to the central tubular part of the tubular plastics sleeve 150.

[0273] In FIG. 1Gb, a sectional view of the pelt board 26, the pelt 14 and the tubular plastic sleeve 150 is shown, also illustrating the outwardly extending flanges 152. In FIGS. 1Ga and 1Gb, the tubular plastic sleeve 150 is positioned loosely at the nose end of the pelt 14 and as illustrated in FIG. 1Gb, the tubular plastics sleeve fits loosely around the pelt, which prevents that the tubular plastics sleeve may damage the pelt.

[0274] In FIG. 1Ha, two arrows indicate the lowering of the gripping members 138 into a position adjacent the flanges 152 of the tubular plastics sleeve 150, which positioning is controlled by an optical detector or a similar positioning device based on well-known positioning detection techniques including proximity detection, capacitive or similar detection.

[0275] In FIG. 1Hb illustrating a sectional view similar to the view of FIGS. 1Gb, the two sets of gripping jaws 144, 146 of the gripping members 138 are positioned juxtaposed the outwardly extending flanges 152 of the tubular plastics sleeve 150.

[0276] In FIG. 1Ia, the two sets of gripping jaws 144, 146 are as illustrated in FIG. 1Ib pressed against the flanges 152 of the tubular plastic sleeve 150 for firmly gripping the flanges 152 and as indicated by sets of arrows indicating the movement of the two sets of gripping jaws 144, 146.

[0277] In FIG. 1Ic, the gripping members 138 and consequently also the two sets of gripping jaws 144, 146 are moved in opposite directions for separating the two sets of gripping jaws 144, 146 from one another as indicated by two further sets of arrows and in doing so, the tubular plastic sleeve 150 is widened for providing an enlarged central tubular section.

[0278] In FIG. 1Ja, the gripping members 138 are, as indicated by two arrows, lowered from their initial position shown in FIG. 1Ha at the nose end of the pelt 14 towards the rear end of the pelt 14, while keeping the separated sleeve widening positions of the sets of gripping jaws 144, 146 shown in FIG. 1Ic to the intentional position at the rear end of the pelt, which positioning is controlled by the apparatus based on the initial positioning of the fastening mechanisms 42, 44 and 46. While lowering the gripping members 138, the sets of gripping jaws 144, 146 are maintained in their gripping position as is illustrated in FIG. 1Jd for keeping the tubular plastics sleeve in the widened position for allowing the tubular plastics sleeve to be moved along the pelt 14 and positioned at the rear end of the pelt without damaging the pelt as the widened tubular plastic sleeve 150 is only slightly contacting the pelt during the movement of the gripping members 138 from their initial position shown in FIG. 1Ha and FIG. 1Hb to the position shown in FIG. 1Ja and FIG. 1Jb.

[0279] After the proper positioning of the tubular plastics sleeve 150 relative to the rear end of the pelt, the two sets of gripping jaws 144, 146 are separated from one another for releasing the grip of the flanges 152 of the tubular plastics sleeve, as is illustrated in FIG. 1Ka, in which the tubular plastic sleeve 150 is firmly pressing against the pelt for maintaining the pelt 14 in its intentional position relative to the pelt board 26.

[0280] In FIG. 1Kb is a sectional view similar to the above sectional views of FIGS. 1Gb, 1Hb, 1Ib, 1Ic and 1Jb illustrating in greater details the elastical contraction of the plastics material of the tubular plastic sleeve 150 as indicated by a plurality of solid line arrows, which in comparison with the sectional view of FIG. 1Jb clearly illustrate the tight fit of the tubular plastics sleeve after releasing the sleeve from the sets of gripping jaws 144, 146.

[0281] In FIGS. 1La and 1Lb, a variant of the gripping members and the tubular plastics sleeve is shown, which sleeve is designated the reference numeral 150. The alternative and modified embodiment differs from the above described embodiment in that the tubular plastics sleeve 150 is provided with a total of four orthogonally arranged flanges 152, which are cooperating with a total of four sets of gripping jaws 144, 146. By using a total of four sets of gripping jaws 144, 146, the widening of the central tubular part of the tubular plastic sleeve 150 is accomplished providing an increased separation of the foil material of the sleeve from the pelt and in doing so, improves the apparatus in allowing an even wider separation of the tubular plastics sleeve for preventing any damage of the pelt while moving the tubular plastics sleeve downwards as illustrated in FIG. 1Ja.

[0282] In FIGS. 1Ma and 1Mb, a further alternative embodiment is shown, in which a tubular plastics sleeve 150 is caused to be widened into a substantially rectangular cross sectional configuration by the provision of four non-symmetrically arranged outwardly extending flanges 152.

[0283] In the above described tubular plastics sleeve, the plastics sleeve may be manufactured from any relevant polymer material, such as LDPE, MDPE or HDPE, or combinations of two or more flexible polymer materials. Regarding the foil material, the foil material commonly used in wrapping round a pelt in a tanning machine may be used and in addition, more refined or dedicated structures including e.g. breathable materials, such as Gore-Tex supported by stretchable threads or the like may be used.

[0284] The flanges 152, 152 and 152 may easily be produced from the foil material of the tubular plastics sleeve assembly by welding a two layer part of the foil material of the sleeve together or alternatively, by welding or likewise fixating longitudinally extending flanges to a central tubular part, which is then cut into separate sections constituting the tubular plastics sleeve 150, 150 and 150.

[0285] As said above, the control of the motion of the gripping members 138 is advantageously performed by optical or similar positioning detecting elements and likewise, the sleeve 150 may be arranged in its intentional position at the nose end of the pelt as is illustrated in FIG. 1Ga by the use of a pair of gripping arms similar to the gripping members 138, which serve to position the sleeve in its intentional position at the nose end of the pelt prior to the widening of the sleeve as described above with reference to the drawing's FIGS. 1G-1K. In a further alternative embodiment, the gripping members 138 are themselves used for catching initially the tubular plastics sleeve 150 from a storage device positioned overhead relative to the tanning or stretching apparatus and then preferably operated in a continuous mode from a catching of the tubular plastics sleeve to the widening of the sleeve as is illustrated in FIG. 1Ic at the time the sleeve 150 is approaching the position shown in FIG. 1Ga.

[0286] In the present specification, components identical to previously described components are designated the same reference numerals as discussed above, whereas components differing from previously described components, however, serving basically the same purpose as a previously described component, are designated the same reference numeral, however, added a marking for identifying the difference or modified functionality. Components previously described will not be described in any greater details below, whereas the modified components will be discussed in relation to their altered or modified functionality.

[0287] In FIG. 1Na, an alternative embodiment of the stretching apparatus and the stretching assembly described above is shown basically differing from the above described stretching apparatus and stretching assembly, respectively, in that in the overall operation of the stretching apparatus, the pelt board with the pelt applied thereon is moved relative to the stretching assembly, which is kept stationary as distinct from the above-described embodiment, in which the stretching assembly is moved relative to the stationary pelt board and the pelt applied thereon. In addition, the stretching assembly is provided with a pair of positioning rollers as the plates 140 are journaled sidewise shiftable relative to the stationary gripping members 138 for allowing sidewise shifting of the gripping jaws 144. The sidewise shifting of the gripping jaws 144 supported by the plates 140 is established by the pair of rollers 160, which are supported on L-shaped arms 162 rigidly connected to the plates 140 and provides the sidewise shifting of the plates 140 and the gripping jaws 144 supported thereon, as will be described below.

[0288] In FIG. 1Oa, which is a view similar to the view of FIG. 1Ha, the pelt board supporting the pelt is moved upwards as indicated by a pair of arrows and causes the front end of the pelt supported on the pelt board to contact the rollers 160 and in doing so, shifts the plates 140 away from one another and at the same time positions the gripping jaws 144 in the intentional position relative to the flanges 152 of the tubular plastic sleeve 150, whereupon the actuators 142 activate the gripping jaws 144 and cause the gripping jaws 144 to catch the outwardly extending flanges 152 of the tubular plastic sleeve 150 in the intentional position of the gripping jaws 144 relative to the tubular plastic sleeve 150.

[0289] In a further motion of the pelt board with the pelt applied thereon upwards relative to the central frame 130, the rollers 160 serve to properly center the pelt board with the pelt applied thereto relative to the stretching assembly, i.e. relative to the plates 140 and the gripping jaws 144, as the pelt board is further advanced upwardly as is illustrated in FIG. 1Pa. The deactivation of the gripping jaws 144 is established in the same manner as is illustrated in FIG. 1Ka/1Kb after the gripping jaws 144 are positioned properly relative to the lower end of the pelt after the raising of the pelt board with the pelt applied thereto monitored by detectors included in the stretching apparatus and serving to control the overall motion of the components included in the stretching apparatus. It is contemplated that the use of detectors being optical, inductive or capacitive or based on any other contact or contactless detection principal and the use of a microprocessor for the overall control of the operation of the stretching apparatus is well known in the art and no specific disclosure or discussion will be provided of the operation.

[0290] FIG. 1Pb shows the sleeve placed on the pelt where the bottom edge of the sleeve extends all the way to the paw end on the rear legs and thereby fixates the pelt of the rear legs. Compared to FIG. 1Pa the top edge of the sleeve also extends higher up on the abdominal pelt, i.e. the sleeve shown in FIG. 1Pb is higher than the sleeve shown in FIG. 1Pa. In general the sleeve may have a height between 50 mm to 300 mm, such as 75 mm to 250 mm, or 100 mm to 200 mm (the height is illustrated as the dimension fin FIG. 1Sc).

[0291] FIG. 1Pc shows two sleeves placed on the pelt. The bottom edge of the first sleeve extends down below the lower edge of the abdominal pelt, and covers a major part of the rear legs (such as at least 50% of the length of the rear legs). The bottom edge of the second sleeve 151 overlaps the top edge of the first sleeve. However, the overlap may be omitted. The first sleeve is wider than the second sleeve. This ensures that the first sleeve does not break while being expanded by the apparatus and pulled all the way down to the intended position covering a major part of the rear legs, while at the same time the second sleeve is not too wide so that it cannot provide enough pressure at its intended position further up on the pelt than the first sleeve. The second sleeve may also be higher than the first sleeve.

[0292] FIG. 1Pd illustrates the apparatus looking toward the back side of the pelt on the pelt board. The sleeve is intended to be placed all the way down around the tail, but has not yet been moved all the way down to cover the tail. Thus, the tail is curled up around a longitudinal axis of the tail. The apparatus comprises a folding mechanism for folding out the tail. The folding out of the tail may be performed as described in WO2007/033681.

[0293] Accordingly, the apparatus comprises a tail guide, which cooperates with at least two tail folding-out jaws, which are displaceable in a substantially sideways direction in relation to the orientation of the tail guide. The tail folding-out jaws comprise first half parts for displacement by an actuator between a first outer position at a distance from the tail guide, and a second outer position, where the sides of the first half parts facing towards the tail guide are in contact with the facing sides of the tail guide.

[0294] The first half parts of the tail folding-out jaws cooperate with other half parts which, via activation by an actuator, are displaceable between a passive outer position at a distance from the tail guide, and an active outer position where towards the first half parts facing sides of the other cooperating half parts they are pressed into contact with the first half parts for engagement along the sides of the tail part of the pelt, typically extending from a part of the tail part which is lying closest to the lower end of the back part on each side of the tail guide 60.

[0295] The tail guide also cooperates with a displaceable counter-hold, which via an actuator is displaceable between a passive position at a distance from the tail guide, and an active position where the counter-hold is displaced into contact with the tail guide, or a tail part placed on the guide, which is hereby clamped between the tail guide and the counter-hold. It is hereby achieved that the tail part is secured in the center position in a linear manner where the counter-hold is in contact with the tail guide. Hereafter, the sleeve is pulled down over the tail for keeping the tail folded out.

[0296] FIG. 1Pe illustrates the apparatus looking toward the back side of the pelt on the pelt board. Compared to FIG. 1Pd, the sleeve is now placed all the way down around the tail. The tail is fixated by the sleeve. Preferably, a fat absorbent material is placed between the tail and the pelt board preferably in the form of an inner bag pulled over the pelt board before the pelt is placed on the pelt board.

[0297] In FIG. 1Qa, the stationary stretching assembly shown in FIGS. 1Na-1Pa is shown in greater details illustrating the journaling of the rollers 160 on a pair of arms 162, which are linked via respective tooth wheel parts 164, which serve to provide a synchronous and mutually opposite rotational motion of the two arms 162 and the wheels 160, as one of the wheels is applied on the pelt board as is illustrated in the above-mentioned figures.

[0298] In the central part of the stretching assembly, a separation wall 171 is provided, which has in a top position level with the rollers 160 an opening, through which a sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor/transceiver monitors the position of the sleeve. The sensor may alternatively be a photo sensor, optic sensor, photo optic sensor, light sensor, camera sensor, contrast sensor, laser sensor, glare sensor or other sensor unit/system using imaging, sound waves or light waves for detection of the edge/bridge between the fur surface and the plastic sleeve, plastic surface.

[0299] The sensor is fixed to the stretching assembly, and moves with the stretching assembly. Pneumatic air cylinders provide a displacement of the stretching assembly, and moves the stretching assembly downwards. As the stretching assembly is moved downwards the sensor sends ultrasound towards the pelt, and detects reflected ultrasound. As the sensor is level with the transition from pelt to sleeve (the upper edge of the sleeve) the reflected signal changes, and it can be determined where the sleeve is positioned. This means that the stretching assembly is in a position to grip the sleeve automatically.

[0300] In FIG. 1Ra, the separation wall 171 and the aperture 172 are shown in a separate view designated FIG. 1Rb at the upper left hand side of the drawing's FIG. 1Ra, the supporting arms 162 and the linking 164 of the arms supporting the rollers 160 is shown in a separate view designated FIG. 1Rc in the upper right hand side of the drawing's FIG. 1Ra, and the two gripping jaws 144 are shown in separate bottom views designated FIG. 1Rd and FIG. 1Re, respectively. As is evident from FIGS. 1Rd and 1Re, the gripping jaws 144 and 146 are provided with contacting high friction surfaces 166 and 169, respectively, provided by wear resistant polymer surfaces serving to on the one hand provide a wear resistant surface for providing a long lifetime of the apparatus and on the other hand, provide a firm grip relative to the polymer material of the flanges 152 of the tubular plastic sleeve 150.

[0301] In FIG. 1Sa, a first embodiment of the sleeve 150 according to the present invention is shown, which sleeve is simply produced from a tube of a polymer foil such as an LDPE, MDPE or HDPE foil, which is provided with gripping flanges 152 delimited by a pair of vertical and parallel weld seams 170.

[0302] In FIG. 1Sb, a second or modified embodiment of the sleeve 150 is shown, which differs from the above-described first embodiment in that the vertical weld seams 170 are sloping and providing a narrower top distance between the weld seams as compared to the bottom distance between the weld seams. The sloping or tapering welds serve to provide a guiding of the sleeve as discussed above relative to the tapering top part of the pelt board having the pelt applied thereon in the process of applying the sleeve.

In FIG. 1Sc, a third and presently preferred embodiment of the sleeve 150 is shown in which the flanges 152 are delimited by a pair of weld seams 170, which provide a tapering configuration having rounded top and bottom parts.

[0303] In the drawings the dimensions a, b, c, d, e and f are indicated and in a prototype variant of the sleeve shown in FIG. 1Sc for use in the tanning of pelts of male minks, the following measures were established:

[0304] a. 143 mm, b. 153 mm, c. 5 mm d. varying from 99 mm at the top, 102 mm at the center, and 105 mm at the bottom, e. 15 mm, f. 150 mm, z. 2.3 degrees.

[0305] In a prototype variant of the third embodiment of the sleeve 150 shown in FIG. 1Sc for use in the tanning of pelts of a female mink, the following measures were established:

[0306] a. 120 mm, b. 130 mm, c. 5 mm, d. varying from 74 mm at the top, 76 mm at the center and 78 mm at the bottom, e. 15 mm, f. 150 mm and z. 2.3 degrees.

[0307] FIG. 1Sd shows the sleeve with perforations 180 in the polymer foil. The perforations are in the area of the sleeve between the two weld lines, and they may be applied to the different embodiments of the sleeve. Each perforation (or aperture) is defined by a closed curve such as a circle or ellipse. The diameter of each perforation may be between 1 mm to 15 mm, such as 2 mm to 10 mm, or 3 mm to 8 mm or have a value of 5 mm.

[0308] The abdominal side wall of the sleeve (which is intended to cover part of the pelt abdominal when the sleeve is placed upon the pelt on the pelt board as shown in FIG. 1Pa among other) may have such perforations, while the back side wall of the sleeve (which is intended to cover part of the pelt back when the sleeve is placed upon the pelt on the pelt board as shown in FIG. 1Pa among other) may be without such perforations. Alternatively, both the abdominal side and back side may have such perforations.

[0309] FIG. 1Se shows a sleeve with elongated slits 182. The slits may be cut out with a knife or a laser. In FIG. 1Se the slits are horizontal, but the slits may in an alternative embodiment be vertical instead of horizontal. The lengths of the individual slits may vary from slit to slit. The slits may be on either side of the sleeve or exclusively on either the abdominal side wall or the back side wall.

[0310] FIG. 1Sf shows a sleeve where each perforation 190 is combined with a check valve 192, which may be a flap such as a gill inspired flap to regulate the flow of potential moisture in one direction away from the pelt.

[0311] FIG. 1Sg shows a sleeve where the abdominal side wall of the sleeve is longer than the rear side wall of the sleeve. The added length of the abdominal side wall constitutes a flap for gripping the sleeve and opening it to place it over the pelt. The abdominal side wall may be 5 mm to 25 mm longer than the back side wall, such as 10 mm to 20 mm. In FIG. 1Sc the flap is illustrated with the dimension e, where it is 15 mm.

[0312] FIG. 1Sh shows a sleeve with layers, i.e. the abdominal side wall of the sleeve as well as the back side wall of the sleeve are each constituted by two layers 200,204. An outer layer 200 is in polymer material and has perforations as described above. An inner layer is in a breathable material. The inner layer 204 has an inner surface, which comes into contact with the pelt when the sleeve is placed upon the pelt. Alternatively, only the abdominal side of the sleeve may be a layered structure, and the back side wall may be constituted by a single layer of either breathable or plastic material.

[0313] FIG. 1Si shows a sleeve with layers, i.e. the abdominal side wall of the sleeve as well as the back side wall of the sleeve are each constituted by two layers (an inner layer and an outer layer). The inner layer 216 has an inner surface, which comes into contact with the pelt when the sleeve is placed upon the pelt.

[0314] Between the inner layer and the outer layer 212 a layer of an absorbent material 214 for absorbing moisture is arranged. The absorbent material may be a super absorbent polymer. The absorbent material may be placed in a pocket or contained between the two weld lines and the top and bottom edges of the sleeve. Moisture flows through the inner layer and is absorbed by the absorbent material in the pocket while air flows through the inner layer and out through the outer layer. The inner layer has perforations. Again, the inner layer on the belly side of the sleeve may have more perforations than the inner side of the back side of the sleeve. Alternatively, there may be no perforations in the inner layer on the back side of the sleeve.

[0315] FIG. 1Sj shows a sleeve as described in connection with FIG. 1Sh, but where also the outer layer has perforations. As illustrated by the arrows, air flows through the layers and out to the surroundings while moisture flows through the first layer and is absorbed by the absorbent material.

[0316] FIG. 1Ta is diagram illustrating the percentage elongation of an LDPE foil used by the applicant company Minkpapir A/S in the presently supplied holding bag. The diagram shows that a stretching of the foil by 12-25 MPa as indicated along the ordinate axis, the foil is stretched elastically by up to 600%. At present, the applicant company is aiming at developing a further high elastic foil, yet the presently used LDPE foil material shows a high elastic stretching ability when exposed to a specific preset force. The diagram illustrates four test curves, which were provided for testing samples and the curves illustrate the elastic return of the foil material when reducing the stretch force.

[0317] 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 movable by use of compressed air form 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.

[0318] 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.

[0319] FIG. 2B shows an perspective view of the stretching assembly wherein the pelt board 26 is placed in the correct position in the stretching apparatus 35.

[0320] 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.

[0321] 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.

[0322] 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 element 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.

[0323] While the gripping or non-gripping operations of the first fastening device 42 is 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.

[0324] 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 then the stretching apparatus is in use.

[0325] 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.

[0326] 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.

[0327] 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.

[0328] 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.

[0329] FIG. 6A shows a modified stretching apparatus 35 including basically the same components as described above with reference to FIGS. 1C-1F, however, being supplemented by a wrapping unit to be described in greater details below. In the below description of the modified stretching apparatus 35.

[0330] The modified stretching apparatus 35 shown in FIG. 6A includes two supports 42, on which a respective wrapping table part is mounted. In FIG. 6A, the two wrapping table parts 80 are separated from one another in order to allow the pelt board 26 with the pelt 10 mounted thereon to be received within the stretching apparatus 35 as indicated by a major arrow at the central part of FIG. 6A. Each of the wrapping table parts 80 includes a wrapping foil supply 82, from which a stretchable wrapping foil 83 is discharged, as each of the wrapping foils 83 are guided through foil guides 84. The free ends of the foils 83 are in FIG. 6A fixated or caught by a respective foil catcher element 86, the function of which will be evident from the below description of the wrapping operation.

[0331] After the pelt board has been received in the stretching apparatus 35 and is mounted with the connecting element 34 of the pelt board 26 received in the holding device 40, the two wrapping table parts 80 are assembled into a ring-shaped element as each of the wrapping table parts 80 have at a one end a pair of outwardly protruding pins and at the opposite end a pair of holes for receiving the outwardly protruding pins of the adjacent wrapping table part for joining the two wrapping table parts 80 together, as is illustrated in FIG. 6B. In the position of the stretching apparatus 35 shown in FIG. 6B, the stretching operation described above with reference to FIG. 1D is performed, and afterwards, the same stretching operations as described above with reference to FIG. 1E is performed in the process step of the stretching operation, as is illustrated in FIG. 6C. After the stretching of the pelt 10 has been finalized as described above, the wrapping operation is carried out by rotating the wrapping table composed of the two wrapping table parts 80, as is indicated in FIG. 6D by the two arrows shown adjacent to the wrapping table parts 80 of the modified stretching apparatus 35.

[0332] As two symmetrically positioned wrapping components or elements are used in the wrapping operation, the wrapping process as such is carried out more swift than by the use of a single wrapping unit including a single wrapping foil and at the same time, due to the symmetrical position of the wrapping elements, including the two wrapping table parts 80, the physical impact in the wrapping operation of stretching the wrapping foil 83 may be increased as the symmetrical drawing of the two symmetrical positioned foils 83 apply forces to the pelt 10 and the pelt board 26, which forces are equalized due to their symmetrical application, which again reduces the necessity as to the strength of the pelt board 26 and the strength of the fixation of the connecting element 34 of the pelt board 26 within the holding device 40.

[0333] After a preset number of turns of the wrapping foils has been applied to the outer surface of the pelt 10 as is illustrated in FIG. 6E, two foil cutters 88 are raised from the elements 86 as is illustrated in FIG. 6E and afterwards, as is illustrated in FIG. 6F, the cutters 88 are lowered again for catching the foils 83 and in doing so, allowing the wrapping table parts 80 to be reversed as is illustrated in FIG. 6F and in doing so, causing the foils to be cut and separated from the foil ends wrapped around the pelt 10 on the pelt board 26. After the separation of the foils applied to the outer surface of the pelt 10, the pelt board 26 is removed from the modified stretching apparatus 35 as is illustrated in FIG. 6G having a band 90 of wrapping foils applied to the pelt 10, which band 90 serves to prevent the pelt 10 from reforming or shrinking to its original length or towards its original length.

[0334] In FIG. 7A, the symmetrical wrapping principle implemented in the modified stretching apparatus 35 described above is illustrated, as the two foil parts 83 are applied to the pelt on the pelt board 26 from opposite sides and applying a symmetrical set of forces to the pelt board 26, which allows for an increased stretching of the foil as compared to a single foil wrapping apparatus. The principle of compensating the forces applied to the pelt board by stretching the wrapping foil may be implemented in numerous other ways, e.g. by applying three or four set of foils, as is illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7B and 7C, respectively. Evidently, a further number of foil rollers may be applied, provided the angular spacing between the foil rollers is the same between any two set of adjacent foil rollers.

[0335] Whereas the wrapping apparatus described above with reference to FIGS. 6A-6G and the schematic illustrations of FIG. 7A-7C illustrate apparatuses, in which the wrapping foil rollers are caused to rotate round the centrally positioned and stationary pelt board 26, the wrapping principle of utilizing symmetrically applied stretching forces to the foils applied from two or more foil rollers may be implemented in an inverse setup, in which the foil rollers are kept stationary, as is illustrated in FIG. 7D, whereas the centrally positioned pelt board 26 is caused to rotate in the wrapping process. As will be evident to a person having ordinary skill in the art, the two foil roller setups of the modified wrapping technique illustrated in FIG. 7D may be modified by the uses of three, four or even more rollers, as is basically shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C.

[0336] FIG. 8 illustrates somewhat exaggerated the rearward bending of the pelt designated the reference numeral 14.sup.I when stretching the pelt by the downward movement of the first fastening device 42.

[0337] In FIGS. 9A and 9B, the rearward bending of the pelt board 26 is illustrated in greater details and in FIG. 9A, a blow-up view illustrates the structure of the back piece of the pelt, which is positioned contacting the wall 30 of the pelt board 26, which back piece apart from the leather side 12 and the first side of the pelt includes the tendinous ligament 92, which is stronger than the corresponding part of the pelt positioned at the front side of the pelt board, which front side includes no corresponding high strength tendinous ligament. Consequently, as is illustrated in FIG. 9B, the tendinous ligament 92 of the back piece of the pelt 10 causes the pelt board 26 to bend backwards, as the first fastening device 42 is moved downwards for stretching the pelt as no high strength tendinous ligament is present in the front piece of the pelt as compared to the high strength back piece tendinous ligament of the pelt.

[0338] In order to prevent the backward bending of the pelt board, which may cause an incorrect stretching of the pelt as the stretching of the pelt is carried out in order to bring the pelt from one class to another according to the Kopenhagen Fur classification system and in case the pelt board is bent backwards as is illustrated in FIG. 9B, the actual length of the pelt may turn out to be somewhat smaller than expected and foreseen by the stretching of the pelt, which then may bring the pelt into a lower class than expected.

[0339] According to three difference embodiments of the means for preventing the backward bending of the pelt board, an arresting and supporting arm 94 is provided in FIG. 10A, which arresting and supporting arm has a cup-shaped end part 96 serving to catch round the nose end of the pelt and in doing so, preventing the backward bending as illustrated in FIG. 9B of the pelt board when stretching the pelt. An alternative embodiment of the means for preventing backward bending of the pelt board is constituted by the combination of an arresting and supporting arm 92 and a ring-shaped end part 98 serving to circumferentially encircle the nose end of the pelt 10 and in doing so, contacting the outer first side of the pelt when the pelt board tends to bend backwardly, as is illustrated in FIG. 9B. A third embodiment of the backward bending preventing means is constituted by a simple arresting and supporting arm 100 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, which arm simply contacts the nuchal of the pelt as the stretching of the pelt tends to cause the pelt board to bend backwardly, as is illustrated in FIG. 9B.

[0340] In FIGS. 13A and 13B is shown the stretching apparatus according to the present invention including a tool designated the reference numeral 110 serving to process the fur side of the pelt 10. The processing tool 110 comprises a pair of supporting arms, on which a set of rollers 112 are mounted, which motors are driven by a motor 14 for causing the rollers to rotate in opposite directions, as is shown in the enlarged sectional view of FIG. 13B. As is indicated by arrows, the fur processing tool 110 may be lowered from a top position juxtaposed the nose end of the pelt to a lower position at the rear end of the pelt for arranging the hair of the pelt in a proper organized orientation. The rollers 112 may be substituted by other relevant fur processing elements, such as combs or brushes serving the overall purpose of improving the quality of the pelt in question.

[0341] In FIGS. 14A and 14B is shown a modified embodiment of the stretching apparatus according to the present invention shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, respectively. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B basically differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, respectively, in that the processing tool designated the reference numeral 110 for identifying the amendment of the processing tool as compared to the processing tool 110 described above in that the processing tool 110 is housed within an incasing 111 enclosing the rollers 112 and further housing a set of water discharge nozzles 116 for the discharging of or dispensing water onto the fur side of the pelt 14 and in addition, a pair of contacting pads are provided for contacting the pelt 14. The lower end of the encasing 111 is provided with a pair of pressure pads, simply for contacting the outer side of the fur 14 and in doing so, providing a seal enclosure housing the processing tool 110.

[0342] It is to be realized that the function of the processing tools 110 and 110 shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B and FIGS. 14A, 14B, respectively, basically functions as described in DK 176421 B1.

[0343] FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view illustrating empirical data obtained by stretching a pelt of a mink, the mink being a male mink while recording the length of the pelt and the force applied to the pelt as the pelt is stretched by means of the stretching assembly described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5. The stretching being produced by moving the holding device 40 relative to the top end 28 of the pelt board 26 and in doing so performing a total stretching of the pelt between the nose 16 of the pelt 10 and the rear leg 22 or tail end of the pelt 10. Along the abscissa axis, the length of the pelt is recorded and along the ordinate axis, the force applied is recorded.

[0344] In FIG. 15, markings A, B, C, D and E are provided, which markings correspond to the illustrations of FIG. 16A-16E to be described below, and the curve recorded as an incremental or stepwise recording of the correspondence between the actual length of the pelt and the force applied exhibit evidently the characteristics of a curve which initially has a low tangential gradient and at its end at the point E at which point the pelt is broken, exhibits an almost vertical tangential gradient.

[0345] According to the empirical data shown in FIG. 15, a highly advantageous feature characteristic of the present invention has been deduced, namely the feature of simply allowing the stretching to be performed initially without paying any careful attention to the stretching operation, and in doing so stretching the pelt until a pre-set safe force value or safe force gradient value has been reached as is indicated by B. In B, the curve illustrating the correspondence between the incremental increase of the length of the pelt and the force applied to the pelt for increasing the length of the pelt starts rising and in doing so indicates that the stretching now is becoming more critical as further stretching of the pelt may cause damage to the pelt eventually causing the pelt to be broken indicated by E.

[0346] According to a further feature characteristic of the present invention, the corresponding values of the length of the pelt while applied to a stretch force and the stretch force are recorded and at the same time, the gradient increase determined as the increase from a previous corresponding set of data is recorded as the force gradient is considered to be a reliable and predictable measure indicating the shift from the safe stretching of the pelt until point B and the gradual dramatic force increase for obtaining a further incremental increase of the length of the pelt. Consequently, it is contemplated that the force gradient as such is indicative of the safe continuous operation of stretching the pelt and the reaching of a gradient exceeding a specific value such as the value in point D constitutes a maximum predicted safe value for further stretching the pelt.

[0347] The values when stretching a male mink, the values L1, L2, L3 and L4 may constitute measures of 750, 800, 850 and 900 mm, respectively, and the upper limit of L5 may typically be of the order of 950 mm although the proved techniques of feeding the animals has throughout the last 10-15 years dramatically increased the maximum length of male and female minks from approximately 80 cm to 100 cm or even more.

[0348] Due to the increase in the overall length of the pelt of minks due to the above-described improved feeding techniques, the curve of FIG. 15 have changed and will in the future be changed, however, it is contemplated that the general configuration or shape of the curve illustrated in FIG. 15 is universally applicable and further according to an advantageous feature of the present invention, the data recorded while stretching a single pelt may be recorded and stored and compared with data from the operation of stretching different animals pelts and in doing so establishing what is well known in the computer technical field an iterative learning process. As will be understood, the measure for determining the safe maximum force to be applied to a pelt is, according to the teachings of the present invention, not determined by the length of the pelt but rather by the maximum force gradient and the force to be applied which values are consequently independent of the actual length of the pelt exposed to the stretching operation as such.

[0349] In FIGS. 16A-16E are shown schematic and vertical sectional views of the pelt board 26 having the pelt 14 applied to the pelt board and also indicating the imaginary line 20 indicating the length of the pelt generated while stretching the pelt as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5 and generating the corresponding length and force data shown in FIG. 15. To be more precise, FIG. 16A illustrates the original length of the pelt 14 in its unstretched state, i.e. prior to applying any force to the pelt while the pelt is simply initially resting on the pelt board and afterwards exposed to a stretching force. According to the teachings of the present invention, no data recording is performed in the initial positioning of the pelt on the pelt board as the initial data, or to be more precise, the initial length of the pelt at the time of applying the pelt to the pelt board has no bearing on the ability of the pelt to be stretched. FIG. 16B illustrates the pelt 14 stretched to the safe stretching value of FIG. B indicated by the dotted line illustrating the safe force applied and also the safe force gradient at the point B. By further stretching the pelt while producing the recordal of the data shown in FIG. 15, the pelt is stretched further as indicated in FIGS. 16C and 16D, in which FIG. 16D illustrates the upper limit or the safe upper limit of stretching the pelt as further stretching of the pelt exceeding the safe force gradient value determined in D causes the pelt to be broken as is illustrated in FIG. 16E.

[0350] In the process of stretching the pelt of a mink, the classification according to the international standard established by Kopenhagen Fur A/S has to be taken into consideration and in this context, the graph of FIG. 15 may be used for predicting as a forecast whether a specific maximum class has been reached or a safe further stretching may bring the pelt from the class presently obtained to a further class as it is to be realized that the incremental difference between the two classes is 6 cm and the stretching of the pelt therefore should be carried out in order to reach the maximum class possible rather than reach the maximum length possible since stretching the pelt beyond a class limit without reaching the next class does not yield any financial pay off for the pelt in question. As stated above, the difference between L3 and L5 is 50 cm corresponding to more than 6 classes for which reason it is readily understood that the further extension or stretching of the pelt from B to D involves the increase of the length of approximately 100 cm corresponding to more than 16 classes.

[0351] Although the present invention has above been described with reference to a specific and presently preferred embodiment of the invention together with schematically illustrated variants of the apparatus according to the present invention, the invention may, as will be evident to a person having ordinary skill in the art, readily be modified without deviating from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appending claims.

First Set of Points Describing Features of the Invention

[0352] 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: [0353] a holding device for holding said base end of said pelt board, and [0354] 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.

[0355] 2. The stretching apparatus according to point 1, wherein said stretching members comprise cylindrical pins.

[0356] 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.

[0357] 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.

[0358] 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.

[0359] 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.

[0360] 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.

[0361] 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.

[0362] 9. The stretching apparatus according to point 8, wherein said vibration actuator operating at a frequency of between 1 Hz and 100 Hz.

[0363] 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.

[0364] 11. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said stretching apparatus further comprising a holding bag applicator

[0365] 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 comprising a locking part for locking said connecting element to said holding device.

[0366] 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.

[0367] 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: [0368] 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, [0369] 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 [0370] 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 being 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 being located on opposite sides of said pelt board space.

[0371] 15. A method of stretching a pelt on a pelt board comprising performing the steps of: [0372] 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, [0373] providing a stretching apparatus comprising a holding device and a stretching device, said stretching device having a pair of stretching members, [0374] holding said base end of a pelt board by said holding device, [0375] inserting each of said stretching members of said stretching device into a respective front leg cavity of said pelt, and [0376] moving said stretching device in a direction towards said holding device, thereby stretching said pelt.

Second Set of Points Describing Features of the Invention

[0377] 1. An apparatus for fixating a pelt to 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 pelt and a base end located opposite to said top end, said apparatus comprising: [0378] a holding device for receiving said base end of said pelt board and holding said pelt board, [0379] a fastening device having a pair of and preferably two pairs of gripping members for gripping and arresting said pelt relative to said pelt board by gripping and fastening said rear end of said pelt relative to said pelt board, and [0380] a wrapping device including at least two wrapping foil units for wrapping foil round said pelt at said rear end of said pelt for fixating said pelt to said pelt board, said at least two foil wrapping units being positioned so as to apply said wrapping foils to said pelt from positions causing the pull from each of said foils to be equalized by the pull of the other foil or the other foils.

[0381] 2. The apparatus according to point 1, said two wrapping foil units being positioned at opposite sides of said pelt board and symmetrical relation to said pelt board for applying said wrapping foils from opposite sides of said pelt board.

[0382] 3. The apparatus according to point 1, said wrapping foil units being present in a number n and the angular spacing between any two adjacent wrapping foil units being 360/n.

[0383] 4. The apparatus according to any of the preceding points, said wrapping units being rotated relative to said pelt board for applying said wrapping foils to said pelt.

[0384] 5. The apparatus according to any of the points 1-3, said wrapping units being stationary and said pelt board being rotated relative to said wrapping units for causing said wrapping foils to be wrapped round said pelt.

[0385] 6. The apparatus according to any of the points 1-5, further having any of the features of the points describing features of the invention listed above.

[0386] 7. A method of fixating a pelt to a pelt board comprising performing the steps of: [0387] 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 pelt and a base end located opposite to said top end, [0388] providing an apparatus comprising a holding device, a fastening device and a wrapping device, said holding device serving to receive said base end of said pelt board and holding said pelt board, said fastening device having a pair of and preferably two pairs of gripping members for gripping and arresting said pelt relative to said pelt board by gripping and fastening said rear end of said pelt relative to said pelt board, said wrapping device including at least two wrapping foil units for wrapping foil round said pelt at said rear end of said pelt, the method further comprising: [0389] positioning said pelt board in said holder, fastening said pelt relative to said pelt board by means of said pair or preferably two pairs of gripping members after stretching said pelt on said pelt board and wrapping foils from said at least two wrapping foil units round said pelt at said rear end of said pelt for fixating said pelt to said pelt board and in doing so, applying said wrapping foils to said pelt from positions causing the pull from each of said foils to be equalized by the pull of the other foil or other foils.

[0390] 8. The method according to point 7, further having any of the features of the apparatus according to the points 2-6.

Third Set of Points Describing Features of the Invention

[0391] 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 back piece including a tendinous ligament, 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: [0392] a holding device for holding said base end of said pelt board, [0393] a fastening device for fastening said rear end of said pelt and being movable relative to said holding device for stretching said pelt, and [0394] an arresting device for arresting and supporting said top end of said pelt board for preventing said tendinous ligament to cause said pelt board to bend when stretching said pelt.

[0395] 2. The stretching apparatus according to point 1, said arresting device being constituted by an arm having an arm end part for catching said top end of said pelt board.

[0396] 3. The stretching apparatus according to point 1 or 2, said arresting device including a ring shaped end part for circumferentially enclosing and supporting said pelt board at said nose end of said pelt when stretching said pelt.

[0397] 4. The stretching apparatus according to point 1 or 2, said arresting device including a cup-shaped end part for enclosing said nose end of said pelt at said top end of said pelt board.

[0398] 5. The stretching apparatus according to any of the points 1-4, further having any of the features of the stretching apparatus according to the points of the first set of points and/or the second set of points.

[0399] 6. A method of stretching a pelt on a pelt board comprising the steps of: [0400] providing set pelt on said pelt board, said pelt having a substantially tubular shape defining an inwardly oriented leather side and an outwardly oriented fur side, a nose end, a rear end and a back piece including a tendinous ligament, said pelt board defining a top end for accommodating and fixating said nose of said pelt, a circumferential wall for facing said inwardly oriented leather side of said pelt and a base end located opposite said top end, [0401] providing a stretching apparatus comprising a holding device, a fastening device and an arresting and supporting device, said holding device serving to hold said base end of said pelt board, said fastening device to fasten said rear end of said pelt, said arresting and supporting device serving to support said top end of said pelt board for preventing said tendinous ligament to cause said pelt board to bend when stretching said pelt, [0402] positioning said pelt on said pelt board, positioning said pelt board in said holding device prior to or after arranging said pelt on said pelt board, fastening said fastening device to said rear end of said pelt, moving said fastening device relative to said holding device for stretching said pelt and in doing so, supporting said top end of said pelt board by means of said arresting and supporting device.

[0403] 7. The method according to point 6, further having any of the features of the points according to the first set of points and/or the second set of points.

Fourth Set of Points Describing Features of the Invention

[0404] 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: [0405] 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 [0406] 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 being 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 being located on opposite sides of said pelt board space.

[0407] 2. The stretching apparatus according to point 1, wherein said first gripping mechanism fastening said rear end of said pelt along said back side contour and said second gripping mechanism fastening said rear end of said pelt along said leg side contour.

[0408] 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.

[0409] 4. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said second gripping mechanism comprise a first half part and a second half part, each half part being adapted for gripping approximately a quarter of said contour.

[0410] 5. The stretching apparatus according to point 4, wherein when in said first position, said first half part and a second half part being located on opposite sides of said pelt board space.

[0411] 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.

[0412] 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.

[0413] 8. The stretching apparatus according to point 7, wherein said vibration actuator operating at a frequency of between 1 Hz and 100 Hz.

[0414] 9. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said stretching apparatus further comprising a holding bag applicator.

[0415] 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 comprising a locking part for locking said connecting element to said holding device.

[0416] 11. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said fastening device comprise a compressed air outlet for temporarily removing any fur hair located adjacent said compressed air outlet.

[0417] 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.

[0418] 13. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said fastening device comprise a laser for generating a visual alignment line on said pelt.

[0419] 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: [0420] 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, [0421] 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 [0422] 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 being 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 being located on opposite sides of said pelt board space.

[0423] 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:

[0424] providing a stretching apparatus comprising a holding device and a fastening device, said fastening device comprise a first gripping mechanism and a second gripping mechanism, [0425] holding said base end of a pelt board by said holding device so that said pelt board extending outwardly along a longitudinal direction from said holding device, [0426] moving said first gripping mechanism and said second gripping mechanism along said longitudinal direction, [0427] fastening said rear end of said pelt along either said back side contour or said leg side contour by using said first gripping mechanism, [0428] moving said second gripping mechanism from an initial first position in which said first gripping mechanism and said second gripping mechanism being located on the same side of said pelt board to a second position in which said first gripping mechanism and said second gripping mechanism being located on opposite sides of said pelt board, and [0429] fastening said rear end of said pelt along either said leg side contour or said back side contour, respectively.

Fifth Set of Points Describing Features of the Invention

[0430] 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: [0431] a holding device for holding said base end of said pelt board, and [0432] a fastening device comprise a gripping mechanism for fastening said rear end of said pelt, said fastening device further comprise 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.

[0433] 2. The stretching apparatus according to point 1, wherein said first user interface and/or said second user interface being 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.

[0434] 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.

[0435] 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.

[0436] 5. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said second user interface comprise 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.

[0437] 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.

[0438] 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.

[0439] 8. The stretching apparatus according to point 7, wherein said vibration actuator operating at a frequency of between 1 Hz and 100 Hz.

[0440] 9. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said stretching apparatus further comprising a holding bag applicator.

[0441] 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 comprising a locking part for locking said connecting element to said holding device.

[0442] 11. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said fastening device comprise a compressed air outlet for temporarily removing any fur hair located adjacent said compressed air outlet.

[0443] 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.

[0444] 13. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said fastening device comprise opposing gripping members for gripping said pelt between said inwardly oriented leather side and said outwardly oriented fur side.

[0445] 14. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said fastening device comprise a laser for generating a visual alignment line on said pelt.

[0446] 15. A method of stretching a pelt on a pelt board comprising performing the steps of: [0447] 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 comprise a gripping mechanism and a drive mechanism, [0448] 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, [0449] holding said base end of a pelt board by said holding device, [0450] moving said first fastening device relative to said holding device and for positioning said rear end of said pelt within said gripping mechanism by using said second user interface, [0451] operating said gripping mechanism by using said first user interface.

Sixth Set of Points Describing Features of the Invention

[0452] 1. A method of stretching a pelt on a pelt board comprising performing the steps of:

[0453] i) 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, a circumferential wall for facing said inwardly oriented leather side of said pelt and a base end located opposite said top end,

[0454] ii) providing a stretching apparatus comprising a holding device, a fixating device, a length measuring device, and a controllable actuator having a velocity controller and a force detector,

[0455] iii) holding said base end of said pelt board by said holding device,

[0456] iv) positioning said pelt on said pelt board by arranging said nose end of said pelt in contact with said top end and arranging said rear end of said pelt at said base end,

[0457] v) contacting said fixating device with said pelt at said rear end thereof,

[0458] vi) operating said controllable actuator at a specific speed controlled by said velocity controller for causing said holding device and said fixating device to be moved relative to one another and away from one another and in doing so stretching said pelt while detecting by means of said force detector the force applied to said pelt by said controllable actuator,

[0459] vii) measuring the length of said pelt by means of said length measuring device at the time a specific force constituting an empirically determined safe force has been detected or a specific force gradient constituting an empirically determined safe force gradient has been detected, and

[0460] viii) registering said length and said specific force and/or said specific force gradient as a first set of coherent data.

[0461] 2. A method of stretching a pelt on a pelt board according to point 1, further comprising performing the additional steps of:

[0462] ix) while continuing step vi) measuring the incremental increase of the length of said pelt measured by said length measuring device,

[0463] x) measuring the force value by means of said force detector applied to said pelt for creating said incremental increase of the length of said pelt,

[0464] xi) determining on the basis of the force value measured in step x) and the incremental increase of the length measured in step ix), the force gradient needed for creating the incremental increase of the length of the pelt, and

[0465] xii) registering the incremental increase of the length of said pelt and/or the total length of said pelt and the force measured in step x) and/or the force gradient determined in step xi) as a second set of coherent data.

[0466] 3. The method according to point 2, the method further comprising continuing repeating the steps ix)-xi) until a pre-set maximum allowable force or a pre-set maximum allowable force gradient has been reached and discontinuing operating said controllable actuator in step vi).

[0467] 4. The method according to point 3 further comprising utilising said second set of coherent data constituting sets of coherent data as forecasts for the stretching of a pelt of a specific species.

[0468] 5. The method according to point 4 the method being used for stretching a pelt of a male or female mink, the length of which is to be classified according to the international classification established by Kopenhagen Fur A/S, the method further comprising the step of comparing the lengths measured in step ix) with a specific class of said pelt and on the basis of the forecasts determining whether or not further stretching of the pelt may be performed safely for reaching a further class or no further stretching is to be applied.

[0469] 6. The method according to any of the preceding points, further comprising additional steps of performing steps ix)-xi) in an intermittent operation.

[0470] 7. The method according to any of the preceding points, the step ix) being performed at a reduced or an increased speed controlled by said velocity controller.

Seventh Set of Points Describing Features of the Invention

[0471] 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 back piece, 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: [0472] a holding device for holding said base end of said pelt board, [0473] a fastening device for fastening said rear end of said pelt and being movable relative to said holding device for stretching said pelt, and [0474] a fur side processing tool being supported movably relative to said pelt board along said first side from a nose end positioned to a rear end position and to be returned from said rear end position to said nose end position.

[0475] 2. The stretching apparatus according to point 1, further comprising a vertical stand supporting said holding device, said fastening device and said fur side processing tool, said fur side processing tool being journaled vertically movable relative to said stand.

[0476] 3. The stretching apparatus according to point 1 or 2, said fur side processing tool including agitator elements, such as rollers, brushes, combs or other elements for contacting the fur side of the pelt.

[0477] 4. The stretching apparatus according to point 3, said agitator elements being powered by a motor.

[0478] 5. The stretching apparatus according to any of the points 1-4, said fur side processing tool being positioned circumferentially encircling said pelt board.

[0479] 6. The stretching apparatus according to any of the points 1-4, further having any of the features of the stretching apparatus according to the points of the first set of points and/or the second set of points.

[0480] 7. A method of stretching a pelt on a pelt board comprising the steps of: [0481] providing set pelt on said pelt board, said pelt having a substantially tubular shape defining an inwardly oriented leather side and an outwardly oriented fur side, a nose end, a rear end and a back piece, said pelt board defining a top end for accommodating and fixating said nose of said pelt, a circumferential wall for facing said inwardly oriented leather side of said pelt and a base end located opposite said top end, [0482] providing a stretching apparatus comprising a holding device, a fastening device and a fur side processing tool, said holding device serving to hold said base end of said pelt board, said fastening device to fasten said rear end of said pelt, [0483] positioning said pelt on said pelt board, positioning said pelt board in said holding device prior to or after arranging said pelt on said pelt board, fastening said fastening device to said rear end of said pelt, moving said fastening device relative to said holding device for stretching said pelt and prior to or after said stretching of said pelt, moving said fur side processing tool along the fur side of said pelt from a nose end position to a rear end position and returning said processing tool from said rear end position to said nose end position.

[0484] 8. The method according to point 6, further having any of the features of the points according to the first set of points and/or the second set of points.

Eighth Set of Points Describing Features of the Invention

[0485] 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: [0486] a holding device for holding said base end of said pelt board, and [0487] 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.

[0488] 2. The stretching apparatus according to point 1, wherein said stretching members comprise cylindrical pins.

[0489] 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.

[0490] 4. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding point, 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.

[0491] 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.

[0492] 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.

[0493] 7. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding point, 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.

[0494] 8. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding point, 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.

[0495] 9. The stretching apparatus according to point 8, wherein said vibration actuator operating at a frequency of between 1 Hz and 100 Hz.

[0496] 10. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding point, 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.

[0497] 11. The stretching apparatus according to any of the preceding points, wherein said stretching apparatus further comprising a holding bag applicator

[0498] 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 comprising a locking part for locking said connecting element to said holding device.

[0499] 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.

[0500] 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: [0501] 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, [0502] 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 [0503] 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 being 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 being located on opposite sides of said pelt board space.

[0504] 15. A method of stretching a pelt on a pelt board comprising performing the steps of: [0505] 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, [0506] providing a stretching apparatus comprising a holding device and a stretching device, said stretching device having a pair of stretching members, [0507] holding said base end of a pelt board by said holding device, [0508] inserting each of said stretching members of said stretching device into a respective front leg cavity of said pelt, and [0509] moving said stretching device in a direction towards said holding device, thereby stretching said pelt.