Dispensing of attachments
US4877172A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 2, 1988 |
| Grant date | Oct 31, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65C7/003
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Method and apparatus for dispensing of attachments comprising a pair of side members linked by a connector. A roll of fastener stock is fed to a reciprocatively driven slide head assembly at which the roll is advanced over an elastomeric feed belt to a pair of needles secured to a shuttle. Once inserted in the needles, an individual attachment is severed from the stock, and displaced over a preset distance by the shuttle into the path of a pair of ejector rods. The ejector rods force the side members of the attachment out of the needles for insertion in a fabric or other workpiece at the bottom of the head stroke. On return stroke of the head, the needles are withdrawn, ejector rods retreat, and the shuttle returns to its severing position in a manner to avoid mechanical interference. This design uses an electric motor driven fastener dispensing head, actuator slide and associated linkages for actuating the various mechanisms either on an on-demand or continuous basis. Reliability is improved by severing the attachment stock in the needle, and transferring the severed attachment to its insertion location.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.