U.S. patent number 3,777,684 [Application Number 05/265,785] was granted by the patent office on 1973-12-11 for folding mechanism.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Frank Friedman & Sons. Invention is credited to Raymond Friedman, Sheldon Friedman, Anthony Kalamaridis.
United States Patent |
3,777,684 |
Friedman , et al. |
December 11, 1973 |
FOLDING MECHANISM
Abstract
Apparatus primarily powered by a single linear motor for
grasping the ends of a length of ribbon or other flexible material,
folding the material to a generally U-shaped configuration with the
ends tucked generally inwardly to form, for example, a garment seam
cover and simultaneously moving the material along a generally
L-shaped path to a sewing location with the apparatus being
controlled and synchronized primarily from movement of the motor
and linkages driven thereby.
Inventors: |
Friedman; Raymond (Queens
Village, NY), Friedman; Sheldon (Lake Success, NY),
Kalamaridis; Anthony (Bergenfield, NJ) |
Assignee: |
Frank Friedman & Sons (New
York, NY)
|
Family
ID: |
23011876 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/265,785 |
Filed: |
June 23, 1972 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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157963 |
Jun 29, 1971 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
112/152;
112/470.33 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D05B
35/066 (20130101); D05D 2305/12 (20130101); D05D
2207/04 (20130101); D05D 2305/06 (20130101); D05D
2303/20 (20130101); D05B 29/06 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
D05B
35/06 (20060101); D05B 29/06 (20060101); D05B
29/00 (20060101); D05b 035/10 () |
Field of
Search: |
;112/152,153,136,52,104,121.26,121.27 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Hunter; H. Hampton
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation-in-part of our co-pending
application Ser. No. 157,963 filed June 29, 1971, and the full and
complete disclosure thereof is hereby incorporated herein, by
reference, as fully and completely as if reproduced hereat.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Apparatus for automatically gripping the end portion of a
severed length of ribbon-like material from supply means therefor,
and folding the severed length of ribbon-like material into a
generally U-shaped configuration with the end portions thereof
tucked inwardly thereof while moving the severed length of material
to a position between the pressure foot and the bed of a sewing
head for sewing, for example, to form a garment seam end cover
comprising, in combination, means for holding the central portion
of severed lengths of ribbon-like material and extending the end
portions thereof generally forwardly of said central portion to
form said material to a generally U-shaped configuration; a pair of
pickup fingers for gripping each end portion of the severed length
of ribbon-like material from said means; means for rotating said
pairs of fingers generally oppositely about 180.degree. to tuck
said end portions generally inwardly toward said central portion; a
pickup arm for supporting said pairs of pickup fingers and means
for moving said pickup arm sequentially in rotation about a point
spaced apart from said pickup fingers and generally longitudinally
in a plane generally perpendicular said central portion so that
said pickup fingers move generally arcuately and linearly along a
generally L-shaped path having the legs thereof generally
perpendicular each other, the opposite end portions of said legs
corresponding to a pick-up position at said supply means and a
release position at said sewing head, respectively.
2. Apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said holding means
comprises a forming finger movable generally within the plane of
movement of said pickup arm and actuated thereby for clamping the
central portion of said severed length against a fixed backup
member.
3. Apparatus defined in claim 2 further comprising a forming finger
arm pivotally mounted for movement generally parallel the plane of
movement of said pickup arm, said forming finger being mounted for
movement with said forming finger arm, a drive spring mounted for
movement with said pickup arm and adapted to pivot said forming
finger arm to move said forming finger arm to move said forming
finger into engagement with said center portion of said severed
length of material when said pickup fingers are positioned for
gripping the ends thereof, and means for releasing said forming
finger from such engagement upon gripping of the end portion of
said severed length of material between said gripping fingers.
4. Apparatus defined in claim 2 wherein said forming finger is
pivotally carried by said forming finger arm adjacent the outboard
end portion thereof movable between an operative position relative
said forming finger arm whereat said forming finger will engage
said central portion of said severed length of material upon
movement of said forming finger arm by said drive spring and a
released position whereat said forming finger is released from such
engagement together with spring means for biasing said forming
fnger towards said released position thereof and wherein said means
for releasing comprises a latch member pivotally mounted with said
forming finger arm generally inboard said forming finger to
selectively latch said forming finger in said operative position
thereof, said latch member being constructed and arranged to be
cammed and operated by said pickup arm when the end portions of
said severed length of material are gripped by said gripping
fingers to release said spring finger and enable automatic movement
thereof to the released position thereof.
5. Apparatus defined in claim 4 further comprising spring means for
said forming finger arm urging said forming finger arm against
movement by said drive spring so that said forming finger arm
rotates generally forwardly upon release from said drive spring
together with cooperating camming means associated with said
forming finger and the supply means for automatically re-setting
said forming finger for automatic latching in the operative
position thereof during such forward movement of said forming
finger arm.
6. Apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein each pair of pickup fingers
is connectd with a pinion gear generally offset from the axis of
the fingers so that rotation of said pinion gears produces both
rotation of said fingers about their axes and planetary movement of
said fingers about the pinion gear axes to enable 180.degree.
rotation of said pinion gears to provide 180.degree. rotation of
said fingers together with a maximum translation thereof.
7. Apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein each pair of pickup fingers
is provided with a pinion gear connected with a longitudinal shaft
portion thereof for movement therewith and further comprising a
pair of rack portions fixedly mounted for engagement by said pinion
gears during said arcuate movement of said pickup arm so that said
pickup fingers will be automatically rotated thereby 180.degree. in
opposite directions.
8. Apparatus defined in claim 7 wherein said rack portions are
positioned to engage said pinion gears only during that portion of
the arcuate travel of said pickup arm adjacent the position of
linear movement.
9. Apparatus defined in claim 8 wherein said pickup fingers are
further provided with flatted portions engaging fixed flat cam
portions during a portion of the arcuate travel of said pickup arm
to retain said pickup finger against rotation.
10. Apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said pairs of pickup
fingers are each provided with generally U-shaped opposing
indentations and further comprising a spreader arm pivotally
carried by said pickup arm adjacent said pickup fingers, a pair of
pickup finger spreader points carried by said spreader arm for
insertion into said U-shaped indentations for spreading said pairs
of fingers apart upon rotation of said spreader arm in a first
direction, means for rotating said spreader arm in said first
direction, latch means for selectively retaining said spreader arm
rotated in said first direction, spring means for biasing said
spreader arm in an opposite direction, and means for camming said
latch means to release said spreader arm when said fingers are in
position to grip the end portions of said severed length of
material so that said spreader arm rotates in said opposite
direction to withdraw said spreader points and enable said fingers
to grasp said end portions.
11. Apparatus defined in claim 1 further comprising, a pivot pin
carrying said pickup arm for rotation thereabout for enabling such
rotation thereof and a slider carrying said pivot pin or
reciprocation thereof for enabling such longitudinal component of
movement of said pickup arm.
12. Apparatus defined in claim 11 further comprising a drive arm
carried by said pivot pin generally parallel said pickup arm, a
drive spring carried by said drive arm for resiliently driving said
pickup arm in rotation about said pivot pin, a drive arm extension
extending obliquely outwardly of said drive arm, and a linear motor
acting on said drive arm extension generally spread apart from said
drive arm and generally parallel the axis of reciprocation of said
slider.
13. Apparatus defined in claim 12 further comprising a forward stop
carried by said slider limiting rotation of said pickup arm away
from said supply means, an end stop cooperating with said slider
limiting reciprocation of said pickup arm away from said sewing
head to alignment of said fingers with said supply means, spring
means biasing said slider toward said end stop and spring means
biasing said pickup arm pivotally toward said forward stop so that
actuation of said linear motor will sequentially provide the
required arcuate and reciprocating movement of said pickup arm.
Description
This invention relates generally to mechanisms and, more
particularly, to a mechanism for folding and moving a material and
finds particular utility in a mechanism for folding a cut length of
ribbon to form a garment seam cover and moving it along a generally
L-shaped path to a sewing location.
In our aforesaid prior, co-pending application, methods and
apparatus are disclosed for severing a length of ribbon from a
roll, folding the severed length of ribbon to form a seam end cover
and stitching the seam end cover so formed to a garment seam. In
accordance therewith the ends of the severed length of ribbon are
gripped between pairs of gripping fingers, the fingers rotated in
opposite directions to 180 degrees from each other to fold the cut
ends inwardly and the fingers moved to position the folded cover
beneath the pressure foot of a sewing head. Thence, after lowering
of the pressure foot to hold the seam end cover in position on the
garment, the fingers are withdrawn to enable the cover to be
stitched into place. In moving between the location whereat the
grasping fingers initially grip the severed ends of the ribbon and
the location whereat the folded cover is disposed beneath the
sewing head pressure foot, it is preferable that the gripping
fingers move along a generally L-shaped path, one leg of which
withdraws the severed length of ribbon generally perpendicularly
forwardly of the cutting mechanism and the second leg of which is
at a general right angle thereto so that upon movement of the
fingers returning along the second leg, the grasping fingers will
be withdrawn from between the folds of the tab or cover.
Bearing in mind the foregoing, it is a primary object of the
present invention to provide methods and apparatus for moving a
device, such as a pair of seam end cover gripping fingers along a
generally L-shaped path.
Another primary object of the present invention, in addition to the
foregoing object, is to provide such apparatus wherein one leg of
the path is generally linear so as to enable, for example, easy
withdrawal of the gripping fingers from the folded seam end
cover.
Yet another primary object of the present invention, in addition to
each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such apparatus
utilizing a single drive means for sequentially moving the device
along the legs of such path.
Still another primary object of the present invention, in addition
to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such
apparatus which is reversible so as to enable cyclic operation
thereof.
Yet another and still further primary object of the present
invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the
provision of such apparatus for automatically forming and folding
seam end covers.
Yet still another primary object of the present invention, in
addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such
apparatus which is essentially automatic and self-synchronizing in
operation.
Another and still further primary object of the present invention,
in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of
such apparatus which is durable and accurate in continued
repetitious use.
A yet further primary object of the present invention, in addition
to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of novel
apparatus of the class described.
A still further primary object of the present invention, in
addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of
novel apparatus and mechanism for the generation of complex motions
from a linear actuator.
The invention resides in the combination, construction, arrangement
and disposition of the various component parts and elements
incorporated in improved apparatus and mechanism in accordance with
the principles of this invention. The present invention will be
better understood and objects and important features other than
those specifically enumerated above will become apparent when
consideration is given to the following details and description,
which when taken in conjunction with the annexed drawing describes,
discloses, illustrates and shows a preferred embodiment or
modification of the present invention and what is presently
considered and believed to be the best mode of practicing the
principles thereof. Other embodiments or modifications may be
suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings herein, and
such other embodiments or modifications are intended to be reserved
especially as they fall within the scope and spirit of the
subjoined claims.
IN THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an apparatus or mechanism in
accordance with the present invention in a first position
thereof;
FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the mechanism as shown in FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus or mechanism in a second
position thereof;
FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the apparatus or mechanism as shown
in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged top plan view of a portion of the apparatus
or mechanism in a third position thereof;
FIG. 6 is a side elevational cross-sectional view taken along line
6--6 of FIG. 3; and
FIG. 7 is a side elevational cross-sectional view taken along line
7--7 of FIG. 3.
With reference now to the drawing, there is shown and illustrated
an apparatus or mechanism constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present invention and designated generally by the
reference character 10. The apparatus 10 comprises means designated
generally by the reference character 12 for supporting a device
designated generally by the reference character 14 for movement
along a generally L-shaped path, one leg of which is generally
linear corresponding to the change in position between the position
illustrated in FIG. 1 and the position illustrated in FIG. 3, shown
in phantom in FIG. 3 and designated generally by the reference
character 16 and the other leg of which is generally arcuate and
corresponds to the change in position between the position shown in
FIG. 3 and the position shown in FIG. 5 and illustrated in phantom
in FIG. 3 and designated generally by the reference character 18.
The means 12 is supported for generally pivotal movement by means
of support means designated generally by the reference character 20
which, in turn, is supported by means for enabling reciprocation
thereof designated generally by the reference character 22. Yet
further, means, designated generally by the reference character 24
is provided for moving the device supporting means 12 and urging it
along the L-shaped path.
Yet further, there is shown and illustrated means, generally
designated by the reference character 24 for operating the device
14; a sewing head designated generally by the reference character
28 for sewing the formed seam end covers into position; feeding and
severing means, designated generally by the reference character 30
for severing a length 32 of a roll of ribbon 33 or the like to be
formed into seam end covers and means, generally designated by the
reference character 34 for gripping the length of ribbon 32
generally centrally thereof to form a first fold therein when bent
thereabout. Means is also provided connected with the device
supporting means 12 for restricting movement thereof including,
inter alia, spring means, such as a leaf spring 36 for urging the
device supporting means 12 towards rotation in a first direction,
forward stop means 38 for limiting the rotation thereof, end stop
means 40 for limiting the reciprocation thereof, and return spring
means 42 for urging the support means 22 in a first direction of
movement toward the end stop 40. The entire mechanism may be
supported on means, such as frame means 44.
The frame means 44 may comprise, for example, an end plate 46
extending generally vertically of the mechanism 10 and an
intermediate plate 48 spaced apart therefrom. The means 30 may be
mounted therewith by a member 49. The means 22 for supporting the
pivot 20 may comprise a slide 50 provided with a pair of generally
cylindrical apertures 52 and 54 through which there may be extended
a pair of drive slide ways 56 and 58, respectively, fabricated, for
example, of drill rod, or the like, and secured at their ends with
the plates 46 and 48 so as to extend therebetween generally
parallel one another enabling the slide 50 to slidably move
therealong between the plates 46 and 48. The spring 42 may, as
shown, be secured at one end portion with a boss or eye 60 forming
a part of the slide 50 and at the other end portion thereof with a
boss or eye 62 mounted on the plate 46 and may comprise an
extension spring 42 extending therebetween urging the slide 50
toward the end plate 46. The stop means 40 may, for example, as
shown, comprise an adjustable stop screw 64 engaged with a threaded
aperture 66 provided in an extension 68 of the slide 50 so as to
extend generally parallel the slide ways 56 and 58 and may be
locked in adjustment position, as by means of a lock nut 70.
Accordingly, the slide 50 tends to move towards the end plate 46
and the extent of movement of the slide 50 toward the end plate 46
permitted may be controlled by the adjustable stop 40.
The means 24 for moving the support 12 may comprise a generally
elongated drive arm 72 having a generally cylindrical hub portion
74 with a bore 75 rotatably carried by the support means 20
comprising a generally cylindrical pivot pin 76 secured with the
slide 50 by means of a set screw 77, so that the drive arm 72 is
rotatable about the pivot pin 76 in a generally horizontal plane.
In the space generally below the drive arm 72, and pivotably
carried by the pivot pin 76, the supporting means 12 may be
provided, comprising a pickup arm 78 provided with a generally
vertically extending bore 79 through which the pivot pin 76 extends
so that the pickup arm 78 is similarly pivotably carried by the
pivot pin 76. Means, such as a nut 80 may be provided threadedly
associated with the lower end portion of the pivot pin 76 for
retaining the drive arm 72 and the pickup arm 78 thereon.
A generally rectangular bent plate 81 may be secured with the slide
50, as by means of machine screws 82 and provided with a threaded
aperture 84 into which the threaded forward stop 38 may be threaded
and held in position, as by means of a lock nut 86 to limit the
pivotal movement of the pickup arm 78 in the forward direction. The
leaf spring 36 may be mounted with the slide 50, as by means of a
screw 88 at one end thereof, bearing at the other end 90 thereof
against the rear of the pickup arm 78 for biasing the pickup arm 78
generally forwardly against the forward stop 38. Accordingly, the
pickup arm 78 is rotatable relative the frame 44 on the pivot pin
76 and slidable relative thereto along the ways 56 and 58 and is
biased towards a forward and leftward position (as in FIG. 3) by
means of the leaf spring 36 and tension spring 42 and limited in
the leftward movement by the stop 40 and limited in the forward
direction by the stop 38.
Mounted with the drive arm 72 and extending generally obliquely
outwardly thereof from a generally intermediate portion thereof
there may be provided a drive arm extension 92 mounted with the
drive arm 72 for movement therewith, as by means of cap screws 94
passing through one end portion thereof and threadedly engaged with
corresponding threaded apertures provided in the drive arm 72. At
the other end portion of the drive arm extension 92, there may be
provided an enlogated slot 95 through which there may be positioned
a generally vertically extending pivot pin 96 engaged therewith and
with a bifurcated clevise 98 carried by the end portion of a piston
rod 100 forming a part of a fluid motor 101 and having a piston
(not shown) reciprocable within a cylinder 102 thereof to further
define the moving means 24. Hence, upon the application of fluid
pressure within the cylinder 102 on opposite sides of the piston
thereof, the piston rod 100 may be reciprocated generally parallel
the slide ways 56 and 58 to move the clevise 98, clevise pin 96 and
associated end portion of the drive arm extension 92. The slot 95
of the drive arm extension 92 may be elongated, as in a Scotch yoke
mechanism so as to provide clearance of the clevise pin 96 during
swinging movement of the drive arm extension 92.
Accordingly, upon retraction of the piston rod 100, i.e., movement
thereof towards the left from the position shown in FIG. 1, the
drive arm extension 92 will be withdrawn to the left, as will the
drive arm 72 and slide 50 along the slide ways 56 and 58, the
spring 36 being effective, in a manner to be more fully detailed
hereinafter, to prevent rotation of the drive arm 72 about the
pivot pin 76 until the stop 40 engages the frame wall 46, as shown
in FIG. 3. Continued retraction of the piston rod 100, i.e.,
movement towards the left after engagement of the stop 40 with the
frame wall 46 will result in pivotal movement of the drive arm 72
about the pivot pin 76 generally counter-clockwise as viewed from
above to the position shown in FIG. 5. Accordingly, the single
movement of the piston rod 100 to the left or inwardly of the
cylinder 102 from the position shown in FIG. 1 results in a
compound movement of the drive arm 72 with the drive arm 72 first
moving generally linearly to the left until the adjustable stop 40
engages the frame wall 46 followed by pivotal movement of the drive
arm 72 about the pivot pin 76 generally counterclockwise. Hence,
any location on the drive arm 72 follows a generally L-shaped path
having a linear component corresponding to the leftward movement of
the slider 50 followed by arcuate movement corresponding to
pivoting of the drive arm 72 about the pivot pin 76.
Upon extension of the piston rod 100, an opposite sequence of
movements occurs with the drive arm 72 initially pivoting generally
clockwise around the pivot pin 76 while the spring 42 maintains the
slider 50 in its extreme leftward position with the stop 40 engaged
against the frame wall 46 until the drive arm 72 engages the
pivotal stop 38 after which the drive arm 72 and slider 50 move
generally linearly to the right along the slide ways 56 and 58.
Mounted with the pickup arm 78 for movement therewith and and
extending generally longitudinally forwardly thereof and in general
parallel spaced apart relationship to one another there may be
provided a pickup shaft upper support 104 and a pickup shaft lower
support 106, the pickup shaft upper support 104 being mounted with
the pickup arm 78 by means of a pickup shaft upper support bracket
108 extending therebetween and secured with the upper support 104
as by means of countersunk flathead screws 110 and with the pickup
arm 78, as by means of cap screws 112 with the lower support 106
being mounted with the pickup arm 78, as by means of cap screws 114
extending through one end portion of the lower support bracket 106
and a lower support spacer 116.
Mounted with the upper support 104 for movement therewith and
extending generally upwardly thereof, there may be provided a
driven pin of generally cylindrical configuration 118. For driving
the driven pin 118, there may be provided depending from and
secured with the drive arm 72 for movement therewith a drive spring
support bracket 120 carrying a cantilevered drive spring 122
secured, at one end portion thereof, with the support bracket 120
and extending generally longitudinally parallel the drive arm 72 so
that the outboard end portion thereof engages the driven pin 118
generally forwardly thereof during counterclockwise rotation of the
drive arm 72 so that during such counterclockwise rotation of the
drive arm 72, the pickup arm 78 and supports 104 and 106 will also
be driven in a generally counterclockwise direction about the pivot
pin 78 while being yet resiliently mounted with the drive arm 72
through the medium of the cantilevered drive spring 122. The drive
spring support bracket 120 may be mounted, as shown, with the drive
arm extension 92.
Mounted with the drive arm 72, there may be provided a generally
angular drive arm forward stop 124, as by means of a machine screw
126 and having a generally depending leg 128 projecting downwardly
thereof for engaging the driven pin 118 on the rearward edge
thereof at the forward extreme of the angular movement of the drive
arm 72. Accordingly, at the forward extreme position of the drive
arm 72, corresponding to maximum extension of the piston rod 100,
the drive arm forward stop 124 engages the driven pin 118 while the
pickup arm 78 engages the stop 38 carried by the pickup arm forward
stop plate 80.
As heretofore pointed out, the present invention is particularly
useful in forming garment seam end covers in accordance with the
method set forth in our heretofore cited, prior, copending parent
application 32 No. 157,963 and includes means, generally designated
by the reference character 34 for gripping a severed length 2 of
ribbon, for example, against a resilient insert in the feeding and
severing means 30, generally transversely medially thereof so that
the end portions thereof may be extended generally parallel one
another to form the length of material 32 to a generally U-shaped
configuration. The means 34 for gripping the severed length of
ribbon 32 may be synchronized to the drive arm 72 by being driven
or actuated thereby through the medium of a resilient drive
connection which may comprise, for example, a forming finger drive
spring 129. The forming finger drive spring 129 may comprise an
elongated, generally circular spring wire cantilevered outwardly
from the drive arm 72 for movement therewith as by having its
inboard end portion extending through an aperture 131 of a support
bracket 130 having a locked screw 132 intersecting the aperture 131
for securing the forming finger drive spring 129 therein. The
bracket 130 may be mounted to the upper surface of the drive arm 72
in any convenient manner, as by means of a plurality of cap screws
134.
The means 34 for gripping the severed length of material 32 may
comprise a forming finger arm 136 of generally elongated
configuration pivotally mounted at one end portion thereof by
means, for example, of a pivot pin 138 extending generally
vertically therethrough and through a forming finger arm support
bracket 140 mounted, for example, with the intermediate frame end
plate 48, as by means of a pair of cap crews 142 so that the
forming finger arm 136 may pivot about the forming finger pivot 138
in a plane generally parallel the pivotal plane of the drive arm
72. The forming finger arm 136 may be provided with a generally
upstanding hub 144, at one end portion thereof, having a bore 146
through which the pivot pin 138 extends and the forming finger arm
support bracket 140 may be similarly provided with an aperture 148
for a similar purpose. The pivot pin 138 may, as shown, comprise a
hardened bolt and may be secured in position by means of a lock nut
150 threadedly secured with the opposite end portion thereof.
The forming finger arm 136 may be further provided with a generally
cylindrical driven pin 152 depending therefrom for engagement by
the forming finger arm drive spring 129 during rearward movement of
the drive arm 72 to pivot the forming finger arm 136 generally
counterclockwise about the pivot pin 138. Yet further, the forming
finger arm 136 may be provided with a generally upstanding headed
pin 154 generally intermediate the hub 144 and the driven pin 152
for engagement with one end loop 156 of a tension spring 158
extending generally horizontally forwardly of the forming finger
arm 136 and having the other end loop 160 thereof passed around a
generally horizontally extending headed pin 162 carried by the
intermediate wall 48 of the frame 44 so as to bias the forming
finger arm 136 towards generally clockwise rotation, as viewed from
above, against the forming finger arm drive spring 129 when in
contact with the driven pin 152. The forming finger arm spring 129
is preferably oriented as shown in the plan view drawings, and
particularly FIG. 1 so as to only contact the driven pin 152 during
the last portion of the counterclockwise rotation of the drive arm
72. Accordingly, the forming finger drive arm 136 is normally held
in its full clockwise rotative position by the spring 158, against
a stop member 164 connected with the intermediate wall 48 of the
frame 44, as by means of a cap screw 166 extending through an
elongated adjustment enabling slot 168 in the front stop 164. The
front stop 164 may, as shown, (see FIG. 7) be of generally L-shaped
configuration having a generally downwardly depending stop portion
170 adapted to engage the front edge of the forming finger arm 136
at the forward extremity of the travel thereof.
A control valve or switch 172, of the normally closed variety and
having an actuator 174 extending generally forwardly in general
alignment with the rear edge of the forming finger arm 136 may be
mounted, for example, on a rear mounting block 176 mounted with the
intermediate wall 48 of the frame member 44, as by being mounted on
a cam plate 178 mounted with and extending generally horizontally
outwardly of the intermediate wall 48. The mounting bracket 176 may
be secured with the cam plate 178, as by means of a machine screw
180 so as to position the control valve or switch 172 in a position
whereat the full rearward or counterclockwise rotation of the
forming finger arm 136 triggers an airflow to a pair of jets 181
positioned in general alignment with the end portions of the
severed length of ribbon 32 to project the ends thereof generally
forwardly while the forming finger arm 136 is in the full rearward
or counter clockwise rotated position thereof.
At the outboard end of the forming finger arm 136, i.e., the end
thereof remote from the end whereat the pivot pin 138 passes
through the aperture 146 and whereat the hub 144 is located, the
forming finger arm 136 may be provided with a forming finger stud
183 of generally cylindrical configuration depending downwardly
therefrom. Further, in spaced apart relationship to the forming
finger stud 183, the forming finger arm 136 may be, in addition,
provided with a generally cylindrical forming finger latch stud
182, depending from the forming finger arm 136 in generally
parallel, spaced apart relationship to the forming finger stud 183.
Each of the forming finger studs 183 and the forming finger latch
stud 182 may comprise an enlarged diameter portion depending
immediately beneath the forming finger arm 136 and a reduced
diameter portion extending downwardly thereof. The enlarged
diameter portion of the forming finger latch stud 182 may be
somewhat longer in length than the enlarged diameter portion of the
forming finger stud 183 so that, in effect, each of the forming
finger stud 183 and the forming finger latch stud 182 define
shoulders spaced generally beneath the forming finger arm 136 with
the shoulder of the forming finger stud 183 being somewhat closer
to the forming finger arm 136 than the shoulder of the forming
finger latch stud 182. Pivotally carried by each of the forming
finger stud 183 and the forming finger latch stud 182, there may be
provided a forming finger 184 and a forming finger latch 186
closely adjacent the respective shoulders thereof so that the
forming finger 184 is somewhat above the forming finger latch 186.
The lower end portions of the reduced diameter portions of the
forming finger stud 183 and the forming finger latch stud 182 may
be mushroomed or spread outwardly so as to form rivet-like
connections with the forming finger 184 and forming finger latch
186, respectively, enabling pivotal movement thereof about the
respective studs.
The forming finger 184 may comprise a generally forwardly extending
central portion 188, a bent nose 190 extending from the forward end
portion thereof at substantially right angle orientation to the
central portion 188 and adapted to pass generally in front of the
intermediate portion of the severed length of fabric 32. At the
other end portion of the central portion 188 of the forming finger
184, the forming finger 184 may be provided with a generally
angularly oriented camming portion 192. The forming finger 184 may
be further provided with an aperture 191 generally at the
intersection between the intermediate portion 188 and the camming
portion 192 thereof through which the reduced diameter portion of
the forming finger stud 183 extends so as to pivotally mount the
forming finger thereat. Upon rearward movement of the forming
finger arm 136, therefore, the forming finger 184 is moved along an
arcuate path generally counterclockwise, about the pivot stud 183
and the nose portion 190 thereof will be moved towards the severed
length of material 32. Generally behind the severed length of
material 32 and within the means 30, a clamping or guide member may
be provided whereat, upon rearward movement of the nose portion 190
of the forming finger 184, the severed length of fabric material or
ribbon 32 will be clamped therebetween generally intermediate
thereof so with air jets 181 spaced apart on opposite sides of the
intermediate portion of the severed length of material 32 on the
opposite side thereof from the nose portion 190 of the forming
finger 184 will be effective to bend the severed length of material
32 into a generally U-shaped configuration with the legs thereof
extending generally forwardly when the forming finger 184 is in the
extreme counterclockwise position thereof shown in FIG. 1.
Structurally associated with the forming finger 184 for movement
therewith and located thereon generally forwardly of the forming
finger stud 183, there may be provided a generally upstanding latch
pin 194 which, upon being engaged, as hereinafter detailed, by the
forming finger latch 186, maintains the forming finger 184 in its
extreme counterclockwise rotated position. Accordingly, the forming
finger latch 186 may be of generally elongated configuration having
one end portion thereof provided with a pivotal aperture through
which the forming finger latch stud 182 extends with the reduced
diameter portion thereof being mushroomed therebeneath to maintain
the forming finger latch 186 positioned adjacent the shoulder
thereof for pivotal movement thereabout. At the outboard end
portion of the forming finger latch 186, there may be provided a
stepped notch 196 having a first step 198 and a second step 200,
with the second step 200 extending closer to the forming finger
latch stud 182 than the first step 198. Accordingly, when the pin
194 is engaged with the first step 198, the forming finger 184 is
in a first position generally counterclockwise of a second position
defined when the pin 194 is engaged with the second step 200.
Additionally, the forming finger latch 186 may be provided with a
spring supporting pin 202 depending therefrom in generally spaced
apart relationship to the forming finger latch stud 182 and,
additionally, in generally spaced apart relationship to the forming
finger stud 183 together with a forming finger extension spring 204
extending between the pin 202 and the pin 194 tending to bias the
forming finger 184 towards generally clockwise rotation about the
forming finger stud 183 and towards movement of the pin 194 into
the second step 200 of the stepped notch 196. Additionally, the
spring 204, due to the configuration of its attachment points,
e.g., the pin 194 and the pin 202, tends to bias the forming finger
latch 186 towards clockwise rotation about the forming finger latch
stud 182 and, therefore, towards movement relative to the pin 194
towards the first step 198 of the stepped notch 196. Therefore,
upon rearward movement of the forming finger arm 136, the forming
finger latch spring 204 tends to rotate the forming finger latch
186 generally clockwise so that, upon rearward movement of the
forming finger latch 186, i.e., counter-clockwise, relative the
forming finger arm 136 the forming finger 184 will be released with
the pin 194 moving from the first step 198 of the stepped notch 196
to the second step 200 and rotated, by means of the spring 204,
generally clockwise, so as to release the severed length of
material 32 from clamping action of the nose portion 190 of the
forming finger 184.
In other words, if the forming finger 184 is latched by the forming
finger latch 186, i.e., if the pin 194 is positioned in the first
notch 198, i.e., the step farthest from the forming finger latch
stud 182, the forming finger 184 will be latched or cocked so that
upon rearward movement of the forming finger arm 136 the nose
portion 190 of the forming finger 184 will be generally parallel
the front surface of the severed length of ribbon 32 and effective
to clamp the intermediate portion of the severed length of ribbon
32 so that the air jets will be effective to blow the severed end
portions thereof generally forwardly to a generally U-shaped
configuration. Such rearward movement of the forming finger arm 136
is effected during counterclockwise rotation of the drive arm 72 by
the forming finger drive spring 129 contacting the forming finger
driven pin 152.
The outboard end portion of the drive arm 72 may be further
provided with a forming finger latch trip 206 adjustably associated
therewith, as by means of a pair of screws 208 threadedly
associated with the forming finger latch trip 206 and extending
through the drive arm 72 through a pair of elongated slots 210 so
that the exact position of the forming finger latch trip 206 may be
closely adjusted relative the drive arm 72. The forming finger
latch trip 206 may comprise a generally downwardly extending nose
portion 212 adapted to engage the forming finger latch 186
generally intermediate the forward edge thereof so as to move the
forming finger latch 186 generally counterclockwise about the
forming finger latch stud 182 at some short period of time after
the forming finger drive spring 124 has engaged the forming finger
arm driven pin 152 and rotated the forming finger arm 136 to its
extreme counterclockwise position engaging the limit stop 164.
Accordingly, upon counterclockwise rotation of the drive arm 72,
the forming finger drive spring 129 will first engage the forming
finger arm driven pin 152 to rotate the forming finger arm 136 to
its extreme counterclockwise position whereat the nose portion 190
of the forming finger 184 has engaged the intermediate portion of
the severed length of material 32 and, subsequently, the forming
finger latch trip bent nose portion 212 of the forming finger latch
trip 206 will engage the forming finger latch 186 to rotate the
forming finger latch 186 generally counterclockwise relative the
forming finger arm 136 about the forming finger latch stud 182 and
permit the pin 194 of the forming finger 184 to enter the second
step 200 of the stepped notch 196 of the forming finger latch 186
and, thereby, enable generally clockwise rotation of the forming
finger 184 about the forming finger stud 183 to release the severed
length of material 32 from the clamping engagement thereof.
The ribbon feeding and severing means 30 may be further provided
with a forming finger cam 214 extending generally rearwardly
thereof and adapted to engage the forming camming portion 192
during forward movement of the forming finger arm 136 to rotate the
forming finger 184 generally counterclockwise about the forming
finger stud 183 to a position whereat the pin 194 of the forming
finger 184 is aligned with the first step 198 of the stepped notch
196 of the forming finger latch 186 whereat the spring 204 will
rotate the forming finger latch 186 generally clockwise so as to
engage the pin 194 of the forming finger 184 within the first step
198 of the stepped notch 196 to thereby recock or re-set the
forming finger 184 to the latched position thereof.
In operating the present apparatus in accordance with the method of
our aforesaid prior co-pending application Ser. No. 157,963, after
the intermediate portion of the severed strip of material 32 is
clamped between the forming finger nose 190 and a surface (not
shown) disposed behind the intermediate portion of the severed
length of material 32 the material feeding and cutting means 30,
the end portions of the severed length of material 32 are blown
generally forwardly past the forming finger nose portion 190 so as
to form the severed length of material 32 into a generally U-shaped
configuration whereat they may be grasped and rolled inwardly to
form the fold of the seam end cover.
To provide such grasping and rotating, the device 14 may constitute
grasping means comprising an upper pickup assembly 216 and a lower
pickup assembly 218. The upper pickup assembly 216 may comprise an
upper pickup finger 220 and a lower pickup finger 222 while the
lower pickup assembly 218 may comprise an upper pickup finger 224
and a lower pickup finger 226.
Each of the fingers 220-226, inclusive, may consist of a reduced
width nose portion 228, 230, 232 and 234, respectively, for
engaging the end portions of the severed lengths of material 32 and
a base portion 236, 238, 240 and 242, respectively, by which the
fingers are supported in generally cantilvered relationship by a
set of pickup finger clamps 244, 246, 248 and 250 so that the
fingers 220 and 222 are clamped between an upper set of clamps
comprising the clamp 244 and the clamp 246 and the lower fingers
224 and 226 form a lower set of fingers clamped between a lower set
of clamps 248 and 250. The pickup finger clamps 244-250 are each
constructed and arranged to clamp the base portions 236-242 of the
pickup fingers 220-226 in a generally offset configuration and,
additionally, to be clamped to the forward end portion of a pair of
pickup finger shafts 252 and 254 rotatably supported by means to be
described hereinafter so as to be generally offset and parallel to
the pickup finger fabric gripping portions 228-234 so that, upon
rotation of the shafts 252 and 254, the fabric gripping or nose
portions 228-234 will be moved arcuately thereabout. Accordingly,
when the end portions of the length of fabric 32 are grasped
between the pairs of pickup finger nose portions 228 and 230,
grasping the upper end portion of the severed length of fabric 32
and 232 and 234 grasping the lower end portion of the length of
fabric 32, the end portions thereof will be turned inwardly during
rotation in the appropriate direction of the pickup fingers
220-226.
In addition to the means for rotating the shafts 252 and 254, the
means for operating the device 14, which is generally designated by
the reference character 26, may comprise a pair of pickup finger
spreader points 256 and 258 for insertion between the pairs of
fingers 220 and 222 and 224 and 226, respectively. In other words,
the point 256 may be selectively inserted between the upper fingers
220 and 222 to provide spreading thereof and, accordingly,
spreading of the fabric grasping end portions 228 and 230 to
provide a space therebetween into which the upper end portion of
the fabric length 32 may extend while the lower point 258 may be
selectively inserted between the lower pair of fingers 224 and 226
to spread the fabric grasping portions 232 and 234 thereof,
respectively, to provide a space into which the lower end portion
of the severed length of fabric 32 may extend. Then, upon
retraction of the points 256 and 258 or withdrawal thereof from
between the respective pairs 216 and 218 of the pickup fingers, the
pickup fingers will close to their adjacent configurations to grasp
the end portions of the severed length of material 32 therebetween.
In accordance therewith, the grasping fingers 220-226 are
preferably fabricated of a majerial having substantial elasticity
such as spring steel.
To aid in insertion of the pickup finger points 256 and 258 between
the respective pairs of pickup fingers 216 and 218, each of the
pairs of pickup fingers may be provided with generally opposed
generally V-shaped indentations 260, 262, 264 and 266,
respectively, so that, from the edge facing the points 256 and 258
at the time of insertion thereof therebetween, the edges between
the recesses are separated slightly to define an access aperture
therebetween.
To provide for rotation of the shafts 252 and 254, the upper pickup
finger support 104 and the lower pickup finger support 106 may be
provided with generally laterally extending extension portions 268
and 270, respectively, each of which comprises a pair of
bifurcations, the upper bifurcations 272 and 274 forming bearing
portions for the upper shaft 252, and the lower bifurcations 276
and 278 forming bearing portions for the lower shaft 254. Each of
the shafts 252 and 254 may be provided with a pinion gear 280 and
282, respectively, mounted therewith for rotation therewith and
positioned and maintained generally between the bifurcations 272,
274 and 276, 278, respectively. Additionally, to maintain alignment
of the assemblies 217 and 218 when the pinions 280 and 282,
respectively, are not engaged with any cooperating rack, there may
be provided a pickup finger top stop 284 and a pickup finger bottom
stop 286 mounted, respectively, with the extensions 268 and 270 of
the pickup finger top support 104 and pickup finger bottom support
106, respectively, constructed and arranged to cooperate with a
pair of stop blocks 288 and 290, respectively, mounted for rotation
with the respective shafts 252 and 254 and having flatted portions
adapted for engagement with the top and bottom stops 284 and 286,
respectively, when the pairs of pickup fingers 216 and 218 are
generally parallel one another and with the cam plate 178 as the
fingers approach the means 30.
To provide for rotation of the pinions 280, and, accordingly, of
the pickup fingers 216 and 218, the apparatus 10 may be further
provided, carried by the generally horizontal cam plate 178 and
extending forwardly thereof, a pair of rack portions 294 and 296
having the teeth thereof extending generally upwardly and
downwardly, respectively, for engagement with the pinions 280 and
282 when the pickup arm 78 is in its extreme left retracted
position and the pickup arm 78 is near its rearwardmost rotataive
position whereat the grasping portions 228-234 of the pickup
fingers 220-226 are, in sequence, approaching and then moving away
from the fabric feeding and cutting means 30 while being yet spaced
apart therefrom a distance greater than the extension of the end
portions of the length of fabric 32 therefrom. Accordingly, after
the drive arm 78 has moved to its full leftward position, i.e.,
with the stop member 64 engaging the wall 46 of the frame 44 and
during counter-clockwise rotation of the pickup arm 78 so as to
move the pickup fingers 220-226 towards the severed length of
fabric 32, the pinions 280 and 282 will engage the rack members 294
and 296 so as to rotate the upper pickup finger assembly 216
generally clockwise as viewed from the end of the apparatus 10
facing the sewing head 28, i.e., the right side in the drawing and
the lower pickup finger assembly 218 generally counterclockwise as
viewed from the same point approximately 180.degree. so that the
grasping portions 228-234 of the pickup fingers 220-226 are
disposed generally adjacent the material feeding and cutting means
30 and generally parallel one another as shown in FIG. 5. Thence,
during clockwise rotation of the pickup arm 78 as viewed in FIGS.
1, 3 and 5 tending to move the pickup fingers 220-226 outwardly of
the fabric feeding and cutting means 30 and after retraction of the
points 256 and 258 so that the grasping portions 228-234 have
grasped the respective severed end portions of the length of fabric
32, the rack members 294 and 296 will cause, through rotation of
the pinions 282 and 284 generally counterclockwise rotation of the
upper finger assembly 216 and clockwise rotation of the lower
finger assembly 218, as viewed from the righthand end of the
drawing so as to fold the severed end portions, respectively, of
the severed length of material 32 generally inwardly as described
in more detail in our hereinbefore referred to co-pending parent
application.
In addition to the racks 294 and 296, pinions 280 and 282, and the
like, used for providing rotation of the pickup fingers 236-242,
the means for operating the device 14 further comprises the
spreader points 256 and 258 and the associated mechanism utilized
for providing selective advancement and retraction thereof, as well
as for synchronizing such advance and retraction with the remainder
of the mechanism. Such apparatus may, in accordance with the
present invention, comprise a fluid operated spreader motor 297
including a cylinder 298 operated, for example, from a source of
air or the like, having associated therewith a piston disposed
therewithin and mounted with a piston rod 300 so that upon
admittance of a fluid, such as air, or the like, under pressure to
the interior therebetween the piston-cylinder 298-300 will expand
in length. The piston rod 300 may, at one end portion thereof, and
more particularly the end portion thereof remote from the cylinder
298, be mounted with the pickup arm 78 for rotation therewith, as
by means of a pickup finger spreader cylinder anchor 302 and the
cylinder 298 may be associated, as by means of a pivot pin 304 with
a pickup finger spreader arm 306 at one end portion thereof. The
pickup finger spreader arm 306 may, as shown, be of generally
L-shaped configuration pivotally connected, as by means of a pivot
screw 308, or the like, with the pickup finger lower support 106 so
that the pickup finger spreader arm 306 defines a bell crank having
one end portion 310 thereof extending between the pivot screw 308
and the pivot pin 304. The other leg 312 of the bell crank defined
by the pickup finger spreader arm 306 may have mounted thereto a
pair of generally vertically spaced apart pickup finger spreader
plates 314 and 316 to which the points 256 and 258, respectively,
are attached. Accordingly, upon elongation and retraction of the
pickup finger spreader fluid motor 297, the bell crank formed by
the pickup finger spreader arm 306 will rotate about the screw 308
to advance and retract the points 256 and 258.
For ease of operation, the fluid motor 297 may be of the single
acting type and there may be further provided a spreader arm return
spring 318 extending between pivot pin 304 depending from the
cylinder 298 and a pin 322 depending from the support block 302 or
anchor. Accordingly, when a pressurized fluid, such as air, is
admitted to the interior of the cylinder 298, the piston rod 300
will extend outwardly thereof, the spreader arm 306 will rotate
generally clockwise as viewed from above, as in FIG. 1 and the
points 256 and 258 will be advanced towards the fingers 236-242.
Conversely, when the cylinder 298 is vented to the atmosphere, the
cylinder return spring 320 will cause retraction of the piston rod
300, shortening of the fluid motor 297, rotation of the spreader
arm 306 generally counter-clockwise as viewed above, as shown in
FIG. 1 and retraction of the points 256 and 258 from engagement
between the pickup finger assemblies 216 and 218 at generally
opposed U-shaped indentations 260, 262, 264 and 266.
Yet further, latch means generally designed by the reference
character 324 and comprising a latch member 236, a latch pivot 328,
a latch pin 330 and a latch spring 332 may be provided for latching
the pickup finger spreader arm 306 in its full clockwise rotative
position after expansion of the piston-rod 298-300 so as to latch
the points 256 and 258 in their fully advanced position between the
finger assemblies 216 and 218.
The latch member 326 may be of generally triangular configuration
having the pivot pin 328 extending through an aperture provided
generally adjacent one apex thereof, the pivot 328 comprising, for
example, a screw extending upwardly through a corresponding
aperture provided in the pickup finger shaft support 106 and
threadedly engaged with the aperture provided in the latch member
326. The spring 332 may be associated with an aperture provided in
a second side of the latch member 326 and extending generally
twoards the intermediate frame member 48 and having the outboard
end portion thereof secured in a convenient manner with the pickup
finger shaft lower support 106 so as to bias the latch member 326
towards counterclockwise rotation, when viewed from above as in
FIGS. 1, 3 and 5. The side of the generally triangular latch member
326 extending between the connection of the spring 332 and the
pivot 328 is provided with a pair of notches 333 and 334 which,
when engaged with the latch pin 330 define unlatched and latched
positions, respectively, with the pin 330 being structurally
associated for movement with the spreader arm 306 generally
adjacent the end thereof carrying the points 256 and 258. The notch
334 extends substantially further towards the opposite apex than
does the notch 333 so that, upon advancement of the points 256 and
258, i.e., clockwise rotation of the spreader arm 306 as viewed
from above, when the pin 330 is aligned with the deeper notch 334,
the latch 326 will rotate counterclockwise so that the pin 330 will
be disposed within the notch 334 to maintain the spreader arm 306
in the clockwise position thereof. When the spreader arm 306 is in
such clockwise position, the spreader points 256 and 258 will be
engaged between the respective fingers of the assemblies 216 and
218 to spread the tips 228-234 thereof apart, as shown in FIG. 5.
Thence, upon further rearward movement of the pickup finger
supports 104 and 106, the latch member 326 will be carried towards
and into engagement with a latch trip 336 adjustably positioned on
the plate 292, as by means of a screw 338 engaged therewith through
an elongated slot 340 to cam the latch member 326 generally
clockwise until the pin 330 is aligned with the notch 333 whereat
the latch member 326 may snap to the disengaged or unlatched
position thereof and the points 256 and 258 are retracted from
between the fingers of the assemblies 216 and 218 so that the
finger assemblies close to grasp the ends of the severed length of
fabric 32 therebetween.
In order to actuate the spreader fluid motor 297, there may be
provided a spreader valve 342 mounted, as by means of a spreader
valve bracket 344 with the wall portion 48 of the frame 44 which is
of the normally closed type having a press-to-operate valve head
346 adapted to be engaged for operation by means of a spreader
valve actuator plate 348 mounted with the lower pickup shaft
support 106 for movement therewith so that, upon reaching the end
of the forward rotative motion, the valve actuator 348 will engage
the head 346 of the valve 342 to extend the cylinder 300 of the
spreader motor 297 to rotate the spreader arm 306 and re-set the
latch 324.
Associated with the sewing head 28 and, more particularly, secured
with the pressure foot 350 thereof and with the needle plate 352
thereof there may be provided a pair of guide members and upper
guide member 354 and a lower guide member 356, respectively, for
guiding the pairs of finger assemblies 216 and 218 therebetween
during movement of the finger assemblies 216 and 218 theretowards.
Accordingly, the guide plates 354 and 356 may diverge, one from the
other, so as to form a generally funnel-like guide assembly.
Further, in order to assure that the folded severed length of
material 32 is properly positioned on the nose portions 228-234 of
the fingers 222-226 and, more particularly, against the forward
shoulders 360-366, respectively, there may be provided a leaf form
wiper spring 358 mounted with the bent portions of the upper guide
member 354, as by means of rivets 368 so that, as the finger
assemblies 216 and 218 advance into the space between the guide
members 354 and 356, the folded length of severed ribbon 32 carried
thereby will engage the wiper spring 358 and be pushed or biased
towards the shoulders 360-366 of the fingers 222-226 so that the
positioning of the folded garment seam end cover relative the
pressure foot 350 and the sewing pattern formed by the needle 370
of the sewing head 28 will be assured.
Bearing in mind the foregoing structural description, a full cycle
of operation of the apparatus 10 will now be described.
Assuming that the apparatus 10 is initially in the position shown
in FIG. 1 and air is being admitted, by means of a manual control
actuated by the operator of the apparatus 10, to the fluid motor
101 so as to cause movement of the piston rod 100 generally
inwardly thereof or to the left as viewed in FIG. 1, the drive arm
72, drive arm extension 92 and the various mechanisms connected for
movement therewith will move to the left, generally linearly,
guided by movement of the slide 50 along the slide ways 56 and 58.
During this portion of the movement, the leaf spring 36 maintains
the drive arm 72 in its full forward position as shown in FIG. 1
until the end stop 40 engages the frame wall 46. Once the end stop
40 has engaged the frame wall 46, further leftward movement of the
slide 50 along the slide ways 56 and 58 is precluded so that
further inward movement of the piston rod 100 into the cylinder 102
will provide pivotal movement of the drive arm 72 about the pivot
pin 20 generally counterclockwise as seen in FIG. 1. During such
arcuate movement, the pickup arm 78 will be similarly rotated with
the drive arm 72 through the pickup arm drive spring 122 and the
pinions 280 and 282 will be rotated, along with the pickup finger
drive shafts 252 and 254 by engagement with the rack portions 294
and 296 so as to rotate the pickup finger assemblies 216 and 218 to
the position shown in FIG. 5. When the pickup finger assemblies 216
and 218 are in that position and clear of the rack portions 294 and
296, the flatted surfaces of the stop blocks 288 and 290 will
engage the cam plate 178 to maintain the pickup fingers generally
parallel one another and in the orientation shown in FIG. 5. The
rotative movement of the pickup arm 78 will continue in the
counterclockwise direction until engagement thereof with the stop
member 372 at which point the pickup fingers 220-226 will be
positioned generally adjacent the material feeding and severing
means 30, as shown in FIG. 5. As the pickup finger assemblies 216
and 218 approach the means 30, the points 256 and 258 will have
been advanced therebetween due to actuation of the valve 342 during
the rearward arcuate movement of the pickup arm 78 after the
pinions 280 and 282 have cleared the rack portions 294 and 296.
Accordingly, as the pickup finger assemblies 216 and 218 approach
the severed length of material 32, the assemblies will have been
spread apart to define a space between the respective pairs of
pickup fingers. During the final segment of travel of the pickup
arm 78 generally rearwardly, the forming finger drive spring 129
will move the forming finger arm 136 generally to the rear so that
the nose portion 190 of the forming finger 188 will clamp the
severed length of material 32 generally intermediate thereof and
the air jet control valve 172 will be operated by the rearward
movement of the forming finger arm 136 to provide a flow of air
outwardly through the air jets 181 to project the ends of the
severed length of material 32 between the pairs of pickup fingers.
During the final rearward movement of the pickup arm 78, as shown
in FIG. 5, the spreader latch means 324 will be actuated or cammed
generally clockwise by engagement with the latch trip 336 so as to
withdraw the spreader points 256 and 258 from the pickup finger
assemblies 216 and 218 and enable the fingers 220 and 222 to grasp
the upper end portion of the severed length of material 32 and the
pickup fingers 224 and 226 to grasp the lower end portion of the
severed length of material 32 therebetween. Additionally, during
the final rearward movement of the drive arm 72, the downwardly
extending nose portion 212 of the forming finger latch trip 206
will engage the forming finger latch 186 to rotate the forming
finger latch 186 generally counterclockwise enabling the pin 194 to
become aligned with the deeper step 200 of the step notch 196 so as
to release the nose portion 190 of the forming finger from in front
of the severed length of ribbon 32, as shown in FIG. 5.
Then, upon operation of the control valve for the fluid motor 101
in the opposite direction by the operator of the apparatus 10, the
piston rod 100 will commence extension outwardly of the cylinder
102 and thereby cause rotation of the drive arm 72 generally
clockwise around the pivot pin 76, forward movement of the slide 50
towards the right being restrained by the tension spring 42.
Accordingly, the drive arm 72 will rotate fully clockwise until the
pickup arm 78 engages the front stop 38. During the forward
rotation of the drive arm 72 and pickup arm 78 with the pickup arm
78 being driven by the leaf spring 36 as permitted by the rotation
of the drive arm 72, the forming finger arm 136 will rotate
generally clockwise during the initial rotation of the drive arm 72
and pickup arm 78 until the forming finger arm 136 engages the stop
member 164 mounted on the intermediate plate 48. The pickup arm
forward stop 372 may be adjustably mounted with the cam plate 178,
as by means of a pair of screws 374 extending through elongated
adjustment slot 376. As the forming finger arm 136 rotates
generally clockwise so that the forming finger 184 is being moved
generally arcuately forwardly, the camming portion 192 thereof
engages the forming finger arm cam 214 so as to rotate the forming
finger 184 generally counterclockwise relative the forming finger
arm 136 about the forming finger stud 183 until the pin 194 is
aligned with the shallower or first step 198 of the stepped notch
196 whereat the spring 204 will re-set the forming finger latch 186
so as to be ready for the next cycle.
As the pickup arm 78 rotates generally arcuately clockwise, i.e.,
generally forwardly, as the forward extremity of its travel is
reached, the pinions 280 and 282 again engage the rack portions 294
and 296 to rotate the pickup finger assemblies 216 and 218
counterclockwise and clockwise, respectively, to the position shown
in FIGS. 1 and 3 so as to fold the end portions of the severed
length of ribbon 32 generally inwardly so as to form the seam end
cover. Then, upon continued outward movement of the piston rod 100
outwardly of the cylinder 102 after the pickup arm 178 has engaged
the forward stop 38 at which position the pinions 280 and 282 have
cleared the rack portions 294 and 296, the slide 50, drive arm 72
and pickup arm 78 will commence to move towards the right with the
slide 50 moving along the slide ways 56 and 58 so that the pickup
finger assemblies 216 and 218 are advanced between the guide
members 354 and 356 of the sewing head 28 until, at the full
extreme righthand position thereof the folded seam end cover is
positioned beneath the pressure foot 350 of the sewing head 28.
Then, the edge of a garment 378 may be inserted by the operator
between the folded ends of the seam end cover 32, as shown in FIG.
2 and the pressure foot 350 lowered so as to clamp the assembly in
position on the sewing head 28. As the operator then again reverses
the air flow to the drive motor 101 so as to initiate inward
movement of the piston rod 100, the seam end cover is left beneath
the pressure foot 350 of the sewing machine for stitching onto the
garment 378 while the mechanism re-cycles to form and position a
new seam end cover.
Accordingly, the entire mechanism 10 is controlled, sequenced and
timed from movement of the piston rod 24 and, accordingly, from
movement of the drive arm 72. Additionally, means are provided for
appropriate adjustment of each element of the mechanism 10 to
provide for such timing and control.
For convenience in description, the terms "upper," "lower,"
"forward," "rearward," "upward," "downward," "leftward,"
"rightward," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," as used in the
preceding description and subjoined claims, along with other
similar directional terminology, is to be construed and interpreted
with reference to the apparatus as it is shown and illustrated in
the drawing. However, such terminology is not to be construed or
interpreted in a limiting sense either in the preceding description
or the subjoined claims, since the same is used merely to
facilitate an understanding of, and to clearly set forth and
distinctly define the present invention.
While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and
shown in terms of an embodiment or modification which it has
assumed in practice, the scope of the invention should not be
deemed to be limited by the precise embodiments or modifications
herein described, disclosed, illustrated or shown, such other
embodiments or modifications as may be suggested to those having
the benefit of the teachings herein being intended to be reserved
especially as they fall within the cope and breadth of the claims
here appended.
* * * * *