CN103999139A - Fastener stock and devices and modules for use in dispensing plastic fasteners therefrom - Google Patents

Abstract

Fastener stock (111) and a device (211) for dispensing a plastic fastener (118) from a supply of ladder-type fastener stock (111) includes a pair of separate modules that are independently pneumatically powered by a common air source. Each module is adapted to receive and index a corresponding side rail (113, 115) of the fastener stock, separate a cross-bar (119, 121) therefrom and eject the separated crossbar out through a sharpened needle (243). As a feature of the invention, the pair of modules ejects the cross-bars of the dispensed fastener in an offset relationship to minimize fastener stress. As another feature of the invention, the pair of modules is independently slidably coupled to a common mounting plate (215). In this manner, the spacing and angular orientation between the modules are adjustable. As another feature of the invention, the feed mechanism (247) includes a feed pawl (331) that selectively engages outwardly facing notches (125) formed in the side rail (113, 115) to ensure accurate alignment prior to the severing process.

Description

Fastener spares and devices and modules for dispensing plastic fasteners therefrom

technical field

The present invention relates generally to plastic fasteners, and more particularly to devices for dispensing plastic fasteners.

Background technique

Plastic fasteners (also commonly referred to in the art as plastic attachments) are well known in the art and are commonly used for coupling merchandise to packaging, coupling buttons to fabric, attaching merchandise labels Coupled to an item, or, in general, to any two desired items. One type of plastic fastener widely used in commerce is manufactured in an H-shaped configuration in which two shortened parallel crossbars, or T-bars, pass at their approximate midpoints with flexible filaments extending orthogonally between them. interconnection.

Plastic fasteners of the type described above are typically manufactured as part of a continuously connected fastener stock made from one or more flexible plastic materials using conventional molding or stamping techniques , such as nylon and polypropylene. Referring now to FIG. 1 , there is shown a length of a continuously connected fastener stock 11 well known in the art. Fastener stock 11 is formed from two elongated and continuous plastic side members or rails 13 and 15 interconnected by a plurality of equidistantly spaced cross-links or filaments 17 . Due to the ladder-like appearance of fastener stock 11 , fastener stock 11 is also commonly referred to as a ladder-type fastener stock or ladder stock in the art.

Multiple individual plastic fasteners 18 can be created from ladder stock 11 by cutting each of side rails 13 and 15 at approximately the midpoint between continuous filaments 17 . Each plastic fastener 18 produced from the ladder-type equipment 11 comprises a pair of crossbars 19 and 21 interconnected by flexible filaments 23, wherein the crossbars 19 and 21 originate from the side rails 13 and 15, respectively, and are thin Wires 23 originate from corresponding cross-connects 17 . U.S. Patent No. 4,039,078 to A.R. Bone and U.S. Patent No. 5,615,816 to C.L. Deschenes show ladder-type equipment of the type described above. The disclosures of this patent are incorporated herein by reference.

Ladder fittings of the type described above are currently manufactured by Avery Dennison( ^TM ) of Pasadena, Calif. ) and elastic nails (ElasticStaple ^TM ) plastic fastener product line sales. Commercial ladder stock is traditionally wound onto reels or spools that are sized and shaped to hold a supply of ladder stock that can yield approximately 25,000 fasteners.

Individual fasteners are typically severed from the supply of ladder stock and dispensed instead, either manually or with the aid of specially designed devices, to secure two or more items together. For example, in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 7,036,680 to Steven E. Flannery, a method for dispensing individual plastic fasteners from reels of continuously connected ladder stock is disclosed. Pneumatic Drive, said patent is incorporated herein by reference. The device includes a protective housing and a pair of hollow slotted needles protruding in parallel relationship from one end of the housing, each needle having a rear end, a longitudinal bore and a sharpened point adapted to penetrate the article to be fastened. The device also includes a feed mechanism relying on a pair of rotatable feed wheels to engage selected cross-connects of the ladder stock to advance the side rails just behind the longitudinal aperture defined by the pair of pins Axially aligned. With each side rail positioned just behind the corresponding needle, a pair of articulated sharp blades are actuated to cut the side rails of the ladder stock at the approximate midpoint between successive cross-connects, and thereby Separate the individual plastic fasteners from the remainder of the ladder stock. The device further includes an ejection mechanism disposed within the interior cavity of the housing, the ejection mechanism ejecting the severed fastener crossbar through the pair of hollow needles and thereby through a given item. The ejection mechanism includes an ejection rod slide or carriage that is pneumatically driven by a single cylinder to travel back and forth within the protective housing. The ejector bar slider supports a pair of parallel ejector bars, each ejector bar sized and positioned to selectively pass through a corresponding needle to eject an associated crossbar of a severed fastener therefrom.

As briefly mentioned above, fasteners of the type described above are commonly used in a variety of different applications to secure two or more items together. For example, fasteners of the type described above are commonly used in packaging applications to secure merchandise to display cards. As part of the attachment process, the display card is first positioned on the anvil of the fastener dispensing machine. Next, place the item in its desired position on the display card. The machine is then shifted downward until a pair of needles pass through the display card on opposite sides of the merchandise and next to the merchandise. When the fastener is severed from the fastener stock and then pushed out through the hollow needle, each of the pair of cross members engages the underside of the card with the filament stretching tightly across the front of the article. In this regard, fasteners are dispensed to secure the item to the display card in an unobtrusive and unobtrusive manner.

In certain applications, it has been found necessary to modify the spacing between the pairs of needles of fastener dispensing devices of the type described above. For example, it is often necessary to adjust the spacing between the needles to accommodate the provision of cross-connected ladder supplies having different lengths (eg, between 0.25 inches and 0.38 inches). In addition, it is often necessary to adjust the spacing between the pins to account for variations in the size and shape of items commonly joined using plastic fasteners (eg, items of different widths secured to display cards).

Accordingly, fastener dispensing devices with variable needle spacing are known in the art and are commonly referred to as variable needle system (VNS) devices or VNS modules. One well-known type of VNS device includes a pair of hub frames or blocks, each of which is shaped to include an aperture sized to suitably receive a corresponding needle. As part of its design, one needle block of the VNS device is fixedly held in place and the other needle block is mounted on a transversely disposed shaft and thus can be moved towards and/or away from the Displaced by fixed needle block. In this way, the distance between the pair of needle blocks and thus the distance between the needles mounted thereon can be adjusted by the rotation of the stop wheel.

While well known in the art, fastener dispensing devices with variable needle spacing capabilities generally have several significant disadvantages.

As a first disadvantage, fastener dispensing devices of the type described above are traditionally constructed as self-contained modular units. Thus, in general, the range of spacing between needles is limited by the length of the shaft to which the movable needle block is mounted, and more generally, by the overall width of the VNS module housing. As can be appreciated, it has been found that this limitation of the maximum spacing between pins prevents the use of conventional VNS devices in certain larger scale packaging applications (e.g., when securing larger sized objects to display cards), which is very undesirable.

As a second disadvantage, during the ejection process, fastener dispensing devices of the type described above apply a large amount of stress to each fastener, which in turn can lead to unintentional fracture of the fastener, which is very undesired. In particular, it has been found that as each crossbar is pushed out, the fastener is temporarily stretched to the extent necessary so that the crossbar can exit through the tip of its corresponding needle. Once each crossbar clears its corresponding pin, the temporary stretching force applied to the fastener by the ejector bar and the stresses therefrom are withdrawn. However, because conventional fastener dispensing devices are designed to simultaneously eject two crossbars of the same fastener through their corresponding needles (i.e., wherein the crossbars are ejected in phase with each other), the force applied to the fastener during the ejection process The cumulative effect of temporary stresses on the parts often leads to fastener failure.

As a third disadvantage, fastener dispensing devices of the type described above include a feed mechanism that engages one or more cross-links to advance the ladder stock into position for the lowest fastener. Firmware cut-off. However, it should be understood that the feed mechanism typically engages the cross-connects significantly behind the lowermost cross-connect (ie, the cross-connect of the fastener that will be separated from the rest of the ladder stock). Therefore, prior to the side rail cutting process, a considerable amount of misalignment or drift is experienced in the lowermost cross-connect within the device. The ladder stock drifts causing the device to cut each side rail at a position off the exact midpoint between successive fasteners, thereby producing fasteners that do not have an optimal H-shaped configuration. In response to this, a considerable degree of user adjustment is often required to maintain an accurate and consistent cut of the opposite side rails, which is labor intensive and often unreliable.

As a fourth disadvantage, fastener dispensing devices of the type described above utilize relatively complex locking mechanisms to releasably retain each sharpened needle within its corresponding needle block. Specifically, as briefly mentioned above, each needle is suitably inserted into a bore formed within its corresponding needle block. To secure each needle within its corresponding bore, a needle locking screw is rotatably driven transversely through each needle block and selectively engages a fan-shaped formation formed in the base of its associated needle . Thus, it should be appreciated that the process for removing, repairing and/or replacing the needle is not only labor intensive and time consuming, but also requires the use of additional tools such as screwdrivers, which is highly undesirable.

Contents of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved supply of fastener stock.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a fastener stock as hereinbefore described which is shaped to include a pair of elongated and continuous side rails, a plurality of equidistantly spaced filaments being coupled onto the side rails.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved device for dispensing plastic fasteners from the supply of fastener stocks described above.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device as described above comprising: a pair of hollow needles adapted to penetrate one or more articles, each rail for advancing a supply of fastener stock At least one feed mechanism for axial alignment behind the corresponding hollow needles, at least one cutting mechanism for cutting fasteners to be dispensed by the pair of needles from the fastener stock, and for cutting the severed fasteners The crossbar of the fastener passes through the hollow needle and then through at least one ejection mechanism through which one or more penetrating objects are ejected.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a fastener dispensing device that limits the amount of stress exerted on the fastener during ejection of each fastener through the pair of hollow needles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fastener dispensing device as described above which allows for enhanced flexibility in modifying the spacing between the pair of pins, thereby enabling the device to be used for more Wide range of possible applications.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device as described above which reliably feeds the fastener stock into proper alignment behind said pair of hollow needles prior to the rail cutting process.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device as described above comprising a manually operable mechanism for releasably holding each needle in place therein.

Accordingly, as a feature of the present invention, there is provided a supply of fastener stocks comprising (a) a first side rail, (b) a a second side rail, and (c) a plurality of cross-links extending transversely between and interconnecting the first and second side rails, (d) wherein the first and second Each of the side rails is shaped to include a notch, the notches on the first and second side rails facing away from each other.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a paddle fastener stock as hereinbefore described, said paddle fastener stock being shaped to include a longitudinal and continuous side member and a plurality of paddles, a plurality of equidistantly spaced A beam is coupled to the paddle. The longitudinal and continuous side members and the paddle head extend in parallel spaced apart relationship, and the series of beams are arranged at intervals between the side members and the paddle head to connect the side members and the paddle head. The longitudinal and continuous side members, the paddle head, and the crossbar all have flat sides. Along the side members, a series of engaging notches are present at intervals between each of the beam members, and the engaging notches are rectangular or square in shape.

As another feature of the invention, there is provided apparatus for dispensing plastic fasteners from a supply of fastener stocks shaped to include a pair of continuous side rails, a plurality of transverse cross-connect coupled to the side rails, each fastener comprising a pair of crossbars interconnected by at least one filament, the apparatus comprising (a) one of the pair of crossbars adapted to distribute the fastener and (b) a second module of the other of said pair of crossbars adapted to dispense fasteners, (c) wherein the first and second modules are separated from each other.

As another feature of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for dispensing a plastic fastener comprising a pair of crossbars interconnected by at least one filament, said apparatus comprising (a) shaped to a first needle defining a longitudinal hole, (b) a first ejector rod adapted to axially penetrate the longitudinal hole in the first needle and eject one of the pair of crossbars therefrom, (c) shaped to define A second needle with a longitudinal hole, and (d) a second ejection rod adapted to axially penetrate the longitudinal hole in the second needle and push out the other of the pair of cross bars therefrom, (e) wherein the first Operates in an offset relationship with the second ejector lever.

As another feature of the invention, there is provided a module for dispensing individual plastic fasteners from a supply of fastener stocks shaped to include continuous side rails, a plurality of cross-connects coupled to on said continuous side rail, said continuous side rail being shaped to include a notch, said individual plastic fastener comprising a filament coupled at one end to a crossbar, said module comprising (a) a housing, (b) a needle coupled to the housing, the needle being shaped to define a longitudinal bore, (c) a feed adapted to selectively engage the notch and advance the side rail into axial alignment just behind the longitudinal bore of the needle Mechanisms, (d) a cutting mechanism adapted to cut the side rail to separate the first rail from it, and (e) an ejection mechanism adapted to push the first rail through the longitudinal hole in the needle.

As another feature of the invention, there is provided a module for dispensing individual plastic fasteners from a supply of fastener stocks shaped to include a continuous side rail, a plurality of cross-connects coupled to On the continuous side rail, the individual plastic fasteners comprise filaments coupled at one end to a crossbar, the module comprising (a) a housing, (b) a needle coupled to the housing, the needle shaped to define a continuous longitudinal bore, (c) coupled to a needle holder on the housing, the needle holder shaped to define a slotted receptacle sized to receive a needle, (d) fixedly connected to the housing and a pivotable needle lock adapted to selectively engage the needle, (e) a feed mechanism adapted to advance the continuous side rail into axial alignment just behind the longitudinal hole of the needle, (f) adapted to cut the continuous A cutting mechanism for the side rail to separate the first crossbar therefrom, and (g) an ejection mechanism adapted to push the first crossbar through the longitudinal hole in the needle.

The examples of the invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments were chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practice of the invention.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description of each embodiment and specific examples, while indicating preferred and other embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention without departing from its spirit, and the invention includes all such modifications.

Description of drawings

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the following more detailed description of presently preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 depicts a fragmentary front perspective view of a length of continuously connected fastener stock, shown with individual fasteners separated therefrom, as is well known in the art;

2 depicts a front perspective view of a length of continuously connected fastener stock constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the fastener stock shown with individual fasteners separated therefrom;

Figures 3(a) to 3(c) are front, bottom and left side views, respectively, of the continuously connected fastener stock shown in Figure 2;

Figure 3(d) is a perspective view of a continuously connected paddle fastener stock;

Figure 3(e) is a perspective illustration of a paddle fastener cut from a paddle fastener stock;

4 is a front perspective view of an apparatus for dispensing individual plastic fasteners from a continuously connected supply of ladder-type stock, constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, and shown with Supply of continuously connected ladder-type spare parts of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the right module shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is an enlarged, fragmented, right side perspective view of the module shown in Figure 5, shown with portions of its housing removed, also shown with Supply of continuously connected ladder-type spare parts of Figure 2;

FIG. 7 is an exploded, front perspective view of selected components of the right module shown in FIG. 5 shown with the supply of continuously connected ladder-type supplies of FIG. 2 fed therein;

Figure 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary left side perspective view of the main chassis, needle, needle holder and needle lock shown in Figure 6;

Figure 9 is an exploded, fragmented, front perspective view of the main chassis, needle, needle holder and needle lock shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is an enlarged, right side perspective view of the drive rod, drive slide, and knife profiler shown in Figure 6;

Figure 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary, right side perspective view of selected components of the module shown in Figure 5, shown with the supply of continuously connected ladder-type supplies of Figure 2 fed therein;

Figure 12 is an enlarged left side perspective view of the feed pawl shown in Figure 7;

Figure 13 is an enlarged, fragmented, right side perspective view of the feed pawl, feed pawl slider, tension unit and blade shown in Figure 6, the assembly shown with the continuous connection of Figure 2 fed into it The supply of ladder-type spare parts;

14 is an enlarged, fragmented, front perspective view of the feed slide, feed pawl cover, fastener holder and tension unit shown in FIG. The supply of continuously connected ladder-type spares;

Figure 15 is an enlarged, fragmentary, right side view of the blade assembly and main chassis shown in Figure 6;

Figures 16(a) through 16(c) are right side views of selected components of the module shown in Figure 6 at various stages during the fastener dispensing process;

Figure 17 is a partially broken fragment, front view of the device shown in Figure 4, shown dispensing plastic fasteners through an object, which is only shown in section for simplicity out; and

18 is a front perspective view of a fastener dispensing system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Detailed ways

The devices and methods disclosed in this document are described in detail by way of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, identical reference numbers in the drawings indicate the same, similar, or corresponding elements throughout the drawings. It should be appreciated that modifications to the disclosed and described examples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, devices, methods, materials, etc. may be made and may be required for a particular application. In this disclosure, any identification of a particular shape, material, technique, arrangement, etc., is in relation to the particular example presented, or is merely a general description of such shape, material, technique, arrangement, etc. Recognition of specific details or examples is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, optional or limiting unless specifically stated otherwise. Selected examples of apparatuses and methods are disclosed and described in detail below with reference to the figures.

Fastener spare parts 111

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3( a ) through 3 ( c ), there is shown a continuously connected length of fastener stock constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and generally identified by reference numeral 111 . As can be seen, fastener stock 111 is similar to conventional fastener stock 11 in that fastener stock 111 is formed from two elongated and continuous plastic side pieces or rails 113 and 115 that The strips are interconnected by a plurality of equidistantly spaced cross-connects or filaments 117 . A plurality of individual plastic fasteners 118 may be created from ladder fastener stock 111 by cutting each of side rails 113 and 115 at approximately the midpoint between continuous filaments 117 . Each plastic fastener 118 produced from fastener stock 111 comprises a pair of crossbars 119 and 121 interconnected by a flexible filament 123, wherein crossbars 119 and 121 originate from side rails 113 and 115, respectively, and Filaments 123 originate from corresponding cross-connects 117 .

As seen most clearly in FIG. 2 , the transverse cross-section of each of the side rails 113 and 115 is generally in the shape of a flattened semi-ellipse or a flattened semi-oval, said shape including a D-shaped profile together. A generally flat bottom surface, generally flat opposing inner and outer surfaces, and a rounded top surface. It should be understood, however, that the transverse cross-section of each of side rails 113 and 115 may be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The main difference between the fastener stock 111 and the prior art fastener stock 11 is that the fastener stock 111 includes a series of equidistantly spaced notches 125 formed in each of the rails 113 and 115. In the flat outer surface of one. As seen most clearly in FIG. 3( a ), notches 125 are sized and arranged within each of rails 113 and 115 so that they are aligned between continuous filaments 117 . As can be appreciated, the notches 125 serve as engagement surfaces, or corners, that are used by a complementary designed fastener dispensing device to detach the fasteners prior to cutting individual fasteners 118 from the fastener stock 111. The fastener stock 111 is reliably indexed into position, details of the complementary fastener dispensing apparatus are described in detail below.

As best seen in FIG. 3( c ), each notch 125 has a generally trapezoidal profile and includes a nearly vertical leading edge engagement surface 127 and an angled rear release surface 129 . As will be described in further detail below, the engagement surface 127 acts as a contact area on which the indexing mechanism of the complementary fastening dispensing device engages and advances the fastener stock 111 into position for the rail 113 and 115's subsequent cut. The release surface 129 is designed to have a greater slope (i.e., extend at an angle closer to horizontal) in order to assist in releasing the fastener stock 111 from the die wheel (not shown) from which the fastener stock is drawn. wheel construction.

As briefly mentioned above, notches 125 extend along the outer surfaces of rails 113 and 115 and thus face away from each other (ie, in opposite directions). As seen most clearly in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), each notch 125 extends only partially inwardly from its outer surface to form a flat, vertically extending inner wall 131 (i.e., each notch 125 only extends in a part of the width of rails 113 and 115).

It should be noted that conventional fastener dispensing devices include a rotating feed wheel designed to engage one or more cross-connects 17 and in turn advance the fastener stock 11 into position for the side rail The subsequent cutting of strips 13 and 15. As can be appreciated, this process has been found to be unreliable in producing consistent H-shaped fasteners 18 . By comparison, the inclusion of indexing notch 125 enables the lowermost region of fastener stock 111 to be advanced accurately and reliably to complementary fastener dispensing by its side rails 113 and 115 (rather than its cross-connect 117). In the proper position within the device for the subsequent cutting of the side rails 113 and 115, which is the main purpose of the present invention.

Additionally, although the fastener 18 of the present invention has been generally illustrated as a plastic tack, various other configurations of plastic fasteners, such as paddle fasteners and loop fasteners, can also be formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. pieces.

FIG. 3( d ) provides a perspective view of a length of continuously connected paddle fastener stock 112 . The paddle fastener stock 112 includes a longitudinal and continuous side member or rail 131-1, a plurality of paddle heads 136, and a plurality of equidistantly spaced beams 117-1. The paddle fastener stock 112 includes a plurality of connected paddle fasteners 118-1 (FIG. 3(e)).

Paddle head 136 and side member 131-1 are spaced apart and parallel to each other. A series of engagement notches 125-1 will be formed generally along side member 131-1. Each notch 125-1 will be formed at a location substantially corresponding to or in close proximity to the actual or desired cut location 122 of the paddle fastener 118-1 (FIG. 3(e)). For uniformly sized paddle fasteners 118-1 (FIG. 3(e)), cut locations 122 on side member 131-1 should be generally aligned or parallel to each other. The notch 125-1 will be generally on the exterior side 135-1 of the side member 131-1, facing outward and away from the beam 117-1. The side members 131-1 may have various lengths, intervals and thicknesses.

The paddle heads 136 are interconnected along rectangular side portions 142 . The paddle head 136 is generally rectangular in shape and may have rounded or pointed corners. The paddle head 136 is connected to the beam 117 - 1 by attachment near the midpoint 143 along the inner wall 125 - 1 of the paddle head 136 . The paddle tips 136 may have various lengths, spacings, and thicknesses.

The beam 117-1 extends between the side member 131-1 and the paddle head 136, thereby connecting the side member 131-1 and the paddle head 136 together. The beams 117 - 1 are arranged at certain intervals along the side members 131 - 1 and the paddle head 136 . Beam 117-1 may have a thinner or reduced cross-section than side member 131-1. Additionally, the desired approximate reach of beam 117-1 may vary depending on the desired application of paddle fastener 112 (FIG. 3(e)). Beams 117-1 may have various lengths, spacings, and thicknesses.

Referring to Figure 3(e), a severed paddle fastener 118-1 is shown. By severing side member 131-1 ( FIG. 3( d )) and Paddle head 136 (FIG. 3(d)), a plurality of individual plastic paddle fasteners 118-1 may be produced from paddle fastener stock 112 (FIG. 3(d)). Paddle fastener 118-1 includes a crossbar 119-1 and a rectangular portion 138 interconnected by a flexible filament 123-1. Crossbar 119-1 originates from side member 131-1 (Fig. 3(d)), and filament 123-1 originates from corresponding crossmember 117-1 (Fig. 3(d)). Rectangular portion 138 originates from interconnecting paddle head 136 ( FIG. 3( d )) along rectangular side portion 142 ( FIG. 3( d )). Depending on the desired size, the paddle fastener 118-1 may consist of a crossbar 119-1 having a notch 125-1.

The transverse cross-section of the crossbar 119-1, the rectangular portion 138, and the flexible filament 123-1 are generally in the shape of a flattened semi-ellipse or a flattened semi-oval, including flat bottom surfaces on the sides. This produces a D-shaped profile with generally flat opposing inner and outer surfaces, with a rounded top surface. However, it should be understood that the transverse cross-section of each of side member 131-1 (FIG. 3(d)) and beam 117-1 (FIG. 3(d)) may be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. .

Similar to fastener stock 16 (FIG. 1), paddle fastener stock 112 (FIG. 3(d)) may be used by the fastener dispensing system.

Fastener dispensing device 211

Referring now to FIG. 4 , there is shown a perspective view of an apparatus for dispensing individual plastic fasteners from a supply of continuously connected ladder-type stock, said apparatus being constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and generally designated by reference numeral 211 to identify. As will be described in detail below, apparatus 211 is preferably designed to operate using ladder-type equipment 111 . It should be understood, however, that device 211 may be modified to operate with alternative styles of continuously connected fastener stock without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Apparatus 211 includes first and second fastening distribution modules 213-1 and 213-2, respectively, coupled to a common mounting plate 215. In addition, modules 213-1 and 213-2 are independently connected to a common air source or supply 217 via corresponding air tubes 219-1 and 219-2, respectively. Modules 213 are designed together to dispense one or more fasteners 118 from fastener stock 111 . As will be described in detail below, modules 213-1 and 213-2 operate using completely independent indexing, cut-off and ejection mechanisms. As can be appreciated, the independent operation of the modules 213-1 and 213-2 results, inter alia, in a limited stress exerted on each fastener 118 during the ejection process, which is the main purpose of the present invention.

As briefly mentioned above, modules 213 - 1 and 213 - 2 are independently coupled to common mounting plate 215 . In this way, the spacing and angular orientation of the modules 213 can be modified to allow the device 211 to be used in a variety of possible applications, as will be described in further detail below.

Mounting plate 215 is herein presented in the shape of a generally rectangular plate constructed of a rigid and durable material such as metal. Plate 215 includes a substantially planar front surface 215-1 and a substantially planar rear surface 215-2. Mounting plate 215 is additionally shaped to define a pair of spaced apart slot-shaped openings 221-1 and 221-2 extending horizontally in a generally parallel relationship.

A plurality of sliders 223 are held within the slots 221, with a first pair of sliders 223 located in the upper slot 221-1 and a second pair of sliders 223 located in the lower slot 221-2. Each slider 223 is designed to travel linearly within its corresponding slot 221 and preferably includes an outwardly projecting tab or stop 225 at one end and an enlarged spool-shaped roller or stop at its opposite end. Gasket 227. Although not shown here, each slider 223 is shaped to include a circular aperture into which a fastening element can be inserted and in turn driven into threaded engagement with the housing of the corresponding module 213 . In this way, each module 213 is connected to a common mounting plate 215 via sliders 223 .

Preferably, each roller 227 can be locked in place within its corresponding slot 221 by inserting a fastening element into the central threaded hole of each roller 227 and tightening (e.g., using a screwdriver or other similar tool) middle. Specifically, tightening of the fastening element causes the enlarged front portion 227-1 of the roller 227 to frictionally engage the periphery of the particular slot 221 in which the roller is located. In this way, by adjusting and locking the position of slider 223 within slot 221, the relative spacing and orientation between modules 213 can be modified as desired by the user.

As a characteristic of the invention, it should be noted that the spacing between the modules 213 depends only on the width of the mounting plate 215 . Thus, by increasing the width of mounting plate 215, module 213 can be used in applications requiring very wide pin spacing (eg, larger item packaging applications). In contrast, the needle spacing of conventional single-module fastener dispensing devices is greatly limited by the width of the device housing, thereby preventing their use in certain applications.

As another feature of the invention, it should be noted that the modules 213 of the device 211 do not necessarily extend only in parallel relationship. Specifically, by adjusting the position of each slider 223 within the slot 221, the orientation of the modules 213 can be modified as desired. Furthermore, it should be understood that by modifying the design of each slot 221 (e.g., adopting a U-shaped configuration), the mounting plate 215 can be more appropriately designed to allow the modules 213 to be arranged in various non-parallel configurations, which in some applications Medium is especially important (for example, when pinning larger items to display cards).

The rear surface 215 - 2 of the mounting plate 215 is fixedly secured to a pair of spaced apart, vertically disposed L-shaped mounting brackets 229 . Additionally, handle 231 is fixedly secured to mounting bracket 229 in a similar manner. As can be seen, the handle 231 includes a generally U-shaped frame 231-1 fixedly secured to the mounting bracket 229 (e.g., by screws or other similar fastening elements) and extends laterally between the free ends of the frame 231-1. Grab bar 213-2. In this regard, it should be appreciated that by coupling mounting bracket 229 to one or more vertically displaceable elements, device 211 may be integrated into a variety of fastener dispensing environments. Thus, by pulling down onto the grip bar 231-2, the module 213 can be pulled vertically down so as to penetrate one or more items to be fastened together, as will be described in further detail below.

In this embodiment, modules 213-1 and 213-2 appear as exact mirror images of each other. For the sake of simplicity only, the following description mainly focuses on the details of the right module 213-2. However, it should be understood that the left module 213-1 is preferably configured as an exact mirror image of the right module 213-2.

Reference is now made to Figures 5 through 7, which show fully assembled, partially assembled, and exploded perspective views, respectively, of the right side module 213-2. As can be seen, the module 213-2 includes, inter alia, a substantially closed housing 241; a needle 243 coupled to the housing 241, said needle being suitable for penetrating one or more items to be fastened; The drive mechanism 245 powered by the operation of 213; the feed mechanism 247 for engaging the lowermost notch 125 in the fastener stock 111 and advancing the rail 113 to make it axially aligned just behind the needle 223; A cutting mechanism 249 that cuts the rail 113 at the midpoint between the lowermost cross-connects 117 and thereby separates the individual fasteners 118 from the fastener stock 111; 119 through the ejection mechanism 251 that the hollow needle 223 pushes out.

Housing 241 is preferably constructed of a rigid and durable material, such as steel, and serves, inter alia, to protect many of the internal components of module 213 . As can be seen, the housing 241 comprises a main chassis 253, a cover 255 having a generally L-shaped transverse cross-section, a top housing plate or bracket 257, a front support plate or bracket 259, and a rear support plate or bracket 261, These components are secured together at various locations by screws to collectively define a substantially enclosed interior cavity 263 sized to receive selected mechanical components of module 213-2.

The main chassis 253 is shaped to define a recess 265 in its interior surface sized to receive a spring piston 267 . As best seen in Figure 6, spring piston 267 comprises a piston block 268 seated within recess 265 and fixedly secured to main chassis 253 by screws (not shown). The piston 267 additionally includes a spring 269 that protrudes outward from the block 268 and applies continuous pressure to selected internal components within the module 213-2.

As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 , an elongated support shaft 271 extends longitudinally through interior cavity 263 , with one end of shaft 271 fittingly inserted into a corresponding interior hole formed in front end support plate or nose 259 , and the opposite end of the shaft 271 is secured to the rear interior surface of the main chassis 253 by a generally U-shaped gripping element or clamp 273 . As will be described further below, the shaft 271 not only provides structural support for the housing 241, but also acts as a longitudinally extending shaft on which the various mechanical components of the module 213-2 slide.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 , 8 and 9 , the hollow needle 243 includes an enlarged cylindrical base 275 and an elongated hollow needle shaft 277 extending from the front of the base 275 in a coaxial relationship with the cylindrical base 275 out. Collectively, base 275 and needle shaft 277 define a continuous longitudinal bore 279 sized to suitably receive rail 115 of fastener stock 111 , wherein an inwardly facing longitudinal slot 281 is formed along the length of needle 223, Cross-connects 117 protrude through the needles.

As best seen in FIG. 9 , base 275 is shaped to define a generally rectangular transverse notch 283 in its rounded exterior surface, with notch 283 extending inwardly so as to define a generally planar abutment surface 285 . As will be described further below, the inclusion of notch 283 to enable the use of manually operable lock 289 to retain needle 243 within complementary needle holder 287 is highly desirable.

The free end of the needle shaft 277 is in the shape of a spoon-shaped tip 291 that is sharpened so as to allow it to penetrate the object to which the device 211 is to be used. As can be appreciated, the hole 279 is slightly enlarged at the tip 291 (as shown in FIG. 8 ) to enable the severed crossbar 119 of the fastener 118 to clear the needle 223 during the fastener ejection process.

The needle holder 287 is configured as a generally rectangular block shaped to include a pair of vertical through holes 293 that correspond to a pair of corresponding vertically disposed threaded holes 295 formed in the front of the main chassis 253. Coaxial alignment. Accordingly, needle holder 287 may be fixedly mounted to the front end of main chassis 259 by driving a pair of screws (not shown) through holes 293 and threadedly engaged with holes 295, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 .

Needle holder 287 is additionally shaped to define a longitudinally extending slotted receptacle 297 sized to suitably receive base 275 of needle 243 . A transverse channel 299 extends partially through the middle of the needle holder 287, the channel 299 communicating with the slotted receptacle 297 for reasons that will become apparent hereinafter.

Needle 243 is releasably retained within receptacle 297 by manually operable needle lock 289 . As best seen in FIG. 9 , pin lock 289 is constructed as a one-piece L-shaped spring clip comprising a horizontal portion or base 301 , vertical portions or fingers 303 and a curved middle portion 305 . The base 301 is shaped to define a circular aperture 307 sized to suitably receive an upwardly extending post 309 formed on the front end of the main chassis 253, thereby securing the base 301 of the pin lock 289 Fixed to the main chassis 253. As best seen in FIG. 6 , needle lock 289 is configured such that fingers 303 protrude vertically through transverse channel 299 in needle holder 287 and into recess 283 (so as to abut surface 285 ). In this regard, needle lock 289 is designed to resiliently engage base 275 and thereby securely hold needle 243 in place within needle holder 287 .

To remove needle 243 from needle holder 287 (eg, for repair or replacement purposes), the user manually pivots the free end of finger 303 away from needle 243 as indicated by arrow A in FIG. 8 . When sufficient pressure is maintained on finger 303 such that needle lock 289 disengages from notch 283 , the user is free to withdraw needle 243 from needle block 287 . Once the new or repaired needle 243 is inserted back into the receptacle 297, the spring-based configuration of the needle lock 289 elastically returns the fingers 303 to engagement within the notches 299 upon removal of the manually applied pivoting force. . In this way, it should be understood that the pin lock 289 is designed to be operated by human hands and does not require the use of separate tools, which is the purpose of the present invention.

Referring back to Figures 6 and 7, a drive mechanism 245 is provided to pneumatically power the feeding mechanism 247, the cutting mechanism 249 and the ejection mechanism 251, as will be described in detail below. The drive mechanism 245 comprises a drive cylinder 311 externally mounted to the rear bracket 261, the drive cylinder 311 comprising an externally located air chamber 313 coupled to the compressed air supply 217 via a hose 219-1. Although not shown here, it should be noted that activation and deactivation of drive cylinder 311 is controlled by a valve assembly that can be actuated in any simplified manner (eg, by hand or foot).

The drive cylinder 311 additionally comprises a push rod 315 telescopically mounted within the air chamber 313 and adapted for axial displacement within the internal cavity 263 . A drive block or carriage 317 is mounted on the free end of the push rod 315 . Specifically, the drive carriage 317 is shaped to include a transverse opening 319 sized and shaped to suitably receive the free end of the push rod 315, wherein an adhesive is preferably placed in the opening 319 to hold the carriage in place. 317 is fixed on the push rod 315. The carriage 317 is similarly shaped to include a transverse hole 321 through which the support shaft 271 passes. In this way, activation and deactivation of drive cylinder 311 serves to longitudinally displace pushrod 315 , and in turn drive carriage 317 longitudinally back and forth within interior cavity 263 along support shaft 271 .

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7 and 10, the elongated drive rod 323 extends longitudinally within the interior cavity 263 and includes a first end 323-1 releasably coupled to the drive carriage 317 and fixedly connected to the drive carriage 317. The second end 323-2 of 325. As can be seen, the drive slider 325 is constructed as a one-piece, generally block-shaped component shaped to include a transverse hole 327 through which the support shaft 271 passes. Thus, it will be appreciated that activation and deactivation of the drive cylinder 311 serves to displace the drive carriage 317 longitudinally and in turn drive the carriage 325 back and forth along the support shaft 271 which will drive the movement of the carriage 325. Displacement is limited to a linear path within interior cavity 263 (ie, along a path parallel to the longitudinal axis of shaft 271 ). Additionally, a drive shoe roller 329 is rotatably mounted to and extends laterally outwardly from the drive shoe 325, the function of which will become apparent hereinafter.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 11 , feed mechanism 247 includes feed pawl 331 coupled to drive sled 325 by an L-shaped feed pawl cam or guide 333 . In this manner, the feed pawl 331 is driven by the drive mechanism 245 to selectively engage the fastener stock 111 and index the lowermost fastener 118 into a position behind the needle 243 for subsequent cutting and ejection, As will be described in further detail below.

Feed pawl 331 , shown alone in FIG. 12 , comprises a generally U-shaped feed pawl block or bracket 335 , and a triangular engagement tooth 337 pivotally connected to bracket 335 by a transverse pivot pin 339 . Feed pawl roller 341 is rotatably mounted on an exterior surface of bracket 335 and serves as a connection point for coupling feed pawl 331 to feed pawl cam 333 , as will be described in further detail below.

The triangular engaging tooth 337 is seated within the branched end of the bracket 335 and is resiliently biased outward (ie in the direction towards the fastener stock 111 ) by the spring 343 . It should be noted that the tooth 337 is adapted to rotate about the pin 339 in a counterclockwise direction (indicated by arrow B in FIG. 12 ) in order to compress the spring 343 . In this way, the tips of the teeth 337 may be pulled in a direction away from the fastener stock 111 . Upon releasing the pivoting force applied to the tooth 337 , the spring 343 resiliently biases the tooth 337 in a clockwise direction and engages the fastener stock 111 .

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 11 and 13, the feed pawl 331 is designed to travel along the top surface of a ramp-like feed pawl slider 345 fixedly mounted to the top surface of the main chassis 253, the front end of the slider 345 just Located behind the rear end of the needle holder 287 in slightly spaced relation thereto. The top surface of feed pawl slider 345 is shaped to define a longitudinal recess or channel 347 sized to receive the bottom surface of carriage 335 , wherein recess 347 limits displacement of carriage 335 to a linear path. Accordingly, as will be described in detail below, the feed pawl 331 is designed to selectively engage the lowermost notch 125 in the rail 115 of the ladder-type equipment 111 and in turn index the rail 115 to the rear of the needle 243. in place for the subsequent cut-off and ejection process.

As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 14 , a generally hollow feed pawl cover 349 , fastener retainer or shield 351 , and tension unit 353 are arranged in side-by-side relationship on the top surface of slider 345 and through lateral Driven fastening elements (not shown) are secured together. In this way, the cover 349 , the retainer 351 and the tension unit 353 together form a one-piece block fixed to the slider 345 .

The feed pawl cover 349 has an inverted U-shaped appearance in longitudinal cross-section and is mounted on the slider 345 above the feed pawl 331 . In this regard, it should be appreciated that the cover 349 serves to hold the branch bracket 335 in place within the channel 347 .

Fastener holders or shrouds 351 are fixedly secured to the top surface of slider 345 by a pair of vertically driven fastening elements (not shown). As best seen in Figure 14, the bottom surface of the retainer 351 is notched so as to define a narrower longitudinal guide channel 355 that is generally rectangular in transverse cross-section. As can be appreciated, the guide channel 355 is sized and shaped to receive the rail 115 of the fastener stock 111 and in turn guide the rail 115 to just behind the base 275 of the needle 243 coaxially aligned with the longitudinal hole 279 in the location.

Tension unit 353 includes a hollow tension bracket 357 fixedly secured to holder 351 and a vertically moveable tension block 359 seated within an interior recess in bracket 357 . Tension block 359 has an inverted T-shaped design and is adapted to selectively engage cross-link 117 on fastener stock 111 . In this way, by vertically displacing block 359 within bracket 357, the amount of frictional pressure exerted by block 359 on cross-link 117 can be adjusted, thereby enabling the user to modify the feed tension of module 213-1 (i.e. , the ease with which the rail 115 slides through the channel 355).

Referring back to FIG. 11 , the L-shaped feed pawl cam 333 is pivotally mounted to the side of the slider 345 by pivot screws (not shown) protruding through holes in the cam 333. Central boss 361 and threaded engagement within a transverse bore formed in slide block 345 . Feed pawl cam 333 is additionally shaped to include an upper slot 363 sized to receive feed pawl roller 341 and a lower slot 365 sized to receive drive sled roller 329 . Thus, forward displacement of drive sled roller 329 within slot 365 eventually causes feed pawl cam 333 to pivot in a clockwise direction, which in turn pulls feed pawl 331 rearward. In a similar manner, rearward displacement of drive shoe roller 329 within slot 365 eventually causes feed pawl cam 333 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction, which in turn pushes feed pawl 331 forward.

Accordingly, it should be understood that the feed pawl 331 is designed to travel rearwardly within the feed pawl channel 347 into a position just above the lowermost notch 125 in the side rail 115 with the teeth 337 to the extent necessary. Pivot in the counterclockwise direction so the fastener stock 111 does not inhibit the movement of the feed pawl 331 . After that, the feed pawl 331 is designed to travel forward, with the spring 343 elastically pushing the tip of the tooth 337 clockwise into the lowermost notch 125 and holding the tip of the tooth 337 firmly against the engagement surface 127 . Thus, as feed pawl 331 continues forward, teeth 337 engage fastener stock 111 and index rail 115 into axial alignment just behind base 275 of needle 243 .

Referring now to FIGS. 7 , 11 and 15 , the cutting mechanism 249 includes a blade assembly 367 coupled to the drive slide 325 by a knife contour 369 . As will be described in further detail below, the blade assembly 367 is designed to be displaced vertically by the drive mechanism 245 in order to sever the rail 115 at approximately the midpoint between the two lowermost cross-links 117 .

As best seen in FIG. 15 , blade assembly 367 includes a block-shaped blade holder 371 and a vertically extending blade 373 coupled together by rivets or other similar fastening elements.

The blade holder 371 is suitably received within a vertical recess 375 formed in the top surface of the main chassis 253 just behind the needle holder 287 . A rectangular retention rod 377 is connected to the main chassis 253 and extends across the recess 375 to permanently retain the blade holder 371 within the recess 375, as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 . It will thus be appreciated that the blade holder 371 is constrained to displace along a vertical path within the recess 375, wherein the protrusion on the chassis 253 extends into the recess 375 and thereby defines a range of vertical displacement.

Blade 373 is fixedly attached to the front surface of holder 371 (by rivets or other similar fastening elements) and extends vertically upward therefrom, as shown in FIG. 15 . The blade 373 includes an enlarged tab 379 connected to the blade holder 371 by a narrow connecting arm 381, the tab 379 including a sharp cutting surface 381 along its bottom edge.

In addition, a knife roller 383 is rotatably mounted on a side surface of the blade holder 371 . As will be described in further detail below, knife roller 383 serves as a connection point by which blade assembly 367 is coupled to drive mechanism 245 .

As best seen in FIG. 11 , the knife cam 369 is in the shape of an elongated rectangular plate fixedly coupled at one end to the side of the drive slider 325 and protruding therefrom in a forward direction. The knife former 369 is shaped to include a longitudinal slot 385 sized to receive a knife roller 383 . As can be seen, the slot 385 runs horizontally along most of its length and then slopes sharply downward at its forward end.

As mentioned above, the blade holder 371 is suitably retained within a recess 375 in the main chassis 253 that limits its displacement along a vertical path. In addition, the blade holder 371 is positioned just behind the rear of the needle 243 with the cutting surface 381 positioned just above the rail 115 as shown in FIG. 11 . Thus, it should be understood that when the knife cam 369 is pulled rearwardly by the drive slider 325 , the knife roller 383 travels forwardly within the slot 385 . When the knife roller 383 reaches the front of the knife profile plate 369, the downward angle of the slot 385 pulls the blade 373 vertically downward, thereby pulling the cutting surface 381 against the rail 115 of the fastener stock 111. Contacting is performed as will be described in further detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the ejection mechanism 251 includes an elongated L-shaped ejection rod 387 fixedly coupled at one end to the drive carriage 317 and extending longitudinally within the interior cavity 263 , wherein the rod 387 is formed by C-shaped guide blocks 389 on the top surface of the main chassis 253 are supported and held in place. The free end of ejector rod 387 is positioned in coaxial alignment with bore 279 in needle 243 (and guide channel 355 and receptacle 297 in needle holder 287). Accordingly, it will be appreciated that forward displacement of the drive carriage 317 within the interior cavity 263 causes the free end of the ejector rod 387 to axially penetrate the bore 279 in the needle 243 and, in turn, push the transverse direction of the severed fastener 118 . The rod 121 is expelled through a sharp tip 291 .

As a main feature of the invention, the device 211 is designed such that the ejection mechanisms 251 of the modules 213-1 and 213-2 respectively operate independently of each other. Specifically, the device 211 is configured such that the pair of ejection rods 387 penetrate their corresponding needles 243 in an offset or staggered relationship. As will be described further below, the offset relationship between the pair of ejection rods 387 reduces the stress placed on the fastener 118 during the dispensing process.

It will be appreciated that inherent imperfections in the delivery of air from source 217 to the pair of drive cylinders 311 will cause ejector rod 387 to penetrate needle 243 in an offset or out-of-phase relationship. It should be noted, however, that various design embodiments may be applied to the device 211 to ensure offset penetration of the needle 243 by the pair of ejection rods 387 . Examples of means for ensuring offset penetration of the needle 243 include, but are not limited to, adjusting the speed of each of the pair of cylinders 331, modifying the position of each of the pair of ejection rods 387, and/or length, and or vary the size and/or length of the pair of hoses 219 (ie, non-uniform delivery of compressed air to the cylinder 331).

It should also be understood that the novel offset ejection process described in detail above may be implemented in a similar manner in a fastener dispensing device comprised of a single module. For example, a single cylinder may be utilized to drive a single drive carriage. However, it is possible to mount a pair of ejector rods in an offset relationship to a common drive carriage (for example, by using ejector rods of different lengths). Thus, when the drive carriage is advanced within the device housing, the free ends of the pair of ejection rods will penetrate a corresponding pair of needles in offset relationship.

Operation of the Fastener Dispensing Device 211

Referring back to FIG. 4 , fastener dispensing device 211 may be used in the following manner to separate plastic fastener 118 from ladder stock 111 and in turn drive separated fastener 118 through at least one item. As a preliminary step, the modules 213 of the device 211 are first arranged in an optimal configuration for a given application. Specifically, device 211 is optimized for use by adjusting the spacing and angular relationship between modules 213 (ie, by loosening sliders 223, moving modules 213 within rails 221, and then retightening sliders 223).

After module 213 is positioned in the desired configuration for a given application, rails 113 and 115 of fastener stock 111 are fed into feed channels 355-1 and 355-2, respectively. With the lowermost segments of rails 113 and 115 positioned in axial alignment just behind needles 243-1 and 243-2, device 211 is then activated by the user (eg, by depressing a foot pedal or the like).

Referring now to Figures 16(a) to 16(c), upon activation of the drive cylinder 311 of each module 213 (e.g., by hand or foot activation of the valve), each carriage 317 slides in the forward direction F and along The lengths of both the drive rod 323 and the support shaft 271 travel axially, as shown in Figure 16(a). Accordingly, each carriage 317 axially drives its ejection rod 387 through the longitudinal hole 279 in its corresponding needle 243 , thereby ejecting any fasteners 118 that are separated from the fastener stock 111 .

At the same time, it should be appreciated that each spring piston 267 exerts continuous pressure on the rear of its corresponding drive slider 325 in order to maintain the drive slider 325 in its forwardmost position. As can be appreciated, the forward position of each drive slide 325 similarly places its knife cam 369 in its forward most position. With each knife cam 369 so positioned, its corresponding knife roller 383 is in the rearmost position within the slot 385 . Due to the specific shape of the slot 385, the rearward position of the knife roller 383 within the slot 385 places the cutting edge 381 of the blade 373 vertically upward and away from the fastener stock 111, as shown by Fig. 16(a). Arrow U indicates.

Furthermore, the forward position of each drive shoe 325 similarly results in drive shoe roller 329 being positioned within the forward portion of slot 365 in feed pawl cam 333 . Thus, the feed pawl cam 333 positions its feed pawl 331 slightly above the lowermost notch 125 in the rail of its corresponding fastener stock 111 .

At this point during the operating cycle of each module 213, its corresponding carriage 317 begins a backward stroke and travels axially along the length of both the drive rod 323 and the support shaft 271, the rearward displacement being represented by FIG. Arrow R in 16(b). Eventually, each carriage 317 contacts and grasps the enlarged first end 323 - 1 of its corresponding drive rod 323 . Because the rearward force applied to drive rods 323 by carriage 317 is greater than the forward force applied to it by spring piston 267, each drive rod 323 is pulled rearwardly by its first end 323-1, which in turn The drive slider 325 is displaced rearward.

Rearward displacement of each drive sled 325 causes its drive sled roller 329 to travel rearward within slot 365, which in turn causes feed pawl cam 333 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction. Counterclockwise rotation of the feed pawl cam 333 indexes (ie, advances) the feed pawl 331 forward, as indicated by arrow I in FIG. 16( b ). As each feed pawl 331 is pushed forward, its finger 337 is spring biased into engagement with the lowermost notch 125 and in turn indexes the side rail of its corresponding fastener stock 111 into the This corresponds to a position behind the needle 243 .

With the fastener stock 111 now advanced into its proper position, further rearward displacement of each drive rod 323 will pull its knife cam 369 rearward until its knife roller 383 faces forward within the slot 385 moves, which in turn pulls its blade 373 downwards, as represented by arrow D in FIG. 16(c). This downward displacement of each blade 373 ultimately severes the lowermost fastener 118 from the ladder stock 111 , thereby completing the backward stroke of the drive cylinder 311 .

When each drive carriage 317 begins its second forward stroke, as shown in FIG. Longitudinal hole 279. In this regard, the pair of ejection rods 387 is used to eject the severed crossbars 119 and 121 of the fastener 118 through the pair of hollow needles 243 . Simultaneously, the spring piston 267 elastically moves the drive slide 325 back into its forwardmost position for further indexing and cut-off of the ladder stock 111 .

As a feature of the present invention, the pair of ejector rods 387 are driven independently (ie, each ejector rod 387 is driven by its own drive cylinder 311 independently coupled to the air supply 217). As briefly mentioned above, the ejection rods 387 penetrate the needles 243 in an offset or out-of-phase relationship to limit the stress on each fastener 118 during the ejection process. In particular, referring now to FIG. 17 , a simplified representation of an apparatus 211 for pushing individual fasteners 118 through an object O is shown. In the present example, drive cylinder 225-1 operates faster than the other drive cylinder 225-2 (eg, as a result of deliberate adjustments to device 211 or an inherent defect in the delivery of air). Thus, ejector rod 387-1 first ejects crossbar 119 through the open tip of needle 243-1, as demonstrated in FIG. 17 . Once complete, the ejector rod 387-2 then ejects the crossbar 121 through the open tip of the needle 243-2. Accordingly, the temporary stretching forces applied to the fastener 118 during the ejection process are staggered or offset, thereby limiting the maximum stress level applied to the fastener 118, and thus limiting the chances of the fastener breaking. risk, which is the main purpose of the present invention.

As defined herein, use of the term "offset" means that each of crossbars 119 and 121 is pushed out of its corresponding needle 243 in an out-of-phase relationship. In other words, crossbars 119 and 121 are not ejected from needle 243 at the same time.

Applications of the fastener dispensing device 211

As mentioned above, by coupling mounting bracket 229 to one or more vertically displaceable elements, fastener dispensing device 211 may be integrated into various fastener dispensing environments. For example, referring now to FIG. 18 , there is shown a fastener dispensing system generally identified by the reference numeral 411 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

As can be seen, the fastener dispensing system 411 comprises a fastener dispensing device 211; a mounting stand 413 to which the fastener dispensing device 211 is slidably coupled; The balance weight 415 on the platform 413.

Mounting stand 413 represents any stand that may be used to hold and displace fastener dispensing device 211 along a defined vertical path. For example, mounting stand 413 may be of the type described in US Patent No. 6,732,899 to J.R. Franks, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, the mounting stand 413 includes a vertical beam 417 adapted to be secured to a workstation or other similar surface and upper, middle, and lower posts 419, 421, and 423, each of which has a One of the ends is fixed to a vertical beam 417 .

As can be seen, upper horizontal strut 419 supports counterweight 415 . In this manner, counterweight 415 may be tethered to fastener dispensing device 211 to resiliently urge device 211 upward. As such, upon releasing the handle 213, the sharpened needle 243 is lifted upwards and away from the work area for safety purposes.

A pair of spaced parallel shafts 425 extend vertically between the middle and lower struts 421 and 423 . A ball bearing mount (not shown) is coupled to each shaft 425 and can slide axially thereon. Thus, by coupling bracket 229 to the pair of ball bearing mounts, mount 413 limits displacement of device 211 to displacement along a linear path, with optional collar 429 mounted on shaft 425 to limit vertical displacement. The range of straight shifts.

In use, the system 411 may be used to dispense plastic fasteners 118 from the supply of fastener stocks 111 in the following manner. In particular, the desired item to be secured with fastener 118 is preferably positioned on an anvil (not shown) or other similar flat support surface positioned just below needle 243 . With the supply of fastener stock 111 loaded into the device 211, the handle 231 is grasped and displaced vertically downward until the needle 243 penetrates the desired item. At this point, the user activates pneumatic operation of device 211, which in turn dispenses plastic fastener 118 through the article. Once complete, retraction of the handle 231 causes the device 211 to retract upwardly via the counterweight 415 until required for future use.

It can thus be seen in accordance with the present invention that a highly advantageous fastener dispensing device and fastener stock for use in connection therewith has been provided. While the invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and that other modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. With numerous modifications and equivalent arrangements, the scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to cover all equivalent structures and products.

The inventor hereby indicates that when its invention relates to any device, system, method or article that does not materially depart from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims but falls outside the literal scope thereof, the inventors intend to rely on equivalents Principles to determine and evaluate the reasonable and fair scope of its inventions.

Claims (33)

1. securing member spare unit, described securing member spare unit comprise:

(a) the first siding track bar;

(b) with isolated the second siding track bar of described the first siding track bar; And

(c) described first and described the second siding track bar between horizontal expansion and make described first with multiple cross connections of described the second siding track bar interconnection;

(d) wherein said first with described the second siding track bar in each through being shaped to comprise recess, described first and described the second siding track bar on described recess back to each other.

2. securing member spare unit according to claim 1, wherein said first with described the second siding track bar in each through being shaped to comprise a series of recesses, described first and described the second siding track bar on described serial recess back to each other.

3. securing member spare unit according to claim 2, each in wherein said offside rail bar comprises lower surface, the relative interior of flat and the top surface of outer surface and rounding of flat.

4. securing member spare unit according to claim 3, each in wherein said serial recess forms in the described flat outer surface of its corresponding siding track bar.

5. securing member spare unit according to claim 4, wherein each recess partly extends internally to define inwall smooth, vertical extension from the described outer surface of its corresponding siding track bar.

6. securing member spare unit according to claim 5, wherein each recess approximate midpoint place between continuous cross connection in its corresponding siding track bar forms.

7. securing member spare unit according to claim 6, wherein each recess has trapezoidal substantially profile in longitudinal cross-section, and comprises vertical forward position composition surface and angled rear portion release surface.

8. securing member spare unit according to claim 1, wherein said securing member spare unit are oar formula securing member spare unit.

9. one kind for distributing the device of plastic fastener from the supply of securing member spare unit, described securing member spare unit are through being shaped to comprise a pair of continuous siding track bar, multiple lateral cross butt couplings are to described siding track bar, each securing member comprises a pair of cross bar interconnecting by least one filament, and described device comprises:

(a) be suitable for distributing described first module to the one in cross bar of described securing member; And

(b) be suitable for distributing described second module to the another one in cross bar of described securing member;

(c) wherein said the first module and described the second module are separated from one another.

10. device according to claim 9, securing member is described to cross bar described in wherein said the first module and described the second module independent allocation.

11. devices according to claim 10, wherein said the first module and described the second module are distributed described to cross bar with offset relationship.

12. devices according to claim 10, wherein said the first module and described the second module are by public air-source pneumatic actuation independently.

13. devices according to claim 9, wherein said the first module and described the second module are independently coupled in common mounting board.

14. devices according to claim 13, wherein spacing and the angular orientation between the above first module of described common mounting board and described the second module is adjustable.

15. devices according to claim 14, wherein said common mounting board is through being shaped to comprise slit, a pair of slide block remains in described slit, described one in slide block is fixedly connected to described the first module and described another one in slide block is fixedly connected to described the second module.

16. devices according to claim 15, wherein each slide block is suitable at described slit internal shift and with can delivery mode in locking in position.

17. 1 kinds for distributing the device of plastic fastener from the supply of securing member spare unit, described securing member spare unit are through being shaped to comprise a pair of continuous siding track bar, multiple lateral cross butt couplings are to described siding track bar, each securing member comprises a pair of cross bar interconnecting by least one filament, and described device comprises:

(a) be suitable for distributing described first module to the one in cross bar of described securing member, described the first module comprises;

(i) through being shaped to define the shell of internal cavities;

(ii) be coupled to the pin of described shell, described pin is through being shaped to define continuous longitudinal hole;

(iii) be suitable for advancing one in described continuous siding track bar to make it just in time the feed mechanism of axially aligning at the rear of the described longitudinal hole of described pin;

(iv) be suitable for cutting described one in the described continuous siding track bar shut-off mechanism so that the first cross bar is separated with it; And

(v) be suitable for promoting described the first cross bar by the ejecting mechanism of the described longitudinal hole in described pin.

18. devices according to claim 17, wherein said feed mechanism, shut-off mechanism and ejecting mechanism are coupled to common drive mechanism.

19. devices according to claim 17, wherein said pin comprises:

(a) enlarged cylindrical shape substrate; And

(b) with relation from the described substrate extended elongate hollow shank coaxial with described substrate, described substrate and described shank define described continuous longitudinal hole jointly;

(c) wherein said substrate is through being shaped to be defined in the recess in its outer surface.

20. devices according to claim 19, the lateral cross of wherein said recess is that rectangle and described recess define the planar abutment surfaces in described substrate substantially.

21. devices according to claim 20, further comprise the pin holder that is coupled to described shell, described pin holder through be shaped with define through set size with receive described pin described substrate have groove received block and with the described interconnection that has groove received block to be communicated with.

22. devices according to claim 21, further comprise pin lock, described pin lock comprise be coupled to regularly the first end of described shell, from come-at-able the second end in outside and be suitable for being projected in the described passage described pin holder and optionally engage the center section of the described recess in described pin.

23. devices according to claim 18, wherein said feed mechanism is suitable for optionally engaging the described one in described continuous siding track bar.

24. devices according to claim 23, wherein said feed mechanism comprises the ratchet that is fed to that is coupled to described driving mechanism, described in be fed to ratchet and comprise:

(a) be fed to pawl bracket;

(b) be fed to the tooth of pawl bracket described in being pivotally connected to; And

(c) be fed to the spring of pawl bracket described in described tooth is connected to, described spring promotes described tooth to be made it to engage with the described one selectivity in described continuous siding track bar.

25. devices according to claim 24, wherein said feed mechanism further comprises the ratchet slide block that is fed to that is coupled to regularly described shell, the described ratchet slide block that is fed to has through being shaped to comprise the top surface of recess, and described recess is through setting size to be fed at least a portion of pawl bracket described in receiving.

26. 1 kinds for distributing the device of plastic fastener, and described plastic fastener comprises a pair of cross bar interconnecting by least one filament, and described device comprises:

(a) through being shaped to define the first pin of longitudinal hole;

(b) be suitable for described in axial penetration the described longitudinal hole in the first pin and by described to the one in cross bar the first push-off pin from wherein releasing;

(c) through being shaped to define the second pin of longitudinal hole; And

(d) be suitable for described in axial penetration the described longitudinal hole in the second pin and by described to the another one in cross bar the second push-off pin from wherein releasing;

(e) wherein said the first push-off pin and described the second push-off pin operate with offset relationship.

27. devices according to claim 26, wherein said the first push-off pin and described the second push-off pin are by drive.

28. 1 kinds for distributing the module of indivedual plastic fasteners from the supply of securing member spare unit, described securing member spare unit are through being shaped to comprise continuous siding track bar, described continuous siding track bar is coupled in multiple cross connections, described continuous siding track bar is through being shaped to comprise recess, described indivedual plastic fastener is included in an end and is coupled to the filament of cross bar, and described module comprises:

(a) shell;

(b) be coupled to the pin of described shell, described pin is through being shaped to define longitudinal hole;

(c) be suitable for optionally engaging described recess and advance described siding track bar to make it the feed mechanism that just in time axially align at the described longitudinal hole rear at described pin;

(d) be suitable for cutting the shut-off mechanism of described siding track bar so that the first cross bar is separated with it; And

(e) be suitable for promoting described the first cross bar by the ejecting mechanism of the described longitudinal hole in described pin.

29. 1 kinds for distributing the module of indivedual plastic fasteners from the supply of securing member spare unit, described securing member spare unit are through being shaped to comprise continuous siding track bar, described continuous siding track bar is coupled in multiple cross connections, described indivedual plastic fastener is included in an end and is coupled to the filament of cross bar, and described module comprises:

(a) shell;

(b) be coupled to the pin of described shell, described pin is through being shaped to define continuous longitudinal hole;

(c) be coupled to the pin holder of described shell, described pin holder has groove received block to define through setting size with what receive described pin through being shaped;

(d) be fixedly connected to described shell and be suitable for optionally engaging can locking by pivotable pin of described pin;

(e) be suitable for advancing described continuous siding track bar to make it just in time the feed mechanism of axially aligning at the rear of the described longitudinal hole of described pin;

(f) be suitable for cutting the shut-off mechanism of described continuous siding track bar so that the first cross bar is separated with it; And

(g) be suitable for promoting described the first cross bar by the ejecting mechanism of the described longitudinal hole in described pin.

30. modules according to claim 28, wherein said pin comprises:

(a) enlarged cylindrical shape substrate; And

(b) with relation from the described substrate extended elongate hollow shank coaxial with described substrate, described substrate and described shank define described continuous longitudinal hole jointly;

(c) wherein said substrate is through being shaped to be defined in the recess in its outer surface.

31. modules according to claim 28, the lateral cross of wherein said recess is that rectangle and described recess define the planar abutment surfaces in described substrate substantially.

32. modules according to claim 31, wherein said pin holder is through being shaped to comprise and the described interconnection that has groove received block to be communicated with in addition.

33. modules according to claim 32, wherein said pin lock comprise be coupled to regularly the first end of described shell, from come-at-able the second end in outside and be suitable for being projected in the described passage described pin holder and optionally engage the center section of the described recess in described pin.