GB595887A - A method of and apparatus for making mattresses, cushions and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

595,887. Spring upholstery. HODGES, F. G. July 20, 1945, No. 18666. [Class 52(iv)] Spring assemblies comprising upholstery springs 31 secured together in succession and also to upper and lower sheets 151, 150 of sisal or other material by staples 201, 202, Fig. 14, are produced automatically by a machine having a transverse battery of pairs of feeding-chains 41, 42, Fig. 4, which receive gravity-fed springs from hoppers 30. Pegs 60 on the chains convey the springs to troughs with resilient sides 95 and transversely reciprocating end plates 101 which push the springs against similar plates 105, Fig. 6, and a retractable rotary stop 136 then turns the spring to bring the end knot into a predetermined position in which it will not obstruct the stapling operation. A vertically reciprocating frame 16, 17 18, Fig. 1 actuated by a connecting rod 23 has pairs of dependent plates 91, 92, Fig. 4, mounted thereon which carry each spring downwardly and inserts it between the fabric sheets 150, 151 and in contact with the preceding spring. Claws 161, 162 descend and feed the fabric downwardly until the spring arrives at the stapling position, Fig. 9, and cam-operated stapling-heads 167 then insert staples through the sheets and around the abutting end turns of the springs, the plates 91, 92 serving as stapling anvils. In this position arms 157, 158 open the claws and the cycle of operations is repeated. The feeding chains 41, 42 are ratchet-operated by a rack 46 on the upstroke only of the reciprocating frame and by omitting feed pegs 60 a gap is left between a desired sequence of springs to facilitate severance into squabs by a blade 207 at the outlet. The main drive is continuous, the pulley 27 being geared to the wheel 22 actuating the connecting rod 23. Separate motors drive the transversely moving plate 101 and the spring-turning device 136 and timing is effected by lugs on the moving parts which operate limit switches to start, stop and reverse the motors. The stapling devices are continuously driven by separate motors 172, 173 and a single cycle operation is performed when clutches 180, 181 are actuated by trip levers 190 and projections 182, Fig. 1, on the vertically reciprocating frame.