US1798969A

US1798969A - Button-attaching machine

Info

Publication number: US1798969A
Application number: US565420A
Authority: US
Inventors: John M Clark
Original assignee: UNIVERSAL BUTTON FASTENING AND
Current assignee: UNIVERSAL BUTTON FASTENING AND; UNIVERSAL BUTTON FASTENING AND BUTTON Co
Priority date: 1922-06-02
Filing date: 1922-06-02
Publication date: 1931-03-31
Anticipated expiration: 1948-03-31

Description

March 31, 1931. J. M. CLARK BUTTON ATTACHING MACHINE Filed June 2, 1922 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 $7222, 01 Clawk.

March 31, 1931. J, M CLARK 1,798,969

BUTTON AITACHTNG MACHINE Filed June 2, 1922 T Sheets-Sheet, 2

March 31, 1931. CLARK BUTTON ATTAGHING MACHINE Filed June 2, 1922 T Sheets-Sheet 3 ndentom March 31, 1931. CLARK 1,798,969

BUTTON ATTACHING MACHINE Filed June 2, 1922 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 March 31, 1931. J. M. CLARK 1,798,969

BUTTON ATTACHING MACHINE Filed June 2, 1922 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 March 31, 1931. J. M. CLARK 1,798,969

BUTTON ATTACHING MACHINE Filed June 2, 1922 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 ndanicm @127??? 1 1. 6207'? Gato ade g March 31, 1931. J, M CLARK 1,798,969

BUTTON ATTACHING MACHINE Filed June 2 1922 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 rub auto:

?ZAM2 Grandmas Patented Mar. 31, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE JOHN M. CLARK, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO UNIVERSAL BUTTON FASTEN- ENG AND BUTTON COMPANY, 033 DETROIT, MICHIGAN, A CORPORATION OF MICH- IGAN BUTTON-ATTACHING MACHINE Application filed June 2, 1922. Serial No. 565,420.

This invention relates to button attaching machines or the like. Among other objects the invention is intended to provide an improved and simplified machine which is more reliable in operation and relatively less enpe'nsive to construct, and is not so likely to fail to function because of wear or slight irregularities in the buttons or fasteners used in the machine.

The invention consists in the novel constructions, combinations, and arrangements, hereinafter described or claimed for carrying out the above stated objects and such other objects as will appear from the following specification.

if Ii The character of the invention may be best understood by reference to one illustrative machine embodying the invention and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In said drawings;

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the machine.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation, partly in section, of one side of the machine.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation, partly in section, of the other side of the machine.

Fig. 4: is a. perspective view of a portion of the button delivery mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a vertical section taken on a line corresponding to line5-5 of Fig. 4.

I Fig. 6 is a detail section taken on the line 6-( of Fig. *1, showing a safety device.

Fig. 7 is a sectional elevation of the button adjusting mechanism.

Figs. 8 and 9 are perspective views of parts of the mechanism shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 10 is a vertical section through a ,portion of the setting mechanism.

Fig. 11 is a plan view of certain mechanism for handling the fastener.

Fig. 12 is a vertical section of the main driving shaft and certain related mechanism.

Fig. 13 is a detail section of the driving clutch and brake.

Fig. 14 is a section taken along'the line 14:44 of Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a section taken along the line 15-15 of Fig. 13.

Fig. 16 is a perspective View of the operating slide.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a rod for operating certain parts of the fastener ha'n dling mechanism.

Fig. 18 is a plan section taken on 18-18 of Fig. 16.

Fig. 19 is a plan view of the fastener trans ferrin g device.

Fig, 20 is a plan section of a detail taken on the line 2020 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 21 is a plan section of a detail taken on the line Ell-21 of Fig. 2 illustrating the arrangen'ient of certain of the cams;

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a portion of the fastener handling mechanism.

Fig 23 (Sheet 3) is a cross section of the operating slide taken on the line 2323 of Fig. 3. a

Fig. 24 is a vertical section through the button and fastener hoppers.

Fig. 25 is a section taken along the line 25-25 of Fig. 24 showing part of the fastener hopper. 1 1

Fig. 26 is a section of the button hopper taken on the line 2626 of Fig. 24:.

Fig. 27 is an enlarged detail view of a portion of the button hopper.

Fig. 28 is an enlarged detail View of a portion of the fastener hopper.

The present machine is intended to fasten automatically buttons of the bar typeto fabrics, clothing or the like. The term bar button is intended to include buttons having a bar or functionally equivalent member by means of which the button is secured to whatever article desired. In the arrangement illustrated, the button is secured automatically by a two-pronged or double-pointed fastener, the prongs or legs of which are bent or upset by suitable tools around or in engagement with the bar of the button. These and similar buttons'and fasteners require a relative arrangement or adjustment prior to fastening toenable the parts properly to engage. For instance, in the specific types of buttons and fasteners illustrated, it is desired that the buttons and fasteners be adjusted relatively to each other prior to fastening to enable the prongs of the fastener to straddle the bar or equivalent member when the two parts are assembled and fastened together.

the line Among other. purposeauthe present -ma.-.

chine is intended to improve upon prior machines and devices by securing more reliable operation, by decreasing the number of parts, thus lessening the cost of construction and the opportunity for mal-adjustment, and by arranging certain parts to supply. the buttons and fasteners to the point of attachment without obstructing the free movement of the operator. I

In the drawings, 10 represents the frame or casting of the machine, provided with a base 11 and being so proportioned as to present a pleasing appearance. Projecting from the frame are

housings

12 and 13 carrying the attaching or setting mechanisms. These mechanisms comprise in general upper and

lower setting tools

14 and 15, respectively, for operatively uniting a button and fastener.

Suitable mechanism, hereinafter described, places a fastener 16 between the jaws 17 with the head thereof resting upon the tool 15. The jaws 17 are pivoted in the housing at 18 and pressed together by fiat springs 19. Preferably, the inner faces of the jaws are slightly beveled, as indicated at 20, so as to provide a converging recess to receive the fastener. Preferably. also the inner faces of the jaw are notched slightly at the proper position for the leading leg of the fastener to afford a reliable means for correctly positioning the fastener. The tool 15 is raised and lowered by a lever 21 pivoted at 22 and having a surface 23 engaging the lower portion of the tool member. Preferably, the lever is rovided with a finger piece 24 by means of which the tool 15 may be lifted manually to eject a fastener from the jaws. The tool 15 operates in a position between the aws and is arranged at the proper tune to open them to release the fastener, at the same time raising it above the jaws. The mechanism for operating the lower, tool will be hereinafter described. 3.

.The tool 14 is carried within a reciprocating sleeve 25 mounted in the housing 12, The sleeve 25 is reciprocated by a lever 26 pivoted at27 and having a curved rack 28 mesh ng with a rack 29 on the sleeve. The mechanism for reciprocating the sleeve will be described hereinafter. The tool 14 is res liently connected with the sleeve by means of a compression spring 30 intended to permit the tool 14 to yield when a certain pressure has been reached. .A button 31 is held in operative relationto the end of the tool 15 by suitable means such as button-holding jaws 32. The button-holding jaws have elongated bodies 33 slightly resilient and are connected to a collar 34 fitting around the sleeve 25. The collar 34 is detachably connected with the sleeve 25 through a locking member or dog 35 carried by the collar and pressed outwardly by the spring 36. When the locklng dog 1s seated in one of the recesses 37 in the sleeve, the aws are operatively connected with the sleeve and move with the tool 14 holding the button in proper position relative thereto.

A button is placed by suitable mechanism, hereinafter described, between the recessed faces 38 of the jaws and as carried thereby into engagement with the fastener upon the downward movement of the sleeve 25. The fabric of the article to which the button is to be attached is placed over the lower projecting housing with the exact part, to which the button is to be'attached, located over the fastener. The button and fastener are then brought together and when the collar 34 engages theupp-er end 39 of the housing, the dog 35 is forced out of engagement with the recess 37, thus mechanically disconnecting the jaws from the sleeve 25 and permitting the tool 14 to move relatively to the jaws. In the event that the cloth or garment is of great thickness, it may happen that the jaws 32 will strike the cloth before the collar 34 engages the housing. In that case, when sufficient pressure is exerted by the jaws, the dog 35 will be forced out of the recess'37' as before. The tool 14 moves downward ejecting the button from the jaws and exerting sufiicient pres sure upon the parts properly to set the prongs of the fastener. The upward movement of the tool 15 opens the jaws 17 and releases the fastener.

Upon the return movement of the tool 14, the dog 35 enters the upper recess 37 and carries the collar 34 and jaws upward until the movement of the collar is arrested by the head of the adjustable screw 40. The further upward movement of the sleeve brings the dog 35 into registry with the lower recess 37. In this position, as stated above, the jaws are properly positioned to receive the next button. I

Fasteners are supplied from a suitable receptacle of sufficient capacity, such as a hopper 41 having a rotary portion 42 of general conical shape, mounted on shaft 43 carried by the upper portion of the frame 10. The hopper is provided with a plurality of apertures through which the fasteners may pass in a predetermined position. This adjustment of fasteners enables the placing of a fastener in the setting position in a predetermined position. In the arrangement illustrated, the edge 44 of the rotary member is provided with a plurality of slots 45 through'which the legs of the fasteners may pass when arranged with one leg in advance of theother. The edge of the rotary member is spaced a suflicient distance from the edge of the stationary portion of the hopper to provide a space'46 through which the heads of the fasteners may pass when the legs thereof are located properly in one of theslots 45. This space and the slots 45 are made sufficiently large to accommodate various sizes of fasteners employed.

The stationary portion of the hopper is provided with a closing flange 47 extending a portion of the distance around the periphery of the rotary member. At a suitable point at the periphery of the rotary member, a, race way a8 is secured for receiving the fasteners which passthrough the slots 45. The raceway is of general rectangular shape having a slot 49 along one side intowhich the legs of the fasteners project. The interior of the race way is made sufficiently wide and deep to accommodate the heads of various sizes of fasteners, the predetermined arrangement of the fasteners being maintained by the slot 49, along which the legs of the fastener slide one in advance of the other.

The rotary member 42 is provided with a spring-pressed catch 50, the end of which is intendedto engage one of a number of notches or recesses 51 in a member 52 secured to the end of the shaft 43. The rotation of the hopper is effected by the chainoS through the shaft 43 and the catch 50. The depth of the notches is not sufficient to prevent the rotation of the member 42 by hand, independently of the rotation of the shaft, in case this becomes necessary to dislodge an improperly placed fastener, or for other reasons. During the manual operation of the hopper, the catch 50 merely rides in and out of the various notches 51. For emptying the hopper, the catch 50 is withdrawn and. the member 4-2 pulled out upon the shaft a sufficient distance to permit the discharge of the fasteners through the space 46, which then becomes of considerable width, Fasteners are introduced through the opening 54 in the hopper provided with hinged cover The fasteners are conducted by the raceway 48 to a suitable position sufficiently to the rear of the setting point as not to interfere with the freedom of movement of the operator. A suitable device is associated with the raceway 48 for removing one fastener at a time therefrom and delivering it to suitable mechanism by means of which it is placed in setting position. In the present instance, the raceway terminates at a rotary disk-like member 56 (Figs. 2 and 22) positioued preferably a sufficient distance behind the setting point. This disk is provided with T-shaped slot 57 passing from one face to the other of the disk and shaped to receive a fastener with the legs thereof one above the other. the depth of the disk bein suflicieut to receive only one fastener. The disk is pivoted to rotate about its center 58 to carry one fastener at a time from the end of the race way to a point 59 which, in the present case, is directly behind the setting point. In this position the fastener falls through the slot and slides by gravity down an inclined su face 60 into the fastener passage 61. When the slot 57 is moved from registry with the end of thefastener raceway, the blank portion 62 of the disk passes across the end of the raceway and retains the lowermost fastener there n.

The slot 57 is moved from a position of registry with the raceway to the position 59 and back again by oscillating the disk 56 (Fig. 18);. This is effected by a rod 63 having a recess 1- engaging loosely apin 65 projecting from the lower side of the disk. The rod 63 is r ciprocated by suitable mechanism, hereinafter described.

In order to avoid faulty feeding of fasteners to the disk 56, a spring-pressed pawl 66, the end of which enters the column of fasteners above the lower-most fastener, is employed for supporting the column. of fasteners at the time the lower fastener drops into the disk.

lVhen the disk 56 rotates to carry a fastener to position 59, a pin 67 projecting from the disk 56, engages a cam surface on the pawl and causes the spring momentarily to drop the entire column of fasteners upon the surface 62 of the disk. When the disk 56 is rotated in the reverse direction, the spring again enters the column of fasteners above the lower-most fastener and supports the. column, leaving the lower-most fastener free to enter the slot when the same registers with the end of the fastener raceway. This arrangement removes any obstacles tending; to prevent the lowest fastener from dropping .reely into the disk.

Whenever it is desired to remove the raceway for cleaning, the spring 66 also serves to prevent the fasteners from running out of the lower end of the raceway before the raceway can be emptied into a receptacle.

The end of the passage 61 is located in the housing 13 as closely as practicable below the disk 56 to minimize the distance through which the fastener is required to fall by gravity. This is desirable because in rapid operation of the machine the time consumed by the dropping of the fastener by gravity becomes relatively large compared to the duration of related movements. It is desirable that the time consumed during its fall by gravity be as short as possible so that the fastener will. fall into its place in the passage 61 before the device for pushing it through the passage arrives in this position. The fastener is pushed through the passage by a slide 68 which is reciprocated in the passage by suitable mechanism, hereinafter described. The fastener is carried forward and forced between the jaws 17 into the proper position. It will be apparent that the time consumed by the fastener in falling is constant whether the machine is operated rapidly or slowly. B minimizing as much as possible the distance, through which the fasteners fall by gravity, the dropping of the fastener in the passage 61 may be arranged to take place at a time when this passage is not occupied by any portion of the slide 68.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that, with each reciprocation of the slide 68, a fastener is placed in a predetermined position at fastener receptacle, comprising a stationary portlon and a rotary member 71 similar to the rotary member 42. However, the edge 12 of the rotary member is provided wlth a series of passages 73 of a size to permit the passage of the collet or shank of the button. The heads of the buttons pass through a space 7 4 between the stationary and rotary members 71. The rotary member is connected for rotation with the shaft 43 by a catch similar to catch 50 of the fastener hopper. The ro-- tation of the shaft 43 causes the member 71 to rotate, throwing the buttons into the slot 3 and, when properly located, causing them to pass through the same into the button raceway 7 5.

The button raceway conducts the buttons to a point sufiiciently behind the setting mechanism as not to interfere with the freedom of movement of the operator. Suitable mechanism is provided for receiving one button at a time from the button raceway and delivering it to the setting point, (the holding jaws 32) properly adjusted relative to the fastener to receive the same.

Across the end of the button raceway 7 5 is a reciprocating button-receiving member 76, having a recess 77 therein for receiving a button, the collet thereof resting in the narrow or bottom portion 7 8 of the recess, and the head thereof resting upon the shoulder 79. Assuming a button to be in the recess 77, on the rearward movement of the slide 76, the head of the button engages an inclined cam surface 80 by means of which it is moved across the passage and placed upon a projecting surface 81 of the button carrier 82, the collet engaging the shoulder 83 and the head of the button projecting freely across the sur-' face 84. Arranged to project through the surface 81 and located centrally of the button is a fork 85 or an equivalent member for engaging the bar or equivalent member of the button when the same is in adjusted position relative to the position of the fastener. at the setting point. In the present construction the recessbetween the members of the fork is ar-- ranged transversely of the direction of travel of the button toward the settingpoint and intended to straddle the bar of a button when. the bar occupies a position transverse of the plane of the prongs of the fasteners at the setting point.

Suitable mechanism, hereinafter described, is employed for reciprocating the carrier 82. As the button passes through the passage 86 toward the setting point, one side of the head is engaged by a spring-member 87, forcing the collet of the button to engage thesurface 88 on the opposite side of the passage. In traveling through the passage, the button is engaged at points located at different distances from its center by members which exert opposing frictional forces tending to rotate the button in opposite directions. The turning moment of the frictional force exerted by the spring being greater, because of its greater distance from the center of the button, than that exerted by the surface 88, the button is rotated in the direction of the predominating turning moment, that being a clockwise direction looking down upon the button as it moves toward the setting point. During the travel of the button through the passage, the fork 85, which is pivoted at 89, is forced upwardly by the spring 90, engaging the under side of the button adjacent the bar thereof. When the bar of the button comes into registry with the space between the. members of the fork, it is engaged thereby and further rotation is prevented. The movement of the button continues until it is pressed between the holding jaws 32, which spring apart slightly to receive the button. At this point the cam surface 91' engages the cam 92, causing the fork 85 to be Withdrawn from engagement with the button. The button carrier is then withdrawn until the cam 92 engages the cam surface 93, when the fork is again depressed, this being the position for receiving another button.

The button-receiving slide 76 is operated by the carrier 82, this being effected by engagement of the spring-pressed safety catch 94 with the

shoulders

95 and 96 on the carrier. The button receiver 76 is moved forward when the catch engages the shoulder 95. As it moves forward, the inclined surface 96 engages the rim of the foremost button, if it be tilted, and brings it into proper position for entry into the recess 77 when the latter registers with the end of the button raceway. The end 97 of the receiver serves to retain the balance of the buttons in the raceway on the return movement of the receiver.

. The safety catch 94 permits the mechanical disconnection of the receiver from the carrier 82 in the event the former becomes caught for one reason or another.

The operation of the fastener and button delivery is coordinated by the reciprocating slide or crosshead 98 to'which the slide 68 and the carrier 82 are connected. The member 63 has a lost motion connection therewith because the travel of the member 63 is considerably less than the travel of the slide 98. This is effected by a pin 99 which engages alternately

opposite shoulders

100 and 101 on the member 63. In order to provide a safety device by means of which the memclose to its horizontal dead center.

ber '63 maybe mechanically disconnected from the slide 98 in the event a fastener be comes caught, or for other reasons, the pin 98 is carried upon the spring 102. Under excessive force, the end of the pin 99 is cammed over the

shoulder

100 or 101 causing the spring 102 to yield.

The slide 98 is preferably provided with inclined guiding surfaces to retain it in position and slides within a suitable guide 108. Theslide is reciprocatcd by a lever 101, pivoted at 105, and having a pin and slot connection 106 with the slide.

The lever is provided at its pivot point 105 with a transverse shaft 10'? supported with in bearings 108, the shaft extending at one end beyond the bearings. An operating arm 109eXtends at an angle from the lever 104: and is provided with a cam surface 110and a projection 111 to which a "tensionspring 112 is connected. The tension'spri'ng 112 is connected at its other end to a suitable point within the frame of the machine. The lever 104 is rocked in one direction by the main shaft 118 uponwhich is mounted the operatingcam 114.. In the arrangement shown, the cam 114 operates the lever arm 109 through a slide 115 traveling in guides 116. Preferably, the slide 115 is provided with a pair of rollers 117 for engaging the cams 1'10 and 114-, respectively.

The slide 98 is carried forward through the operating portion of its cycle of movement by the spring 112, aided by the spring 118. The spring 118 is connected with the lever llathrough the arm 119 secured to the shaft 107. The spring 118 is constructedand arranged to remain under substantial tension, even when the slide is in its forward position. This assists in moving the slide 98 at the'time when spring 1 12 is least effective. In the arrangement shown (Figs. 3 and20) when the slide 98 is farthest back the arm 119 to which the spring 118 is connected, is quite Therefore the initial movement of slide 98 causes a small relative horizontal travel of arm 119 with a correspondingly slight shortening of the length of spring 118. Spring 118 retains substantially its full tension until arm 119 approaches perpendicularity with spring 118. At this part of the travel the rate of shortening of spring 118 is relatively large and this spring accordingly serves to operate slide 98 at a time when spring 112 is under slight tension andleast effective.

It is apparent that the slide 98 is moved forward independently of the cam 114. This arrangement assures the movement of the button and fastener to their setting positions regardless of wear or adjustment of the other operating mechanism. It has been observed that when buttons and fasteners are placed in setting position by positively operated means, wear and lack of adjustment in such means often result in failureto carrythebutton or fastener far enough toward theirsetting points.

Also mounted on the main shaft .113 is'an eccentric 120 about which is mountedtheeccentric strap 121, pivotally connected with the arm 122 of the lever2'6. This cam, therefore, reciprocates the tool 14 and thebuttonholding jaws.

The lever 21 for operating the lower tool 15 is operated by a cam 123 mounted on the main shaft113. The lever-is moved in its opposite direction by the spring 124. Among other advantages, this arrangement permits the manual operation of thetoo'l 15 bythe handle 24, independently ofthe 'cam123.

The hopper shaft43 is rotated through'th'e chain 53 by the sprocketl25 mounted on auxiliary shaft 126. This shaftis driven through

gears

127 and 128 mounted respectively on the main and auxiliary'shafts.

Power is supplied to the machine through the belt129 and the pulley 130. Preferably, the pulley is made heavy toact as a fly-wheel. The pulley130 is mountedloosely onthe cam shaft 113 and connected thereto'by a suitable clutch. I have illustrated a'ball clutch 131 which, through the friction drag ofthe rotating parts, normally remainsengaged. The clutch may be disengaged by a slight reverse rotation of the clutch ring 132. This ring is provided with a stop 138 arranged tobe engaged by the member 134 whenever it is desiredto release the clutch. This member is preferably operated by a pedal controlled by'the operator. Whenever it is desired to operate the machine, the pedal is depressed, withdrawing'the member 13 1 from engagement with the clutch ring thereby permitting the rotation of the fly-wheel to re-engagethe clutch.

Operatedby the arm'134 is a'brake member 135 intended, when in raisedposition, toengagethe brake surface 136 mounted on the main shaft 113. Thebrake is preferably provided with a spring 137 which normally draws the brake away from engagement with the brake surface. The end of the spring is controlled by pin 138 on arm 134. When it is desired to stop the machine, the member 134is brought into engagement with the stop 135 at the same time raising the brake so that it may engage the brake surface 136. Thebrake 136 is eccentric to the shaft113 and is so located that it engages the brakewhen the setting mechanism has completed a cycle of operations. In otherwords,the machine, after the clutch isre'leased, is;permitted to coast under its own momentum until the completion of a cycle of operations, at which time thebrake engages the surface 136 and stops the machine with the tools 14.- and 15 separated and inposition .to permit the insertion of fabric or a garment to which-is to be attached the succeeding button. During the operation of the machine, the brake is disengaged and withdrawn from engagement with the brake surface.

It will be observed that the button and fastener hoppers are rotated only during the actual operation of the machine. The operating mechanism is constructed and arranged to rotate the hoppers about one-quarter of a turn during each cycle of operations, and there is no rotation of the hoppers when the machine is not actually in operation. ,WVhen hoppers rotatecontinuously as long as power is, on a machine, the enamel or finish on the buttons is frequently damaged by thereontinual churning of the buttons in the hopper. The hoppers are arranged to be rotated only sufliciently to maintain the raceways in adequately filled condition.

It will be observed that the buttons and fasteners are delivered to the devices for carrying them in position at a distance sufficiently to the rear of the setting point as not to interfere with thefreedom of movement of the operator. The button and fastener carrying devices operate from behind the setting mechanism and do not interfere in any respect with the operator. .The space between the setting 'mechanism is always free and never obstructed by moving parts which might interfere with the operator or the garment held in-position.

Obviously, the invention is not limited to the details of construction of the illustrative machine, but may be variously modified. Moreover, it is not indispensable that all features of the invention be used conjointly; they may be employed advantageously in various different combinations and sub-combinations.

Having thus described my invention, I

claim:

1. In a button attaching machine, the combination comprising attaching mechanism, a reciprocating carrier for carrying fasteners or the like to the attaching point of said attaching mechanism, means for moving said carrier away'from said setting point, and a plurality of springs strained by the movement of said carrier away from said setting point for moving said carrier toward said setting point, said springs being so arranged that at least one is under substantial strain when said carrier reaches the setting point. 2. In a button attaching machine,the combination comprising attaching mechanism, a reciprocating carrier for carrying fasteners to the attaching point of said attaching mechanism,means for moving said carrier away from said setting point, and a plurality of springs tensioned by the movement of said carrier awayfrom the setting point for moving said carrier tosaid setting point, said springs constructed and arranged so that one spring becomes active when the other is substantially relaxed.

mechanism, an oscillating lever for recipro:

cating said carrier, means for rocking said lever to move the carrier away from said setting point, and a pair of springs connected with said lever, tensioned by the movement of said carrier away from said setting point i for moving said carrier to said setting point, said springs constructed and arranged so that one spring is not substantially relaxed until after the initial-forward movement of said carrier.

4. In a button attaching machine, the combination comprising a reciprocating fastener-setting tool, a button holder for bolding a button adjacent the end of said tool in position to receive a fastener, a springp'ressed locking device engaging a recess in said tool for connecting said holder to said tool whereby the button is held in fixed relation to said tool, and a stop for arresting the movement of said holder and releasing said locking device to permit said tool to eject the button from the holder.

4 5. In a button attaching'machine, the combination comprising a reciprocating fastener-setting tool, a button holder for holding a button adjacent the end of said tool in position toreceive a fastener, a springpressed locking device engaging a recess in said tool for connecting said holder to said tool whereby the button is held in fixed relation to said tool, and a stop for arresting the movement of said holder, releasing said, locking device to permit said tool to eject the button from the holder, and means for again re-engaging said locking device in the recess.

. 6. In a button attaching machine, the combination comprising abutton and fastener delivery mechanism, a reciprocating slide connected with said mechanism and cooperating therewith to advance buttons and fasteners to the attaching point, opposing setting tools arranged to reciprocate toward and away from each other for attaching buttons, a main drive shaft, and levers oscillated by said shaft, connected respectively with said slide and setting tools for reciprocating them.

7. In a button attaching machine, the combination comprising a movable affixing tool, a button holder releasably connected with said tool to move the button with said tool, means for operatively disconnecting said holder from said tool to permit the latter to move relatively to the former, and limiting means for re-connecting said holder and tool.

' 8. In a button attaching machine, the combination comprising a movable afiixing tool, a button holder for holding a button in op-- erative relation to said tool, means for re lid leasably connecting said holder to said tool to carry the button with said tool, means for disconnecting said tool and holder to permit the former to move relatively to said button to eject it from said holder, and positive ly acting means for again edecting a connection between said tool and holder upon the reverse movement of said tool.

9. In a button attaching machine, the combination comprising a reciprocating allixing tool, a button holder for holding a button adjacent the end of said tool in position to receive a fastener, means for releasably connecting said holder with said tool whereby the latter carries the button toward fastener setting position, and means for arresting the movement of said holder with said tool at a predetermined position, said tool being constructed and arranged to advance after the arrest of said holder to eject the button from the holder.

10. In a button attaching machine, the combination comprising attaching mechanism including upper and lower dies movable together and apart during the attaching operation, mechanism for placing a button and fastener in attaching position and operable to place said button and .fastener in position relative to said dies respectively when the latter separate upon the completion of the preceding attaching operation, a driving shaft having driving mechanism connected therewith through a clutch, and braking mechanism including a brake surface and a brake member associated with and controlled by said clutch, said mechanism being inoperative to arrest the operation of said machine until the positioning of a button and fastener in said feeding mechanism and being constructed and arranged to stop said machine after the completion of said positioning operation and when said dies are in separated condition.

11. An automatic button attaching ma chine comprising in combination a machine base, attaching mechanism including upper and lower dies normally separated and both movable toward each other to attach a button with a fastener, said mechanism being carried by a housing which projects in front of said base, reciprocating button and fastener slides respectively carried by said base and housing on levels with the extremities of the upper and lower dies respectively when in separated position and having the same amplitude of reciprocation, said slides being located in the vertical plane of said dies and adapted to move a button and fastener forward from said base to the upper and lower dies respectively, said dies each having associated therewith means for receiving the button and fastenerrespectively and carrying the same to attaching position, button and fastener raceways terminating adjacent the button and fastener slides respectively at points to the rear of said attaching mechanism, means for placing single buttons and fasteners in front'of the button and fastener slides, respectively,to be moved thereby to the respective attaching dies, ,1

means forholding the button and fastener in operative relation relative to the "respeclive dies, an automatically operated single reciprocating carrier in said base to which said slides are connectedand havingthe'same amplitude of reciprocation as saidslides, guides for said carrier, and an oscillating leverfor reciprocating said carrierto operate said slides synchronously.

12. An automatic button attaching ma chine comprising in combination a machine base, attaching mechanism including upper and lower dies normally separated and both movable toward each other to attach a button with a fastener, said mechanism being carried by a housing which projects in front of said base, reciprocating button and fast-ener slides respectively carried by said base and housing on levels with the extremities of the upper and lower dies respectively when in separated position and having the same amplitude of reciprocation, said slides being located in the vertical plane of said dies and adapted to move a button and fastener forward from said base to the upper and lower dies respectively, said dies each having associated therewith means for receiving the button and fastener respectively and carrying the same to attaching posi tion, button and fastener raceways terminating adjacent the button and fastener slides respectively at points to the rear of said attaching mechanism, an automatically operated reciprocating carrier means in said base to which said slides are connected and having the same amplitude of reciprocation as said slides, and means operated by the reciprocation of said carrier means for releasing a button and a fastener to be placedin front of the respective slides and to be moved thereby to the respective attaching dies.

13. An automatic button attaching machine comprising in combination a machine base, attaching mechanism including upper and lower dies normally separated and both movable toward each other to attach a button with a fastener, said mechanism being carried by a housing which projects in front of said base, reciprocating button and fastener slides respectively carried by said base and housing on levels with the extremities of the upper and lower dies respectively when in separated position and having the same amplitude of reciprocation, said slides being located in the vertical plane of said dies and adapted .to move a button and fastener forward from said base to the upper and lower dies respectively, said dies each having associated therewith means for receiving the button and fastener respectively and carrying the same to attaching position, button and fastener raceways terminating adjacent the button and fastener slides respectively at points to the rear of said attaching mechanism, automatic means for reciprocating said slides, and means operated by said automatic means for positively moving a button and a fastener respectively from their respective raceways as positively moving the same toward the respective slides I when the latter are in retracted position.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification. I

JOHN M. CLARK.