US3322083A

US3322083A - Indexing attachment for sewing machines

Info

Publication number: US3322083A
Application number: US328312A
Authority: US
Inventors: Perrella Guido; Picker Frank
Original assignee: Dynacast International Ltd
Current assignee: Dynacast International Ltd
Priority date: 1963-12-05
Filing date: 1963-12-05
Publication date: 1967-05-30
Anticipated expiration: 1984-05-30

Description

y 1967 G. PERRELLA ETAL 3,322,083

INDEXING ATTACHMENT FOR SEWING MACHINES Filed Dec. 5, 1963 10 Sheets-Sheet l May 30, 1967 5. PERRELLA ETAL 3,322,083

INDEXING ATTACHMENT FOR SEWING MACHINES l0 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 5, 1963 May 30, 1967 s. PERRELLA ETAL 3,322,083

10 Sheets-Sheet 3 fi/aa FE IPE 4 FFEW/VA: EOKE/E y 1967 s. PERRELLA ETAL INDBXING ATTACHMENT FOR SEWING MACHINES 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 5, 1963 Q0270 .f/Ue /vr 7 /64 516 Ive/vars May 30, 1967 e. PERRELLA ETAL INDEXING ATTACHMENT FOR SEWING MACHINES l0 Sheets-Sheet Filed Dec. 5, 1963 y 1967 e. PERRELLA ETAL 3,322,083

INDEXING ATTACHMENT FOR SEWING MACHINES 1O Sheets-Sheet Filed Dec. 5, 1963 May 30, 1967 G. PERRELLA ETAL INDEXING ATTACHMENT FOR SEWING MACHINES 1O Sheets-Sheet '1 Filed Dec. 5, 1963 y 1967 e. PERRELLA ETAL 3,322,083"

INDEXING'ATTACHMENT FUR SEWING MACHINES l0 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 5, 1963 y 30, 1967 e. PERRELLA ETAL 7 3,322,083

INDEXING ATTACHMENT FOR SEWING MACHINES Filed Dec. 5, 1963 r 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 412/470 73572 25444 Ike/w: BCIE/E 5 y 30, 1967 G. PERRELLA ETAL 3,322,083

INDEXING ATTACHMENT FOR SEWING MACHINES Filed Dec. 1963 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 4r NE Y5 United States Patent 3,322,083 INDEXING ATTACHIVIENT FOR SEWING CHINES This invention relates to an indexing attachment for sewing machines of the type used in the garment industry and in particular to an automatic indexing attachment adapted for use in combination with buttonhole sewing machines to provide means for automatically spacing and sewing buttonholes in jackets, dresses and similar garments.

Indexing attachments for buttonhole sewing machines are known in the art as exemplified in United States Patents Nos. 2,944,496 of July 20, 1960, and 2,899,919 of August 18, 1959. However, for several reasons such devices have not been altogether successful and have not, therefore, been widely accepted in the garment industry. For example, the above-mentioned attachments are, in most cases, extremely complicated resulting in a high cost of manufacture and maintenance. In addition they are, generally, so integrated in construction with their associated sewing machines that, if mechanical breakdown occurs in the attachment, the sewing machine cannot be used manually or exclusive of the attachment.

A further disadvantage of known types of indexing attachments is that their drive mechanisms are so designed that their incorporated garment supporting surfaces are propelled past the needles of the sewing machines in one direction only and that upon completion of a sewing operation or cycle the supporting surface must be returned manually to a starting or first operative position. Moreover, when sewing operations to the garment have been completed, the thread or gimp extending from the throat plate of the sewing machine to the garment must be manually severed by the machine operator.

Due to the fact that the indexing machines of the prior art have enjoyed a rather small acceptance in the trade, the practice of buttonhole sewing as followed today in the garment industry requires that the garment must pass through two operators and at least two stages of manufacture. A first operator determines the location of each buttonhole to be sewn and marks the location by chalk. A second machine operator must position the garment lapel in its proper location under the needle of the machine; hold the garment firmly whilst the first buttonhole is sewn; advance the garment so that the next location is positioned under the needle; and again hold the garment firmly during the sewing of the second buttonhole. Additionally, the operator must put into elfect the several actuating levers or pushbuttons to start and stop the machine at the proper times. This sequence of operation is repeated until all the buttonholes have been completed whereupon the operator must sever the thread to complete the sewing operation.

The object of the present invention is to provide a relatively simple and inexpensive indexing attachment for buttonhole sewing machines wherein a garment supporting surface is adapted to hold a garment in position throughout a sewing cycle which comprises starting from a first sewing location to a plurality of subsequent locations where a series of spaced apart buttonholes are sewn into the garment; severing automatically the gimp or thread from machine to garment; releasing the latter from the attachment; and reciprocating in reverse the supporting surface to the starting position to receive a further garment to be sewn.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an indexing attachment which may easily and quickly be placed into an operative position with respect to the machine whereby the latter may be independently operated.

According to its broadest aspect, the present invention relates to an indexing attachment for eiiecting automatically a plurality of sewing operations to a garment and comprising a work table adapted to reciprocate along a rail member pivotally and detachably secured to said sewing machine; drive means in said rail member adapted to reciprocate said table; retaining means on said table adapted to clamp thereto a garment to be sewn by said machine; and an indexing system on said attachment adapted, in co-operation with said drive means, to sequentially stop and advance said table on said rail in a plurality of positions relative to said machine; said attachment having a first or operative position with said machine to provide therefor automatic indexing means, and a second or inoperative position with said machine whereby the latter may be independently operated.

The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective illustration of the buttonholing attachment applied to a known type of buttonhole sewing machine;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the attachment showing both the drive and thread cutting mechanism in chain lines;

FIGURE 3 is an end elevation of the attachment illustrating the manner by which the invention is connected to a sewing machine in operative and inoperative posi tions;

FIGURE 4 is a detailed view in perspective of the drive means for the attachment and its relation to the table and thread cutter;

FIGURE 5 is a front elevation of the attachment;

FIGURE 6 is a rear view in perspective of a portion of the work table and its associated garment clamp mechanism in open and closed positions;

FIGURES 7, 8 and 9 are plan views of the table, drive mechanism and thread cutter in sequential positions during a sewing cycle;

FIGURE 10 is a detailed plan view of a portion of the thread severing apparatus;

FIGURE 11 is a view in elevation of portions of thread severing apparatus shown in FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 12 is an enlarged view of the indexing solenoid and its related bolt and block assembly;

FIGURE 13 and 14 are elevation and plan views respectively of the machine starting solenoid and the sewing head clamp switch mounting;

FIGURE 15 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit used in the present invention; and

FIGURE 16 is a diagrammatic view of the machine starting switches.

The present invention is designed for attachment to known types of buttonhole sewing machines. Prior to the entering of the detailed description of the instant invention, the main features of the associated sewing machine will be discussed briefly and in particularly the features that are relevant to the operation of the attachment.

In known types of buttonhole sewing machines,the work or garment is held stationary on the sewing machine platen by means of sewing clamps whilst the movement of the needle and sewing head is eflected by travel of a stitch frame so that the needle may traverse a predetermined path to sew the buttonhole in the garment.

Stitch frame travel is actuated by a main cam revolved by a sector shaft and levers which in turn are operated by a power :source through the intermediary of a clutch mechanism. The machine is provided with a manual start- Patented May 30, 1967,

ing lever 2 (FIG. 13) which, when thrown, efiects engagement of the clutch to commence a sewing cycle. When the latter is completed, the main cam reverses the starting lever to disengage the clutch prior to a subsequent sewing operation.

The sewing clamps are automatically raised and lowered by the machine at the completion and commencement respectively of each sewing cycle. The clamps are interconnected to a toggle arm 3, as shown in FIG. 13, which is pivotally connected at one end to the main cam case 4. The main cam (not shown) is provided on its underside with a pair of clamping cams and 6 which, when the main cam is revolved, act upon a roller or cam follower 7 mounted for rotation on the toggle arm 3.

Although the linkage interconnecting the toggle arm 3 and the sewing clamps are shown only diagrammatically in FIG. 13, it will be evident that rotation of the main cam causes the

clamping cams

5 and 6 to engage the follower 7 thereby raising or lowering the associated toggle arm and the sewing clamps.

The above-mentioned integers are, or course, so timed that as the starting lever 2 is thrown and the power source causes the main cam to revolve, the clamping cam 6 effects lowering of the sewing clamp prior to the commencement of the stitch frame travel. Accordingly, at the completion of the sewing cycle, the clamping cam 5 effects raising of the sewing clamp as the main cam causes disengagement of the clutch and reversal of the starting lever.

As will be described in detail hereinafter, the attachment forming the present invention includes a machine starting solenoid S-2 (FIG. 13) adapted to automatically actuate the starting lever 2 for the commence of each sewing cycle.,Additionally, the toggle arm 3 is adapted, upon actuation, to contact a micro-switch SW -1 (FIG. 13) which, as will later be described, allows passage of a portion of the attachment past the needle of the machine. In other words, raising of the sewing clamp at the completion of each cycle effects actuation of the switch SW-l to effect operation of a portion of the attachment.

Referring now to FIGURES l, 2 and 3 of the drawings, there is shown a buttonhole sewing machine indicated generally at M and which is secured to a'machine work table M1.

An indexing attachment forming the present invention and indicated generally at 1 is detachably secured to the table M1 and comprises a work table adapted to carry 'a garment G past the sewing head M2 of the machine in sequential steps; a guide rail 30, secured in stationary position to the table M1, and on which the work table 10 reciprocates; drive means indicated generally at 40 which interconnects the rail 30 and work table 10 and which advances the latter in 30; and an indexing system which comprises a plurality of stop members, solenoids and associated micro-switches to stop and start the work table 10 and sewing machine M at predetermined locations for spaced buttonhole sewing. The wiring and relays for the indexing integer-s are enclosed in a control box 8 secured to the table M1 by fastening elements 9 as shown in FIGURE 1.

The work table 10 comprises an elongated flat surface 11 provided with angularly disposed front and

rear skirt portions

12 and 13 respectively which extend downwardly as shown in FIGURE 3, to substantially envelop the

side edges

30A, 30B of the guide rail 30. The front and

rear table skirts

12 and 13 are each provided with two pairs of rollers 14 and 15, each pair thereof being mounted in roller mounts 16. As may be seen from FIGURE 3, the rollers 14 and-15 engage the upper end and lower surfaces of the rail whereby the table 10 may travel freely backward or forward.

The upper surface 11 of the table 10 is provided adjacent one end with an adjustable gauge plate comprising a slidable shoe 17 mounted between a pair of spaced

parallel guide rails

18 and 19. The shoe 17 is adjusted a reciprocating action along the rail 4. prior to a sewing operation so as to position properly a portion of a garment to the work table 10 as will be described in detail hereinafter.

Further guide means to assist an operator in positioning a garment on the table 10 is provided in a depth guide 20 adapted to abut a further portion of the garment G prior to a sewing operation and which is mounted co-planar with and adjacent to the sewing machine work platen M3 as shown in FIGURE 2.

The upper surface 11 of the table 10 is scalloped as at 21 (FIGURE 2) so that it does not contact the sewing machine work platen M3 during a sewing operation. The scalloped area 21 is of such a length that it is clear of the platen M3 during table 10 as will be evident by reference to FIGURES 7, 8 and 9.

The upper surface 11 of the work table 10 is provided with garment retaining means, indicated generally at 22, for securing a garment to the table 10 during a sewing operation.

Referring to FIGURES 2, 3 and 6 of the drawings, the retaining means 22 comprises a substantially U-shaped clamp arm 23 having a resilient garment engaging lower edge consisting of a shoe 24 formed of foam rubber or other suitable soft material. clamp 23 are pivoted as at 25 to a pair of mounting brackets 26 secured to the underside of the tablell). The terminal ends of the clamp 23 are provided, adjacent the pivot points 25, with tensioned actuating arms 27 which extend to the underside of the table 10 and which terminate in connection to clamp solenoids S-3 and 5-4 secured to the mounting brackets 26 as shown in FIG- URE 6, whereby the actuation of the clamp solenoids causes the actuating arms 27 to open or close the clamp 23 in relation to the work table 10 as illustrated in chain lines in FIG. 6.

As previously described, the work table 10 is adapted for reciprocable travel along the stationary rail 30 secured to the sewing machine support M1. As shown in FIGURES 3 and 5, the attachment 1 is detachably connected to the upper surface of a sewing machine support table M1 by means of a pair of

swivel support arms

31 and 32 disposed to either side of the sewing

machine M. Arms

31 and 32 are pivotally mounted to a pair of U- shaped swivel blocks 33 which are bolted or screwed to the top of the table M1 adjacent its forward edge as shown in FIGURE 3. The outer ends of the

swivel arms

31, 32 terminate in flanged faces 34 for connection to the underside of the rail 30.

The inner ends of the

swivel arms

31 and 32 are provided with flanged seats 35 adapted to'abut buffers 36 7 bolts, as shown, extending which may be provided by downwardly through the table top. The seats 35 are re: tained against the buffers 36 by means of toggle clamps 37 secured to the table M1. Moreover, the swivel arms 31and 32 are provided with bosses 38 adapted to receive the ends of balance springs 39 connected to eye screws 40 secured to the table M1.

As shown in the full and ghost views of FIGURE. 3, the complete attachment 1 may be pivoted away from its operative position adjacent the sewing machine M toan inoperative position whereby the machine may be 0p erated independently of the attachment 1 if, through mechanical failure of the latter, such independent manipula: tion is required. The attachment 1 is swung away from the machine M by releasing the toggle clamps 37 from the seats 35 whereby the

arms

31, 32 pivot aboutthe swivel blocks 33 to assume the position illustrated in chain lines in FIGURE 3. An operator effecting the above action is aided by the tension of the balance springs 39. The swivel support arm 32 (FIGURES 3 and 5) is 7 provided with a mounting plate 32a, adjacent to the flanged face 34, to which is secured a motor, gear box and clutch mechanism of the attachment drive means indicated generally at 40.

the full extent of the travel of the The terminal ends of the The drive means 40, as shown in FIGURE 4, comprises a feed motor 41 and gear box 42 secured to the swivel support arm 32. A drive shaft 43 extends upwardly from the gear box 42 through the rail 30 and is adapted to rotate an overload or friction clutch 44' and its associated drive sprocket 45. The latter together with an idler sprocket 46 (FIGURE 2) are mounted for rotation on the rail 30 and are interconnected by transmission means characterized in a drive chain 47 as shown.

Referring now to FIGURES 2 and 4 of the drawings, the table is reciprocated along the rail 30 by means of the drive motor 41 and chain 47 through the intermediary of a connecting rod 48 pivotally mounted at one end 49 to a bracket 50 secured to the front skirt 12-of the table 10. The rod 48 is provided adjacent its other end 51 with a downwardly extending boss 52 which is pivotally connected by means of a dowel pin 53 to the chain 47. It will be evident therefore from FIGURES 7, 8 and 9 that circulation of the chain 47 .above its associated

sprockets

45 and 46 effects reciprocating travel to the table 10 along the rail 30.

The attachment 1 is provided with thread severing means, indicated generally at 60 in FIGURE 2, whereby a garment may be automatically severed from the machine M subsequent to a buttonholing operation.

As shown in FIGURES 4 and 10 the severing means comprises a catch blade 61 slidable in a pair of guide bars 62 secured to the underside of the table surface 11, adjacent one end of the scalloped area 21. One end of the blade 61 terminates in a thread hook 63 which protrudes outwardly beyond the edge of the table surface 11, at one end of the scalloped area 21, whereat the table surface 11 is provided with a notch 64 the apex of which being constituted by a knife 65 countersunk in the table surface 11 and secured, as by rivets or screws 66, to the guide bars 62 (FIGURE 10).

The other end of the blade 61 is provided with a mounting plate 67 and drive pin 68 engageable in an arcuate slot 54 in the terminal end 51 of the connecting rod 48 (FIGURE 4). It will be evident from sequential FIG-

URES

7, 8 and 9 and especially FIGURE 10 that as the dowel pin 53 is brought round the

sprockets

45 and 46 by the chain 47, the terminal end 51 of the rod 48 will swing about an arc pivoting on the bracket 50 whereby the .arcuate slot 54 will draw the blade 61 and its hook 63 in and out of frictional cutting engagement with the knife 65. Note the phantom lines of FIGURE 10.

Referring now to FIGURES 10 and 11, the severing means 60 includes a thread plate 69, having a guide lip 70, secured to the sewing machine work platen adjacent the sewing needle head M2 and throat plate M-6. Additionally, a ring shaped thread guide 71 is detachably mounted to the needle guide M5 (FIGURES 10 and 11), for a purpose presently to be described.

After a garment has been sewn and is carried past the needle head by the table 10 and clamp 23, the gimp and bottom thread T will extend from the last sewn buttonhole to the throat plate of the machine, (FIGURE 11). So disposed, the thread T will overlay the lip 70 on the thread guide 69 and terminate under the throat plate M-6 as shown in FIGURES 10 and 11. Subsequently, as shown in FIGURE 9, the connecting rod is directed around the idler sprocket 46 whereby the hook 63 engages the thread T and draws the latter inwardly to be severed upon contacting the knife 65 (FIGURE 10). It will be noted from FIGURE 11 that the plane of travel of the blade 61 and hook 63. is lower than the upper planar surface of the thread plate 69 and lower than the guide ring 71.

In order to sequentially stop the reciprocating table 10 at predetermined locations relative to the sewing machine M whereby the latter may sew the buttonholes in the garment or. jacket, there is provided on the lower edge of the table skirt 12 a plurality of adjustable stop members 73 which correspond, in number, to the buttonholes to be sewn and which may be spaced apart accurately by adjusting the stop members 73 to a setting on a tape scale 55 secured to the front skirt 12 of the table 10 as illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 5. As shown in FIG-

URES

5 and 12, the table 10 is stopped at each button hole location by the stop members 73 abutting a detainer comprising a bolt 74 slidable in a carriage block 75 secured to the underside of the rail 30.

After a buttonhole has been sewn and in order to allow the table 10 to advance to the next stop member, the inner end 76 of the bolt 74 is connected to a core shaft 77 of an index solenoid S-1 by means of a draw pin 78. The latter, together with a shouldered screw 79 on the carriage block 75, provide-mounting means for a coil spring 80 adapted to urge the bolt outwardly to be contacted by the stop members 73. As will be described later in detail, actuation of the solenoid S-l withdraws the core shaft 77 and bolt 74 thereby allowing the clutch 44 to commence travel of the chain 47 thereby to advance the table 10 until the next stop member 73 engages the bolt 74.

In addition to the aforementioned solenoid S1, the indexing mechanism includes a sewing machine starting solenoid S2, FIGURES 13 and 14, which, when actuated by a master control foot pedal switch FS1 (FIGURES 1 and 15) effects lowering of the sewing machine needle clamp to initiate a sewing cycle; and the pair of clamp solenoids S-3 and S-4 mounted to the underside of the

swivel support arms

31 and 32 respectively and connected to the terminal ends of the garment clamp actuating arms 27 by means of bolts 72 (FIGURES 3 and 6) and adapted, upon actuation, to act upwardly or downwardly on the arms 27 thereby opening or closing the garment clamp 23. Advancement of the table 10 is effected subsequent to a sewing operation by the raising of the sewing needle clamp M3 which, by means of linkage to a toggle arm 3 (FIGURE 13) the latter presses a second switch SW-l which energizes the solenoid S1 (FIGURE 12), retracting the bolt 74 thereby allowing the passing of the stop members 73a (FIGURE 7). Concurrently the spring 80 forces the bolt 74 back to its prominent position shown in FIGURE 12 so as to -be engaged by the following stop member 73b, thereby stopping the table 10 at the desired location for the second buttonhole. It will be appreciated that during the sewing operation when the table 10 is stationary, the clutch 44 is in slipping engagement only with its associated drive sprocket 45.

A third switch SW-2 (FIGURES 5 and 12) is mounted to the underside of the rail 30 adjacent the bolt carriage block 75. The latter is provided with a drilled passageway 81 for the reception of an actuating pin "82 and its associated spring 83. As shown in FIGURE 12, one end of the pin 82 is disposed against an actuator of the switch SW-2 and is held from contact therewith by the spring 83 in the passageway 81. The free end of the pin terminates in contact with the bolt 74 in the carriage block 75.

Subsequent to the first sewing operation, as before described, the table 10 is advanced by the drive means 40 until the second stop member 73b contacts the bolt 74. Concurrently, the pin 82 is momentarily thrust by the bolt 74 into contact with switch SW-2 thereby actuating the latter which, in turn, energizes the solenoid S-2 throwing the starting lever 2 and effecting lowering of the needle clamp M-3 to initiate the sewing of a further buttonhole. This sequence is repeated until all the buttonholes are sewn and the last stop member 730 (FIGURE 5) is carried past the bolt 74.

A further switch SW-3, FIGURES 4, 7, 8 and 9, is mounted atop the rail 30 adjacent the idler Sprocket 46 and is provided with a lever arm 84 having a contact roller 85. As shown in FIGURE 4, the chain 47 is provided with a protruding lug 86 adapted, upon circulation of the chain around the sprocket 46, to contact the roller to a'start position as shown in lowering of 7 85 on the lever arm 84 thereby actuating the switch SW-3.

It will be appreciated that subsequent to the sewing of the last buttonhole and the passage of the last stop member 73c past the bolt 74, the table will assume the position approximately as shown in FIGURE 9. In concur- .rent operation with the thread cutting action described above, the lug 86 contacts the roller 85 and lever 84 actuating the switch SW3 which in turn de energizes the solenoids S3 and S-4 to open the garment clamp 23 whereby the jacket or garment will drop by its own weight from the table 10, the latter subsequently being returned to the start position shown in FIGURE 2 by the drive means 40.

Turning now to FIGURES 15 and 16, the electrical circuitry comprises coil relays CR1 to CR4 inclusive together with their, associated coil relay contact switches CRS-l to CRS-4 inclusive as well as a fuse situated forwardly of the line switch SW- for protection of the electrical components.

An automatic sewing cycle start switch is provided as shown in FIGURE 16 and comprises a two step switch including a first switch FS1 and a start auto cycle switch. The two step switch is positioned under the foot pedal as illustrated diagrammatically in FIGURE 16.

As shown in FIGURE 15, the feed motor 41 is energized by closing the general line switch SW4) and the first pressing of the foot pedal (FIGURE 1) closes switch FS-l to energize solenoids S-3 and S-4 to effect lowering of the garment clamp 23. A further pressing of the foot pedal closes the start auto cycle switch (FIGURE 16) to energize relay CR-l thereby keeping the clamp 23 in closed position. Concurrently, relay CR-4 and solenoid S-2 are also energized to effect the start of a sewing cycle. As the sewing clamp M-3 is lowered, switch SW4 (FIG- URE 13) is released and relay CR-2 is energized. At the completion of the sewing operation the sewing clamp M-3 is raised by the sewing machine to press switch SW-l which energizes relay CR-3 and the index solenoid S-l (FIGURE 12), the latter thereby withdrawing the detaining bolt 74 from contact with the first stop member 73a. Withdrawal of the bolt 74 allows the opening of switch SW-2 (FIGURE 12).

The table is then advanced until stop member 73b contacts the bolt 74 which has been returned to its prom inent position shown in FIGURE 12 by the coiled spring 80. The pin 82 is thrust inwardly by the impact of the bolt 74 thereby to close switch SW-2 and energizing relay CR-4 and solenoid S-2 to institute another sewing operation.

After the passage of the last stop member 730, the chain lug 86 presses switch SW-3 which de-energized relay CR-l and solenoids S-3 and S-4 to efiect opening of the garment clamp 23. After the lug 86 passes the switch SW-3, the latter is released to the closed position shown in FIGURE 15. The table 10 is then reciprocated FIGURE 2 where the first stop member engages the bolt 74. To initiate a further operation; it is necessary only to depress again the foot pedal throwing the switch FS-1 and closing the start auto cycle switch.

The machine operator turns on a general line switch SW0 (FIG. 15) which energizes the feed motor 41. The garment G, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is placed on the work table 10 and is positioned thereon by means of the lapel depth guide and adjustable shoe 17, the spacing of the buttonholes to be sewn being set by adjusting the stop members 73 in relation to the tape scale 55. The operator then depresses the foot pedal (FIGURE 1) to actuate the switch FS-l closing the garment clamp 23. A second pressing of the foot pedal actuates the start auto cycle switch which subsequently energizes solenoid S-Z to throw the machine startinglever 2 which efiects the needle clamp M3 and the first sewing operation is commenced.

73a. Simultaneously the machine mechanism reverses the starting lever 2 so as to disengage the machine power source from its associated clutch mechanism; Concurrent with the withdrawl of the bolt 75, the friction clutch 44 picks up the motor torque and advances the chain 47, connecting rod 48 and table 10 to the'neXt sewing location as is determined by the setting of the second stop member 7312.

After the passage of the first stop member 73a past the bolt 74, the latter is again projected outwardly by the spring 80. The second stop member 73b then contacts the bolt 74, the impact causing the pin 82 in the block 75 to actuate its associated micro-switch SW-2 which in turn energizes the solenoid 5-2 thereby starting the machine and effecting the lowering of the needle clamp M-3 to commence sewing of the second buttonhole.

The above sequence is repeated until the last stop member 730 is carried past the bolt 74. At the extreme reciprocal stroke of the table 10, as shown in FIGURE 9, and as the chain travels around the idler sprocket 46, the dowel pin 53 is trained around the sprocket 46 which causes the connecting rod 48 to pivot about its connection to the bracket 50. This operates the catch blade 61 and causes its hook 63 to engage the gimp and thread T and to draw the latter into cutting engagement with the knife 65 for severing. Subsequently, the lug 86, which is spaced behind the pin 53 on the chain 47, is drawn round the sprocket 46 and in doing so contacts the roller on the lever arm 84 actuating the latters associated micro-switch SW-S which de-energizes the solenoids S3 and S4 to open the garment clamp 23 thereby releasing the garment G from the attachment.

The table is then drawn back by circulation of the engages again the bolt 74. The attachment is then ready to receive a further chain 47 until the first stop member garment for sewing which is started by actuation oflthe switch FS1 to repeat the above sequence.

It is to be noted that the present attachment may be indexing attachment forming the present invention would be applicable also to sewing machines of the button sewing variety as well as those ofthe buttonholing type referred hereto. Moreover, although the present embodiment relies on electric line power for operation of the indexing system, it is possible that the micro-switches, re-

lays and solenoids could be replaced by pumps or valves of a closed circuit hydraulic system.

We claim: 7

1.- An indexing attachment for buttonhole sewing machines for automatically effecting a plurality of sequential, spaced buttonhole sewing operations to a garment, said attachment including a rail member adapted to be mounted adjacent to and associated with said sewing machine; a'work-piece table slidably mounted on said rail member; drive means mounted on said rail member adapted to reciprocate said table back and forth on said rail from a first sewing position to a plurality of prede: termined sewing positions and back to said first position; indexing means cooperating'with the drive means for stopping and starting'said table at the sewing positions released, to allow pivotal movement of said indexing atwill be appreciated that the tachment away from said sewing machine whereby the latter may be operated independently of said attachment.

2. An attachment according to claim 1 wherein said garment clamping means includes a pair of actuating arms secured at one end to the terminal ends of said member and actuating means secured to the other ends of said actuating arms adapted, when operated, to move said member into and out of engagement with the surface of said table; and guide means on the surface of said table for proper positioning of a work-piece thereon.

3. An indexing attachment for buttonhole sewing machines for automatically effecting a plurality of sequential, spaced buttonhole sewing operations to a garment, said attachment including a rail member adapted to be mounted adjacent to and associated with saidsewing machine; a work-piece table slidably mounted on said rail member; drive means mounted on said rail member adapted to reciprocate said table back and forth on said rail from a first sewing position to a plurality of predetermined sewing positions and back to said first position; garment clamping means secured to said table including a member cooperating with the surface of said table to clamp a work-piece thereon throughout the length of the operational sewing area; locking means associated with said rail adapted, when released, to allow pivotal movement of said indexing attachment away from said sewing machine whereby the latter may be operated independently of said attachment; and indexing means cooperating with said machine and drive means for (a) actuating said clamping member to open and closed positions relative to the surface of said workpiece table;

(b) effecting starting of said machine thereby to initiate said sewing operations; and

(c) advancing and stopping said table at said sewing positions relative to the machine prior to said sewing operations.

4. A11 attachment according to claim 3 wherein said indexing means includes a plurality of stop members adjustably secured to said table for alternate positioning thereon; a detent on said rail adapted to be sequentially engaged by said stop members during travel of said table and to arrest movement of said table at a plurality of predetermined spaced positions; first switch means adapted to actuate said garment clamping member to its operative closed position and to permit said sewing machine to commence sewing operations; second switch means adapted to effect withdrawal of said detent from the path of travel of said stop members whereby said table may advance to a further predetermined position; third switch means adapted to permit said sewing machine to again commence sewing operations; and fourth switch means adapted to actuate said garment clamp to its inoperative open position to release said garment from the work table.

5. An indexing attachment for use with a buttonhole sewing machine having a platen, a sewing clamp, a starting lever and clutch mechanism adapted to perform a buttonhole sewing operation responsive to engagement of said clutch by actuation of said starting lever; said attachment comprising (a) a stationary .rail member mounted adjacent to and associated with said sewing machine;

(b) a work-piece table defining an operational sewing area and being slidably mounted on said rail memher;

() a work-piece clamping member on said table ex-" tending throughout the length of said sewing area;

(d) drive means on said rail interconnected with said table for reciprocating the latter along the rail from a first sewing position to a plurality of predetermined, subsequent positions and back to said first sewing position;

10 (e) indexing means on said attachment adapted (i) to arrest movement of said table at each predetermined sewing position, (ii) to release said table for movement after each sewing operation, and (iii) to effect opening of said clamping member whereby a work-piece is released from said table;

(f) cutting means adapted automatically to sever thread extending from said machine to said workpiece prior to its release from said table; and

(g) locking means for said rail member adapted, when released, to allow said indexing attachment to be swung away from said machine whereby the latter can be manually operated.

6. An attachment according to claim 5 wherein said thread cutting means is actuated by said drive means during directional changes of the reciprocating table.

7. The attachment according to claim 5 wherein said drive means includes a feed motor; a drive sprocket; clutch means connecting the drive sprocket to said feed motor; an idler sprocket; transmission means connecting said drive sprocket to the idler sprocket; and a connecting member between said transmission means and said work table whereby the latter is reciprocated by said drive means.

8. The attachment according to claim 7 wherein said transmission means comprises an endless chain disposed about said drive and idler sprockets; said connecting member comprising a rod pivotally secured at one end to said work table and adjacent its other end of said endless chain; and a lug on said chain adapted, upon each revolution thereof, to contact said indexing means thereby to etfect actuation of said garment clamping member to its inoperative, open position.

9. An attachment according to claim 5 wherein said thread cutting means includes a cutting blade; a gripping member adapted, upon completion of said sewing operations by said machine, to engage and direct the thread to said cutting blade for severing; a thread guide member secured to said machine adjacent the needle thereof; and a protruding lip on said guide adapted to position said thread for engagement by said gripping member.

10. An attachment according to claim 9 wherein the cutting blade is secured to said work table adjacent a side edge of the sewing area; and wherein said gripping member comprises a catch-blade slidably secured to the underside of said work table and disposed in frictional engagement with said cutting blade; a hook at one end of said catch-blade adapted to extend beyond the side edge of said table; said catch blade being pivotally secured at its other end to said drive means whereby after gripping the thread adjacent said guide lip the hook will draw the thread between itself and the cutting blade for severance.

11. In combination with a buttonhole sewing machine having a platen, a sewing clamp, a starting lever and clutch mechanism and adapted to circumferentially sew a buttonhole in a garment in response to engagement of said clutch by actuation of said starting lever; an indexing attachment for permitting said sewing machine automatically of effect a plurality of sequential, spaced, buttonhole sewing operations to a garment, said attachment comprising a frame; a stationary rail member pivotally and detachably secured to said frame; a work table on said frame having a garment clamp and guide means thereon extending the length of sewing area and for maintaining said garment in position on said table; drive means on said rail adapted to interconnect the latter with said table for movement thereof along said rail and comprising a drive sprocket and idler sprocket interconnected by an endless chain, a feed motor, a friction clutch interconnecting said drive sprocket with the feed motor, and a connecting rod pivotally secured at one end to said table and ajacent its other end to said chain whereby circulatory movement of the chain about said sprockets reciprocates said table on said rail; sewing thread cutting means comprising a cutting blade secured to said table; a guide member secured to said machine for positioning said thread extending from said sewing clamp to said garment; and a catch-blade, slidably mounted on said table, having a hook at one end and being pivotally secured at its other end to said connecting rod thereby to engage the thread adjacent said guide and to draw said thread into frictional engagement with said cutting blade for severance by the latter; indexing means includ:

ing

(a) a plurality of stop members adjustably secured to said work table;

( b) a detent on said rail adapted sequentially to be engaged by said stop members and to arrest movement of the latter and said table;

(c) first switch means to actuate said garment clamp to its operative closed position and to initiate engagement of said clutch to effect initiation of said sewing operation;

(d) second switch means adapted to displace said detent from the path of travel of said members, whereby said table may advance to a subsequent sewing location;

(e) third switch means adapted to effect actuation of said starting lever and to initiate the subsequent sewing operations; and

(f) fourth switch means to actuate said garment clamp to inoperative open position whereby, substantially simultaneously with the severance of said thread, the garment is released from said attachment; and locking means for securing said rail mem her in position with respect to said sewing machine adapted, when released, to allow said rail and attachment to be pivoted away from said machine whereby the latter can be operated inependently of said indexing attachment, 12. The combination according to claim 11 wherein said garment clamp is provided with at least one actuating solenoid responsive to said first and fourth switch means for operating said clamp to open and closed positions; an actuating solenoid on said machine starting lever responsive #both to said first and third switch means and to movement of said sewing clamp for starting and stopping said machine; and an indexing actuating solenoid for reciprocating said detent and being responsive to said second switch means.

13. The combination according to claim 11 wherein said second switch means is mounted on said machine adjacent the sewing clamp and is operable by movement of the latter; said third switch means is mounted on said rail adjacent the detent and being operated by movement of the latter; and wherein said fourth switch means is mounted on said rail adjacent said chain and operable by movement of the latter.

14. The combination according to claim 12 wherein said detent comprises a block secured to said rail; a bolt slidably disposed in said block normal to the path of travel of said table; one end of said bolt normally protruding beyond said block so as to be successively engaged by each said stop member on said table and the other end of said bolt being secured to said indexing actuating solenoid, whereby actuation of the latter by said second switch means causes the bolt to be withdrawn into said block and out of the path of travel of said stop member and said table.

15. An indexing attachment for use with buttonhole sewing machines whereby the latter may automatically effect a plurality of sequential, spaced buttonhole sewing operations on a garment, said attachment comprising 12 a frame; a stationary rail member of planar configuration adapted to be mounted on said frame adjacent a sewing machine; a work table slidably mounted on said rail; dependingside walls and rollers on said table, said rollers engaging said rail adjacent the side edges thereof; a garment clamping member having open and closed positions, mounted on said table; guide means on said table for positioning a garment thereon; drive means mounted on said rail and being interconnected with said table for reciprocating the latter along said rail from a first sewing loctation to subsequent locations and back again;

said drive means comprising:

(a) a feed motor having a friction clutch and drive sprocket mounted on said rail adjacent one end thereof;

(b) an idler sprocket mounted for rotation on said rail adjacent the other end thereof; and an endless chain interconnecting said sprockets;

(c) a lug integral with and projecting from said chain and a connecting rod pivotally secured at one end to said table and adjacent its other end to said chain whereby circulation thereofi about said sprockets effects reciprocation of the table along the rails; thread cutting means including a cutting blade secured to said table, a catch blade having a hook at one end slightly mounted to said table, a guide member adapted to be mounted adjacent said sewing machine for positioning thread extending from said machine to a garment, said catch blade being pivotally secured to said connecting rod of the drive means whereby, when said chain is passed around said idler sprocket, the hook is adapted to engage the thread adajacent said guide and draw the thread into frictional engagement withsaid cutting blade for severance thereby; indexing means comprising (a) aplurality ofstop members adjustably secured to a side wall of said table for positioning therealong;

(b) a detent mounted on said rail adapted for engage- V ment bysaid stop members for arresting movement 1 of said table;

(c) first switch means adapted to actuate said garment clamp to a closing position relative to said table and to eflect initiation of sewing operations; ((1) second switch means adapted to displace the detent from the path of travel of said stop members; (e) third switch adapted upon contact of said detent by the stop members to initiate the subsequent sewing operations; and (f) fourth switch means, adapted upon contact by said chain lug, to actuate the garment clamp to an open position whereby the garment is released. from said attachment; and rail support means including locking clamps which, attachment to be swung away from said machine on said support means whereby the machine may be operated independent of said attachment.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,990,284 2/1935 Hinds 112'147 2,899,919 8/1959 Myska Q 112-67 2,944,496 7/1960 Gardner 112-2 2,989,013 6/1961 McGill et al. 112-2 2,989,934 6/1961 Zeitlin 112-2 X 3,053,204 9/1962 Kelemencky 112-2 3,151,583 10/1964 Troll et al. 112-2 PATRICK D. LAWSON, Primary Examiner.

H N i ts??? Fram n when released, allow said-

Claims

1. AN INDEXING ATTACHMENT FOR BUTTONHOLE SEWING MACHINES FOR AUTOMATICALLY EFFECTING A PLURALITY OF SEQUENTIAL, SPACED BUTTONHOLE SEWING OPERATIONS TO A GARMENT, SAID ATTACHMENT INCLUDING A RAIL MEMBER ADAPTED TO BE MOUNTED ADJACENT TO AND ASSOCIATED WITH SAID SEWING MACHINE; A WORK-PIECE TABLE SLIDABLY MOUNTED ON SAID RAIL MEMBER; DRIVE MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID RAIL MEMBER ADAPTED TO RECIPROCATE SAID TABLE BACK AND FORTH ON SAID RAIL FROM A FIRST SEWING POSITION TO A PLURALITY OF PREDETERMINED SEWING POSITIONS AND BACK TO SAID FIRST POSITION; INDEXING MEANS COOPERATING WITH THE DRIVE MEANS FOR STOPPING AND STARTING SAID TABLE AT THE SEWING POSITIONS ALONG THE RAIL MEMBER; GARMENT CLAMPING MEANS SECURED TO SAID TABLE INCLUDING A MEMBER COOPERATING WITH THE SURFACE OF SAID TABLE TO CLAMP A WORK-PIECE THEREON THROUGHOUT THE LENGTH OF THE OPERATIONAL SEWING AREA; AND LOCKING MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID RAIL ADAPTED, WHEN RELEASED, TO ALLOW PIVOTAL MOVEMENT OF SAID INDEXING ATTACHMENT AWAY FROM SAID SEWING MACHINE WHEREBY THE LATTER MAY BE OPERATED INDEPENDENTLY OF SAID ATTACHMENT.