BUTTON SHANK FEED APPARATUS FOR USE WITH BUTTON SHANK WRAPPING APPARATUS AND A METHOD OF USE THEREOF

Abstract

 Button shank feed apparatus and method of using the apparatus are provided for use with button shank wrapping apparatus. The button shank feed apparatus includes support means for supporting at least one button shank in use. Initiation means are provided for initiating a button shank wrapping process to be undertaken by button shank wrapping apparatus provided with or associatable with the feed apparatus in use. Outlet means are provided for allowing the wrapped button shank to be released from the feed apparatus following completion of a button shank wrapping process in use. The initiation means are arranged such that they are movable automatically from a resting or non-operational position to an operational position on contact with a button shank therewith in use or on detection of at least one button shank in or with the support means in use.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to button shank feed apparatus for use with button shank wrapping apparatus and to a method of use thereof.

[0002] In order to secure a button to a garment, material or fabric, it is known to pass thread through holes in the button and through the garment, material or fabric a number of times. The accumulated thread between the button and garment/material/fabric forms the button shank, which is then finished off by winding thread around the shank so as to wrap it or whip it. The wrapped thread can then be bonded in place on the button shank by heat fusing or applying a bonding agent. This process can be undertaken manually, or more commonly is undertaken by a button shank wrapping machine.

[0003] An example of a button shank wrapping machine is disclosed in WO98/09012, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. The machine comprises a whipping plate having a slot for receiving the shank of a single button attached to a garment in use. The whipping plate is typically domed in shape to ensure the whipping thread is unobstructed when being wound around the shank during the wrapping process. On initiation of the thread wrapping or whipping process, thread is unwound from a thread cone located in the machine and wound around the button shank under tension. A heated fork then moves into contact with the wrapped shank and is held in place for a time sufficient to bond the wrapped thread to the shank. The thread located between the thread cone and the heat sealed button shank is cut or broken adjacent the shank. A user then lifts the wrapped and heated shank and button from the whipping plate slot.

[0004] A problem with this type of button shank wrapping machine is that it requires a worker to manually insert and remove each button shank from the machine. In addition, the machine can only receive and process a single button shank at any one time. Since a garment is likely to have a number of buttons on the same, this makes the process of button shank wrapping for a garment labour intensive and time consuming.

[0005] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide button shank feed apparatus for button shank wrapping apparatus that overcomes the abovementioned problem.

[0006] It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using button shank feed apparatus for button shank wrapping apparatus that overcomes the abovementioned problem.

[0007] It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide button shank wrapping apparatus including button shank feed apparatus.

[0008] It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using button shank wrapping apparatus including button shank feed apparatus.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided button shank feed apparatus for use with button shank wrapping apparatus, said button shank feed apparatus including support means for supporting at least one button shank in use, initiation means for initiating a button shank wrapping process to be undertaken by button shank wrapping apparatus provided with or associated with the feed apparatus in use, and outlet means for allowing the wrapped button shank to be released from the feed apparatus following completion of a button shank wrapping process in use, and wherein the initiation means are arranged such that they are automatically movable from a resting or non-operational position to an operational position on contact with a button shank therewith in use or on detection of at least one button shank in or with the support means in use.

[0010] Thus, the present invention provides button shank feed apparatus which allows a button shank, once located in the apparatus, to automatically undergo a button shank wrapping process. This automation significantly reduces the user input required to operate the apparatus, thereby saving time and cost.

[0011] In one embodiment the initiation means or mechanism are arranged such that initiation of the same allows a button shank to be moved from a button shank support position or location, to a button shank wrapping position or location.

[0012] Preferably the button shank support position or location corresponds to the resting or non-operational position and the button shank wrapping position or location corresponds to an operational position. In the operational position, the button shank is typically positioned such that a button shank wrapping process can be undertaken.

[0013] Preferably the button shank support position or location is a spaced distance apart to the button shank wrapping position or location in the feed and/or wrapping apparatus.

[0014] Preferably the support means are arranged or are of such a size, shape and/or dimensions to support a plurality of button shanks at any one time in use. As such, multiple button shanks can be loaded into the support means and the apparatus is arranged to wrap each button shank in turn.

[0015] Preferably the feed apparatus is arranged to move each button shank in turn from the support means or support location to the button shank wrapping location for wrapping.

[0016] In one example, multiple button shanks for one or more garments, material or fabric items can be located in the support means simultaneously.

[0017] Preferably the multiple button shanks are arranged in a stack, one on top of another, when located in the support means in use.

[0018] In one embodiment the support means or unit includes a housing having at least one slot defined in the same. The one or more button shanks are preferably located in or through the at least one slot in use.

[0019] Preferably the at least one slot of the support means is elongate, substantially elongate and/or is of such length to allow two or more button shanks to be located in the same simultaneously in use.

[0020] Preferably the support means or the at least one slot is arranged in the housing such that the one or more button shanks can move under gravity along the same in use.

[0021] Preferably the support means are arranged such that movement of a button shank along or relative to the support means or at least one slot is under gravity and/or via mechanical or clearance means to move the button shank towards the initiation means in use.

[0022] In one embodiment the mechanical or clearance means includes an arm member that is movable relative to the support means and/or at least one slot to move a button and/or button shank along the same in use.

[0023] In one embodiment the support means or at least one slot is arranged vertically, substantially vertically or at an acute angle with respect to a vertical axis in the apparatus.

[0024] Preferably the support means or the at least one slot is arranged perpendicular, substantially perpendicular or transverse to the initiation means (i.e. a longitudinal axis of the slot) and/or to an axis of pivotal movement of the initiation means in use.

[0025] Preferably the support means or at least one slot has an inlet through which a button forming part of the button shank and/or the button shank can be inserted in use.

[0026] Preferably the support means or at least one slot has an outlet through which the button shank passes or is moved on initiation of the initiation means or in order to initiate the initiation means.

[0027] In one embodiment the inlet of the support means or slot is opposite or substantially opposite to the outlet of the support means or slot. However, the inlet could be offset from the outlet if required.

[0028] In one embodiment the inlet and/or outlet of the slot or support means consists of or includes an aperture, window and/or the like.

[0029] Preferably counting means are provided on or associated with the apparatus or support means to allow the number of button shanks in the support means or being processed by the apparatus to be counted in use.

[0030] In one embodiment counting means, such as for example a switch, can provided on or associated with the support means and/or at least one slot. The counting means can be actuated as a button and/or button shank passes the same in use.

[0031] Preferably the counting means can be associated with the mechanical or clearance means such that if the counting means counts a certain number of buttons and/or button shanks and less buttons and/or button shanks are detected by the initiation means, the counting means, apparatus, processing means of the apparatus and/or the like can determine that one or more buttons and/or buttons shanks might be stuck in the support means, thereby activating the mechanical or clearance means to move the remaining button(s) and/or button shank(s) along the support means.

[0032] Preferably the initiation means are located at, adjacent to or in association with the outlet of the support means or the at least one slot.

[0033] In one embodiment the initiation means includes a switch or a switch mechanism.

[0034] In one embodiment when at least part of a button shank contacts at least part of the initiation means, switch or switch mechanism in use, this causes the initiation means, switch or switch means to move from the non-operational or resting position to the operational or actuated position.

[0035] Preferably the initiation means detects when a button shank is located in said support means on contact of at least part of the button shank with at least part of the initiation means.

[0036] In one embodiment the initiation means, switch or switch mechanism includes an initiator member that is movable from the non-operational or resting positon to the operational or actuated position when a button shank contacts the same in use.

[0037] In one embodiment the initiator member is pivotably mounted. Preferably the initiation member undergoes pivotal movement in moving between the non-operational or resting position and the operational or actuated position.

[0038] Further preferably the initiator member undergoes pivotal movement when a button shank contacts the same in use.

[0039] Preferably the initiator member is resiliently biased to the non-operational or resting position in use by resilient biasing means.

[0040] Preferably the resilient biasing means includes one or more springs, sprung material and/or the like.

[0041] In one embodiment the feed apparatus includes movement means for moving a button shank from the support means or support location to the button shank wrapping location.

[0042] Preferably the movement means moves the button shank from the button shank wrapping location to the outlet means or outlet means location in use.

[0043] In one embodiment the movement means includes receiving means for receiving at least part of the button shank therein in use.

[0044] Preferably the movement means are arranged at, adjacent to and/or aligned with the outlet of the support means or the at least one slot.

[0045] Preferably the movement means are arranged such that a button shank can move from the outlet of the support means or slot into the receiving means.

[0046] Preferably the receiving means includes any or any combination of a slot, channel, recess and/or the like.

[0047] Preferably the initiation member of the initiation means is located at or adjacent the receiving means, slot, channel, recess and/or the like, such that when a button shank enters or is located in the receiving means, slot, channel, recess and/or the like, the initiation member is moved from the non-operational or resting position to the operational or actuated position.

[0048] In one embodiment the initiation means is able to detect when a button shank is in the receiving means of the movement means in use.

[0049] Preferably movement of the initiation means or member from the non-operational or resting position to the operational or actuated position moves the movement means and/or the receiving means of the movement means from the support means or support location to the button shank wrapping location.

[0050] In one embodiment the movement means is capable of undergoing rotational, pivotal and/or sliding motion in use.

[0051] In one embodiment the movement means is referred to as a whipping plate.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment the movement means is rotatably mounted.

[0053] Preferably the movement means undergoes rotatable movement in a clockwise direction in use.

[0054] Preferably the movement means or whipping plate includes a flat or substantially flat member, or a member that has planar or substantially planar front and/or rear surfaces. This allows the member to rotate freely between different positions within the apparatus in use.

[0055] Preferably the movement means or whipping plate includes two or more receiving means, preferably three or more receiving means and in a preferred embodiment four receiving means.

[0056] Preferably the receiving means are arranged such that more than one receiving means can have a button shank located with the same at any one time.

[0057] Preferably the two or more receiving means are located a spaced distance apart on the movement means or whipping plate.

[0058] Preferably the two or more receiving means are located such that one of the receiving means can be provided at the support means or support location when one of the receiving means is provided at the button shank wrapping location.

[0059] Preferably the two or more receiving means are located such that one of the receiving means can be located at the button shank wrapping location when one of the receiving means is provided at or adjacent the outlet means or the button shank release location of the apparatus.

[0060] Preferably the movement means or whipping plate includes a disc or disc like member.

[0061] Preferably the one or more receiving means are provided adjacent a peripheral edge of the movement means, whipping plate or disc member.

[0062] Preferably each receiving means or a longitudinal axis of each receiving means is provided at 90 degrees with respect to an adjacent receiving means on the movement means, whipping plate or disc member.

[0063] In one embodiment the movement means, whipping plate or disc member includes one or more windows or apertures to allow part of the button shank wrapping apparatus and/or part of button shank clamping means to move at least partially through the same in use (i.e. during a button shank wrapping process).

[0064] Preferably the button shank clamping means are arranged in the apparatus so as to position the button shank in a required position in preparation for or during a button shank wrapping process in use, such as for example in a relatively stretched or extended position with respect to the button and garment, fabric or material to which it is attached, so that the button shank wrapping process can take place on the button shank without any obstruction when in the button shank wrapping location.

[0065] In one embodiment the clamping means includes one or more hook members, and preferably two or more hook members.

[0066] In one embodiment the clamping means and/or one or more hook members are pivotally mounted in the apparatus so as to undergo pivotal movement with respect to the movement means or disc member in use.

[0067] Preferably the clamping means and/or hook members are moved or pivotally moved towards the movement means or disc member at the start of the button shank wrapping process. This ensures the clamping means and/or hook members are positioned correctly so that the initial wrap around the shank is between the button and the garment/fabric/material. Without this movement, the first wrap could take place around the button or miss the button completely.

[0068] Preferably the clamping means and/or hook members are moved or pivotally moved away from the movement means or disc member after the initial wrap around the shank so as to position the clamping means or hook members correctly for the final thread pick up at the end of the button shank wrapping process or cycle.

[0069] In one embodiment the movement means or disc member has the same number of windows or apertures of the clamping means as the number of receiving means.

[0070] In one embodiment there are two or more windows or apertures provided, preferably three or more windows or apertures, and in a preferred embodiment includes four windows or apertures.

[0071] Preferably the one or more windows or apertures are offset from the one or more receiving means.

[0072] Preferably the one or more windows or apertures are arranged tangentially on the movement means or disc member, or a longitudinal axis of the one or more windows or apertures is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a radius of the disc member or movement means.

[0073] In one embodiment drive means are provided in or associated with the feed apparatus and/or wrapping apparatus for driving movement of the movement means in use.

[0074] Preferably the drive means are connected directly or indirectly to or are associated with the movement means.

[0075] Preferably actuation of the initiation means actuates the drive means to move the movement means in use.

[0076] In one embodiment the drive means includes hydraulic means, pneumatic means, one or more motors and/or the like.

[0077] In one example the drive means includes a pneumatic rotational feed.

[0078] In one embodiment power means are provided in or associated with the feed apparatus and/or wrapping apparatus to allow the drive means to be powered and/or to power one or more other components of the feed apparatus and/or the button shank wrapping apparatus.

[0079] In one embodiment actuation means are provided on or associated with the button shank wrapping location or the button shank wrapping apparatus to allow actuation of the button shank wrapping process in use.

[0080] Preferably the actuation means is movable from an off position, wherein the button shank wrapping process cannot take place, to an on position, wherein the button shank wrapping process can take place.

[0081] Preferably the actuation means includes at least one actuation member which is movable between the on and off positions.

[0082] Preferably the actuation means or the at least one actuation member is resiliently biased to the off position in use.

[0083] Preferably the button shank wrapping location includes location means for locating at least part of the button shank therewith in use.

[0084] Preferably the location means can include any or any combination of a slot, channel, recess and/or the like.

[0085] Preferably the button shank is located in both the button shank wrapping location means and the receiving means on the movement means when in the button shank wrapping location in use.

[0086] Preferably the actuation means or member is located at or adjacent the wrapping location means, slot, channel, recess and/or the like, such that when a button shank enters or is located in the wrapping location means, slot, channel, recess and/or the like, the actuation means or member is moved from the off position to the on position.

[0087] Preferably the actuation member is pivotably mounted so as to move between the on and off positions in use.

[0088] In one embodiment the outlet means of the feed apparatus includes at least one aperture, slot, gap, channel and/or the like through which the button shank can pass following completion of the button shank wrapping process.

[0089] Preferably the outlet means, the gap, aperture, channel or slot is arranged such that the button shank can move through the same under gravity in use.

[0090] In one embodiment the outlet means includes two spaced apart members with a gap, channel or slot defined between the same.

[0091] Preferably a longitudinal axis of the outlet means, gap, aperture, channel or slot is vertical, substantially vertical or is at an acute angle to the vertical.

[0092] In one embodiment the outlet means is arranged opposite or substantially opposite to the outlet of the support means.

[0093] In one embodiment the button shank feed apparatus is attached or detachably attached to button shank wrapping apparatus.

[0094] In one embodiment the button shank feed apparatus is integrally formed with the button shank wrapping apparatus.

[0095] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using button shank feed apparatus for use with button shank wrapping apparatus, said method including the steps of supporting at least one button shank in support means, actuating initiation means to allow a button shank wrapping process to be undertaken on a button shank located in the support means by button shank wrapping apparatus provided with or associated with the feed apparatus in use, enabling release of a wrapped button shank from the feed apparatus following completion of a button shank wrapping process via outlet means in use, and wherein the initiation means are arranged such that they are movable automatically from a resting or non-operational position to an operational position on contact with a button shank therewith or on detection of at least one button shank in or with the support means.

[0096] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided button shank wrapping apparatus including button shank feed apparatus.

[0097] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using button shank wrapping apparatus including button shank feed apparatus.

[0098] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided button shank feed apparatus that allows two or more button shanks to be loaded into the apparatus at any one time and fed into button shank wrapping apparatus.

[0099] Preferably each of the two or more button shanks undergo a button shank wrapping process in turn.

[0100] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein:

Figures 1a-1e show a front perspective view, a front view, a side view, a rear view, and a top plan view of button shank wrapping apparatus including button shank feed apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention respectively;

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the button shank wrapping apparatus in figures 1a-1e with part of the front cover of the apparatus removed;

Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the button shank wrapping apparatus in figure 2 with part of the movement means of the apparatus removed;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of button shank wrapping apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Referring to the figures 1a-3, there is illustrated button shank wrapping apparatus 2 including button shank feed apparatus 4. In accordance with the present invention the apparatus allows automation or semi-automation of a button wrapping process and allows multiple button shanks to be located in the apparatus at any one time. It is to be noted that the apparatus also works if only a single button shank is used in the apparatus at any one time.

[0102] The part of the apparatus that undertakes the button shank wrapping process can be integrally formed with the part of the apparatus that undertakes feeding of the button shank through the apparatus in use, or can be attached to or in relative proximity to the same.

[0103] Button shank wrapping apparatus 2 is for the wrapping or whipping of a button shank. Any type of button shank wrapping apparatus can be incorporated into the present invention, such as for example of a type disclosed in WO98/09612, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. In the illustrated example, it comprises a housing portion 6 having a top wall 8, a base wall 10, two side walls 12, 14, a front wall 16 and a rear wall 18.

[0104] A thread reel support 20 is provided on a bracket 22 protruding outwardly from rear wall 18 for supporting a reel of thread used for the shank wrapping in use. A thread tensioning arm 24 is provided on rear wall 18 to tension the thread coming from a thread reel located on reel support 20 in use. An entry aperture 26 is defined in top wall 8 to allow the wrapping thread to enter the housing portion 6 in use.

[0105] An electrical connection port 28 is defined on rear wall 18 to allow an electrical power cable to be connected to the same for an electrical power supply to the apparatus in use.

[0106] A counter display 30 is provided on top wall 8 to allow a user to see how many shank wrappings are to be provided for each button shank in use.

[0107] The walls 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 can each be independently removed to allow access to the interior of the housing portion 6. The walls are secured to an internal housing frame via a plurality of fixing screws 32.

[0108] The button shank feed apparatus 4 comprises a housing portion 34 which is upstanding and protrudes outwardly of top wall 8 adjacent front wall 16 of housing portion 6.

[0109] The feed housing portion 34 comprises a top wall 36, rear walls 38, side walls 40, 42 and a front wall 44.

[0110] The housing portion 34 acts as a support means for one, and preferably a plurality, of button shanks in use. In particular, an elongate slot 46 is defined in front wall 44 and has an input aperture 48 defined in top wall 36 and an outlet aperture 50 defined at an opposite end thereof.

[0111] Adjustment means can be provided on or associated with housing portion 34 to allow adjustment of the apparatus to accommodate different sized buttons in use if required. The adjustment means in one example could include one or more plate members that are movable relative to slot 46.

[0112] Clearance or mechanical means can be provided to allow any button or button shank that may become stuck in slot 46 to be released. For example, the clearance or mechanical means could include one or more movable arms that can be automatically or manually moved relative to slot 46 to move items contained in the same. In one example, a switch associated with slot 46 counts the number of buttons/button shanks located in the slot 46. If less buttons/button shanks are detected by the initiation means of the apparatus, the apparatus can determine that one or more buttons/button shanks have become stuck in the slot and can activate the movable arm along slot 46 to move any stuck buttons/button shanks along the slot.

[0113] Micro-processing means can be provided in the apparatus to allow control of one or more functions of the apparatus, such as for example associating the switch count with actuation of the clearance or mechanical means in use.

[0114] The housing portion 34 is arranged such that a button attached to a garment by thread to form a shank can be inserted into input aperture 48. The shank passes through the slot 46 and the garment is adjacent the front wall 44 of the housing portion 34.

[0115] Movement means in the form of a rotatably mounted disc member or whipping plate 52 is provided adjacent the output aperture 50 at the base of the housing portion 34. Receiving means in the form of four slots 54, 56, 58, 60 are defined at 90 degree intervals around the peripheral edge 62 of disc member 52. Each receiving means 54-60 is for receiving a button shank in use.

[0116] It is to be noted that in the illustrated example the disc member 52 is flat and planar on its front and rear surfaces to allow unhindered rotation of the same between the different locations within the apparatus.

[0117] The disc member 52 can be rotatably mounted on a drive shaft connected to a drive mechanism, such as a motor. The motor can be powered by the electrical power supply when connected to apparatus 2 in use. Alternatively, the disc member 52 is connected to a pneumatic rotational feed 64, which is powered by compressed air.

[0118] A plurality of windows 66 are defined in disc member 52 which allow part of movable clamping means in the form of a hook 68 to pass at least partially therethrough in use. The hook 68 stretches the button with respect to the garment so that the button shank is unobstructed for the shank wrapping process, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0119] Initiation means including an initiation arm member 70 are provided adjacent the base of a receiving slot 54 when located adjacent output aperture 50 of the housing portion 34. The initiation arm member 70 is pivotally mounted via pivot pin 72 and is movable between a resting position, as shown in figures 1a-1e, and an operational position. The initiation arm member 70 is resiliently biased via resiliently biasing means, such as a spring, to the resting position.

[0120] In the resting position, a free end 74 of arm member 70 is in a relatively raised position with respect to outlet aperture 50 and slot 54. When a button shank is received in slot 54, the shank contacts the free end 74 of arm member 70 causing the same to pivot downwardly to the operational position. Thus, the initiation means can detect when a button shank is located in the support means in a button shank support location and initiate rotation of the disc member 52. Rotation of the disc member 52 moves the slot 54 and the button shank located therein in use from the button shank support location (typically shown as a 12 o'clock position or 0 degree position), through 90 degrees to a button shank wrapping location (typically shown as a 3 o'clock position or 90 degree position).

[0121] With a button shank located in the button shank wrapping location, a button shank wrapping process can take place. A number of different and largely conventional processes can be employed to wrap the button shank at this location. However, some of the main components of the button shank wrapping process in the apparatus shown in figures 2 and 3 include a thread tube 76 which allows the wrapping thread to be delivered to a location at or adjacent the button shank wrapping location. Clamping hook 68 and a further clamping hook 78 are provided to clamp the shank wrapping thread in use. Pneumatic cylinders 80, 82 are provided to actuate movement of the clamping hooks 68 and 78 respectively between open and closed positions to allow unclamping and clamping of the wrapping thread respectively. A pneumatic cylinder 79 is also provided to allow the clamping hooks 68, 78 to be moved between raised and lowered positions respectively to allow wrapping of the shank. The clamping hooks 68, 78 are pivotally mounted at pivot points 81 to allow the clamping hooks to be moved towards the disc member 52 or forwardly of the apparatus at the start of the button shank wrapping process to ensure the position of the thread clamping hooks and therefore the thread is in the correct location with respect to the disc member 52, and away from the disc member 52 or rearwardly of the apparatus at the end of the button shank wrapping process. Pneumatic cylinders are provided in the apparatus to drive pivotal movement of the clamping hooks 68, 78 between the forwardly and rearwardly positions. A heated fork 84 is provided to allow the wrapped thread to be heat bonded to the button shank in use. A pneumatic cylinder 86 is provided to allow the heated fork 84 to be moved into and out of contact with the button shank.

[0122] Once the wrapped shank has been heated by fork 84, fork 84 is moved clear of the wrapped and heat shank and the disc member 52 and the slot 54 is moved from the button shank wrapping location (provided at the 90 degree position) through a further 90 degree position (typically to a 6 o'clock position or a 180 degree position) to a button shank release position.

[0123] In the button shank release position, the slot 54 is adjacent feeder apparatus outlet means in the form of a slot 88 defined between two outlet arms 90, 92. The button shank contained in slot 54 in the release position falls under gravity from slot 54 and through slot 88. A section 94 of the front wall 16 has a tapered recess 96 to allow the button and button shank to be smoothly dispensed from the feeder apparatus 4.

[0124] Since the above described process is arranged to take place automatically following actuation of the initiation arm member by contact of a button shank with the same in use, it will be appreciated that once a button shank is initially loaded into the slot 46, the apparatus can be left to wrap and heat the shank and dispense the shank automatically without any further user intervention being required. This significantly saves on user input and time. In addition, since the slot 46 is elongate in form, a number of button shanks attached to one or a plurality of garments or fabrics can be loaded into slot 46 of the apparatus before or during operation of the apparatus 2 to form a stack. Each button shank in the stack is then processed through the wrapping apparatus in turn.

[0125] The apparatus 2 can have a number of button shanks located in receiving slots 54, 56, 58 at any one time (i.e. simultaneously), thereby allowing initiation of a button shank wrapping process, a button shank wrapping process, and dispensing of a wrapped button shank to take place simultaneously, almost simultaneously or in rapid succession.

[0126] In order to load the button shank feeder apparatus 4, a plurality of buttons are loaded into aperture 48 of the feeder apparatus 4 such that the button is in the interior of the apparatus, the shank is located through the shank and the garment, material or fabric to which the button is attached to is located externally of the apparatus 4.

[0127] On initiation of the apparatus 4 as a result of the initiation arm member 70 being moved from the resting position to an operational position, thread contained on a reel located on reel support 20 is fed into the apparatus through opening 26, through thread tube 76 and between open clamping hooks 68, 78. The clamping hooks 68, 78 are then closed and the thread is wrapped around a button shank located in the button shank wrapping location as a result of the hooks 68, 78 moving up and down. Once the shank has been wrapped, heated fork 84 is moved into contact with the wrapped shank and heat bonds the wrapped thread to the shank. The heated form 84 is then moved out of contact with the bonded and wrapped shank. The heated and wrapped shank is then moved to a release position to allow release of the button and shank from the outlet slot 88 of the apparatus.

[0128] Referring to figure 4, there is illustrated an example of a further button shank wrapping apparatus 102 including button shank feed apparatus. In this embodiment the feed housing portion 34 is a much smaller and simpler version than that shown in figures 1a-3. It may operate with a single button shank only, or it may operate with a plurality of button shanks associated with the apparatus at any one time. The feed housing portion 34 can optionally be provided with a clearance mechanism and/or an adjustment mechanism to accommodate different sized buttons or it can be supplied without the same.

[0129] In one embodiment the housing portion 34 is interchangeable or modular to allow different types of feed housings to be provided with the apparatus in use.

Claims

1. Button shank feed apparatus for use with button shank wrapping apparatus, said button shank feed apparatus including support means for supporting at least one button shank in use, initiation means for initiating a button shank wrapping process to be undertaken by button shank wrapping apparatus provided with or associated with the feed apparatus in use, and outlet means for allowing the wrapped button shank to be released from the feed apparatus following completion of a button shank wrapping process in use, and wherein the initiation means are arranged such that they are movable automatically from a resting or non-operational position to an operational position on contact with a button shank therewith in use or on detection of at least one button shank in or with the support means in use.

2. Button shank feed apparatus according to claim 1 wherein movement of the initiation means from the resting or non-operational position to the operational position, allows a button shank to be moved from a button shank support location to a button shank wrapping location in use.

3. Button shank feed apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the support means are arranged so as to support a plurality of button shanks at any one time, and the feed apparatus is arranged to move each button shank in turn from a button shank support location to a button shank wrapping location.

4. Button shank feed apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the support means are arranged such that a button shank is moved along or relative to the support means towards the initiation means in use via gravity and/or via mechanical or clearance means.

5. Button shank feed apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the support means includes at least one slot to allow a button shank to be located through or in the same in use, the slot having an inlet through which a button forming part of the button shank and/or the button shank is located in use and an outlet through which the button shank passes or is moved on initiation of the initiation means or in order to initiate the initiation means.

6. Button shank feed apparatus according to claim 1 wherein counting means are provided on or associated with the apparatus or support means to allow the number of button shanks in the support means or being processed by the apparatus to be counted in use.

7. Button shank feed apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the initiation means includes an initiator member that is pivotably movable between the non-operational or resting position and the operational position in use.

8. Button shank feed apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the initiator member is resiliently biased to the non-operational or resting position in use by resilient biasing means.

9. Button shank feed apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus includes movement means for moving a button shank from the support means or button shank support location to the button shank wrapping location in use.

10. Button shank feed apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the movement means is in the form of a whipping plate including receiving means for receiving at least part of a button shank in use, said whipping plate being rotataby mounted in the apparatus.

11. Button shank feed apparatus according to claim 10 wherein a plurality of receiving means are provided in the whipping plate, the receiving means arranged such that one of the receiving means can be provided at the support means or button shank support location when one of the receiving means is provided at a button shank wrapping location, and/or one of the receiving means can be provided at or adjacent outlet means or a button shank release location of the apparatus.

12. Button shank feed apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the movement means or the whipping plate includes one or more windows to allow part of the button shank wrapping apparatus or button shank clamping means to move at least partially through the same in use.

13. Button shank feed apparatus according to claim 1 wherein button shank clamping means are provided to position the button shank in a required position in use in preparation for or during a button shank wrapping process, the clamping means including one or more hook members that are pivotally mounted in the apparatus.

14. Button shank feed apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein drive means are provided in or associated with the button shank feed apparatus and/or button shank wrapping apparatus, and actuation of the initiation means actuates the drive means to move the movement means in use.

15. A method of using button shank feed apparatus for use with button shank wrapping apparatus, said method including the steps of supporting at least one button shank in support means, actuating initiation means to allow a button shank wrapping process to be undertaken on a button shank located in the support means by button shank wrapping apparatus provided with or associated with the feed apparatus in use, enabling release of a wrapped button shank from the feed apparatus following completion of a button shank wrapping process via outlet means in use, and wherein the initiation means are arranged such that they are movable automatically from a resting or non-operational position to an operational position on contact with a button shank therewith or on detection of at least one button shank in or with the support means.

Drawing