Button applicator with safety apparatus

Abstract

A button applicator with a one-rotation clutch linked to a foot pedal and is released by a disconnecting and connecting mechanism. A safety member is provided between a punch and a die and urged upward. A swing lever is linked to the safety member at its one end and linked to an operation rod connected to the foot pedal at its substantial center and swings about another end of the swing lever. A means for shutting off the clutch is provided between the operation rod and the swing lever. A means for allowing the rotation of the clutch is provided between the operation rod and the connecting and disconnecting mechanism. According to a preferred embodiment, the means for allowing the rotation of said clutch comprises an intermediate rod linked to the connecting and disconnecting member and having a stopper at its end and an interconnecting member interconnecting the two rods, and the means for shutting off the clutch comprises a sliding bearing fixed to the swing lever, a collar mounted on the sliding bearing and a spring between the sliding bearing and a rod end. The relational movements of above mentioned two means release the clutch to rotate through the connecting and disconnecting mechanism. Finally, the punch linked to the clutch is brought down for caulking button elements when the operation rod is brought down to a deeper position by a predetermined interval than a predetermined position of the safety member being brought down.