Patent ID: 6725585
Filing Date: 2004-04-27
Classification: D06F

Abstract:
A safety guard apparatus for movement of a support lever arm attached to a press head of a press machine powered by a source of pneumatic power providing pneumatic fluid flow to operate the press head between inoperative and operative positions controlled by at least one actuatable valve, comprising:a guard bar connectable to a connector means, said guard bar is manipulated by an operator to move said connector means for activation of the at least one actuatable valve being in pneumatic communication with the pressurized fluid flow system of the press machine for transmission of pneumatic fluid for movement of the press head between an inoperative position to an operative position, said guard bar is configured to encircle the press head, said guard bar is disposed to be moved in advance of movement of the press head between said inoperative and operative positions; and an operator-responsive mechanism interposed between said connector means and the at least one actuatable valve, said operator-responsive mechanism including at least one pivotable connection and a means for connecting disposed between said connector means and the at least one actuatable valve, said means for connecting is reciprocated upon said guard bar being moved in advance of movement of the press head, thereby said operator-responsive mechanism is responsive to the movement of said guard bar and said press head between inoperative and operative positions to activate the at least one actuatable valve for regulation of the transmission of pneumatic power to operate the press head between inoperative and operative positions, said operator-responsive mechanism further including: an activation system disposed to be reciprocated by said means for connecting, said activation system positioned to actuate the at least one actuatable valve between inoperative and operative valve positions, said activation system including: an activation frame having a first end that is reciprocated about a pivot attached at said first end to a structural member of the press machine, said first end is disposed to reciprocatingly actuate the at least one actuatable valve, said activation frame having a second end reciprocated between a raised and a lowered position, said second end supporting a roller means disposed to reciprocate against a lever arm attached by a pivoting connector to the structural member of the press machine, said lever arm is spring tensioned to maintain contact against said roller means supported by said second end; whereby actuating of the at least one actuatable valve between respective inoperative and operative valve positions regulates the pneumatic fluid flow pressure applied to the support lever arm for movement of the press head between inoperative and operative positions.