US3844818A

US3844818A - Method for painting a plurality of articles

Info

Publication number: US3844818A
Application number: US00185587A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Morrison
Original assignee: Storm Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: Storm Manufacturing Co
Priority date: 1969-04-04
Filing date: 1971-10-01
Publication date: 1974-10-29
Anticipated expiration: 1991-10-29

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for painting articles such as fishing lures, and the like. The articles to be painted are placed on a plurality of blocks movably secured to a plurality of carriage members which are connected together to form a continuous chain thereof. The chain of carriage members is movably secured to a continuous track, and is intermittently advanced over the track. As the articles are advanced, they are painted with paints of preselected color in preselected patterns, and the paint is dried and baked onto the articles. The painted and dried articles are then automatically removed from the apparatus.

Description

a United States Patent Morrison Oct. 29, 1974 [54] METHOD FOR PAINTING A PLURALITY 3,060,057 10/1962 Johnson ll8/64l X 0 R L S 3,280,795 10/1966 Zipperlin 118/324 X 3,434,458 3/1969 Huff et al 118/301 [75] lnvemori Jimmie Morrison, Norman 3,594,211 7/1971 Drum 117/43 Okla' FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [73 Ass'gnee' Smrm Manufacmmg Company 618,597 2 1949 Great Britain 118/301 Norman, Okla we [22] Filed: Oct. 1, 1971 Primary Examiner-William D. Martin [211 App No 185 587 Assistant Examiner-M. R. Lusignan a Y j, Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Dunlap, Laney, Hessin,

Dougherty & Codding Related U.S. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. NO. 813,643, April 4, 1969, Pat. No. ABSTRACT 3 13 The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for painting articles such as fishing lures, and the U.S. R, The articles to be painted are placed on a plural- 1 18/3011 1 18/324, 118/503 ity of blocks movably secured to a plurality of carriage [5 lnt. members are connected together to form a con- Field 0f Search 104 tinuous chain thereof. The chain of carriage members i 641, 642 is movably secured to a continuous track, and is intermittently advanced over the track. As the articles are References Cited advanced, they are painted with paints of preselected UNITED STATES PATENTS color in preselected patterns, and the paint is dried 729,512 5/1903 Sejnoha et a1. 118/324 x and baked Onto the articles- The Painted and dried 1, 4 402 4 1923 Dewey U ticles are then automatically removed from the appal,894,729 1/1933 ratus.

7 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures 3,040,701 1962 Minnick etal.... 118 301 11 ALITY OF BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to apparatus for painting articles, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to apparatus for painting articles, such as fishing lures and the like, wherein the articles are advanced over a continuous track past means for painting and drying the articles by a continuous chain of carriage members.

2. Description of the Prior Art Many various types of apparatus have been developed for automatically and continuously painting articles. However, prior to the present invention, apparatus has not been available for painting articles which must be painted with a plurality of different colored paints in specific patterns, and on different areas of the articles.

For example, articles such as fishing lures must be painted with a minimum of two different colors of paint, and the paint must be applied in patterns to simulate the scales and other distinguishing features of fish. The painting of fishing lures must be accomplished with great care in that the success of a particular lure in catching fish depends solely on the similarity of the lure to a live bait.

The present invention provides apparatus for automatically and continuously painting articles, such as fishing lures, with a plurality of different colored paints in specific patterns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to apparatus for painting articles such as fishing lures and the like which comprises a frame having a continuous elongated track attached thereto. A plurality of carriage members, connected together to form a continuous chain thereof, are movably secured to the track, and means for advancing the chain of carriage members over the track are attached to the frame. Means for supporting the articles to be painted are attached to the carriage members, and means for painting the articles as the articles are advanced along the track are attached to the frame. Means for drying the painted articles, and means for removing the painted and dried articles from the apparatus, are provided. Methods for painting articles are also provided by the present invention.

It is, therefore, a general object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for painting articles.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of methods and apparatus for painting articles such as fishing lures and the like, wherein said articles are automatically painted with a plurality of paints of different colors.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of methods and apparatusfor painting articles such as fishing lures and the like wherein specific patterns using different colored paints are painted thereon.

Still a further object of the present invention is the provision of methods and apparatus for painting articles such as fishing lures and the like wherein limited areas on the articles may be painted in a variety of colors.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of apparatus for painting articles wherein the articles are automatically painted and the paint is automatically dried and baked on the articles.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of methods and apparatus for painting articles wherein a great number of said articles may be effectively painted and dried in a relatively short time.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be evident from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of a fishing lure painted by the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view in cross section taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view in cross section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view in cross section taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view in cross section taken along line 77 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a view in cross section taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a view partially in section taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the latching assembly of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a view in cross section taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a view in diagrammatic form of a part of the control apparatus and pneumatic circuitry of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a view in diagrammatic form of a portion of the pattern painting assembly in a first position and the pneumatic circuitry relating thereto;

FIG. 16 is a view of a portion of the pattern painting assembly and pneumatic circuitry relating thereto in a second position;

FIG. I7 is a view in diagrammatic form of a portion of the limited area painting assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a view in cross section taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17; and

FIG. 19 is a view in cross section of the drive and taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. I and 3, the apparatus of the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 10. The apparatus It) basically comprises a frame 12 having a plurality of carriage members 14 supported thereon. Carriage members 14 are connected together to form a continuous chain 16 thereof which is movably secured to a continuous track attached to frame 12, generally designated by the numeral 18. Track 18, which will be further described herein, is basically comprised of a pair of elongated horizontal parallel plates 20 and 22 (FIG. 3) rigidly attached to frame 12 one above the other, a drive pulley member 24 rotatably attached to the forward end 26 of frame 12, and an idler pulley member 28 rotatably attached to the rearward end 30 of frame 12. Drive pulley member 24 engages the chain 16 of carriage members 14 and is intermittently rotated so that chain 16 is intermittently advanced over track 18.

A block 32 having a plurality of arms 33 for supporting an article to be painted thereon is secured to each of carriage members 14. The articles to be painted are placed on arms 33 of blocks 32, and are advanced along track 18 by the chain 16.

A plurality of spray painting guns for painting said articles with a plurality of paints of different colors, a plurality of paint shield assemblies, an assembly for painting specific patterns on said articles, and an assemblies for painting limited areas of said articles as said articles are advanced along track 18, are positioned adjacent to and on both sides of a first portion 36 of track 18.

A plurality of electric heaters 38 are positioned adjacent to and on both sides of a second portion 40 of track 18 for drying the articles which have been painted, and for baking the paint onto the articles.

The painted and dried articles are removed from arms 33 of blocks 32 by an assembly positioned adjacent to a third portion 44 of track 18.

While passing over a fourth portion 46 of track 18, the arms 33 of blocks 32 are passed through a body of fluid for removing excess paint therefrom which is conlined in a container 48 attached to frame 12. The arms 33 are then passed through a plurality of brushes 50 at-- tached to frame 12, and dried where upon additional lures may be placed thereon.

A plurality of paint storage containers 52 having pneumatic paint stirring devices 54 attached thereto are attached to frame 12.

A hood 54 having an air blower (not shown) attached thereto is attached to frame 12 for removing excess paint from the atmosphere surrounding the apparatus 10.

A pneumatic timer 56 and control panel 58 are attached to frame 12 at the forward end 26 thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first portion 36 of track 18 is comprised of an elongated plate 20 attached to frame 12 in a horizontal plane having a flat top surface 60, and

parallel sides

62 and 64. An elongated side member 66, of angular cross section, having a vertical leg 68 and a horizontal leg 70 is attached to side 62 of plate 20. A second elongated side member 72, identical to side member 66, having a vertical leg 74 and a horizontal leg 76 is attached to side 64 of plate 20. Vertical legs 68 and 74 of

side members

66 and 72 are attached to plate 20, and the horizontal legs 70 and 76 of

side members

66 and 72 face one another.

Portions

40, 44 and 46 of track 18 are comprised of an elongated flat plate 22 identical to plate 20 attached to frame 12 in a horizontal plane directly below plate 20. A pair of

elongated side members

80 and 82, identical to

side members

66 and 72 are attached to plate 22 in the same meanner as described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, each of carriage members 14 basically comprises a bar 84, of rectangular shape in cross section, having a forward end 86 and a rearward end 88. The forward end 86 of bar 84 includes a vertical slot 90 therein, and a bore 92 positioned perpendicularly to slot 90. The rearward end 88 of block 84 is formed in the shape of a vertical tongue 94 having a bore 96 therein of the same diameter as bore 92.

Bores

92 and 96 are positioned in bar 84 so that when a plurality of the bars 84 are positioned together in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, with tongues 94 fitted into slots 90, bores 92 and 96 are adjacent to and aligned with each other.

Bars 84 of carriage members 14 are fitted together in the manner described above, and a plurality of shafts 98 are positioned in the

bores

92 and 96. A plurality of roller members 100 are secured to the ends of shafts 98, with conventional bearings 102 disposed between the ends of shafts 98 and rollers 100. Thus, a continuous chain 16 of carriage members 14 is formed.

The chain 16 of carriage members 14 is disposed within

portions

36, 40, 44 and 46 of track 18, and over drive pulley 24 and idler pulley 28 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The side members and 72 of portion 30 of track 18, and the sides and 82 of the

portions

40, 44 and 46 of track 18 hold chain 16 within track 18. As chain 16 is advanced over portion 36 of track 18, rollers roll on the surface 60 of plate 20. As chain 16 is ad vanced over

portions

40, 44 and 46 of track 18, rollers 100 roll on the horizontal legs of

side members

80 and 82. As will also be understood, chain 16 is disposed over track 18, drive pulley member 24, and idler pulley member 28 in a tight manner so that there is a minimum of slack in chain 16.

Each of bars 84 of carriage members 14 include a first vertical bore 104 therein, positioned adjacent to the forward end 86 thereof, and a second vertical bore 106, positioned near the rearward end 88 thereof. A block 32 is slidably secured to each of bars 84 by a solid shaft 108 rigidly attached to block 32 and slidably disposed within bore 104, and by a hollow shaft rigidly secured in bore 106 of bar 84 and slidably positioned in a vertical bore 112 of block 32. A spring 114 is disposed over the outside of hollow shaft between bar 84 and block 32. A spring 116 is disposed within shaft 110 and bore 112 of block 32, secured at the lower end 118 thereof to shaft 110 by a pin 120 extending through the sides of shaft 110. The upper end 117 of spring 116 is secured to block 32 by a pin 122 which is in turn secured to the top of block 32 by a conventional washer 124 disposed within a groove in pin 122. Vertical shaft 108 is free to slide in bore 104 of bar 84, and shaft 110 is free to slide within bore 112 of block 32. Thus, it may be seen that each of blocks 32 are free to move in directions perpendicular to the direction of movement of carriage members 14, but are prevented from moving otherwise.

Springs

114 and 116 work against each other to maintain blocks 32 in a neutral position a distance from carriage members 14.

As can be seen best in FIGS. 4 and 5, a shield 126 is secured to each of bars 84 of carriage members 14 to prevent paint and dirt from entering the inside of track 18.

A plurality of arms 33 for supporting the articles to be painted by the apparatus of the present invention are attached to each of blocks 32. The number, size and shape of the arms 33 may be varied in accordance with the size and shape of the particular articles to be painted. For purposes of this disclosure, let it be assumed that fishing lures of the shape illustrated in FIG. 2 are to be painted. Referring to FIG. 2, the fishing lures are comprised of a body 128 having metal eyelets 134 disposed therein at the forward end, the rearward end and a lower middle portion thereof. As will be understood, eyelets 134 are used for attaching hooks, etc., to the fishing lure body after it is painted. Referring again to FIG. 3, each of blocks 32 includes a forward supporting arm 138 rigidly attached to block 32, a rearward supporting arm 140 rigidly attached to block 32 and a middle supporting arm 142 slidably secured in a vertical bore 144 extending through block 32. Each of

arms

138 and 140 include V-shaped notches at the upper ends thereof (not shown) for receiving forward and rearward eyelets 134 of the fishing lures 128. Arm 142 is comprised of a lower portion 146 extending through bore 144 and an upper portion 150. Upper portion 150 is formed in the shape of a hook at the upper end thereof for engaging middle eyelet 134.

Lower portion 146 of arm 142 extendsbelow block 32 to a point near, but not contacting shield 126 when block 32 is in the neutral position described above. A spring 148 is disposed over lower portion 146 of arm 142 within bore 144. The upper end of spring 148 rests against a shoulder 152 formed within bore 144, and the lower end of spring 148 is secured to lower portion 146 of arm 142 by a conventional washer 154 secured in a groove therein. A stop member 156 is secured to arm 142 above block 32. Thus, the lure 128 may be positioned on arms 138 and 1411, and arm 134 hooked into middle eyelet 134. The spring 148 allows arm 142 to be raised vertically so that the lure 128 may be placed on

arms

138, 140 and 142, and automatically removed therefrom, as will be described further herein.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of

identical shield members

156 and 158 are positioned opposite one another and attached to

side members

66 and 72 of the portion 36 of track 18. Where it is desirable to move the articles being painted in directions perpendicular to the direction of movement of chain 16, cam members 160 are provided attached to shield

members

156 and 158. As can be best seen in FIG. 4, each of blocks 132 includes a pair of cam follower members 162 attached to opposite sides thereof in a plane parallel to track 18. A pair of identical cam members 160 are provided opposite one another at desired points along track 18, positioned so that cam follower members 162 are engaged thereby. As will be understood, the cam surfaces of cam members 166 are formed in a shape which will impart an upward movement to blocks 32 as blocks 32 are advanced along portion 36 of track 18.

PAINT SHIELD ASSEMBLIES Continuing to refer to FIGS. 3 and 4, means for shielding lower portions of the articles being painted are provided by the present invention generally designated by the numeral 164. Each of the shield assemblies 164 basically comprises a pair of parallel arms 166, removably secured to frame 12, and positioned between track 18 and one of spray painting guns 34. A cylindrical roller is rotatably attached to arms 166 at a position between the portion of the articles to be shielded and the paint spraying gun 34. A pair of vertical parallel support plates 170 are attached to frame 12 positioned below arms 166. A roll of elongated paper 172 is rotatably securedbetween and to support plates 170. A conventional paper guide roller assembly 174 is rotatably secured between and to plates 170. and a conventional paper drive roller assembly 176 is attached between and to support plates 170. Guide roller assembly 174 includes a conventional spring loaded friction plate device attached thereto (not shown), so that tension is maintained on the paper advanced therethrough. A drive shaft attached to paper drive assembly 176 extends through one of support plates and a chain drive assembly 178 is attached thereto. A pair of

drive shafts

180 and 182 are rotatably attached to frame 12 throughout the length of frame 12. Drive

shafts

180 and 182 are driven by an air motor 184 (FIG. 1) in opposite directions as indicated by arrows 186 (FIG. 4). Chain drive assembly 178 is attached to drive shaft 180. A portion of the paper from roll 172 is threaded through paper guide assembly 174, over cylindrical roller 168 and through paper drive assembly 176. Thus, as paper drive assembly 176 is rotated by drive shaft 1811, a supply of paper is continuously advanced over cylindrical roller 168, and a shield is provided between paint gun 34 and the lower portion of the articles being painted.

PAINTED ARTICLE REMOVING ASSEMBLY Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 7, the assembly for removing articles from blocks 32 which have been painted and dried is illustrated. When the chain 16 of carriage members 14 passes over drive pulley member 24 and on to portion 40 of track 18, the carriage members 14, blocks 32 and fishing lures painted are in an upside down position. The painted lures are passed over portion 40 of track 18 through a plurality of conventional electric heaters 38, positioned on both sides of portion 48 of track 18, thereby drying the paint. The painted and dried lures are then advanced onto portion 44 of track 18.

A pair of parallel support bars 190, positioned opposite one another in a horizontal plane are attached to frame 12. Support members 190 are positioned such that cam members 162 of blocks 32 rest thereon. At a point beneath portion 44 of track 18 support members 198 extend upwardly for a short distance and level off at a position closer to track 18. Thus, blocks 32 to move closer to carriage members 14, which in turn causes the lower portions 146 of arms 142 (FIG. 5) to be contacted by shields 126 of carriage members 14 thereby moving arms 142 towards the lures. That is, as the blocks 32 are moved upwardly by support members 911, arms 142 are moved downwardly so that the lures are moved away from

support arms

138 and 140 as illustrated in FIG. 3. A bar 192 (FIG. 4) is pivotally attached to frame 12 at a level adjacent to the lures. Bar 192 is positioned at the point along portion 44 of track 18 where blocks 32 are raised by support members 190. Bar 192 is attached to a member 194 which is in turn pivotally secured to a horizontal member 196. Horizontal member 196 is attached to frame 12. A conventional air cylinder 198 is attached to frame 12, with the piston arm 2011 thereof pivotally attached to member 194. As each of blocks 32 is raised by support members 1911 thereby lowering support arm 142, bar 192 is moved into contact with the lure by air cylinder 198. The lure is thereby knocked loose from arm 142. The lure, thus removed, falls onto a tray 202 from where it slides into a container positioned under tray 202 (not shown). Thus, as each painted and dried lure is advanced over portion 44 of track 18 it is automatically removed from the apparatus 10.

PATTERN PAINTING ASSEMBLY Referring now to FIGS. 3, 8 and 9, the assembly for painting specific patterns on the articles advanced over track 18 is illustrated. Two identical pattern painting assemblies, generally designated by the

numerals

204 and 282, are provided on opposite sides of track 18 so that patterns may be painted on both sides of the articles. Both

assemblies

204 and 282 are attached to a carriage member 208 which is slidably secured to an elongated horizontal bar 206, of rectangular shape, rigidly attached to frame 12 directly below portion 36 of track 18. The carriage member 208 is slidably supported on the top portion of bar 206 so that carriage member 208 is free to slide in directions parallel to track 18. Since

assemblies

204 and 208 are identical, assembly 204 will be described herein, it being understood that the description applies equally to assembly 282.

A pair of parallel support arms 210 are attached to carriage member 208 on one side 212 thereof. Support arms 210 extend upwardly adjacent to one side of track 18 to a point about track 18. A cylindrical roller 214 is rotatably attached between and to arms 210 at the upper ends thereof. A pair of parallel support plates 216 are attached to the side 218 of carriage member 208, and a vertical plate 220 is attached to the top of parallel support plates 216. Plate 220 extends upwardly adjacent to the other side of track 18, opposite from parallel arms 210, to a point above track 18. A roll 222 of elongated template material 223 is rotatably attached between plates 216. The template material 223 if formed in the shape of a specific pattern to be painted on the articles passing over track 18. In the case where the articles to be painted are fishing lures, template material 223 is formed in the shape of a net so that a pattern simulating scales will be painted on the lures (FIG. 2).

A conventional drive roller assembly 224 is rotatably secured between and to plates 216, driven by an air motor 226. An idler guide roller 228 is rotatably attached between and to parallel support members 210 at a point beneath track 18. The elongated template material-223 is passed under guide roller 228, vertically upwards past track 18 and over roller 214. The template material 223 is then passed over the outside surface of plate 220, and through drive roller assembly 224. Thus, as drive roller assembly 24 is rotated by air motor 226, the template material 223 is advanced over roller 214.

A spray painting gun 34 is attached to frame 12, and is positioned at the level of the articles to be painted advanced over track 18. A paper shield assembly 230, identical to paper shield assembly 164 previously described, is attached to frame 12 so that it is positioned between spray painting gun 34 and the lower portions of the articles to be painted.

A latching assembly, generally designated by the numeral 232, is attached to parallel arms 210 at a position above track 18, so that as each of blocks 32 advances to a point adjacent to latching assembly 232, one of the cam members 162 thereof is latched into latching assembly 232.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, latching assembly 232 is illustrated. Latching assembly 232 basically comprises a bar 234 of rectangular shape in cross section having a forward end 236 and a rearward end 238. Bar 234 includes a groove 240 of rectangular shape in cross section in one side 242 thereof, said groove extending from the forward end 236 to the rearward end 238 of bar 234. A slot 244, positioned perpendicularly to groove 240 in the side 242 of bar 234 extends upwardly from groove 240. A latching member 246 is pivotally secured in slot 244 by a bolt 248. The lower end 250 of latching member 246 extends into groove 240, and a spring member 252 is disposed over the upper end 254 of latching member 246 so that a force must be applied to latching member 246 in order for it to be pivoted. The lower end of latching member 246 includes a notch 256 therein.

Referring again to FIG. 8, latching assembly 232 is attached to parallel arms 210, and positioned so that as each of blocks 32 is advanced to a point adjacent the rearward end 238 of block 234, one of cam members 162 attached to the blocks 32 will enter groove 240. As the block 32 is advanced further, cam member 162 will come into contact with latching member 246 causing latching member 246 to be pivoted in a counter clockwise direction. When the cam member 162 enters notch 256 of latching member 246, it will become latched in notch 256 by the force applied to latching member 246 by spring 252. Thus, as each of blocks 32 are advanced along track 18, one of cam members 162 thereof will be latched into latching assembly 232. Therefore, carriage member 208 and the apparatus attached thereto will tend to advance forwardly with each of blocks 32.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an air cylinder 260 is attached to frame 12 below bar 206. A first cable 262 is attached to air cylinder 260, and is disposed over a pair of rollers 264 which are attached to bar 206. The other end of cable 262 is attached to the rearward end 209 of carriage member 208. A second cable 270 is attached to the forward end 211 of carriage member 208, and is disposed over a pair of rollers 266 attached to bar 206. The other end of cable 270 is attached to the piston arm 268 of air cylinder 260. Thus, as piston arm 268 of air cylinder 260 is moved in one direction, carriage member 208 and the apparatus attached thereto will be moved in the opposite direction, and vice versa.

Air cylinder 260 is provided to move carriage member 208 and the apparatus attached thereto forwardly simultaneously with each of the blocks 32 latched into latching assembly 232. Air cylinder 260 also moves carriage member 208 back to its original position after carriage member 208 has been advanced with each block 82. A mechanically actuated air relay 272, which will be described further herein, is attached to carriage member 208 for actuating air cylinder 260.

The force of air cylinder 260 moving carriage member 208 rearwardly causes each of the blocks 32 to be unlatched from latching assembly 232.

In order to provide movement to carriage member 208, the apparatus attached thereto, and each of blocks 32, in directions perpendicular to the direction of movement of the chain 16, a pair of slots 274 are provided in bar 206. Slots 274 are identical, and are shaped to provide movement in a direction perpendicular to track 18 to a pair of cam followers 276 when said cam followers 276 are extended therethrough. As can best be seen in FIG. 3, cam followers 276 are the piston arms of a pair of conventional air cylinders 278, which are attached to a pair of vertical arms 280 attached to carriage member 208. Cam followers 276 are inserted into slots 274 by air cylinders 278 just prior to the for ward movement of carriage member 208. As carriage member 208 is moved forwardly, carriage member 208 and the apparatus attached thereto, including the block 32 latched into latching assembly 232, are simultaneously moved upwardly as cams 276 pass over the surfaces of slots 274. Upon reaching a forward stop 258 attached to bar 206, the cam members 276 are retracted from slots 274, and carriage member 208 and the apparatus attached thereto is moved by air cylinder 260 horizontally rearwardly to a position against rearward stop 259 attached to bar 206.

As will be understood,

pattern painting assemblies

204 and 282 are moved past spray painting guns 34 simultaneously with the article being painted so that the paint is continuously shielded from the article by tem plate material 223, and the desired pattern is painted thereon. By shielding lower portions of the articles with shield assemblies 230, and raising and lowering the article as it is moved forwardly, a pattern formed in the shape of an arc will result such as is illustrated on the lure 128 of FIG. 2.

LIMITED AREA PAINTING ASSEMBLIES Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, one of the limited area painting assemblies attached to frame 12 is illustrated, and is generally designated by the numeral 284. Assembly 284 is comprised of a support plate 286 attached to frame 12 at a position'below track 18 in a vertical plane perpendicular to track 18. A roller 288 of template material 298 is rotatably secured to plate 286, and is connected to a drive shaft 290 extending therethrough. A drive chain assembly 292 is connected to drive shaft 290 and to drive shaft 180 previously described. A conventional friction plate assembly (not shown) is disposed between drive shaft 290 and roller 288.

A pair of parallel plates 300 are attached to frame 12 at the upper ends 302 thereof above track 18, and are attached to shield

members

158 and 156 of track 18 at the lower ends 304 thereof. Plates 300 are positioned in vertical planes perpendicular to track 18, and each includes an elongated vertical opening 306 therein so that blocks 32 and the articles to be painted supported thereon may be passed through openings 306. The elongated template material 298 is provided with a plurality of equally spaced holes 294 therein along each of the sides thereof. A cylindrical drive roller 308, having a set of teeth at each end around the periphery thereof for engaging the holes 294 in template material 298, is rotatably secured between plates 300 at the upper ends 302 thereof. A pair of guide rollers 310 are rotatably secured between plates 300 on opposite sides of the openings 306, and a pair of guide plates 312 are attached to each of plates 300 above guide rollers 310. A spool 314 for receiving template material 298 is rotatably secured to plate 286 on the opposite side from roller 288. Spool 314 is connected by a drive shaft 316 to a drive chain assembly 318 which is in turn connected to drive shaft 182, previously described. An elongated bar 320 is pivotally attached to plate 286 at one end, and an idler roller 322 is rotatably attached to the other end thereof.

The template material 298 is passed from roll 288, over one of guide rollers 310, under guide plates 312 on one side of the plates 300, and over roller 308. From roller 308 the template material 298 is passed under the second pair of guide plates 312 on the other side of the plates 300, over the other guide roller 310, under guide roller 322 and onto reel 314. Guide plates 312 function to hold

portions

311 and 313 of template material 298 vertically parallel to each other.

Drive roller 308 is connected to a drive shaft 326. Drive shaft 326 is connected to a cam 544, which will be described further herein. Cam 544 is connected by a drive shaft 328 to a drive chain assembly 330. Drive chain assembly 330 is connected to a conventional pneumatic clutch assembly 332, which is in turn connected to drive motor 184.

As drive roller 308 is rotated, the template material 298 is advanced over drive roller 308. As template material 298 is advanced roller 288 is turned clockwise against a friction plate assembly which is being turned counterclockwise by chain assembly 292. Thus, template material 298 is continuously maintained in tension between roller 288 and drive roller 308. As the template material 298 is advanced, slack between drive roller 308 and reel 316 is taken up by idler roller 322 which is free to move upwardly and downwardly. Reel 314 is turned counterclockwise by drive chain assembly 318 at a slower rate than template material 298 is advanced. However, tension is maintained on the portion of template material 298 between idler roller 322 and drive roller 308 by the weight of idler 322.

A pair of spray painting guns 34 are attached to frame 12, and are positioned adjacent to

portions

311 and 313 of template material 298.

Template material 298 includes a plurality of openings 334 therein, formed in the shape of the limited area to be painted on the articles advanced over track 18. Assuming again that fishing lures are being painted, the openings 334 in template material 298 are in circular form for painting the outline of an eyeball on each side of the lures. As will be understood, three limited area painting assemblies are used for painting eyes on fishing lures, i.e., one for the eyeball outline, one for the eyeball itself, and one for the eye pupil.

The distance between the openings 334 in the template material 298 is coordinated with the amount of template material 298 advanced over drive roller 308 so that a pair of the openings 334 are always positioned opposite one another in the

portions

311 and 313 of template material 298 adjacent to spray painting guns 34.

As will be described further herein, template material 298 is advanced by drive roller 308 once each time 20 articles have been painted. That is after 20 articles have been painted through template material 298, fresh template material is positioned between spray painting guns 34 and the articles being painted.

In order to accurately position each article to be painted between the

portions

311 and 313 of template material 298 at the level of spray guns 34 and aligned openings 334, a bar 336 is pivotally attached to the inside of shield 156. The bar 336 includes a groove 338 extending throughout the length of bar 336 for engaging a cam member 162 of each of blocks 32 as blocks 32 are advanced over track 18. A conventional air cylinder 340 is attached to frame 12 having the piston arm 342 thereof attached to bar 336 by a bolt 344 which extends through a slot (not shown) in shield member 156. Thus, as each of blocks 32 is advanced to a point adjacent spray guns 34 and stopped, air cylinder 340 raises bar 336 thereby raising the block 32 upwardly. Thus,

the article to be painted is raised upwardly between the

portions

311 and 313 of template material and between spray painting guns 34. A bar 335 is attached to shield member 156 on the outside thereof, positioned above piston arm 342 of air cylinder 340. A bolt 337 threadedly secured in a vertical bore in bar 335 is adjusted to limit the travel of piston arm 342 and the height to which the article to be painted is raised. Spray painting guns 34 are activated after the article to be painted is raised without

portions

311 and 313 of template material 298 so that paint is sprayed onto the template material and through the openings 334 of the template material thereby painting a limited area on both sides of the article.

DRIVE APPARATUS As previously described, an air motor 184 is provided for driving

drive shafts

180 and 182. Drive

shafts

180 and 182 are used to advance the paper supply over the paper shield assemblies attached to apparatus 10, to advance the template material in the pattern painting assemblies, etc. Drive motor 184 is also used to rotate drive roller 308 of the limited area painting assemblies described above. This aspect of the limited area painting assemblies will be described further herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 19, the chain 16 of carriage members 14 is advanced over track 18 by drive pulley member 24. As will be described further herein, chain 16 is advanced intermittently. That is, chain 16 is repeatedly advanced a specific distance and stopped.

Drive pulley member 24 is comprised of a pair of parallel circular plates 350, (FIG. 19) held apart by a plurality of shafts 352 attached between and to the plates 350. As can best be seen in FIG. 14, each of plates 350 includes a plurality of notches 354 around the periphery thereof. The plates 350 are positioned together so that the notches 354 therein are positioned adjacent one another. The notches 354 are spaced around the periphery of the plates 350, and are of a size so that the rollers 100 of the chain 16 of carriage members 14 are engaged by notches 354 as drive pulley member 24 is rotated.

Referring again to FIG. 19, plate 350 rotatably secured to shaft 356 by conventional bearing member 358. Plate 351 is rotatably secured to a slip clutch assembly 360 by conventional bearing 362. Slip clutch assembly is comprised of a sleeve 364 which is rigidly held on shaft 356 by key 366. A pair of

opposed friction plates

368 and 370 are disposed over sleeve 364 on opposite sides of plate 351. Friction plate 368 is held adjacent to plate 351 by the flange 372 of sleeve 364. Friction plate 370 is held against the other side of plate 351 by a spring 374 which is forced against friction plate 370 by a circulate plate 376 threadedly secured on sleeve 364. Thus, the friction plate assembly 360 may be adjusted by threading plate 376 inwardly towards plate 351 thereby increasing the spring tension against friction plate 370, and vice versa. Shaft 356 is rotatably secured to frame 12 and is attached to an air operated drive motor 378. Thus, the slip clutch assembly 300 of drive pulley member 24 prevent the apparatus 10 from being damaged if claim 16 becomes caught along track 18 when air motor 378 is rotating shaft 356.

CONTROL APPARATUS AND PNEUMATIC CIRCUITRY Referring now to FIG. 14, the apparatus and associated pneumatic circuitry for intermittently advancing and stopping chain 16, controlling spray painting guns 34, the painting assemblies, etc., is illustrated. A supply of compressed air at a pressure of approximately 200 pounds is led through conduit 400, through a conventional shut-off valve 402 into a conduit 404. A conduit 408 is connected to conduit 404 and to a header 410. A conventional pressure regulator 406 is disposed within conduit 408. Header 410 is positioned along the length of apparatus 10, and is attached to each of paint containers 52 (FIG. 1) by individual conduits (not shown). Pressure regulator 406 is set to control the pressure in header 410 and within each of paint containers 52 at approximately 20 to 40 psig. As will be understood, pressure is maintained on each of containers 52 in order to force paint out of paint containers 52 into the spray guns 34 through hoses (not shown).

A conduit 412 is connected to conduit 404 and to a header 414. A conventional pressure regulator 416 is disposed within conduit 412. Each of pneumatically driven paint stirring devices 54 attached to paint containers 52 are connected to header 414 by hoses (not shown). Pressure regulator 416 is adjusted to maintain the pressure in header 414 at a level which will efficiently operate paint stirring devices 54.

A conduit 420 is connected to conduit 404 and to a header 422 which is attached to frame 12 of apparatus 10. A pressure regulator 424 is disposed within conduit 420. Pressure regulator 424 is set to maintain a high pressure of approximately 100 psig. in header 422 which is used as a source of high pressure air for continuously operating high pressure spray guns if used on apparatus 10.

A conduit 426 is connected to conduit 404 having a pressure regulator 428 disposed therein. Pressure regulator 428 is set to maintain a relatively low pressure such as psig. in conduit 426. A conduit 430 is attached to conduit 426 and is attached to a header 432. Header 432 is attached to frame 12 of apparatus 10 throughout the length of frame 12 and is used to activate spray guns and other painting assemblies on apparatus 10 during the periods when chain 16 of carriage members 14 is stopped. A control valve 434 for inter mittently exhausting the air from header 432, and pressuring up header 432 is disposed in conduit 430.

A conduit 436 is attached to conduit 426 and is attached to a header 438. Header 438 is attached to frame 12 throughout the length of frame 12, and is used to activate spray painting guns 34, and other painting assemblies attached to apparatus 10 during the periods when chain 16 is being advanced over track 18. A conventional control valve 440 is disposed within conduit 436 for intermittently exhausting and pressuring up header 438.

A conduit 442 is attached to conduit 426 and attached to a header 444. Header 444 is attached to frame 12 along the length of frame 12 and is used as a source of low pressure air for operating low pressure spray painting guns and other painting apparatus attached to apparatus 10.

TIMER 56 Referring still to FIG. 14, timer 56 is'illustrated in diagrammatic form. Timer 56 is basically comprised of a shaft 450 having a plurality-of circular cam members 452 attached thereto. A conventional cam actuated pilot valve 454 is positioned adjacent to each of cam members 452. Cam members 452 and pilot valves 454 are of a conventional type wherein pilot valves 454 may be in an open position or a closed position for any desired length of time during one revolution of the shaft 450.

A conduit 456 is attached to conduit 404, and a conventional pressure regulator 458 is disposed therein. Pressure regulator 458 is set to maintain a pressure of approximately 80 psig in conduit 456. A conduit 460 is attached to conduit 456 for leading a supply of air to drive motor 378 attached to drive pulley member 24. A control valve 462 is disposed in conduit 460 for intermittently starting and stopping the flow of air to air motor 378. A conduit 464 is connected to conduit 456 for conducting a supply of air to each of pilot valves 454.

A conduit 466 is connected to conduit 456 for conducting a supply of air to drive mtor 468. A conventional pressure regulator 470 is disposed in conduit 466 for adjusting the speed of drive motor 468. Drive motor 468 is a conventional air operated motor and is attached to shaft 450 for rotating shaft 450. All of the pressure regulators described above and related conduits are disposed within control panel 58 attached to from 12 of apparatus l0. Air filters, air heaters, oilers, etc. are also provided where required.

A pilot valve 480 is connected to control valve 362. When pilot valve 480 is in the open position air is supplied to control valve 462 which in turn allows air to pass through conduit 460 to drive motor 378. Drive motor 378 rotates drive pulley member 24 and advances chain 16. When pilot valve 480 is in the closed position, control valve 462 is closed thereby exhausting the air from air motor 378 and stopping drive pulley member 24 and chain 16.

Pilot valve 482 is connected to control valve 440. When pilot valve 484 is in the open position control valve 444 allows air to pass into header 438 thereby pressuring up header 438. When pilot valve 484 is in the closed position, control valve 440 will close, exhausting the air from header 438.

Pilot valve 486 is connected to control valve 434 so that when pilot valve 486 is open. header 432 will be pressured up, and when pilot valve 486 is closed, control valve 434 will close exhausting the air from header 432.

Timer 56 is set to control the apparatus in 2 cycles During Cycle I the articles to be painted are being advanced past spray painting guns which are activated by air pressure from the Moving Cycle Header 438. During Cycle II, the articles are stopped, and certain spray painting guns and painting assemblies are activated by air pressure from the Stop Cycle Header 432, such as the limited area painting assemblies.

As will be understood. additional cams and pilot valves may be provided in timer 56 for individually controlling spray painting guns or any other pneumatically controlled aspect of the painting assemblies described above. Also, timer 56 may be set to control apparatus in different cycles from those described above.

PATTERN PAINTING ASSEMBLY Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, the control appa ratus and pneumatic circuitry associated with the pattern painting assembly is shown in diagrammatic form. As previously described, air cylinders 278 are attached to carriage member 208 which slides over bar 206. Air cylinder 260 is attached to frame 12 and moves carriage member 208 forwardly with each of blocks 32 as they are advanced along track 18, and moves carriage member 208 rearwardly when the blocks 32 are stopped.

Air relay 272, previously described, includes an elongated actuating arm 500 extending therethrough having a forward end 502 and a rearward end 504; When carriage member 208 has been moved to the forward position, the forward end 502 of arm 500 contacts a stop 506 attached to frame 12, and the arm 500 is moved rearwardly (FIG. 15). A supply of air, conducted to relay 272 from the low pressure header 444 previously described, is conducted through relay 272 to each of air cylinders 278 causing cam members 278 to be retracted from slots 274 of bar 206. Air is simultaneously supplied to air cylinder 260 which will move piston arm 268 rearwardly, simultaneously moving carriage member 208 to the rearward position.

When carriage member 208 is moved to the rearward position, the rearward end 504 of arm 500 is contacted by a stop 508 attached to frame 12 causing arm 500 to be moved forwardly. The supply of air conducted to relay 272 will then be supplied to the other ends of air cylinders 278 causing cam members 276 to be inserted into slots 274 of bar 206. A pair of mechanically actuated

pilot valves

510 and 512 are provided-adjacent cam members 276 so that when cam members 276 are extended through slots 274,

pilot valves

510 and 512 are opened. Once both of

pilot valves

510 and 512 are opened, air is supplied to the other end of air cylinder 260, thereby causing air cylinder 260 to move carriage 208 forwardly with cam members 276 extended into slots 274.

Pilot valves

510 and 512 insure that air cylinder 260 is not energized and carriage member 208 moved forwardly until both of cam members 276 have been inserted through slots 274.

Thus it may be seen that air cylinder 260 is energized and ready to move carriage motor 208 forwardly each time the blocks 32 are advanced by chain 16. When the blocks 32 are advanced, air cylinder 260 moves carriage member 208 forwardly and over the cam surfaces of slots 274 in bar 206 simultaneously. As soon as carriage member 208 reaches the forward position, air cylinder 260 moves carriage member 208 horizontally rearwardly so that latching assembly 232 is latched on to the next of blocks 32.

LIMITED AREA PAINTING ASSEMBLIES Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, the control apparatus associated with each of the limited area of painting assemblies described above is illustrated in diagrammatic form. A spring loaded pneumatic cylinder 520 is attached to frame 12 and connected to the moving cycle header 438 by a conduit 522. Thus, air pres sure is supplied to air cylinder 520 during each moving cycle and piston arm 524 is moved upwardly. Each time piston arm 524 of air cylinder 520 is moved upwardly it engages a ratchet-type cam 256 rotatably attached to frame 12. A normally closed cam follower actuated pilot valve 528 is positioned adjacent to cam 526 with the cam follower thereof riding on cam 526. Cam 526 is provided with 20 teeth which are engaged by arm 524 of air cylinder 520 so that cam 526 is moved one 360 revolution and pilot valve 528 is opened once every 20 cycles.

Pilot valve 528 is connected to low pressure header 444 by a conduit 530, and when pilot valve 528 is in the open position, air is conducted through pilot valve 528 into

conduits

532, 534 and 536.

Conduit 536 is connected to conventional pneumatic clutch assembly 332, previously mentioned, which is in turn connected to drive motor 184. A conduit 538 is connected to conduit 536 and to a spring loaded air cylinder 540. A normally open time delay valve 542 is disposed in conduit 536, and conduit 534 is connected to the actuator of time delay valve 542 which is arranged so that after a short period of time, the air pressure exerted on actuator 534 will cause time delay valve 542 to be closed.

A cam member 544 is attached to shaft 326 which is in turn attached to drive cylinder 308 for advancing the template material 298 of the limited area painting assemblies, previously described. A cam actuated pilot valve 546 is positioned adjacent to cam member 544 with the cam follower thereof riding on cam 544, and conduit 532 is connected thereto. A conduit 548 is connected to pilot valve 546 and to pneumatic clutch assembly 332. A check valve 550 is disposed in conduit 536 so that air pressure is prevented from backflowing through conduit 536 from pneumatic clutch assembly 332. Cam member 544 is connected to chain drive assembly 330 by shaft 338 which has a conventional friction plate assembly 552 disposed therein.

Referring to FIG. 16, cam member 544 includes a semicircular slot 552 disposed in the side thereof facing air cylinder 540. Air cylinder 540 is positioned adjacent to cam member 544 so that when the piston arm 554 thereof is extended it may enter slot 552. When piston arm 554 of air cylinder 540 is in the retracted position, cam 544 is free to rotate. However, when piston arm 554 is extended with cam member 544 rotating in the direction indicated by the arrow (FIG. 16). Piston arm 544 will enter slot 552 at the forward end 553 thereof, and slide along slot 552 until it reaches the rearward end 555 thereof, whereupon cam 554 will be prevented from rotating further until piston arm 554 is again retracted. The cam surface of cam 554 is formed in a shape which will cause pilot valve 546 to be closed when cam 544 is stopped by piston arm 554.

In operation, pilot valve 528is activated by cam 526 once every 20 cycles. That is, after chain 16 has been advanced and stopped 20 times, pilot valve 528 will be opened. When pilot valve 528 is opened, air passes through conduit 530 from low pressure header 444 into the

conduits

532, 536 and 534. Since time delay valve 542 is normally open air will be conducted by conduit 536 through check valve 550 into the pneumatic clutch assembly 532, and through conduit 538 into air cylinder 540. Pneumatic clutch assembly 532 will be activated so that drive motor 184 is connected to chain drive assembly 330, rotating shaft 328. At the same time piston arm 554 of air cylinder 540 will be retracted from slot 552, allowing shaft 326 to be rotated. As cam member 554 and shaft 326 are rotated, time delay valve 542 will close, and

conduits

536 and 538 will be exhausted. Thus, piston arm 554 of air cylinder 540 will be moved forwardly, but since cam member 554 has been rotated, piston arm 554 will rest on the smooth surface of cam member 44 adjacent to slot 552. Due to the initial rotation of cam member 544, pilot valve 546 will be in the open position, and air pressure will be supplied through conduit 548 to penumatic clutch assembly 332. Thus, cam member 544 and shaft 326 will continue to rotate and piston arm 540 will ride against the smooth surface of cam 544 until slot 552 is moved to a point adjacent piston arm 554. Piston arm 554 will then drop into the forward end 553 of slot 552, and as cam member 554 is rotated further, piston arm 554 will slide in slot 552, to the rearward end 555 of slot 552. Thus, when one full rotation of cam 554 has been completed, cam 544 will be stopped. At the same time pilot valve 546 will be closed by cam 544, exhausting air from pneumatic clutch assembly 332 so that chain drive assembly 330 is disengaged from drive motor 184. Thus, it may be seen that drive cylinder member 308 may be rotated one complete revolution or a number of revolutions each time chain 16 has been advanced and stopped 20 times thereby advancing a fresh supply of template material over drive cylinder 308.

OPERATION Let it be assumed that the articles to be painted are fishing lures of the type illustrated in FIG 2. The fishing lures are manually placed on the supporting arms 33 of each of blocks 32 in the manner described above as chain 16 of carriage members 14 are advanced over track 18. As described above, the chain 16 is repeatedly advanced a specific distance distance and stopped. As chain 16 is advanced (Cycle I) the Moving Cycle Header is pressured up within, and the Stop Cycle Header is exhausted. When chain 16 is stopped (Cycle II) the Moving Cycle Header is exhausted and the Stop Cycle Header is pressured up. The spray painting guns 34, operated intermittently, are positioned along track 18 so that the fishing lures to be painted are stopped just prior to the spray painting guns, and advanced past the spray painting guns before they are again stopped. The intermittent spray painting gums 34 are controlled with air from the moving cycle header so that paint is sprayed therefrom only during Cycle I. The limited area painting assembly spray painting guns are activated during cycle II by air pressure from the Stop Cycle Header.

Referring to FIG. 2, let it be assumed that a plurality of fishing lures of the type illustrated are to be painted as follows: a black stripe 600 across the top, a black eyeball outline 602, a silver eyeball 604, a black pupil 606, a red stripe 608 below the black stripe 600 with a black scale pattern thereon, a silver stripe 610 below the red stripe 608 wit-h a white scale pattern thereon, and a white stripe 6H2 below the silver stripe 610.

To carry out the painting of the lures in the above manner, the following paint guns and other painting assemblies are positioned along track 18 as shown in FIG. 1 in the order given.

I. A spray painting gun 620 on each side of track 18 for painting each lure white all over.

2. A spray painting gun and paper shield assembly 622 on each side of track 18 for painting a black stripe on the top one-third portion of each lure.

3. A pattern painting assembly 622 for painting the top two-thirds of each side of each lure silver in a scale pattern. As will be understood, the scales are painted and the scale outlines are not so that the scale outlines on the top one-third of each lure are black, and the scale outlines in the middle portion of each lure are white.

4. A spray painting gun and a paper shield assembly 624 on each side of track 18 for painting a red stripe over the silver scales on the top one-third of each side of each lure. A transparent red paint is used which will cover the silver paint already on each lure, but which will allow the black scale outlines to show through.

5. A spray painting gun and a paper shield assembly 626 on each side of track 18 for painting a black stripe across the top of each side of each lure. A set of cams I60 are provided for raising each lure as it is advanced past assemblies 626 thereby causing the black strip painted thereon to be formed in the shape of an arc.

6. A limited area painting assembly 628 for painting a black eyeball outline on each side of each lure.

7. A limited area painting assembly 63 for painting a silver eyeball on each side of each lure.

8. A limited area painting assembly 632 for painting a black pupil on each side of each lure.

9. A spray painting gun 634 on each side of track 18 for painting each lure all over with a protective clear paint.

The painted lures are advanced over portion 40 of track 18 where the paint is dried and baked onto the lures. The lures are removed from the apparatus as they are advanced over portion 44 of track 18, and excess paint is removed from the arms 33 of each block 32 while being advanced over portion 46 of track l8.

The apparatus of the present invention can paint from 8,000 to 12,000 lures in an 8 hour time period in the colors and patterns described above.

As will be understood, a plurality of any small identical articles may be painted with a variety of colored paints in variety of selected patterns by the apparatus of the present invention.

The present invention, therefore, is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments are given for the purpose of disclosure, numerous changes in the details of construction of parts can be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:

l. A method of painting limited areas on a plurality of articles, such as fishing lures and the like, which comprises the steps of:

supporting said articles for independent movement on a plurality of carriage members;

advancing said carriage members and articles supported thereon over a track;

stopping each of said carriage members and articles supported thereon adjacent to a template positioned parallel to said track and formed in the shape of the limited area to be painted on said articles;

painting each of said articles through said template with paint directed from a stationary source as said articles are stopped and stationary so that a limited area is painted on each article without smearing or lack of definition of the painted area on the article; and

advancing each of said carriage members and said article supported thereon after each of said articles has been painted.

2. A method of painting a plurality of articles which comprises the steps of:

supporting said articles for movement independently of each other on a continuous chain of carriage members;

advancing said chain of carriage members and said articles over a continuous track;

intermittently stopping said chain of carriage members and articles supported thereon to maintain, during intermittent periods, said articles in a stationary position;

painting limited areas on said articles when said articles are stopped, using a stationary paint source to paint the stationary articles and thereby avoid smearing or lack of definition of the paint applied to said article;

drying said painted articles to said articles are advanced over said track; and

automatically removing said painted and dried articles from said continuous chain of carriage members.

3. A method of painting a plurality of articles which comprises the steps of:

independently supporting said articles on a continuous chain of carriage members;

painting said articles as said articles are advanced over said track while concurrently shielding arcuate portions of each of said articles to prevent such shielded portions from being painted as said articles are advanced over said track in an arcuate movement;

drying said painted articles as said articles are advanced over said track; and

4. A method of painting specific patterns on a plurality of articles, such as fishing lures and the like which comprises the steps of:

supporting said articles for independent movement on a plurality of carriage members whereby said articles can be independently treated in the individual painting thereof at different times during the movement of the articles by said carriage members;

advancing said carriage members and articles supported thereon along a track;

simultaneously advancing a template formed in the shape of a specific pattern parallel to each of said articles as each of said articles is advanced over a portion of said track; and

painting each of said articles from a stationary paint source through said template as said article and template are advanced so that said pattern is painted on each of said articles 5. The method of claim 4 which is further character ized to include the step of moving said article and template in directions perpendicular to the direction of movement of said carriage members as said article and template are advanced concurrently with the carriage movement whereby paint directed against the article will paint an are on the article as the article is moved through an are.

6. The method of claim 4 which is further characterized to include the step of concurrently shielding portions of said articles from being painted as said articles and template are advanced.

7. A method of painting a plurality of fishing lures which comprises:

supporting said lures for movement independently of each other on a plurality of carriage members; advancing said carriage members and said lures supported thereon over an elongated track;

painting both sides of said lures with a paint of a first color as said lures are advanced over a first portion of said track;

painting the top one-third portions of both sides of said lures with a paint of a second color as said lures are advanced over a second portion of said track;

painting the top two-thirds portion of both sides of said lures with a paint of a third color while shielding the top two-thirds portion of both sides of said lures with a template formed in the pattern of fish scales as said lures are advanced over a third portion of said track;

painting the top one-third portion of both sides of said lures with a transparent paint of a fourth color as said lures are advanced over a fourth portion of said track;

painting a thin stripe over the top portion of both sides of said lures with a paint of said second color as said lures are advanced over a fifth portion of said track;

painting a limited area in the shape of an eye on both sides of said lures with paint of said second color as said lures are advanced over a sixth portion of said track;

painting a limited area in the shape of an eyeball on both sides of said lures with a paint of said third color as said lures are advanced over a seventh portion of said track;

painting a limited area in the shape of an eyeball pupil on both sides of said lures with a paint of said second color as said lures are advanced over an eighth portion of said track;

drying said painted lures as said lures are advanced over a ninth portion of said track; and

removing said painted and dried lures from said carriage members as said lures are advanced over a tenth portion of said track.

Claims

1. A METHOD OF PAINTING LIMITED AREAS ON A PLURALITY OF ARTICLES, SUCH AS FISHING LURES AND THE LIKE, WHICH COMPRISES THE STEPS OF: SUPPORTING SAID ARTICLES FOR INDEPENDENT MOVEMENT ON A PLURALITY OF CARRIAGE MEMBERS; ADVANCING SAID CARRIAGE MEMBERS AND ARTICLES SUPPORTED THEREON OVER A TRACK; STOPPING EACH OF SAID CARRIAGE MEMBERS AND ARTICLES SUP PORTED THEREON ADJACENT TO A TEMPLATE POSITIONED PARALLEL TO SAID TRACK AND FORMED IN THE SHAPE OF THE LIMITED AREA TO BE PAINTED ON SAID ARTICLES; PAINTING EACH OF SAID ARTICLES THROUGH SAID TEMPLATE WITH PAINT DIRECTED FROM A STATIONARY SOURCE AS SAID ARTICLES ARE STOPPED AND STATIONARY SO THAT A LIMITED AREA IS PAINTED ON EACH ARTICLE WITHOUT SMEARING OR LACK OF DEFINITION OF THE PAINTED AREA ON THE ARTICLE; AND ADVANCING EACH OF SAID CARRIAGE MEMBERS AND SAID ARTICLE SUPPORTED THEREON AFTER EACH OF SAID ARTICLE HAS BEEN PAINTED.

2. A method of painting a plurality of articles which comprises the steps of: supporting said articles for movement independently of each other on a continuous chain of carriage members; advancing said chain of carriage members and said articles over a continuous track; intermittently stopping said chain of carriage members and articles supported thereon to maintain, during intermittent periods, said articles in a stationary position; painting limited areas on said articles when said articles are stopped, using a stationary paint source to paint the stationary articles and thereby avoid smearing or lack of definition of the paint applied to said article; drying said painted articles to said articles are advanced over said track; and automatically removing said painted and dried articles from said continuous chain of carriage members.

3. A method of painting a plurality of articles which comprises the steps of: independently supporting said articles on a continuous chain of carriage members; advancing said chain of carriage members and said articles over a continuous track; painting said articles as said articles are advanced over said track while concurrently shielding arcuate portions of each of said articles to prevent such shielded portions from being painted as said articles are advanced over said track in an arcuate movement; drying said painted articles as said articles are advanced over said track; and automatically removing said painted and dried articles from said continuous chain of carriage members.

4. A method of painting specific patterns on a plurality of articles, such as fishing lures and the like which comprises the steps of: supporting said articles for independent movement on a plurality of carriage members whereby said articles can be independently treated in the individual painting thereof at different times during the movement of the articles by said carriage members; advancing said carriage members and articles supported thereon along a track; simultaneously advancing a template formed in the shape of a specific pattern parallel to each of said articles as each of said articles is advanced over a portion of said track; and painting each of said articles from a stationary paint source through said template as said article and template are advanced so that said pattern is painted on each of said articles.

5. The method of claim 4 which is further characterized to include the step of moving said article and template in directions perpendicular to the direction of movement of said carriage members as said article and template are advanced concurrently with the carriage movement whereby paint directed against the article will paint an arc on the article as the article is moved through an arc.

7. A method of painting a plurality of fishing lures which comprises: supporting said lures for movement independently of each other on a plurality of carriage members; advancing said carriage members and said lures supported thereon over an elongated track; painting both sides of said lures with a paint of a first color as said lures are advanced over a first portion of said track; painting the top one-third portions of both sides of said lures with a paint of a second color as said lures are advanced over a second portion of said track; painting the top two-thirds portion of both sides of said lures with a paint of a third color while shielding the top two-thirds portion of both sides of said lures with a template formed in the pattern of fish scales as said lures are advanced over a third portion of said track; painting the top one-third portion of both sides of said lures with a transparent paint of a fourth color as said lures are advanced over a fourth portion of said track; painting a thin stripe over the top portion of both sides of said lures with a paint of said second color as said lures are advanced over a fifth portion of said track; painting a limited area in the shape of an eye on both sides of said lures with paint of said second color as said lures are advanced over a sixth portion of said track; painting a limited area in the shape of an eyeball on both sides of said lures with a paint of said third color as said lures are advanced over a seventh portion of said track; painting a limited area in the shape of an eyeball pupil on both sides of said lures with a paint of said second color as said lures are advanced over an eighth portion of said track; drying said painted lures as said lures are advanced over a ninth portion of said trAck; and removing said painted and dried lures from said carriage members as said lures are advanced over a tenth portion of said track.