Apparatus for inserting tufting straps in a mattress

An apparatus for inserting through a mattress retention elements consisting of a flexible tension element provided, at its opposite ends, with two clips arranged in a T-shaped configuration with respect to said tension element, and constituting tufting straps, and a first disk and a second disk, the tufting strap abutting by way of said first and second disks against the opposite faces of said mattress, the apparatus comprising:

• a frame for locking said mattress;
• an inserting device for inserting said tufting straps through said mattress which is supported by said frame;
• actuation means for actuating said inserting device so as to move above the mattress according to a predetermined path, and wherein said inserting device comprises:
• a magazine for tufting straps which has two slots for slidingly accommodating the clips of each one of said tufting straps;
• a needle having a tip provided with a receptacle adapted to receive a first one of said clips;
• first actuation means, said needle being guided at right angles to said mattress by action of said first actuation means between a retracted position, in which said tip is arranged upstream of said mattress, and an advanced position, in which said tip has passed through said mattress in order to release said first clip;
• a transfer element, arranged at an output of said slots, said transfer element including a seat for receiving said first clip, upon arrival from a corresponding one of said slots;
• second actuation means;
• and a transfer pusher which is movable transversely to said needle by action of second actuation means between an initial position for engagement on said first clip arranged in said clip receiving seat and a final position for insertion of said first clip in said receptacle, said needle being adapted to release said first clip after said tip has passed through said mattress.