Clipper apparatus for attaching material to a broomstick or the like

Apparatus for attaching a clip about a mass comprising, in combination:

• a mounting structure defining an opening for receipt of said mass, guide means on the mounting structure transverse to the axis of the opening;
• punch means mounted in said guide means for reciprocation between a retracted position and a clip driving position;
• clip magazine means mounted for inserting a single clip into said guide means in the path of travel of said punch means when in the retracted position;
• die means mounted on the opposite side of the opening from said punch means;
• first and second opposed gate members on opposite sides of said opening intermediate said die and punch means, said gate members pivotally attached with said guide means and extensible along the sides of said opening between said guide means and said die means to form a complete, closed channel for said clip and punch means;
• first and second gate actuators mounted on said structure for translation parallel with said punch means to engage said first and second gate members respectively and drive said gate members to a closed position in response to travel of the punch means from the retracted toward the clip driving position;
• and
• means for driving said punch means.