Abstract: A laminated panel-type structure particularly suited for vehicle interior applications such as headliners and door panels has a multiple denier polyester fiber core and randomly oriented structural reinforcing fibers. The laminated structure has superior sound attenuation properties resulting from a core of intertwined polyester fibers of differing deniers, with preferably relatively larger denier fibers on exterior areas of the core and some bicomponent fibers, short non-woven reinforcing fiber strands which are randomly attached and intertwined with the core on opposing major sides of the core, an impervious polymer film with a low melt layer which retains the reinforcing fibers against one side of the core and is attached to a scrim layer, and a polymer web on an opposite side of the core which retains the reinforcing fiber strands on the opposing major side of the core and to which a cover stock is applied.

Abstract: A laminated panel-type structure particularly suited for vehicle interior applications such as headliners and door panels has a multiple denier polyester fiber core and randomly oriented structural reinforcing fibers. The laminated structure has superior sound attenuation properties resulting from a core of intertwined polyester fibers of differing deniers, with preferably relatively larger denier fibers on exterior areas of the core and some bicomponent fibers, short non-woven reinforcing fiber strands which are randomly attached and intertwined with the core on opposing major sides of the core, an impervious polymer film with a low melt layer which retains the reinforcing fibers against one side of the core and is attached to a scrim layer, and a polymer web on an opposite side of the core which retains the reinforcing fiber strands on the opposing major side of the core and to which a cover stock is applied.

Abstract: A headliner is a laminate of multiple layers. The layers include polyurethane foam, agricultural fibers, a decorative material, and a backing. The agricultural fiber is jute, sisal, or kenaf or mixtures thereof. The method of making the headliner laminate includes making the sheet of agricultural fibers incorporating a binder, saturating a foam layer with an adhesive, putting one sheet of agricultural fibers on each side of the foam layer, applying the decorative material and backing to one side each, and squeezing the layers together to distribute the adhesive to all the layers and laminate them.

Abstract: A piston and cylinder combination is mounted on the backside of a sewing machine and a piston rod projects from the cylinder toward the bed plate of the sewing machine intermediate the sewing machine head and the support standard. At the lower end of the piston rod is a seam gauge or guide to abut one edge of fabric being sewn by a needle. Retraction of the piston rod retracts the seam gauge from close proximity to the needle and bed plate. The piston and cylinder combination is mounted on a track secured to the back of the sewing machine. The piston and cylinder combination is movable transversely on the track for adjusting the spacing between the seam gauge and the needle.

Abstract: A presser foot includes an upstanding bar for attachment to the lifter shaft of a sewing machine. At its lower end are a pair of sole plates having a gap therebetween to accommodate the reciprocating motion of a needle and thread associated with the sewing machine. Attached to one of the sole plates is a curved, L-shaped shield which curves transversely in front of the gap between the upstream edges of the sole plates. The shield serves to deflect material on the upper surface of workpieces away from the gap and thereby prevents the clogging of the gap between the sole plates during the sewing operation.

Abstract: A support block is attached to the lower end of a presser foot lifter shaft of a sewing maching to support two separately mounted sole plates of 9 presser foot. One of the sole plates is mechanically retractable by a pneumatic piston and cylinder combination at the option of the operator and this is accomplished by an extension of the piston rod which is mechanically connected to one of the sole plates.

Abstract: An automobile car seat which connects to a child safety seat includes armrests which are pivoted and extended from recessed positions within the back of the seat and a headrest. When extended, the armrests prevent lateral movement of a child on the seat. When pivoted into a substantially upright position, the headrest may then be detached from the back of the seat and be releasably mounted to the seating portion. Straps attached to the headrest and the back of the seat are pulled forward from the interior of the back, such that the straps restrain forward movement of the child. The seat may be a bucket seat and may be deployed as the passenger seat of the vehicle.

Abstract: A lumbar support mechanism for inclusion within a seat back includes a fixed frame, a movable frame which is adjustably mounted to the fixed frame, and an outwardly bowed arcuate resilient lumbar support member which is adjustably mounted to the movable frame. A control box is provided for adjusting the lumbar support member in either a horizontal or vertical direction and a pair of cables interconnect the support mechanism with the control box.