Abstract: A device for positioning a garment on a printing platen for printing, comprises a gripper to controllably grip onto a first edge of the garment at a first side of the platen; and a sliding mechanism connected to the gripper to slide the gripper from the first side of the platen to a second side of the platen opposite the first side, thereby to pull the garment edge to the second side across the platen and position the garment across the platen for printing. The use of the device may prevent back pain related to repeated loading and unloading of platen-based textile printing devices.

Abstract: An article of apparel includes a composite material. The composite material includes a pliable first layer and a resilient second layer, where the first and second layers are secured to each other via a patterned strand network. In forming the composite material, the second layer is stretched and maintained under tension while the first layer is secured to the second layer via the patterned strand network. The tension on the second layer is then released, resulting in contraction of the second layer in relation to the first layer and an outward buckling or protrusion of the first layer in relation to the second layer to form protruding cells along the composite material that are bounded by portions of the patterned strand network. The patterned strand network can be formed using embroidery with one or more auxetic patterns in the stitching.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for quilting webs without compressing the webs. A quilting machine includes a needle bar to which needles are attached, needle thread passing through each needle, a looper shaft to which loopers are attached, a looper corresponding to each needle and from which looper thread is provided to form stitches, and a retainer bar to which spreaders are attached to facilitate stitching. A drive pulley powered by a first servo motor rotates cranks to move the needles through a cycle and rotates a belt which rotates an indexer pulley. Rotation of the indexer pulley oscillates the looper shaft and reciprocates the retainer bar. Another drive pulley powered by a second servo motor operates to move an input web through the machine between chain stitches.

Abstract: A sewing template system and/or device may include a frame base configured to rest on a workpiece support frame. A first and second extension may each be coupled to a frame base. The first extension and second extension may be separated from each other and parallel to each other. A rail retainer may be coupled to each extension and configured to rest on the workpiece support frame. A frame top may be coupled to the extensions. A frame aperture may be formed by the frame base, first extension, second extension, and frame top. A guide may extend across the frame aperture between the first extension and the second extension, and the guide may be supported above the workpiece by the first extension and the second extension. A template, having guide surface(s) that is configured to guide the movement of a sewing machine foot, may be removably coupled to the guide.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for quilting webs without compressing the webs. A quilting machine includes a needle bar to which needles are attached, needle thread passing through each needle, a looper shaft to which loopers are attached, a looper corresponding to each needle and from which looper thread is provided to form stitches, and a retainer bar to which spreaders are attached to facilitate stitching. A drive pulley powered by a first servo motor rotates cranks to move the needles through a cycle and rotates a belt which rotates an indexer pulley. Rotation of the indexer pulley oscillates the looper shaft and reciprocates the retainer bar. Another drive pulley powered by a second servo motor operates to move an input web through the machine between chain stiches.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for quilting webs without compressing the webs. A quilting machine includes a needle bar to which needles are attached, needle thread passing through each needle, a looper shaft to which loopers are attached, a looper corresponding to each needle and from which looper thread is provided to form stitches, and a retainer bar to which spreaders are attached to facilitate stitching. A drive pulley powered by a first servo motor rotates cranks to move the needles through a cycle and rotates a belt which rotates an indexer pulley. Rotation of the indexer pulley oscillates the looper shaft and reciprocates the retainer bar. Another drive pulley powered by a second servo motor operates to move an input web through the machine between chain stiches.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a trim cover surface material, includes: providing a jig including a first frame configured to hold an outer periphery of an outer material and a second frame configured to hold an outer periphery of a wadding material by overlapping the wadding material on the outer material which is held by the first frame; holding the outer periphery of the outer material with the first frame of the jig; forming through holes at the outer material which is held by the jig; holding the outer periphery of the wadding material with the second frame of the jig while the outer material is held by the first frame of the jig; and forming stitches at the outer material and the wadding material which are overlapped and held by the jig.

Abstract: An automated system and process for manufacturing a mattress generally includes an automated foam layer placement apparatus for accurately securing one or more foam layers onto an innercore unit and bucket assembly.

Abstract: A preform forming machine for producing a three-dimensional dry fiber preform may include a forming block assembly and a clamping plate assembly. The forming block assembly may have a forming table and a forming block and may be positionable in a series of forming block assemblies. The clamping plate assembly may have a clamping table and a clamping plate and may be positionable in a series of clamping plate assemblies arranged in opposing relation to the series of forming block assemblies. Each forming block may be configured to fold a ply stack over onto itself to form a web of a preform. Each clamping plate may be configured to clamp the ply stack to the forming table during the folding of the ply stack.

Abstract: A take-up rail assembly including a fixed idler rail and a longitudinally movable take-up rail. The fixed idler rail is attached to a quilting frame or other sewing frame and the position of the fixed idler rail may be longitudinally and vertically adjustable with respect to the sewing frame. The take-up rail is movably attached to the sewing frame and a take-up rail control mechanism moves the take up rail longitudinally forward and rearward with respect to the fixed idler rail as the sewing machine moves with respect to the sewing frame, thus providing full utilization of the throat length of the sewing machine.

Abstract: A set of sewing disks for controlling the movement of a piece of fabric over the free arm and under the needle of a sewing or quilting machine. Each disk is flat and has an oval or circular configuration and comprises three registered, stacked adhesively attached layers—a first contact layer made of open cell foam, a semi-rigid intermediate stiffener member, and a second contact layer made of closed cell foam. When each disk is placed over a piece of fabric with the lower contact layer is placed adjacent thereto, the individual's fingers are exposed at all times and placed over the opposite contact layer. The intermediate stiffener layer spreads and evenly dissipates the forces exerted by the fingers to the top contact layer to the lower contact layer. Because the finger tips are not in contact with the fabric, soiling of the fabric by the finger tips is prevented.

Abstract: A take-up rail assembly including a fixed idler rail and a longitudinally movable take-up rail. The fixed idler rail is attached to a quilting frame or other sewing frame and the position of the fixed idler rail may be longitudinally and vertically adjustable with respect to the sewing frame. The take-up rail is movably attached to the sewing frame and a take-up rail control mechanism moves the take up rail longitudinally forward and rearward with respect to the fixed idler rail as the sewing machine moves with respect to the sewing frame, thus providing full utilization of the throat length of the sewing machine.

Abstract: A set of sewing disks for controlling the movement of a piece of fabric over the free arm and under the needle of a sewing or quilting machine Each disk is flat and has an oval or circular configuration and comprises three registered, stacked adhesively attached layers—a first contact layer made of an open cell foam, a semi-rigid intermediate stiffener member, and a second contact layer made of close cell foam. When each disk is placed over a piece of fabric with the lower contact layer is placed adjacent thereto, the individual's fingers are exposed at all times and placed over the opposite contact layer. The intermediate stiffener layer spreads and evenly dissipates the forces exerted by the fingers to the top contact layer to the lower contact layer. Because, the finger tips are not in contact with the fabric, soiling of the fabric by the finger tips is prevented.

Abstract: A fabric handling device for quilting used to aid in the handling of fabric during free motion quilting and sewing and the method for using the device. The device includes a gripping member, a strap, and a fastener. It allows the wearer greater control over the fabric and still allows the full dexterity of the fingers so that it does not need to be removed to manipulate small sewing instruments or items such as needles, bobbins, scissors, and thread.

Abstract: A quilting machine including a roller frame (5) to support at least one pair of rollers (1,2,3), adapted to support quilting, the rotation of the rollers (1,2,3) allowing the fabric to move towards and away from the arm of a sewing machine, a sliding track (7,8) adapted to support the sewing machine and allow its movement in the plane of the roller axes, a pivoting element (14) to enable the roller frame (5) to pivot about an axis parallel to the roller axes so the fabric may be kept at a constant distance from the sewing machine as the diameter of the rolled fabric changes.

Abstract: A quilting machine including: a frame to support at least one pair of elongated roller members, the roller members are spaced apart and freely rotating and adapted to support quilting fabric material disposed therebetween and wound around the roller members, the rotation of the roller members enabling the material to be rolled towards and away from the sewing arm of a sewing machine, sliding track means adapted to support the sewing machine, the track members slidable in a directional plane parallel to and perpendicular to the roller members, quick release braking means adapted to brake the rotation of the roller members, wherein in use, in co-operation with the sliding track means, and by applying and releasing the braking means, the direction of rotation of the roller members can be controlled and material can be rapidly rolled towards or away from the sewing machine to enable continuous stitching of indefinite length to be sewn in either direction perpendicular to the roller members irrespective of the dep

Abstract: A quilting machine including: a frame to support at least one pair of elongated roller members, the roller members are spaced apart and freely rotating and adapted to support quilting fabric material disposed therebetween and wound around the roller members, the rotation of the roller members enabling the material to be rolled towards and away from the sewing arm of a sewing machine, sliding track means adapted to support the sewing machine, the track members slidable in a directional plane parallel to and perpendicular to the roller members, quick release braking means adapted to brake the rotation of the roller members, wherein in use, in co-operation with the sliding track means, and by applying and releasing the braking means, the direction of rotation of the roller members can be controlled and material can be rapidly rolled towards or away from the sewing machine to enable continuous stitching of indefinite length to be sewn in either direction perpendicular to the roller members irrespective of the dep

Abstract: The invention relates to a chain stitch multi-needle quilting machine with stitch forming quilting elements and a method for creating a pattern in a quilting material. The elements of the quilting machine are comprised of at least one needle bar with attached needles and at least one looper shaft with attached loopers. Each of the needles and the loopers have a corresponding needle thread and looper thread associated therewith, form quilting element pairs, and are driven to build chain stitches in a quilting material. At least one of the needles is adjustable between two positions and participates in the quilting procedure in a first position and does not prick into the quilting material in the second position during the quilting procedure. The quilting machine can be made to have a device to knot the needle thread with the looper thread, or a device to cut the looper thread, or both.

Abstract: A quilting rack for sewing machines comprising a U-shaped rectangular metal frame supporting a wheeled bottom or queen carriage for side to side translation of a wheeled upper king carriage capable of forward and rearward translation of the sewing machine it is carrying. Three rollers supply, tension and load the quilt for sewing patterns guided by a laser pointer and a template. The quilting rack can be utilized without a sewing machine by mounting on a wall or shelf.

Abstract: A quilting system that includes a multiple needle quilting machine is provided with batch processing capability by the addition of a panel cutter in-line with and downstream of the quilting machine. The panel cutter is equipped with a programmed controller that is loaded with batch information for the production, on the quilting machine, of a plurality of quilts by stitching patterns on a multilayered web of fabric. The batch information includes information of a number of quilts to be quilted as well as the patterns to be quilted on each quilt and the composition of the material on which the patterns are to be quilted. Information is derived by the panel cutter controller from sensors on the panel cutter, which information is used to control the quilting machine by adjusting the length of quilted material from the quilter.

Abstract: A method of quilting patterns is provided in which pattern files are generated containing quilting machine control data for use by a controller of a quilting machine to produce different quilted patterns. Product information is generated that identifies pluralities of patterns. In response to the product information, the quilting machine controller sequentially reads the pattern files for each of the patterns of the identified plurality and sequentially quilts the plurality of patterns in the form of sub-patterns on the same panel of multi-layered material to form a combination pattern. A multi-needle quilting apparatus is provided with a controller programmed to carry out the method as part of a quilting system in which pattern and product databases are generated and linked for the production of a variety of individual and combination patterns.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of sewing large area sewing material consisting of plural and at least two layers, of which at least one layer is formed of an elastical material, for instance foamed material, wherein said layers are fed to the sewing unit in a superposed relationship and wherein the layer of elastical material is fed to the sewing unit in an unexpanded and preferably bulged condition and is stitched together with the layer formed of non-elastical material. Such a method offers the advantage that the formation of folds in the stitched product is prevented in a simple and inexpensive manner.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising two horizontal and parallel guides in which the lateral borders of the cloth to be quilted are inserted. The guides have grippers and can move transversely to the cloth advancement direction. Downstream of the guides there are provided two counterrotating rollers between which the cloth that exits from the guides is to be inserted. Downstream of the counterrotating rollers there is provided a cloth finishing device which forms two parallel lines of stitches. The device is also provided with a rotating blade which cuts the cloth along a line which lies between the two lines of stitches.

Abstract: An apparatus for the accurate positioning and guiding of flat textile structures for undertaking stitching work on a multi-needle sewing machine is disclosed, which includes a plurality of needles and threads with two transporting devices guiding the flat textiles forward and backward in a transporting direction (y). The transporting devices are supported on a carriage which is able to be driven in an axial direction (x). The apparatus further includes a compression plate with needle passages, associated with the needles, and with a stationary supporting surface supporting the flat textile structures. The compression plate has inlet and outlet sides with a clamping sheet being arranged on each of the inlet and outlet sides, and with a clamping plate being arranged under each clamping sheet. The clamping plates are synchronously able to be moved with the carriage in the axial direction, and between which the flat textile structures are securely retained.

Abstract: The quilting of rectangular comforter bags, mattress cover panels or other similar panels is provided without the need to premount the panel on a rectangular frame. A leading edge clamp is preattached along the leading edge of a panel and the clamp is fed from an operator station to the upstream end of a shuttle movably mounted on the frame of a programmed single needle quilting machine. Opposed belt conveyors on opposite sides of the shuttle advance the clamp and pull the panel onto the shuttle, with the belts gripping the side edges of the panel as it is pulled. A trailing edge clamp bar frictionally engages the panel to provide trailing edge securement to the panel, with the belts and leading edge clamp providing securement around the other edges to stretch the panel on the shuttle. The shuttle reciprocates longitudinally under a sewing head that moves transversely on the frame at a quilting station, while the sewing head operates to stitch a pattern in the panel.

Abstract: A quilting machine includes a multiple needle quilter with a panel cutter located in-line therewith and downstream thereof and having an accumulator therebetween. A programmable controller operates the quilter to stitch a programmed series of one or more patterns on a web. A feed roller angular encoder measures the quilted web length fed under tension to the accumulator. A detector signals when the accumulator is full, whereupon the controller causes web to be fed from the accumulator to the panel cutter, where it passes without tension thereon toward a photo sensor. The photo sensor signals the controller which activates the cutter to sever a predetermined panel length from the web. The controller then reads information from the encoder and the accumulator detector to determine the amount of stressed quilt required to replenish the cutoff panel length.

Abstract: The apparatus has a pair of chains on which a bar is transversely fixed. The bar is provided with clamps for gripping the front edge of a cloth to be quilted. The chains move the cloth from a position for gripping its front edge to a quilting position, where it is transferred onto the clamps of a carriage which transfers the cloth onto a removal device.

Abstract: The quilting apparatus includes a framework upon which a carriage with sewing head and crochet device is slidingly supported in a first direction. The sewing head and crochet device are slidingly supported in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on transverse beams of the carriage. The carriage is positionable on a selected one of at least two cloth holding frames carriages with cloth holding clamps, and cloth loading tables, working in synchronization with the sewing carriage to remove and load cloths at the cloth holding frame where quilting is not taking place.

Abstract: In a quilting machine for quilting or stitching textile formations of cover-material webs and filler-material webs, the material webs to be stitched together are loosely withdrawn from stock rollers and sewn together along lengthwise edges or marginal portions of the material webs prior to entering a tenter device. Sewing the lengthwise edges or marginal portions includes simultaneously sewing on respective bands or ribbons which laterally extend beyond a workpiece to be quilted and serve for holding or accommodating the latter in the tenter device. It is thus possible to substantially provide the entire width of the cover-material webs and filler-material webs with a quilt pattern. In this manner, the length of waste cuttings of expensive cover material is substantially reduced.

Abstract: In the quilting machine the loosely superposed cover material webs and at least one filler material web, while being drawn into the quilting machine, are joined along their marginal portions by means of joining devices which are arranged laterally of the superposed webs. The web sections or selvedges lying outside the formed seams are separated and removed.

Abstract: A quilting method and apparatus for quilting overlying layers of textile material including at least two reel unwind devices to supply at least two webs of the textile of material, a tensioning device to maintain the textile material at a selected tension first and second pairs of nip rollers located in spaced apart generally vertical orientation where the fabric material is fed there between and where a sewing area is defined therebetween, generally horizontally extending sewing machine devices adapted to sew the overlying layers of fabric material together in the sewing area where the nip rollers are carried on a frame means which is capable of moving laterally to the direction of movement of the fabric through the sewing area and where the pairs of nip rollers are rotated in cooperative relation to selectively advance and retract the material in the sewing area so that by proper coordination selected sewn configurations can be provided in the textile material in the sewing area.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a pair of hoops constituting said cylinder and provided with hooking elements for fastening the lateral edges of the cloth and mutually connected by longitudinal bars provided with hooking elements for fastening the initial and terminal edges of the cloth. The apparatus further includes a framework guided perpendicularly to the cylinder tangent plane and whereon is slideable a cutting assembly below which are arranged means for elastic retention of the initial flap of the cloth, means being furthermore provided to actuate the framework between a lowered position in which the initial and terminal flaps of the cloth couple to the longitudinal bars and the cloth is cut defining the initial and terminal flaps, and a raised position whereat the cloth-holder cylinder rotates.

Abstract: A quilting machine includes a base having three bridges; a sewing head secured to the upper bridge; a cylindrically shaped frame slidably and rotatably mounted on the lower two bridges, the frame including first and second end assemblies spaced from each other on the lower bridges, each having a support casting slidably mounted on the base and a ring rotatably mounted on a support casting, each ring including circumferential gear teeth, gears meshing with the gear teeth and extending from the support castings for supporting the rings, a plurality of first and second telescoping rods secured to the first and second end assemblies, at least one first telescoping rod screw-threadedly receiving a second telescoping rod, and at least one first and second telescoping rod rotatably fixed and axially movable with respect to each other, a gear secured to each of the latter in meshing engagement with the gear teeth of the respective rings; a mechanism for rotating the axially movable and rotatably fixed first and secon

Abstract: A quilting machine includes a base having three bridges; a sewing head secured to the upper bridge; a cylindrically shaped frame slidably and rotatably mounted on the lower two bridges, the frame including first and second end assemblies spaced from each other on the lower bridges, each having a support casting slidably mounted on the base and a ring rotatably mounted on a support casting, each ring including circumferential gear teeth, gears meshing with the gear teeth and extending from the support castings for supporting the rings, a plurality of first and second telescoping rods secured to the first and second end assemblies, at least one first telescoping rod screw-threadedly receiving a second telescoping rod, and at least one first and second telescoping rod rotatably fixed and axially movable with respect to each other, a gear secured to each of the latter in meshing engagement with the gear teeth of the respective rings; a mechanism for rotating the axially movable and rotatably fixed first and secon

Abstract: A sewing machine has a rotatable machine head and a bobbin drive unit which is rotated in synchronism with the machine head. The machine head and a needle reciprocally movably mounted on the machine head are independently driven through coaxially disposed inner and outer shafts. The reciprocal movement of the needle is detected by a detector mounted on the machine head. When only the machine head is required to be rotated, the shaft for driving the needle is also rotated so that the needle is held in its top dead point.

Abstract: An elongated workpiece is transported forwardly and backwards in a sewing or stitching machine by looping it upstream and downstream of the sewing or stitching station, by maintaining both loops under tension, by increasing the size of the downstream loop simultaneously with a reduction of the size of the upstream loop, and vice versa.

Abstract: The machine includes a stationary bridge frame having a sewing head mounted thereon, an upper carriage which carries the quilt, and a lower carriage. The lower carriage rides on track rails on the floor running in one direction, and the upper carriage rides on track rails on the lower carriage running in transverse direction. A drive unit is mounted on the upper carriage and has a drive wheel engaging the floor. The drive is produced by running the drive wheel, and rotating the drive unit about a vertical axis, to trace out a predesigned pattern. The drive wheel can be driven forward, stopped, and reversed. The drive wheel is driven a constant speed, and different kinds of elements of the pattern are produced by turning the drive unit a lesser or greater amount about its vertical axis. A computer unit is utilized, and instructions entered thereinto to turn the drive unit about is vertical axis at predetermined points.

Abstract: The machine includes a stationary bridge frame having a sewing head mounted thereon, an upper carriage which carries the quilt, and a lower carriage. The lower carriage rides on track rails on the floor running in one direction, and the upper carriage rides on track rails on the lower carriage running in transverse direction. A drive unit is mounted on the upper carriage and has a drive wheel engaging the floor. The drive is produced by running the drive wheel, and rotating the drive unit about a vertical axis, to trace out a pre-designed pattern. The drive wheel can be driven forward, stopped, and reversed. The drive wheel is driven a constant speed, and different kinds of elements of the pattern are produced by turning the drive unit a lesser or greater amount about its vertical axis. A computer unit is utilized, and instructions entered thereinto to turn the drive unit about its vertical axis at predetermined points.

Abstract: In a quilting machine two or more series of stitches are applied to the product, the product to which stitches have already been applied being moved forward and/or backward, even over a considerable distance, while the exact superposition of the fabrics is maintained.One embodiment of the machine comprises cylindrical containers (10, 11), in which are disposed the rolls (8, 9) of fabric (2, 3) which are to be quilted. During the backward rotation the cloth is wound over the constant diameter of these containers and in this way the tension applied is also constant.In another embodiment, return or loose rollers (160, 170) are provided, which take up a portion of fabric (102, 103) already unwound.The process also permits continuous embroidery, even very complicated embroidery.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the transverse movement of a fabric supporting carriage in a quilting machine. The carriage is coupled to a d.c. electric motor by a rack and pinion arrangement and the motor is fed by width modulated current pulses having fixed amplitude under control of a programmable processing unit such as a microcomputer.

Abstract: A tufting method and apparatus for tufting yarn to a backing layer, including individual tufting elements, comprising, means to control forward and lateral displacement of successive needle strokes. A preferred embodiment includes means to select particular yarns for tufting from a plurality of yarns and means to select the length of yarn to be tufted. In a further preferred embodiment a reduced number of tufting elements is contemplated with the elements spaced so as to enable the production of a full sized tufted product by lateral shifting of the backing layer to provide for intermediate tufting positions.

Abstract: A tufting method and apparatus for tufting yarn to a backing layer, including individual tufting elements, comprising, means to select when tufting elements will be utilized during a tufting operation, means to select particular yarns from a plurality of yarns, for tufting, means to select the length of yarn increment to be tufted, means to control the distance between successive needle strokes, and means to control lateral displacement of successive needle strokes.

Abstract: A bag for forming into a quilted article is produced by pleating two sections of material and by feeding pairs of the folded edges thus formed through respective work stations, each pair comprising one edge from each section and the two edges from each pair being fed side by side and simultaneously through the respective station. At each station, the longitudinal edges of a respective strip of flexible material are simultaneously secured to the respective pair of folded edges so as to produce elongate quilting pockets. Apparatus for producing the bag has a plurality of the work stations, means for folding the sections of material, guides which receive the material from the folding means and feed means which co-operate with the guides to feed the folded edges of each pair side by side and simultaneously to the respective work station. The feed means also serve to draw the strips of flexible material from supports for these strips and through the respective work stations.

Abstract: Elongated quilted webs which have line out flaws are moved from a first container at high speed in a downward direction in front of an operator, then laterally through a sewing station toward the operator, then downwardly away from the operator to a second container. When a flaw in the web is detected by the operator as the web moves at inspection speed in a downward direction toward the sewing station, the operator allows the flaw to move through the sewing station and then stops the movement of the web. The operator then reverses the direction of movement of the web so that the flaw moves back through the sewing station at sewing speed where one of several sewing machines which is closest to the flaw is energized at the sewing station and operates concurrently with the movement of the web to sew through the web.

Abstract: In a quilting machine of the type including a bed plate, material supporting means including material feeding means for conducting material to be quilted over the bed plate, sewing thread supply means, a plurality of vertically reciprocal needles positioned above the bed plate for moving sewing threads through the material and the bed plate, a plurality of horizontally reciprocal shuttles mounted below the bed plate and cooperating with the vertically reciprocal needles for forming lock stitches in the material, vertically reciprocal presser means positioned above the bed plate for holding the material on the bed plate during formation of the stitches, thread take-up means positioned between the thread supply means and the needles for controlling thread tension during the formation of the stitches, and pattern controlling means for moving the material supporting means laterally in a preselected relationship with the material feeding means for obtaining sewing patterns, there is disclosed an improvement wherei

Abstract: An automatic quilting machine for forming a quilted fabric from a plurality of layers of material with a predetermined pattern of stitching, which includes a frame, a workpiece holding carriage mounted on the frame for universal movement, means for moving the carriage, a sewing mechanism, means for applying tension on the material, and means for automatically operating said carriage moving means, said sewing mechanism, and said tensioning means.