Abstract: A body bag (900) can be assembled by a stitching process while providing increased fluid retention capabilities. An upper outer layer (101) and a lower outer layer (102), each of which can be non-woven materials, form the outer surfaces of the body bag (900). An absorbent layer (103) is disposed between the upper outer layer (101) and the lower outer layer (102). One or more edges (303,403,503,603) can be folded into a periphery (332) of the body bag (900). Stitching (802) can then be applied along the periphery (332) such that the stitching (802) passes through the upper outer layer (101), the lower outer layer (102), an upper edge (994) of the fold in the absorbent layer (103), and a complementary bottom edge (995) of the fold in the absorbent layer (103). Handles (1001,1002,1003,1004) can be included as well.

Abstract: Reinforcement of sandwich structures with aid of a reinforcing device. The outer layers of the sandwich structure may primarily include a fiber-plastic composite and the core material may include a rigid polymer foam.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component including decorative stitching along a stitch path includes a seam spacer located between a component substrate and an overlying decorative covering. At least a portion of the seam spacer lies along the stitch path and supports the decorative covering therealong, where the covering may include a reduced thickness portion due to the decorative stitching. The seam spacer can have any number of configurations to prevent visual defects along the stitch path and/or to cause the appearance of simulated seams to be more realistic. The seam spacer may be attached to the covering at the same time the decorative stitching is sewn through the covering.

Abstract: A transcatheter valve having an expandable frame and a collapsible multi-portion skirt within the frame are provided with seams between the portions of the skirt that are located to cooperate with features of the frame and thereby reduce the exposure of the seams.

Abstract: A bus seat for use in a bus comprises a frame and a seat back secured to a portion of the frame. The bus seat further comprises a seat cushion secured to another portion of the frame. The bus seat also comprises a removable two piece cover arranged over the seat back, wherein the cover pieces are secured to one another with a zipper. The zippered two piece seat back cover allows for easy installation, removal or replacement of any damaged or worn portions of the seat back trim cover.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mattress is constructed of a core having a first side and a second side. A padding layer is positioned at the first side of the core and has a contoured surface and a planar surface. A layer of individual fiberballs is disposed on the planar surface of the padding layer.

Abstract: A process to manufacture tufted backing materials comprises the steps of a) providing a roll bearing a backing material which backing material comprises a first side exhibiting a first colour and a second side exhibiting a second colour, wherein the first colour is different from the second colour, the first side is the front side and the second side is the rear side, b) unwinding the backing material from the roll, c) tufting the backing material, d) cutting the backing material at a position between the roll bearing the backing material and the tufting device, e) rotating the roll bearing the backing material by an angle of 180°, f) unwinding the backing material from the roll in a second unwinding direction which is opposite to the first unwinding direction and guiding the backing material into the tufting device, and g) tufting the backing material.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant articles having excellent resistance to deterioration due to liquid exposure. More particularly, ballistic resistant fibrous composites and articles that retain their superior ballistic resistance performance after exposure to liquids such as sea water and organic solvents, such as gasoline and other petroleum-based products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for a tufting machine configured for forming tufted carpet. The tufting machine can have a system controller in communication with the tufting machine and with a plurality of yarn feed controllers for controlling operation of yarn feed motors that are configured to supply yarn from a source of yarn to the tufting machine. The system controller is programmable to enable input of a plurality of predetermined yarn feed profiles for selected stitches of a programmed pattern to be tufted such that, although at least two of the predetermined yarn feed profiles can be different, substantially the same feed length of yarn is used from each of the plurality of yarns.

Abstract: A hemostatic product having a plurality of hemostatic layers. Each of the hemostatic layers includes a dextran support and at least one hemostatic agent, which is selected from the group consisting of thrombin and fibrinogen. The hemostatic layers are arranged in a stacked configuration.

Abstract: In a side airbag system (10), a tether portion (22), which serves as a partition between an upper bag portion (16) and a lower bag portion (18), is formed of upper regions (34U) of a piece of lower base fabric (34), and is formed by sewing the upper regions (34U) of the lower base fabric (34), folded toward a vehicle front side along a fold axis, together. In addition, a tube (24) that distributes inflation gas between the upper bag portion (16) and the lower bag portion (18) extends through the tether portion (22) to the lower bag portion (18) and to the upper bag portion (16). The tube (24) is formed into a cylindrical shape in such a manner that a piece of tube base fabric (36) is sewed to the upper regions (34U) of the lower base fabric (34) and folded toward a vehicle front side along the fold axis and then front ends (36F) of the folded tube base fabric are sewed together in a tube longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A girdle band for underwear connection and a processing method thereof, the girder band has a baseband with upper and lower overturning edges, a plurality of snap rings, surface cloth and a shaping layer, and the processing method has the following steps: firstly respectively connecting both surfaces of the lower overturning edge of the baseband with the shaping layer and the first strip of the surface cloth; sewing the bottom surface of the second strip of the surface cloth with the shaping layer; forming the upper and the lower overturning edges; and using an ultrasonic wave cutting machine for cutting the long strip-shaped baseband into girdle band units. The girdle band has the advantages of no sewing joints on the back surface and good appearance effect, and can avoid skin injuries.

Abstract: A sewing tool is provided which has a plurality of apertures therein, each of which is trapezoidal in shape. The apertures are different sizes with respect to one another, each to be used for a different size box-bottom sewn item, such as a tote bag. A method of using such a sewing tool to create an item such as a box-bottom tote bag is also provided.

Abstract: A cushion of a passenger airbag device that is reduced in volume and shows a stable behavior when inflated and deployed is achieved. The present invention is a method of producing a cushion (10) of a passenger airbag device (1) having a portion with a desired curvature by sewing side edges of base fabric pieces constituting a main panel (12) and left and right side panels (14) together. The main panel (12) and the side panels (14) are sewn together so as to form a rectangular opening, whose short sides have a length equal to the width of the side panels (14) and whose long sides have a length equal to the width of the main panel (12), at a position where stitches in the main panel (12) and side panels (14) start or end. Then, the portion with a desired curvature is formed by folding the short sides toward the opening and sewing the short sides and the long sides together.

Abstract: A fitted sheet has a top portion with two lateral side panels and two end side panels. Each side panel may be at an angle to the top portion. Each side panel has lateral edge portions. The lateral edge portion of one side panel may be affixed to the lateral edge portion of the adjacent side panel. A plurality of elastic members is affixed to opposing side panels. No plurality of elastic members is affixed to the other side panels.

Abstract: A preprinted foundation for assembling a quilt block from a plurality of pieces of fabric, the foundation comprising indicia indicating an order of assembly of said pieces of fabric and a position of said fabric pieces to form the quilt block and a method of using same.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a quilt blank, a quilt kit including a quilt blank and method of making a quilt using a quilt blank. The disclosure describes a quilt blank including a partially completed quilt having a quilt top, backing and batting material interposed between the quilt top and the backing, all of which are secured together via a sewing or quilting pattern. The quilt top of the quilt blank includes at least one predetermined blank portion sized to receive a fabric swatch or other material selected by a user. Alternatively, the quilt blank may simply be a quilt top having a predetermined blank area to be filled with a fabric swatch or other material. The disclosure also describes a quilt kit including a quilt blank and a method of making a quilt using a quilt blank.

Abstract: A process for preparing a seam area for a PMC base fabric includes the steps of: providing a PMC base fabric including a plurality of warp yarns extending in a machine direction (MD) and a plurality of interwoven weft yarns extending in a cross machine direction (CD); removing a plurality of adjacent weft yarns from the PMC base fabric to define a window of warp yarns not interwoven with weft yarns, the plurality of warp yarns being interwoven with a plurality of weft yarns on either side of the window; folding over the PMC base fabric at the window such that each warp yarn substantially aligns with itself in the MD, and one or more weft yarns on one side of the window substantially align with a respective weft yarn on an opposite side of the window; and bonding together a portion of the PMC base fabric adjacent the window.

Abstract: A method of applying stitching to an interior component is provided herein. The method including the steps of: a) penetrating an outer skin layer, a substrate layer and an intermediary layer of the interior component with an awl to form a piercing therethrough; b) retracting the awl from the outer skin layer, the substrate layer and the intermediary layer; c) inserting a needle through the piercing through the substrate layer, the intermediary layer and the outer skin layer to grasp a thread positioned on the outer skin layer; d) pulling the thread through the outer skin layer, the intermediary layer and the substrate layer; e) looping the thread with a previous stitch passed through the outer skin layer, the intermediary layer and the substrate layer; f) advancing the interior component to another position; and g) repeating steps a-f until a predetermined amount of stitches are applied to the interior component.

Abstract: A window covering includes rings attached to window covering material at predetermined positions and loops attached to a liner at predetermined positions such that each loop is positioned between two of the rings. Each of the loops is formed by a filament that passes through a liner at two spaced apart points, the filament having an anchor such that the loops are positioned between an inner side of the liner and a rear side of the window covering material and the anchor is positioned on an outer side of the liner. Lift cords extend from a first rail and pass through the rings and the loops. The liner and the window covering material are attached together to enclose the lift cords between the liner and the window covering material. The window covering material and liner are moveable relative to the first rail to retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A multi-needle quilting machine (20) is provided with a tape or ribbon guide (30) that is operated by a method by which a narrow strip (32) is fed against a facing layer (11a) of a wide multi-layered material (24) as it is fed into the quilting machine. In the quilting machine (20), series of chain stitches are sewn, at least one of which joins the tape (32) and layers of the multi-layered material (24) together with the same thread in a quilting process, thereby applying the tape (32) to the quilted product in a single quilting operation without the need for a post-quilting tape application step. The tape may form a decorative strip or have unsewn sections that serve as handles for a mattress when the quilted product is formed into a mattress cover.

Abstract: Methods of pre-cured (wet-out) composite lay up, are improved upon by embroidering, sewing, stitching, bundle-wrapping, tying, etc., substantially between layers and substantially normal, or in the “Z-direction” to the lay up with a wet or pre-cured fiber bundle or tow. The pre-cured tow is embroidered, etc. either in with a like, homogeneous wet to wet layering or a heterogeneous non-similar layering, between double or multiple layers. Heterogeneous examples include differing material types among layers, laying and embroidering in objects or voids, as well as wet-laminating/sewing in with an already-dry (set/cured) layer.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion for a side of a vehicle is provided, the inflatable cushion having a first portion of material; a second portion of material, the first portion of material being secured to the second portion of material to define the inflatable cushion; wherein at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the inflatable cushion is defined by a seam wherein an inner surface of the first portion is secured to an inner surface of the second portion only by a plurality of stitches; and wherein a strip of a third portion of material is applied to the seam of an outer surface of either the first portion or the second portion when the plurality of stitches are applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an airbag cushion and an airbag system including the same, and particularly to an airbag cushion, including: at least one fabric; and seam parts connecting the fabric, wherein deviation of upper seam thread length per a unit length of the fabric between the first seam part sewed in forward direction and the second seam part sewed in reverse direction in the seam parts is 15% or less, a method of preparing the same, and an airbag system including the same. The airbag cushion of the present invention is superior in working stability and unfolding performance because of the optimized properties of the seam parts, provides superior shape stability and air-tight effect at the same time, and can protect a passenger by minimizing the shock given to the passenger.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing balls made of a vegetable laminate by sewing, sewing/stamping or glueing/stamping for the practice of sports. For producing the ball, the lined vegetable laminate (7), together with the bi-polymer air chamber (4), is subjected to a process comprising the steps of assembling (23), sewing (24), glueing (25) or compression molding (26). The vegetable laminate (2) is obtained by formulating/dyeing (14) the polyisoprene (8), spreading (15) same on the natural substrate (16) or recycled substrate (17), and vulcanizing (18), so as to produce the lined vegetable laminate (7) with a lining (9) made of polyisoprene (8) with natural filaments (10) or recycled filaments (11), impregnating (12) and final vulcanizing (13). The chamber (4) is obtained through the formulation (19) and a first immersion (20) in a polyisoprene polymer (8), a second immersion in 2-methyl-butadiene-1,3 polymer (21), vulcanization (18), and finally the valve (22) is glued.

Abstract: Cushioning elements include a porous foam comprising a series of interconnected cell walls and an elastomeric material formed over at least a portion of the interconnected cell walls. The porous foam is configured to allow gases to pass through at least a portion thereof. Methods of forming cushioning elements may include coating interconnected cell walls of a breathable porous foam with a liquid comprising an elastomeric material, solidifying at least a portion of the elastomeric material, and providing a gas path through the elastomeric material. Other methods include pressing sheets of foam together at a pinch point, disposing a liquid between the foam over the pinch point, coating the foam with the liquid, and separating the sheets beyond the pinch point. Some methods include consolidating a plurality of portions of porous foam into a continuous cushioning material.

Abstract: A flat sheet of woven material includes warp yarns and weft yarns interlaced at substantially right angles to each other. A graft material is cut from the flat sheet of woven material such that the graft material includes a graft material longitudinal axis and the warp yarns are disposed at an angle relative to the graft material longitudinal axis. The warp yarns and weft yarns are not parallel to or perpendicular to the graft material longitudinal axis. The graft material is formed into the shape of an endoluminal prosthesis, such as by rolling opposing edges towards each other and securing the opposing edges to each other. The endoluminal prosthesis thus includes warp yarns disposed at an angle relative to the prosthesis longitudinal axis.

Abstract: “Decorative Covers” provide consumers with an easy and efficient method for changing the look of vertical Venetian blinds (5) five different ways in a distinct design. The invention is comprised of two separate swatches of cloth material, each of which bears a different color and/or design. These swatches are elongated strip format and in same proportionate sizes to match the Venetian blind slat to which they are to encase. These swatches are attached by stitch on each elongated vertical side and on one horizontal border remains an open proximal end is an open horizontal slit, and on each wall, and through which the attachment pieces of the encased Venetian blind slat fit. The interior border of this proximal end may be lined with a hook-and-loop, buttonhole, snaps and/or straps upon encased Venetian Blind slat. The sleeve may be removed and machine washed. The sleeves are available in a wide variety of colors and designs.

Abstract: A side airbag device has: a side airbag that inflates and expands at a time of a side collision, and that has a lower chamber (high pressure chamber), and an upper chamber (low pressure chamber), the high pressure chamber and the low pressure chamber being formed by base cloths (a lower base cloth, an upper base cloth) that are respectively separate bodies; an inflator; a partitioning wall that is formed by a portion of the lower base cloth, and that divides the lower chamber and the upper chamber; and a check valve that is provided at a partial region of the partitioning wall, and that is provided convexly toward the lower chamber side when the side airbag is not inflated, and that permits flowing of the gas for inflation from the upper chamber side to the lower chamber side, and restricts flowing of gas in a direction opposite thereto.

Abstract: A system and method for assembling a prosthetic heart valve, including a procedure for tightly wrapping fabric around a heart valve support stent. The support stent typically includes alternating cusps and commissures that create a highly contoured undulating outflow edge. The system includes a mandrel for retaining tension without manual assistance in a tubular length of fabric wrapped over the support stent. The mandrel may include an inner clamping mechanism for holding the first end of the fabric tube, a pedestal tube on which the support stent rests and through which the fabric tube passes, and an outer clamping mechanism for holding the free end of the fabric tube. The inner and outer clamping mechanisms include discrete clamps spaced apart 120° from each other that pull the fabric only in the cusps of the support stent. The inner clamping mechanism, outer clamping mechanism, and pedestal are relatively axially movable.

Abstract: An eco-friendly exercise mat cover for an exercise mat comprises a rectangular envelop made from a material with specific characteristics which renders the cover-mat combination useable in various environmental conditions. The cover comprises an opening flap for easy placement and removal of the mat. In an alternative embodiment, the exercise mat cover includes a carrying bag which may be used to conveniently transport the cover-mat combination.

Abstract: A decoration-making assist tool includes a first and a second plates. Each plate includes a straight base edge and a peripheral edge connected to the ends of the base edge. A connecting portion pivotally connects the two plates to each other so that they can be folded to overlap each other. The first plate includes recesses formed at the peripheral edge and N elongated holes. The second plate includes (N+1) elongated holes. The ends of these elongated holes are adjacent to the peripheral edges of the plates. When the two plates overlap each other, the recesses and the ends of the elongated holes of the first plate communicate with corresponding ends of the elongated holes of the second plate.

Abstract: A composite, felt-based material includes a felt layer, a second material layer, and an adhesive layer which adheres the second material layer to the felt layer.

Abstract: Templates that are used to create several connected overlapping scallops made from fabric, as well as methods for making and using such templates, are described. The templates described have a plurality of evenly spaced, alternating arcs formed or cut in opposite, parallel edges of a substrate, resulting in evenly spaced, alternating semicircular tabs located on the opposite, parallel edges of the substrate. In some embodiments, the template is a die that produces cut fabric in the shape of the template. The template may be used to cut or mark material into connected semicircular arcs that may be sewn and folded to make connected scallops that may be overlapping. The resulting scallops are of uniform size and spacing, and are connected.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a conformal electronic device includes securing an electrically-conductive fiber to a fabric or substrate using an assistant thread.

Abstract: Methods for making a self-conforming non-crimp fabric involving tailoring at least a first parameter to anchor the fabric and at least a second parameter to provide conformability of the fabric, the first and second parameters selected from stitch type, stitch spacing, stitch density, stitch material, stitch weight, stitch tension, and combinations of the same.

Abstract: A planar substrate has a moisture activated shrinking filament applied thereon. When wetted, the shrinking filament shrinks and causes the planar substrate to gather and pucker. The planar substrate with the filament thereon may be compressed into a compact shape when in a dry state.

Abstract: A method of making a ball glove includes molding a plastic material to form a single-piece front palm lining that has a palm lining portion and five front finger lining portions, forming a back lining that has five rear finger lining portions, stitching together the front palm lining and the back lining to form a glove lining that has five inner finger stalls, tailoring a front ply that has a palm cover portion and five front finger cover portions, molding a plastic material to form a single-piece back ply that has five rear finger cover portions, assembling the front ply and the back ply to form an outer shell, forming a web, and assembling the web, the outer shell, and the glove lining to form the ball glove.

Abstract: A method of making at least one stiffener element includes cutting out two substantially identical elongate flanks from fiber plates, each flank presenting two lateral projections on either side of a central portion. The flanks are superimposed with one another and stitched together along two parallel lines that mark the boundaries between the lateral projections and the central portions. The lateral projections are folded along the lines of stitching to either side of the assembly in order to form flanges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a flat wiring harness having discrete wires in a predetermined orientation. The wires are positioned in grooves in a flat form, the grooves having the predetermined orientation and the form having connected thread openings extending therethrough and across the grooves. The wires in the grooves are stitched together by a sewing machine that is programmed to guide a sewing needle and thread through the openings in the form to produce the flat wiring harness having the discrete wires in the predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A padding has a first outer layer that is made from an abrasion resistant fabric, a second outer layer that is made from a stretch fabric having a smooth surface, and a middle layer that is made from a foam material. The middle layer is positioned between the first and second outer layers. The first and second outer layers are then stitched along their peripheral edges to completely encapsulate the middle layer therebetween, and then a plurality of lines that are cut through all the layers.

Abstract: A shoe bag is provided having a divider and a top drawstring. The divider may further have a concealed pocket, into which may be placed a fragrance or deodorizing insert to mask the odor of shoe wear, and may have a hook for hanging the bag.

Abstract: A method for making a fitted tablecloth for covering a utility or card table is disclosed. The steps include providing a primary panel having a plurality of sides, providing a rail panel having a plurality of side panels and a plurality of pleats, such that the plurality of side panels are separated by the plurality of pleats, folding the plurality of pleats against the plurality of side panels such that the plurality of side panels meet at a plurality of joints, connecting the primary panel to the rail panel such that the plurality of side panels are connected to one another at a plurality of top joints, and stitching the side panels from the plurality of top joints to a portion of the side panel forming an inner seam.

Abstract: A method is provided for sewing a seat cover to provide a front panel and a side panel with an L-shaped separable seam and inner and outer chutes for air bag deployment. The method comprises sewing the front panel and the inner chute together with permanent vertical extending and horizontal extending seams that will not break during air bag deployment, and sewing the side panel and the outer chute together with permanent vertical extending seams and horizontal extending seams that will not break during air bag deployment. And thereafter sewing the front panel and the side panel together with separable vertical extending seams and horizontal extending seams that will break upon the air bag deployment to allow inflation of the air bag while the inner chute remains attached to the front panel and the outer chute remains attached to the side panel to guide the inflating air bag.

Abstract: A method is provided for sewing a seat cover to provide a side panel and an inset panel with a C-shaped separable seam and inner and outer chutes for air bag deployment. The method comprises sewing the side panel and the inner chute together with permanent vertical extending and upper and lower horizontal extending seams that will not break during air bag deployment, and sewing the inset panel and the outer chute together with permanent vertical extending seams and upper and lower horizontal extending seams that will not break during air bag deployment. And thereafter sewing the side panel and the inset panel together with separable vertical extending seams and upper and lower horizontal extending seams that will break upon the air bag deployment to allow inflation of the air bag while the inner chute remains attached to the front panel and the outer chute remains attached to the side panel to guide the inflating air bag.

Abstract: A combined template and ruler for use in quilting is formed from a rigid plastic material and includes a plurality of spaced slots that correspond to cutting and sewing lines that are marked on layers of fabric using the template. The cutting and sewing lines are positioned such that a plurality of half square triangles of two ply material are formed without cutting the thread. A template and method of forming snowball blocks in a similar fashion is also disclosed.

Abstract: A versatile bag including: a bag, one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels, and one or more devices for attaching the one or more removable and optionally reversible art panels to the outside of the bag is provided. A method of decorating the bag is also provided.

Abstract: A structure which is transformable by inflation from a collapsed condition for storage to an erect condition for use has an inflatable tubular framework and at least one flexible web attached to and extending between two or more regions of the framework. The inflatable framework is formed by at least one inner inflatable tubular element (A, B) of flexible, elastic, air-impermeable material and having an inflation valve (13,15) accommodated within an outer sleeve arrangement of a material which is flexible but substantially non-elastic and restrained therein upon inflation. The outer sleeve arrangement is configured to include at least one branch point and/or at least one abrupt bend and the configuration of the inner tubular element or elements (A, B) corresponds to that (branch points (a, b) and abrupt bends (z)) so that the inner tube or tubes will substantially fill the outer sleeve arrangement upon inflation.

Abstract: A tote bag made from a pant leg separated from a pair of pants, for example a recycled pair of denim jeans. The tote bag body is an upside-down pant leg whose cuff forms the upper end and whose separated end is sewn together to form the closed bottom. A carry strap or handle is added to the open upper end. A pocket and belt loop from the pair of pants can also be sewn onto the outer side of the bag as utility and ornamental options.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an airbag with which an airbag having a left airbag section and a right airbag section and constituted so that peripheral edge portions of an opening of an opposing face of each bag are sewn together can be easily manufactured. An airbag 10 is constituted by a total of two panels, namely, an inside panel 20 and an outside panel 30. After the inside panel 20 and the outside panel 30 are overlapped in a double-folded state so that airbag outer side faces thereof oppose to each other, opposite sides 61, 62 are sewn together, and lower edge portions of the inside panel 20 and the outside panel 30 are sewn together. Then, the inside panel 20 is reversed so that airbag outer side faces of a right side 20R and a left side 20L oppose each other, and the peripheral edge portions of the openings 18, 18 are sewn together. Then, the remaining peripheral edge portions of the inside panel 20 and the outside panel 30 are sewn together.