Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate the instruction of quilting techniques includes a background pattern and a stitching pattern printed on a fabric panel. The fabric panel may be a length of fabric configured to receive inks which define the background pattern and the stitching pattern. The background pattern may be a plurality of geometric shape arranged to simulate one or more quilted fabric designs such as those designs found on a typical quilted fabric. The stitching pattern includes at least one quilting stitching design which defines a guideline for stitching the stitching pattern. The apparatus also includes at least one instructional mark printed on the fabric panel. The instructional mark defines a quilting instruction which guides a user in stitching the stitching pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a device for processing highly flexural material in strip form. In order to provide a method and a corresponding device for processing highly flexural material 2 in strip form with optimization of working processes and increased production reliability, it is proposed that, in a method for processing highly flexural material 2 in strip form with a first and a second end region 10, 16, in particular of textile belt material 2, the two end regions 10, 16 of the highly flexural material 2 are essentially processed simultaneously, wherein one of the types of processing includes at least one sewing operation. In this case, ensured and consistent quality is achieved with a shortened working cycle time.

Abstract: Textile gas guides adapted for use with inflatable cushions and airbag systems are configured to be formed in a manner that reduces or eliminates the need for specialized equipment during manufacturing, and to be sufficiently reinforced to withstand damage during use. Such textile gas guides may comprise a second edge of a first fabric member overlapping and coupled with a shear seam to a portion of a third edge of a second fabric member. The third edge and a fourth edge of the second fabric member may be coupled together with a second seam sewed through the two edges of the second fabric member. The second fabric member at least substantially encompasses the first fabric member. Airbag systems employing such textile gas guides may include at least one inflatable cushion, a portion of which is coupled to the textile gas guide.

Abstract: A protruding portion that is exposed from the outer peripheries of upper base cloths and a lower base cloth and provided with an insertion hole for inserting an inflator is provided on a portion of a tube base cloth. The inflator is inserted into the side air bag through the insertion hole. The peripheral edge portion of the insertion hole is fixed to the inflator by a clamp. The upper base cloths are not sewn to together in an area where the outer peripheries of the upper base cloths overlap with the tube base cloth, and the lower base cloth is not sewn to itself in an area where the outer periphery of the lower base cloth overlaps with the tube base cloth.

Abstract: Alignment mechanisms are provided for use in conjunction with manufacture of a flat-seam construction made up of a number of sequentially formed stitches and formed on a portion of one or more stitchable materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing large stitched products has a multiple needle stitching unit, a storage device, and a processing station. The multiple needle stitching unit has a large number of stitching elements and a guide device which is arranged in the region of the stitching elements and movable in relation to the stitching elements in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the stitched product. Between the multiple needle stitching unit and the processing station is a device for compensating for an annular offset of the stitched product between an output of the guide device and an input of the processing station.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a tube of material (1) having a seam (12) extending between a proximal end and a distal end, two edges (10a, 10b) of the material meeting and at least partially overlapping along the seam (12) and being sewn together at the seam by stitches (21, 22, 24) of relatively flexible thread (20), the thread of one or more of the stitches (22, 24) passing from a first side (12a) of the overlapped edges (10a, 10b) of material, through both layers of overlapped material, crossing a relatively rigid member (30) which is disposed on a second, opposite side (12b) of the overlapped edges of material, and passing back to the first side (12a). There is further disclosed an implant delivery catheter (40) incorporating the tube of material (1), and associated methods for its manufacture.

Abstract: A flat seam construction made up of a number of sequentially formed stitches and formed on a portion of one or more stitchable materials is disclosed. Each stitch has two outer threads, formed into first and second outer thread loops, and at least one inner thread, formed into at least one inner thread loop. Each of the inner and outer thread loops transversely penetrate the one or more stitchable materials. Each of the inner and outer thread loops have a bight portion engaging a bottom surface of the one or more stitchable materials. At least one looper thread is formed on the bottom surface, and arranged such that, the at least one looper thread passes between the bottom surface and at least one of the bight portions. At least one decorative thread is visible on a top surface of the seam construction. The at least one decorative thread loops around at least said first outer thread loop at a penetration point thereof.

Abstract: A system for forming multiple patterned, tufted articles, includes a tufting machine having a series of distinct machine sections each adapted to form a desired patterned, tufted articles and each operable independently of the other machine sections. A system control can be programmed with pattern parameters for each of the patterned tufted articles to be formed, and will control the machine sections to form each of the patterned tufted articles.

Abstract: An appliqué is provided that is attached to the outer surface of a product. The appliqué comprises a decorative piece including an upper surface with a design element digitally printed thereon and an opposite lower surface attached to the product.

Abstract: A napkin having an integrated napkin ring and a method of making the napkin are provided. The method may include forming an opening in a napkin such that a center of the opening is located in a position offset from the center of the napkin. The method may further include attaching a ring or grommet to the napkin and around the opening such that an interior circumference of the ring or grommet defines the opening. In various embodiments, the opening may be a variety of shapes and sizes and may have a periphery that is sewn. The ring or grommet may be a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. Interior and exterior edges of the ring or grommet may be the same or different in shape, while first and second sides of the ring or grommet may be the same or different in color and/or material.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is disclosed as including an integrated circuit and at least one antenna connected with the integrated circuit, wherein the antenna is formed of an at least partly metalized thread.

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 multi-needle chain-stitch quilting machine and method of operation thereof are provided that imparts relative motion between the needles and the material that is controlled so as to pull needle thread tails from the needle side of the quilted material. The feature of controlling thread tails may be optional to provide selection of either a high speed mode of operation without thread tail control or a quality mode of operation with reduction or removal of needle thread tails from the face of the quilted material. Thread trimmers may be included at each needle location on the looper side of the material to cut both needle and looper threads.

Abstract: A wallet comprises first and second panels formed of a synthetic rubber material such as neoprene. The first and second panels are stitched together at their edges to form a container having dimensions suiting to receiving cards, such as credit cards or business cards. An opening is formed across a longitudinal direction of the second panel to allow cards to be inserted to and removed from the wallet.

Abstract: A towel with one or more recessed pockets is disclosed. A first peripheral edge spans from a first corner of the towel to a second corner of the towel. A second peripheral edge spans from a third corner of the towel to a fourth corner of the towel. The second peripheral edge is positioned generally opposite the first peripheral edge of the towel. A first recessed pocket includes a first set of openings is disposed on and coextensive with the first peripheral edge. A second recessed pocket includes a second set of openings disposed on and coextensive with the second peripheral edge. A first liner covers an interior surface of the first recessed pocket. A second liner covers an interior surface of the second recessed pocket. The first and second liner each comprise rounded interior corners.

Abstract: The invention comprises using a fabric cut into several pieces which are further assembled together by stitches, the stitches being made using a sewing machine comprising at least two needles (A?, B?) operating in-line one behind the other so that the sewing stitch of the second needle (B?) is made on the threads of the sewing stitch made by the first needle (A?) in order to cover the perforation made by the first needle and so that the perforation made by the second needle (B?) is made through said thread (11), thereby filling said perforation with said thread (11).

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle includes a flexible material and an embroidered pattern. The embroidered pattern is formed by at least one yarn in the flexible material. The embroidered pattern contrasts from the flexible material to provide an aesthetic feature to the flexible material. In a second embodiment, a method of decorating a convertible top includes providing a convertible top connected to a vehicle. The convertible top has latches, a window, a frame and a layer of fabric. The method includes removing the convertible top from the vehicle and removing the latches, the window, and the frame from the layer of fabric. The method further includes introducing the layer of fabric to a sewing and embroidery machine and selecting a pattern. The method further includes providing a yarn operatively coupled to the sewing and embroidery machine and stitching the yarn into the layer of fabric, wherein the yarn forms an embroidered pattern that approximates the pattern.

Abstract: A reusable marking system for use in visualizing, designating and synchronizing the rows, columns or blocks of fabric used in quilt designs is disclosed. The marking system utilizes a plurality of pre-sequenced, pin-type, marking tools to designate the specific order of quilt designs for final assembly. The present invention also includes a kit for receiving, organizing and storing the marking tools.

Abstract: A cover for an advertising board includes a first face made of fabric and a second face made of fabric. The first and second faces are coupled together to form a cover conforming to the advertising board.

Abstract: A system and method for assembling a prosthetic heart valve, including a procedure for sewing fabric around a heart valve support stent. The system includes a support stent handling component that works in conjunction with a sewing machine component. The sewing machine has a bobbin, and the system includes a non-contact sensor to monitor the passage of a needle thread loop over the bobbin. The sensor may be a monitoring laser, and a controlling processor receives information therefrom for 100% real-time inspection of each stitch. The occurrence of an unsuccessful stitch may prompt the processor to repeat the stitch at a slower speed. The automation of the fabric sewing procedure greatly enhances manufacturing throughput and reduces ergonomic strain on workers.

Abstract: A stitchbonded fabric has a regionally segmented base layer in which one or more physical properties in at least one region is substantially different from those of another region. Typical physical properties that can differ among substrate regions include density, basis weight, chemical composition, thickness, porosity, permeability, elongation, elasticity, tensile strength, barrier properties, dyeability, abrasion resistance, and texture. The stitchbonded fabric thus has an improved combination of properties. In one aspect the base layer is discontinuous such that at least one region is devoid of all substrate material. The base layer is stitched continuously over its full extent such that all regions including open areas devoid of substrate material are stitched. The stitchbonded fabric with a discontinuous base layer advantageously can provide enhanced stretch capability to the overall fabric, especially in the cross direction and is particularly useful for stretchable skirts of mattress covers.

Abstract: An automated quilting and tufting system for application of tufts at selected locations along a web of material, including a sewing head receiving a series of tufts or rosettes from a supply. The tufts are removed from their supply and are placed at selected locations on the web of material for attachment to the web of material by the sewing head. Thereafter, the web of material can be cut to form a panel of a desired size.

Abstract: A skin assembly is disclosed. The skin assembly includes a skin formed from a material that is capable of being stitched, a thread passing through the skin to form a stitch pattern on a first surface of the skin and a loop extending from a second surface of the skin opposite the first surface, and a substrate coupled to the loop of the thread to secure the thread in the skin.

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 seaming machine for seaming segments of sheet material to one another to form larger sheets includes a frame defining a sheet-receiving area and a pair of spaced seaming devices on opposed sides of the sheet-receiving area for respectively seaming opposed edges of the segments of sheet material to one another. The frame typically defines a table-receiving space for a table to support the sheet segments. The machine provides for the seaming of multiple sheet segments while the sheet segments remain atop the table or another work surface. Relative back and forth movement between the frame and work surface facilitate the process.

Abstract: In a method for producing seams on webbings for technical purposes, in particular on lifting straps or lashing straps for securing cargo during transport, a sewing thread is used to produce the seam, the fine strength of said sewing thread being significantly greater than the fine strength of the fibrous material or yam from which the webbing is produced. In this way, the binding load of a webbing having a seam is increased.

Abstract: A disinfecting cleaning wipe of stitch-bonded construction. The wipe includes a stitching substrate of fibrous nonwoven material having a mass per unit area of not more than 30 grams per square meter. A first plurality of stitching yarns is disposed in stitched relation through the stitching substrate in a pattern of substantially parallel linear stitch lines extending in a first direction across the stitching substrate. At least a second plurality of stitching yarns is disposed in stitched relation through the stitching substrate in a repeating zigzag pattern to define a first group of surface yarn float segments extending diagonally between stitch positions at opposing linear stitch lines. A disinfecting solution at least partially saturates the cleaning wipe.

Abstract: An airbag, wherein gas is appropriately discharged from a vent hole by preventing a vent hole cover from being positionally displaced relative to the vent hole. An airbag (30) is provided with a cover guide member (70) which allows a vent hole cover (60) to move at a predetermined bag inner pressure to open a vent hole (34). The cover guide member has an opening (77) formed at a position corresponding to the vent hole.

Abstract: To form a cutout reinforcement according to the invention for a sandwich construction, according to the invention two methods are combined to improve the strength characteristics of a braid core which preferably consists of foamed material. For this purpose, a braiding is combined with fibre bundles which are pulled through holes in the braid core. As a result, the cutout reinforcement according to the invention for a sandwich construction has particularly outstanding strength characteristics, while the component has only a low weight.

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: Sewing machine includes a plurality of machine heads, and at least one sequin feeder apparatus provided for each of the machine heads. The sequin feeder apparatus of a desired number of machine heads of the plurality of machine heads are grouped into a group, and a sequin feed pitch is variably set independently for each of the grouped sequin feeder apparatus in that group. Such an arrangement allows sequins of different sizes (different feed pitches) to be set on all of the sequin feeder apparatus in the group. If the plurality of machine heads are controlled on a group-by-group basis in order to sew a sequin-contained embroidery pattern, it is possible to increase the variety of sizes of sequins that can be used in the embroidery pattern.

Abstract: A bed cover comforter made of multiple fabric layers which are stitched together to form rows of pockets across the comforter each having a number of tiny weights such as metal shot confined therein instead of conventional heat retaining fillers to increase the weight of the comforter without increasing its heat retaining properties to not be too warm while having the feel of a conventional comforter.

Abstract: An insulating product and method for its creation involving inner valves designed to impede the flow of insulating materials between compartments formed by the inner valves. This allows for creating vertical baffles in addition to the typical horizontal baffles.

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 method for producing a three-dimensionally curved fiber composite material component having a predefined flexural member profile cross section with at least one web area and at least one adjacent flange area, includes providing a flat base fiber laid scrim and disposing a unidirectional fiber laid scrim tape with 0 degree fibers on a partial area of the fiber laid scrim and fixed by sewing so as to provide a flat prefabricated fiber laid scrim strip having a flange area including the unidirectional fiber laid scrim tape and a web strip area free of the fiber laid scrim. The prefabricated scrim tape is draped to a desired contour and is sewn onto a support material so as to provide a stabilized three-dimensionally curved first sub-fiber laid scrim preform adapted to the fiber composite material structural component to be produced.

Abstract: A weighted blanket includes an inner liner that is filled with weighted filler material and closed to limit movement of the weighted material within the inner liner. In some embodiments, the inner liner is securely sewn within an outer liner to prevent movement of the inner liner within the outer liner, thereby preventing the inner liner from becoming detached from the outer liner.

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: The object of the invention is to provide a method which is as simple and economical as possible for manufacturing a tufted product, in particular a tufted top layer of a carpet, having improved nep adhesion properties. For this purpose splittable fibers are used which split on or in the region of the puncture site during tufting.

Abstract: A fabric bulk bag and a method for constructing the same, the bag including a continuous sidewall, a top portion, and a bottom, all defining a bulk storage space therein; the bottom further comprising eight sides which define an octagonal shape having an enlarged footprint so that the bag wall is sewn to the bottom in less time than a round shaped bag, yet when filled stands more upright with less tendency to lean than the current square shaped bags thereby providing a safer more dependable stacking bulk bag. In the method of producing the fabric bulk bag, the bag is constructed in less time than the prior art round bottom bags, uses less wall fabric than prior art square bottomed bags and when constructed and filled, supports itself more stable on a floor or pallet because it provides substantially more base for the product to rest on. In other embodiments, the bag would be multi-sided with greater than four sides.

Abstract: A floor mat and a method and apparatus for making a floor mat having desirable absorptive characteristics and constructed significantly of recycled or post industrial/consumer materials. A floor mat may be made of a base layer, a padding layer and a face layer. The base layer may comprise at least a portion of reprocessed rubber buffings formed to have an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of nibs. The face layer may comprise a carper formed of at least a portion of which is post industrial and/or post consumer PET. The padding layer may be positioned between the base layer and the face layer comprising at least a portion of post industrial and/or post consumer PET.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supply device (32) for sewing material layers (16, 18, 20) of a large area sewing product such as mattress panels for example, comprising several sewing material layers (16, 18, 20), particularly at least three, preferably one sewing material layer of elastic material, for example foamed material, and one sewing material layer intended as a top layer, which layers are to be stitched together using a sewing machine (14) with at least one sewing unit, in particular a multiple-needle sewing machine, wherein said supply device consists of at least one roll receiver (34) capable of receiving at least two material rolls (24, 26, 28, 36, 38, 40), each material roll (24, 26, 28, 36, 38, 40) being rotatably supported in a holder (42) of the roll receiver (34), and wherein sewing material layers (16, 18, 20) can be removed from the material rolls (24, 26, 28, 36, 38, 40) arranged in a roll receiver (34) and fed to the sewing unit, wherein the sewing material layers (16, 18, 20) from a roll re

Abstract: An artificial turf is provided that resists migration of rubber infill into the space above the turf. Artificial grass is attached to and extends upward from a backing material, which may be one or more layers. The artificial grass includes groups of at least two different kinds of fiber sewn through a common path in the backing material. One of the kinds of fibers is an artificial grass blade shaped so as to appear like a blade of grass. The other kind of fiber in each group is pre-stressed/crimped so that the relaxed shape of the fiber is nonlinear, resembling a curlicued or articulated form having lateral excursions. The lateral excursions cause portions of one such pre-stressed fiber to overlap and interfere with another, forming a mesh. The height of the pre-stressed fibers in their relaxed state in the turf is less than the height of the relatively unstressed fiber(s). Resilient granules are embedded in the mesh, and are captivated by the interfering pre-stressed fibers.

Abstract: A method for designing and creating material made from fish skins, wherein said material is made from individual fish skins and can be stretched, mechanically or automatically manipulated, sewn, and ironed to ensure that all the unions and surfaces are perfectly uniform, flat, and free of ripples in order to produce a highly-tensile, uniform cloth of variable dimensions. A material includes a plurality of pieces of fish skin, wherein the pieces of fish skin are connected by sewing and/or adhesive. A method of manufacturing a material includes sewing or adhering pieces of fish skin to each other.

Abstract: Bedding material including a first fabric section manufactured from performance fabric and having a first and second side; and, a second fabric section attached to the first side of the first fabric section. Additionally, a third fabric section can be attached to the second side of the first fabric section. The first fabric section can be attached to the second fabric section through a flatlock stitch. The first fabric section can include a first zone and a second zone wherein the first zone contains different performance properties from the second zone and the first zone can have thermal or moisture wicking properties.

Abstract: A spinnaker sailboat sail is fabricated, according to one embodiment, from at least one transfer medium and at least one sheet of durable spinnaker sailcloth material. The transfer medium includes dyes forming backwards-imaged, visible content. The sheet of sailcloth material includes tightly woven fibers and has two sides. The transfer medium is positioned upon a first side of the sailcloth material at a location at which the visible content is desired to be affixed. Heat and pressure are applied to the transfer medium and the sailcloth material sufficient to force the dyes from the transfer medium completely through the sailcloth material by transferring the dyes from a solid state directly to a gas state to flow past the tightly woven fibers of the sailcloth material. The heat and pressure are then removed to enable the dyes from the transfer medium to become permanently affixed to the sheet of sailcloth material.

Abstract: A method for producing a continuous, three-dimensional, closed semi-finished product made of fibre composite from at least one planar, flat fibrous preform. The method is characterized in that the flat fibrous preform is initially placed flat and aligned to produce a load-bearing fibre orientation and subsequently formed into a three-dimensional structure. In a final step, the three-dimensional structure is then closed to form a closed semi-finished product.

Abstract: A method for making a life vest includes making first and second double-knitted fabrics from an artificial filament. Each of the first and second double-knitted fabrics includes inner and outer cloth layers. The first and second double-knitted fabrics are dyed. Then, the inner cloth layer of each of the first and second double-knitted fabrics is processed to form a brush structure on the inner cloth layer. The brush structure and the inner and outer layers of each of the first and second double-knitted fabrics undergo a heat-setting process so that the sizes of the brush structure and the inner and outer layers of each of the first and second double-knitted fabrics are stabilized. The first and second double-knitted fabrics are cut and sewn so that the outer cloth layers face outward and that the inner cloth layers face each other. A buoyant material is filled between a receiving space defined between the inner cloth layers.

Abstract: A leg glove, or leg mitten, having pockets for the hands of a lifter used when lifting a person who is jumping or being lifted, especially for lineouts in Rugby Union. The leg glove pockets have downward diagonal facing pocket openings. The simple, reusable, easy to use leg glove provides a level of effectiveness, comfort, convenience, and safety not provided by conventional methods. The leg glove is simply made from a single piece of flexible, elastic material, such as neoprene. A fold creates a base layer and a partially overlapping pocket layer. The pocket is secured and held open with a pocket attachment and base attachment forming pocket openings. The pocket openings are configured to face downward on a diagonal. An improved leg glove further comprises a non-elastic base strap. To use, leg gloves are applied to the legs of a jumper. When the jumper jumps, one or more lifters place their hands in the leg glove pockets.

Abstract: Flat knitting allows production of textile structures (e.g., for use in footwear uppers) of a final desired shape such that textile cutting steps can be avoided. Flat knitted elements also can be formed directly in desired three dimensional shapes, which can help avoid the need to use additional support structures (e.g., in footwear construction). By selectively placing multiple different yarns and/or stitch patterns at multiple different locations in the overall structure during the knitting process, flat knitted products may have multiple different physical properties (e.g., different stretchability, different moisture management capabilities, etc.) at multiple different locations or zones within a single, unitary construction (e.g., different properties at different zones or locations within a single footwear structure). Additionally, flat knitting can be used to produce pockets, tunnels, or other layered structures in the final product.