Abstract: A washer (100) comprising wadding material and having an aperture (104) extending therethrough is disclosed. The wadding material is compressed at least around the periphery (102) of the aperture (104). The compressed wadding material is sufficiently elastic such that, when fitted to upholstery together with a tuft, the dimensions of the aperture may increase sufficiently to accommodate a tufting needle and then return to its original dimensions after withdrawal of the needle so as to, prevent disengagement of the tuft.

Abstract: A method for coupling together at least two layers of a mattress includes the steps of aligning each layer in its proper position in relation to the other layers of the mattress and, after the alignment step, inserting a plastic fastener through the layers. A fastener dispensing tool is provided for inserting plastic fasteners through the layers of the mattress. In one embodiment, the fastener dispensing tool includes a housing, a hollow sharpened needle fixedly coupled to the housing, an ejection mechanism for advancing a cross-bar of the plastic fastener through the hollow needle and a needle stop slidably coupled to the housing for limiting the degree of penetration of the hollow needle through the layers of the mattress. The needle stop is adapted to be releasably fixed in place by a locking member which is internally spring biased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ringless eyelet (10?) comprising a plate (11) arranged on the display side (23) of the carrier strip (20), and a tube-shaped collar penetrating the hole in the carrier strip. The hem of the collar of the eyelet element (10?) is supported on the rear side (24) of the carrier strip (20). The aim of the invention is to connect the eyelet to the carrier strip (20) faster and in a more cost-effective manner. In order to achieve this, the free end part of the collar of the eyelet element (10?) is provided with projections (16). An essentially closed ring profile (50), into which the collar projections (16) are integrated, is created when the collar is hemmed. After hemming, pressure points (40) are created on the carrier strip (20) between the collar projections (16) and the abutment surfaces (49) formed by the plate (11), said pressure points reliably holding the carrier strip (20). Said carrier strip (20) extends namely inside (51) the ring profile (50) beyond the pressure points (40).

Abstract: An attachment system including an attachment member having a height and a width with a base and a main body having a height extending away from the base and being substantially flexible along the height thereof and substantially inflexible along its width. The main body includes a plurality of substantially inflexible portions vertically spaced apart from the base and from one another by a plurality of substantially flexible connecting portions.