Abstract: A slipper including an upper defining a cover for substantially encompassing a foot which is formed at least partially of elastomeric material, and a sole divided into discrete, spaced fore and aft sections secured to a base portion of the cover.

Abstract: A material handling system includes an assembly for feeding, directing and sewing fabric materials, an assembly for cutting fabric, and an assembly for stacking fabric. The feeding and sewing assembly folds a reinforcing binding web over the edge of a garment panel and sews the two together before they are advanced by the binding to the cutter assembly. The cutting assembly includes angularly disposed blades for simultaneously severing the binding web intermediate adjacent garment panels. The stacking assembly includes a conveyor for sequentially advancing severed garment panels to an elevator mechanism for receiving the panels.

Abstract: A system for automatically orienting hosiery blanks upon a conveyor, selectively transferring blanks from the conveyor to a turret assembly by means of a pick-up assembly, the turret assembly including a plurality of support units for sequentially conveying a plurality of blanks in an arcuate path to an automatic toe closing machine, everting the blanks and sewing closed the toe portions of the blanks.

Abstract: A product display rack having a series of vertically spaced tiltable tray assemblies movable simultaneously between a first inclined position to permit gravity-fed product package loading of the shelves and a second inclined position for display and gravity-fed product package dispensing. The rack includes a hinged header which is automatically displaced upwardly when the tray assemblies are in the first position to provide unobstructed access to the uppermost tray assembly.

Abstract: A rundown detector system for controlling operation of the cylinder of a circular knitting machine includes a photoelectric circuit, including fiber optic means and a sensor for sensing predetermined extended periods of low reflected light level and emitting signals to a logic circuit. The logic circuit includes a timer and counting mechanism for stopping rotation of the machine cylinder if a predetermined number of signals are emitted to the logic circuit within a predetermined time period. The timer mechanism also prevents stopping of the machine cylinder, upon start-up of the machine, until a predetermined amount of knit fabric absent of defects has moved past the sensor.

Abstract: A folding apparatus for a sewing machine which includes a first guide for folding a marginal edge portion of fabric to define a pocket or hem and a second guide for directing a relatively narrow web or strip from an area remote to an operator work area to an area partially within the first guide. A portion of the first guide defines a slot which permits a portion of the narrow web to extend into abutment with fabric defining the pocket such that the fabric and web feed to the sewing machine as one component.

Abstract: A brassiere including a pair of bust supporting cups having an outer panel means and an inner segment, an underbust band assembly, a pair of back band portions, and a pair of shoulder straps connected to the cups and to the back band portions. The generally crescent-shaped inner segments extend from the top of each cup to the lower central area of the cup such that when strain is exerted from the force of the breasts, the inner segments are activated and function to reshape the breast and avoid distorting and misshaping the outer cup panel means.

Abstract: A brassiere wherein left and right bust cups are fashioned from upper and lower fabric panels with the upper panels being connected to a ring element and the lower marginal edges of the cups being connected by an elastic member. Each cup is provided with an elongated petal shaped opening in the upper portion thereof which extends generally upwardly and outwardly a selected distance from the connector element.

Abstract: A brassiere having breast cups of molded, three-dimensional, two-ply fabric, each cup terminating in an apex at the top. Elastic power net fabric panels extend from the outer marginal edges of the cups rearwardly and have conventional fasteners for securing the brassiere in encircling relation to the wearer. Front, upper portions of the panels extend upwardly above the apex of an adjacent cup and have secured thereto shoulder straps. A selected portion of each panel is of two-ply construction.