Abstract: A bedding product comprising a collapsible spring assembly, a pad covering the spring assembly and a fabric covering encasing the padded spring assembly. The spring assembly comprises a plurality of collapsible spring modules connected to a plurality of spaced parallel helical lacing wires and locking means to hold the assembly in an expanded condition and prevent its collapse. Each of the spring modules comprises four individual wires joined together with helical lacing wire wrapped around a center section of each of the wires. Upon the collapse of the assembly, each of the spring modules collapses. The assembly is held in an expanded condition by a plurality of locking rods, pieces of plastic mesh or other locking means.

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: A system and method for manufacturing pocketed compound nested coil springs includes inserting a compressed, preferably pocketed, smaller coil spring into a horizontally oriented larger coil spring either prior to compressing and inserting the outer coil spring into pocket material or after the larger coil spring has been pocketed thereby requiring the first spring to be inserted into and through an opening in the pocket material.

Abstract: A shelf assembly comprising a shelf having a front frame member and a rear frame member and a plurality of substantially parallel dividers extending between the front frame member and the rear frame member. The dividers are arranged in pairs defining a plurality of tracks for supporting a plurality of products arranged in columns between the pairs of dividers. At least one pusher is located within each track for urging a column of products forwardly along the track. Each pusher comprises a sheet of flexible material having a memory characteristic which biases the sheet toward a flat planar orientation. Each pusher is forced into an upwardly bowed inverted U-shaped configuration between the rear frame member of the shelf and a rearwardmost product in a column of products in a track so as to urge the column of products forwardly toward the front frame member when a forwardmost product is removed.

Abstract: A quilting machine is provided having a quilting station and a printing station located upstream of the quilting station, with a conveyor extending through each of the stations to convey a web of quilting material through the machine. At the printing station a top layer is printed with a multi-colored design under the control of a programmed controller, which may vary the design from section to section of the web so that individual or small quantities of panel sections of the web may be decorated with a different pattern. The conveyor preferably moves the quilting material relative to stationary heads, but the conveyor may alternatively stop at various stations and the printing or quilting heads moved relative to the stationary web on the conveyor. Precise longitudinal position information is maintained of the location of the printed pattern. The conveyor then conveys the top patterned layer web through a drying station.

Abstract: An apparatus for tying a bale of material with a baling wire comprises an elongated body having a longitudinal axis and opposite ends, and a leg extending from each end of the body and including a forked portion. A retention clip is rotationally mounted about an axis proximate each of the forked portions, and the axis of rotation of each clip is oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. The clips are operable to rotate automatically in a first direction on said axes when wires, oriented along the longitudinal axis of the body, are directed against the clips, and are further operable to automatically rotate in a second direction to capture wires directed thereagainst for maintaining wires along the body between the clips.

Abstract: A shelf assembly comprising a shelf having a bottom member, a plurality of substantially parallel spaced dividers extending from back to front and a serpentine shaped pusher for urging a column of products forwardly inside a track defined by the bottom member and a pair of dividers. The pusher comprises a sheet of inherently resilient flexible material having a sinusoidal configuration. The pusher extends between a stop and a rearwardmost product within a column of products in a track.

Abstract: A display rack is provided in which a plurality of shelves are mounted in at desired locations along vertical corner posts by magnetized wedge lock elements. Each wedge lock element is of a one-piece construction having an outwardly extending projection adapted to seat within a dimple or detent vertically spaced along a surface or corner of the corner posts. The shelves are formed with a sleeve at each corner adapted to fit over the corner posts and into engagement with the wedge lock elements. The wedge lock elements become wedged between the corner posts and sleeves to prevent downward vertical movement of the shelves relative to the corner posts while permitting easy adjustment of the shelves by moving the magnetized wedge locks to a new position along the corner posts.

Abstract: A longitudinally extending spring retainer comprising a band of coil springs and a continuous piece of fabric adapted to hold the band of coil springs. The band of coil springs is made of a single length of wire shaped to form a plurality of coil springs arranged in a row, each of the coil springs having an upper and lower end turn. The upper and lower end turns of the coil springs are held in receptacles created in top and bottom portions of a continuous piece of fabric. The fabric is folded upon itself and secured together with connections in order to hold the end turns in place.

Abstract: An articulated mattress comprising an articulated spring core, a mattress pad and an upholstered fabric covering encasing the articulated spring core and the mattress pad. The articulated spring core comprises at least two sections of spring core hingedly connected to each other with a foam hinge. The foam hinge may extend longitudinally or transversely. A plurality of fasteners secure the foam hinge to the end turns of the coil springs proximate the foam hinge.

Abstract: A self standing merchandiser adapted to straddle a pallet loaded with product or an end display of product. The merchandiser comprises a continuous frame made of multiple pieces having an inverted U-shaped front portion and an inverted U-shaped rear portion connected by two stabilizer portions adapted to engage the supporting surface of the continuous frame. A plurality of parallel shelves extend between the front and rear portions of the merchandiser on the exterior of the frame and provide additional shelving.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for producing sequences of coil springs of more than one configuration, such as those differing in stiffness, shape, size or other property. At least two coiling stations are provided around different positions of a rotary index mechanism that has a plurality of angularly spaced spring holders that are sequentially moved through and rest simultaneously at a plurality of forming or other treating stations around a central axis. The coiling stations alternatively deliver coiled springs to each holder, while one or more post forming stations, preferably including two knotting stations and one heat treating station, sequentially operate on each of the springs of the different configurations. A transfer station transfers finished springs to a conveyor that transfers programmed sequences of springs, row by row, to a spring interior assembler. The stations are controlled to simultaneously perform different operations on different springs, including different types of springs.