Abstract: A combining and binding conveyor system which combines a first fabric piece and a second fabric piece to form a combined fabric piece, such as a men's brief and applies binding to the fabric piece. The apparatus includes an unique combining fixture for receiving and securing the first fabric piece, the second fabric piece, and the combined fabric piece. A conveyor transports the combining fixture to at least one sewing machine work station having means for operating on the first and second fabric pieces. A transfer station removes the combining fixture from the conveyor when the operations are completed and places the fabric piece on an unique binding fixture for engaging, positioning and securing the fabric piece. The conveyor transports the binding fixture to at least one sewing machine work station for operating on the fabric piece while the same is being held by the binding fixture.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming the crotch in a garment having a front panel and a back panel which are joined at respective ends thereof to form the crotch. A holding fixture engages the front and back panels adjacent to the ends to be joined. A first positioning apparatus positions the ends of the front and back panel in their respective grippers. A second positioning apparatus aligns the edges of the front and back panels with respect to one another. After positioning the front and back panels in their respective grippers, the holding fixture positions the ends of the panels in override flapping relationship. A sewing apparatus is insertable into the holding fixture for sewing the ends of the panel together while the panels are held in the holding fixture.

Abstract: A binding conveyor system for applying binding to a fabric piece. The apparatus includes an unique binding fixture for holding the fabric piece. The fixture includes: a base; a support attached to the base; and fabric engaging device mounted on the support for engaging, positioning and securing the fabric piece. A conveyor transports the binding fixture to at least one work station for operating on the fabric piece while the same is being held by the binding fixture. A transfer station places the fabric piece on the binding fixture.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming the crotch in a garment having a front panel and a back panel which are joined at respective ends thereof to form the crotch. A holding fixture engages the front and back panels adjacent to the ends to be joined. A first positioning apparatus positions the ends of the front and back panel in their respective grippers. A second positioning apparatus aligns the edges of the front and back panels with respect to one another. After positioning the front and back panels in their respective grippers, the holding fixture positions the ends of the panels in override flapping relationship. A sewing apparatus is insertable into the holding fixture for sewing the ends of the panel together while the panels are held in the holding fixture.

Abstract: A combining conveyor system for combining a first fabric piece and a second fabric piece to form a combined fabric piece, such as a men's brief. The apparatus includes an unique combining fixture. The fixture includes: a base; fabric clamping device for receiving and securing the first fabric piece, the second fabric piece, and the combined fabric piece; and a support attached to the base and supporting the fabric clamping device. A conveyor transports the combining fixture to at least one work station for operating on the first and second fabric pieces. A transfer station removes the combining fixture from said conveyor when the operations are completed.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a binding material to the edge of a leg opening in a pair of unfinished men's briefs during the manufacturing thereof. The apparatus includes a holding fixture for receiving and holding the pair of men's briefs before the crotch is sewn such that the edge of the leg opening is stretched longitudinally. A conveyor conveys the holding fixture to a staging mechanism for engaging and positioning the edge of the leg opening while the brief is conveyed in the holding fixture. A sewing apparatus disposed adjacent the staging mechanism sews the binding material to the edges of the leg openings as the holding fixture is conveyed through the sewing apparatus. A trimmer disposed adjacent the output side of the staging mechanism trims the binding material after it is applied to the leg opening.

Abstract: A power returnable tape rule has an improved connection between the outer end of the power spring and the inner end of the coilable rule blade provided by interengaging element thereon. The rule blade has an elongated aperture adjacent its inner end with the margins of the blade defining the aperture including opposed inwardly extending finger portions. The tongue is configured with spaced transversely extending shoulders facing in opposite directions, and it extends along the upper surface of the rule, downwardly into the aperture under the fingers and upwardly from the aperture and forwardly thereof along the upper surface of the rule blade. The shoulders on the tongue of the spring abut the margins of the aperture adjacent the finger portions in either direction of relative longitudinal movement to limit such movement and retain the two elements in assembly.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for fabricating belts are disclosed comprising conveying a first mandrel to a wrapping station, supplying the leading edge of a web from a web supply roll to the first mandrel at the wrapping station, retaining the leading edge of the web on the first mandrel by means of a partial vacuum, wrapping the web around the first mandrel by rotating the first mandrel for about one revolution, severing the web at the wrapping station to form a trailing edge which overlaps the leading edge of the web to form a first belt having a seam, substantially simultaneously conveying the first mandrel to a welding station and conveying a second mandrel to the wrapping station, and substantially simultaneously wrapping the second mandrel with fresh web material from the web supply roll and welding the seam on the first belt on the first mandrel to form a unitary belt. These welded belts may be automatically removed from the mandrels at a belt discharge station.