Patents by Inventor Lee A. Efird

Lee A. Efird has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4736468
    Abstract: A method of producing panties, briefs, or the like from seamless knit tubular blanks. First and second tubular blanks are slit longitudinally along the entire length thereof and when opened out flat define first and second panels. A third tubular blank substantially smaller in length and diameter than the first and second blanks is slit along one side to define a crotch panel. A crotch panel is secured to each of the first and second panels and the first and second panels are folded upon each other with selected overlying edges attached to each other thereby providing a panty or brief having front and back portions defined by the first and second panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: Lee A. Efird, Sherrill B. Coggins, Howard D. Boyles
  • Patent number: 4704976
    Abstract: A system for forming substantially diamond-shaped gussets to be used in the production of panty hose garments wherein the gussets are formed by severing a circular knit tube along a bias angle of approximately 30.degree. subsequently to form strips having a width corresponding to the desired width of a gusset. The strip then is severed along a prescribed angle of approximately 30.degree. to define a gusset wherein the fabric wales extend parallel to a line extending from one point to the diagonally opposite point of the diamond-shaped gusset. The gusset is then transferred and oriented for subsequent sewing to hosiery blanks in the forming of panty hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: J. Reid London, Cecil R. Bell, Jr., A. Russell Edwards, Willie M. Lathery, Lee A. Efird, Richard M. Porter, Stephen K. Shaw, Thomas J. Costello, August A. Pike, Donald G. Bell, Harold Setliff
  • Patent number: 4640162
    Abstract: A system for forming substantially diamond-shaped gussets to be used in the production of panty hose garments wherein the gussets are formed by severing a circular knit tube along a bias angle of approximately 30.degree. subsequently to form strips having a width corresponding to the desired width of a gusset. The strip then is severed along a prescribed angle of approximately 30.degree. to define a gusset wherein the fabric wales extend parallel to a line extending from one point to the diagonally opposite point of the diamond-shaped gusset. The gusset is then transferred and oriented for subsequent sewing to hosiery blanks in the forming of panty hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: J. Reid London, Cecil R. Bell, Jr., A. Russell Edwards, Willie M. Lathery, Lee A. Efird, Richard M. Porter, Stephen K. Shaw, Thomas J. Costello, August A. Pike, Donald G. Bell, Harold Setliff