Abstract: A stitchless seam comprises a first portion of material folded upon itself proximate an edge to define an overfolded end portion having overlapping edge and nonedge portions and a second portion of material positioned adjacent the overfolded end portion. A first portion of adhesive is interposed between the overlapping edge and nonedge portions and a second portion of adhesive is interposed between the second portion of material and the edge portion of the overfolded end portion. Energy may be applied, via an ultrasonic seam bonding machine or other means, to activate the adhesive portions. The seams may be used for items made of waterproof breathable laminate fabric material, such as garments and sports articles.

Abstract: A stitchless seam comprises a first portion of material folded upon itself proximate an edge to define an overfolded end portion having overlapping edge and nonedge portions and a second portion of material positioned adjacent the overfolded end portion. A first portion of adhesive is interposed between the overlapping edge and nonedge portions and a second portion of adhesive is interposed between the second portion of material and the edge portion of the overfolded end portion. Energy may be applied, via an ultrasonic seam bonding machine or other means, to activate the adhesive portions. The seams may be used for items made of waterproof breathable laminate fabric material, such as garments and sports articles.

Abstract: A method of forming a stitchless, adhesively bonded seam involves placing a first strip of adhesive between the outside surface of first and second sheets of material along an edge of the second sheet. At least a portion of a second strip of adhesive is positioned against a first portion of the inside surface of the second sheet along the edge thereof. The second sheet of material is folded such that a second portion of the inside surface overlies the second strip of adhesive. In some embodiments the first and second strips of adhesive are replaced by a single longitudinally folded strip of adhesive. Energy may be applied, via an ultrasonic seam bonding machine or other means, to activate the adhesive. Seams made according to the disclosed methods may be used for garments, sports articles, and other items made of fabric or other sheet material.

Abstract: A zipper assembly is used to releasably attach a bag liner to a sleeping bag to retain the bag liner within the sleeping bag and to expand the bag interior to compensate for volume lost by insertion of the bag liner. The zipper assembly includes first and second pairs of spaced rows of liner zipper teeth. Two rows are secured to the existing rows of bag zipper teeth by two zipper slides. A third zipper slide releasably secures two of the other rows of liner zipper teeth to permit an individual to enter and exit the bag liner. In another embodiment of the invention, a protective cover is releasably secured to a bag by a zipper assembly.

Abstract: A sleeping bag includes a non-expansible, sleeve-like upper sleeping bag segment, a non-expansible, pocket-like lower sleeping bag segment and an outwardly expansible, sleeve-like intermediate sleeping bag segment. Together the sleeping bag segments form a sleeping bag inner chamber. Resilient bands of elastic material are located at the intermediate sleeping bag segment to maintain the intermediate sleeping bag segment in a condition which will not constrict or lessen the cross-sectional area of the bag inner chamber when the intermediate sleeping bag segment is in unexpanded condition.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing sleeping bags (10) and similar insulated articles is provided using continuous fiber materials. The articles constructed are in the nature of enclosing shells (23) containing a fibrous insulation material (28). The primary articles are sleeping bags (10). The process involves creation of a three dimensional last element (32) in the general volumetric shape of the article and then wrapping the continuous fiber material (28) about the last (32) in such a manner as to form a cocoon (29). The method is enhanced by utilizing a last support apparatus (34) to rotate the last (32) during the wrapping step. The continuous fiber material (28) is ordinarily in the form of a swath (54) which is either preformed or is created from a ropelike tow (282) by a fiber separator (284). When the cocoon (29) is complete it is removed from the last (32) and inserted into a preformed enclosing shell (23) including an outer shell (24), an inner shell ( 26) and a closure such as a zipper (20).