Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a frame, and a trim assembly oriented about the frame to conceal the frame. The trim assembly is provided with a first trim panel, a second trim panel, and a structurally reinforced seam with piping along an intersection of the first trim panel and the second trim panel. Ornamental stitching is provided along an exterior length of the structurally reinforced seam and incrementally traverses the structurally reinforced seam to interconnect the first trim panel and the second trim panel along the structurally reinforced seam, and to provide an ornamental stitching appearance to the structurally reinforced seam.

Abstract: A bag including a first panel having an outer edge and a second panel having an outer edge. The second panel is coupled to the first panel by a first coupling mechanism that is spaced away from the outer edges. The bag further includes a reinforcing member extending along and at least partially covering at least one of the outer edge of the first panel, the outer edge of the second panel, or the first coupling mechanism. The reinforcing member is coupled to at least one of the first panel, the second panel or the first coupling mechanism by a second coupling mechanism.

Abstract: A windshield wiper boot having an open end, closed end and closed sides configured for installation over a windshield wiper assembly and wiper arm in rest position. The windshield wiper boot is formed from a folded panel of PVC coated nylon which is hemmed at the open end and raw edge finished along the opposite end and side with a binder. Stacked raw edges under the binder provide a waterproof seal.

Abstract: A device for producing an edge strip may have a supply unit with at least two openings for separately supplying an edge strip core and a material strip of a casing for the edge strip core. The material strip may be provided with a decorative element, an adapter unit, and a processing unit. The supply unit arranges the edge strip core on a surface side of the material strip which forms the inner face of the casing, and the adapter unit is designed to fold the material strip around the edge strip core. Free ends of the casing protrude from the edge strip core and lie one over the other, and the processing unit connects the free ends lying one over the other together. A method for producing an edge strip using such a device and to a seat cover with an edge strip is also included.

Abstract: A structural panel and method of fabricating and manufacturing same comprises a top panel and a bottom panel separated by and attached to at least one, but preferably a plurality, of structural composite preforms which may be fabricated by a continuous manufacturing process and may be saturated by resin using a continuous wetting process. The composite preforms may take any cross sectional shape but are preferably trapezoidal. The top and bottom panels may be fabricated from a plurality of layers of woven fabric layers and non-woven fabric layers which are saturated with a resin that is subsequently cured using cure processes known in the art. The composite structural panel of the invention is usable as a flat structural member for use as bridge decking, ramps, trestles, and any application requiring a structural panel.

Abstract: A joint-sealing tape for sealing a joint between a first building part and a second building part contains an elongated connecting element and at least two sealing elements which have a predetermined geometry and are positioned on the connecting element, spaced apart, side-by-side and running in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element.

Abstract: A seat cover including a reference portion on a design surface of the seat cover, and a linear stitch portion disposed in parallel with the reference portion and including a first stitch portion including a first thread material and a second stitch portion including a second thread material and disposed away from the reference portion than the first stitch portion, wherein the first thread material includes a plurality of seams which intermittently appear on the design surface side, and the second thread material includes a plurality of seams which intermittently appear on the design surface side, and wherein, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the stitch portion, at least a portion of a seam of one of the first thread material and the second thread material is disposed between adjacent seams of another of the first thread material and the second thread material.

Abstract: An aquatic sport performance garment comprising restraints affixed to a lateral material surface of the aquatic sport performance garment approximately parallel to a sagittal plane along each side of the garment and further comprising restraints affixed to a material surface across the back of the aquatic sport performance garment, posteriorly offset from the coronal plane of the garment in a criss-cross fashion, intersecting the longitudinal axis with the ends of the criss-cross restraints located in proximity to the ends of the longitudinally placed lateral restraints on each side of the garment; said restraints configured to inhibit side-to-side bending of the body of a user, reduce longitudinal drag, improve stroke mechanics, encourage proper torso rotation and muscle coordination about the midsection of the body of the user during movement and improve endurance when the garment is worn by the user when swimming.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a covered string-like object, the method comprising a placement step of placing a string-like object on a sheet-like flexible backing, a sewing step of sewing the string-like object to the backing with an embroidery material, and a separation step of separating the backing from the string-like object. According to the method for manufacturing a string-like object, a string-like object can be easily and reliably covered with an embroidery material.

Abstract: A pet harness 10 includes a body portion (11) made of two sheets of fabric material (14). A cord (15), having a fabric piping (18) positioned around it, is attached to the periphery of the body portion (11). A plurality of straps (12) are attached to the fabric material (14) and to the cord (15).

Abstract: A disinfecting cleaning wipe of stitch-bonded construction. The wipe includes a stitching substrate of fibrous nonwoven material having a mass per unit area of not more than 30 grams per square meter. A first plurality of stitching yarns is disposed in stitched relation through the stitching substrate in a pattern of substantially parallel linear stitch lines extending in a first direction across the stitching substrate. At least a second plurality of stitching yarns is disposed in stitched relation through the stitching substrate in a repeating zigzag pattern to define a first group of surface yarn float segments extending diagonally between stitch positions at opposing linear stitch lines. A disinfecting solution at least partially saturates the cleaning wipe.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component including decorative stitching along a stitch path includes a seam spacer located between a component substrate and an overlying decorative covering. At least a portion of the seam spacer lies along the stitch path and supports the decorative covering therealong, where the covering may include a reduced thickness portion due to the decorative stitching. The seam spacer can have any number of configurations to prevent visual defects along the stitch path and/or to cause the appearance of simulated seams to be more realistic. The seam spacer may be attached to the covering at the same time the decorative stitching is sewn through the covering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chain comprising a plurality of first links (100) interconnected with a plurality of adjacent links, the first links comprising polymeric multifilament yarns (110) and having a thickness (Formula (I)), at least at the portion where they interconnect with the adjacent links wherein said adjacent links have a thickness (Formula (II)) at least at the portion where they interconnect with the first links and wherein the ratio (Formula (II)/Formula (I)) is at least 1.2. The invention further relates to the use of the chain for storing, securing, and handling cargo, e.g. in lifting, hauling and rigging.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing wrinkle-free garment seams and garments made therefrom comprises (a) placing a bonding element comprising a thermal adhesive between garment components; (b) stitching along a seam line; and (c) applying heat and/or pressure to cause the adhesive to melt and flow along the seam to bond at least one garment component. The thermal adhesive has a melting point of higher than about 150° C., preferably in the range about 160° C. to about 190° C. Alternatively, a bonding element comprising any adhesive material and having a substantially U shape is used to make various seams, such as a yoke seam, a shoulder seam, a side seam, a pocket seam, a hem button stay seam, a sleeve seam, a collar seam, etc. Wrinkle free garments, such as shirts, pants, blouses, skirts, etc., incorporating the seams are produced.

Abstract: A seam joining structure (1) includes a first material web (10) with a first barrier layer (42) and with a first edge (14) on an outer boundary of the first material web (10), a second material web (30) with a second barrier layer (42) and with a second edge (34) on an outer boundary of the second material web (30), as well as at least one seam (21) that joins the first and second material webs (10, 30) in a seam area (3) to form a first seam allowance (13) between the seam (21) and the first edge (14) of the first material web (10) and to form a second seam allowance (33) between seam (21) and the second edge (34) of the second material web (30). The first and second material webs (10, 30) are arranged one above the other in seam area (3) and the second seam allowance (33) is folded around the first edge (14) of the first material web (10) and covers the at least one seam (21) to form a seam cover (2), whereby the seam cover (2) is joined in the seam area (3) to the first material web (10).

Abstract: A textile fabric comprising a plurality of pieces of fabric material cut into strips, which are then placed adjacent to one another and interlaced. The interlaced strips are situated transverse of one another and allow for overlapping edges. Recessed from these edges along a generally parallel line are rows of stitching employed to join the pieces of fabric. The result enables the appearance of a simulated patchwork design.

Abstract: A design tape provided with one or more round bar-like protrusions each having a circular cross-section and extending parallel with each other along a central line of a surface of plain weave cloth, each of the round bar-like protrusions being constructed by making use of hollow weave fabric and having a substantially circular cross-section.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a hockey net protector including an outer layer and an inner layer. The outer layer includes an elongate band of tear resistant and puncture resistant material. The outer layer has an inside face, an upper edge and a lower edge. The inner layer has a plurality of grommets mounted thereon for connecting the protector to a hockey net. The inner layer is attached to the inside face of the outer layer, so that the grommets are covered by the outer layer.

Abstract: A curtain for a dock shelter that is easily assembled alone and as part of a dock shelter. The curtain includes a sheet that has a pocket mounted thereon. The pocket is adapted to receive a flexible stay and include a slit that inhibits movement of the stay within the pocket. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of making a curtain. The method includes the steps of securing a pocket to a sheet; forming a slit in the pocket (e.g., by cutting the pocket); inserting a flexible stay into the pocket; and positioning the stay adjacent to the slit. The invention also relates to a method of making a vehicle shelter and mounting the shelter to a loading dock. The method includes the steps of mounting a frame to the loading dock; securing a pocket to a curtain; forming slits in the pocket; inserting a stay in the pocket adjacent to the slit; and placing the curtain against the frame.

Abstract: A positioning strip (10) for positioning fabric covers (12, 14) to a cushion (16). The positioning strip (10) includes an extension (26) having a plurality of fracturable fingers (32) extending out therefrom. A detachable portion (38) is secured to all the fracturable fingers (32) at the ends (34) thereof. A notch (44) is formed in each of the ends (34) to insure the fracturable fingers (32) break away from the detachable portion (38) at the ends (34). A flange (42) supports the detachable portion (38) such that the detachable portion (38) maintains the same spatial orientation (through surface (A)) as the extension (26) of the positioning strip (10) is positioned through bends or curves in the design of the cushion (16).

Abstract: A method utilizes a group of four stitchings and a nylon cord which are implemented into the seam of an article of clothing to create a tear-resistant seam. The first step in the sequence of stitching is a serging stitch which attaches the two pieces of material together, creating a seam. The second step is to sew a nylon cord in the seam created by the serging stitch by way of a first zigzag stitch. The first serging stitch and the first zigzag stitch are adjacent to each other and do not overlap one another. The third step is to stitch two lines of straight stitching adjacent to each other and directly adjacent to the first zigzag stitch of the second step. The fourth and final step is a second zigzag stitch which will overlap the first zigzag stitch and the first of the two lines of straight stitch of the third step. Upon completion of these four steps, the newly created seam is tear-resistant.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method enable the production of novel decorative fabrics having flat narrow fabrics stitchingly secured in longitudinally compressed substrate. The narrow fabrics are such as lace, ribbon, braid or tape. The apparatus and method function so as to guide a narrow fabric into the path of a conventional reciprocating sewing needle whereby the needle on each downward stroke strikes the fabric and advances it in a compressed convoluted condition toward the needle plate whereupon the fabric is stitched in its compressed convoluted condition to a substrate or devoid of a substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a decorative ribbon, including the steps of gathering an elongate ribbon, stitching the ribbon along the length thereof while gathered with wire thread to hold the ribbon in the gathered condition. The ribbon may also be heat set while held in the gathered condition by the wire stitches. A ribbon according to the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for edging a fabric which includes the steps of rolling the edge of the fabric loosely and then sewing the rolled edge with a tight zig-zag stitch which overlaps the outer fold of the rolled edge. In one arrangement, the zig-zag stitch is wider than the rolled portion and completely crosses over the rolled edge. A stiffener is added in one arrangement.

Abstract: A locator strip (10) accurately positions upholstering fabric (12) upon a seat cushion (16) in the manufacture of seats. The locator strip (10) includes an array of U-shaped pockets (30) along one edge which are separated by finger-like projections (32). A thin filament (40) is fixedly attached to the distal ends (34) of the projections (32) and is formed with notches (39) or cuts (39') between the projections (32). The locator strip (10) is sewn between the edges (18,20) of two fabrics (12,14) with thread (36) stitches passing through the pockets (30) and around the projections (32). The locator strip (10) functions to guide the edges (18,20) of the two fabric covers (12,14) into an elongated slot (22) in the cushion (16).

Abstract: A parachute canopy seam joint for fastening a ribbon seam and a radial seam of a parachute canopy together. This parachute canopy seam joint combines a ribbon seam using a zigzag stitch pattern and narrow strips of radial tape sewn together with multiple rows of a straight stitch pattern. The ribbon seam attaches two overlapping ribbons within the parachute. The narrow strips of radial tape shroud the ribbon seam which result in a high strength and low weight and volume radial seam and seam joint. This new configuration of a parachute seam joint has distinct advantages in terms of strength and shock absorbing capacity. Specifically, this new parachute seam joint has a seam strength equal to or greater than the minimum rated strength of the adjoining materials and employs a smaller weight and volume of material than conventional radial seams and seam joints.

Abstract: This invention relates to decorative ribbons, and to methods and machines for making them. More specifically, the invention relates to fabric ribbons that are edged with wire and trimmed with an overlay of decorative thread.According to the invention, a run of fabric ribbon is simultaneously edged with wire and tightly bound with a binding filament (such as monofilament) and a trim filament (such as decorative thread). This is done in a single operation. The result is a unique ribbon construction, which has many desirable properties. The new ribbons are flexible, but will retain their shape when bent, twisted or tied into a desired configuration. They are elegantly simple in design and provide a novel streamlined finished product with components that are firmly bound together. The ribbons provide an improved edge and trimming where the wire meets the fabric.

Abstract: A decorative ribbon is disclosed having a web portion comprising two flexible wires enclosed within its crimped hemmed edges. The flexible wires allow the substantially flat decorative ribbon to be formed into numerous shapes for numerous decorative purposes and also serve to lend structure and rigidity to an otherwise unsupported material. The crimped edges also aid in the forming of various shapes, and create random patterned wrinkles in the web which augment the appearance of the ribbon.

Abstract: According to this invention, there is provided a reinforcement blanket having a plurality of layers of fiber-reinforcement materials sewn together. The sewing together of the various layers of the fiber-reinforcement materials provides a plurality of channels extending through the reinforcement blanket. The reinforcement blanket can be shaped into a preform or can be used directly as a reinforcement in a molding process. The channels in the reinforcement blanket aid in distributing a matrix resin during an impregnation process.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method and assembly (10) for upholstering a foam cushion (16) with fabric (12, 14). A locator strip (10) accurately positions the fabric (12) upon the cushion (16). The locator strip includes an array of U-shaped pockets (30) along one edge which are separated by finger-like projections (32). A thin fracturable filament (40) is fixedly attached to the distal end (34) of the projections (32) to enclose the pockets (30). The locator strip (10) is sewn between the edges (18, 20) of two fabrics (12, 14) with thread (36) stitches passing through the pockets (30) and around the projections (32). The locator strip (10) functions to guide the edges (18, 20) of the two fabric covers (12, 14) into an elongated slot (22) in the cushion (16).

Abstract: Non-metallic rigging chain formed with a plurality of linked flexible loops. Each loop has a core which consists of a continuous strand of non-metallic materially coiled upon itself. The coiled core material is sheathed within a woven outer fabric. Except for the two terminal loops of each chain, one loop is formed by coiling a continous strand of core material in linked relation within a pair of completed loops. The length of each chain is determined by the diameter of its loops and the number of loops linked together.

Abstract: Sewing heads (40,41) of a sewing apparatus for sewing casings for quilts are arranged in two horizontal parallel rows which are perpendicular to the stitching direction. For forming zig-zag partitions (FIG. 2) the heads (40) of the upper row are staggered with respect to those (41) of the lower row. Pleats (42) formed in the upper facing (30) are guided together with the upper edges of a pair of divider strips (32) into the stitching zones of the upper heads (40) and pleats (43) of the lower facing (31) are guided with the lower edges of two divider strips (32) of adjoining pairs into stitching zones of the lower heads (41). For forming transverse partitions (FIG. 9), a single row of sewing heads, each having two stitching zones, may be used, a separate divider strip (332) being fed to each sewing head.

Abstract: A reinforced seam and method of sewing the seam for joining adjacent fabric panels in an assembled relationship using a conventional sewing machine wherein a first panel is folded over and stitched to a reinforcing cord which extends along at least a portion of the length of the seam after which an adjacent panel is folded over the stitched fold of the first panel and a second stitch is made through both panels and the reinforcing cord. The stitches are made so that all materials extend outwardly of the throat of the sewing machine thereby enabling numerous panels to be assembled in joined relationship to form such products as sea anchors, drogue chutes, parachutes and the like.

Abstract: Self-sealing seam construction for recreational fabrics and other uses reducing the tendency to permit water penetration and leaking. The seam includes the use of one of a number of overlapping type seams formed with water resistant fabrics. In the overlapped area, between the fabrics, a strip or tape of highly resilient, nontacky, weather resistant elastomeric material is provided. The seam is formed by one or more stitching lines placed so that the sewing needle penetrates not only the overlapped fabrics but the elastomeric strip as well. The highly resilient nature of the elastomeric strip causes it to stretch and eventually aperture under the action of the needle and, when the needle is withdrawn, the elastic strip tends to return to its original position thus closing the aperture tightly around the thread positioned within the aperture by the sewing needle. The result is a tightly formed seal minimizing any open area remaining from the sewing operation.

Abstract: A method of forming reversible shadow multicolored trapunto provides a plurality of steps in order to form the design including first the lamination (i.e., arrangement in layers by stitching together) of a plurality of thin, sheer fabric layers preferably a first top sheer fabric layer and a second bottom sheer fabric layer. A stitched, bordered design is formed in the layered fabric, the stitched border laminating the multiple fabric layers together. The stitched, bordered design comprises a plurality of segmented areas, each surrounded by and defined by the stitching. A needle threaded with colored yarn is inserted through a first opening at one end portion of the fabric and into the space between the two fabric layers of a given segment, the needle forming the opening upon insertion. The segment is then traversed by the needle internally between the fabric layers.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing a garment collar which includes upper and lower facing strips of a predetermined shape each having a finished and unfinished surface and a lining of the same predetermined shape which has one fusible surface. The facing strips and lining are stacked in alignment so that the lower facing strip is on the bottom with its finished surface facing upward, the upper facing strip is in the middle with its finished surface facing downward, and the fusible lining is on top with its fusible surface facing upward. Next, this stack is stitched around three peripheral edges and is turned inside out so that the lining is disposed between the two facing strips with the finished surfaces of the facing strips directed outward and the fusible surface of the lining facing the unfinished (inner) surface of the lower facing strip. The reversed collar is then again sewn about its periphery and is compressed in a press which provides heat to at least the lower facing strip.

Abstract: Bias binding tape for one step sewing to the edge of the material to be trimmed, is formed as a single unit with a front tape portion, a rear tape portion and a base portion. The front and rear portions extend from the base portion in substantially the same direction to form legs of a bifurcated envelope which receives the material to be trimmed. In this way, both the front and rear portions may be sewn to the material at the same time, without the need for pinning or otherwise aligning two separate portions, or separate sewing of a front and a rear piece of bias tape. The base portion may include ruffles or other decorative trim as desired.

Abstract: A method of joining together a sheet or sheets of an organic polymer which is not normally melt-processable, e.g. polytetrafluoroethylene, the method comprising the steps of(a) contacting a strip of melt-processable organic polymer, e.g. fluorinated ethylene/propylene copolymer, with the faces of the sheet or sheets in the region of juxtaposed edges of the sheet or sheets,(b) stitching the strip to the sheet or sheets by means of a thread, and(c) heating the strip in order to fuse the strip and/or the thread to seal the holes created by the stitching step, and, where the strip has not previously been fused to the faces of the sheet or sheets, in order to fuse the strip to the faces of the sheet or sheets.Preferably, the thread is of a melt-processable fluorine-containing polymer and a gauze is placed in contact with and stitched to the faces of the sheets opposite from the faces contacted with the strip of melt-processable organic polymer.

Abstract: A lifting loop comprising a core of parallel threads enclosed in a protecting covering which is formed by a woven ribbon that is stitched together at its edges whereby a side seam extending in the longitudinal direction of the loop is formed and the covering is made to enclose said core snugly. A second longitudinal seam may be stitched diametrically opposed to the first seam. In a simple manner is thus produced a reliable lifting loop possessing highly satisfactory lifting characteristics and maximum durability and strength.

Abstract: Fibrous substrates intended for the production of composite bodies are produced from sheet material consisting of fibrous filaments or threads bound into a coherent sheet with a binder by providing fine, substantially uniformly sized and distributed perforations in at least selected areas of the coherent sheet, subdividing the perforated sheet into a plurality of substantially identical smaller flat sheets each comprising at least one of said selected areas, stacking the smaller sheets one upon another so that in the resulting stack the perforations in one sheet overlie the perforations in the immediately underlying sheet and thus form passages through the stack and thereafter threading through said passages in said stack strands or rods formed from fibrous filaments or threads which have been bound together with a binder.

Abstract: A lifting sling comprising a core of parallel yarns enclosed by a protective cover, the edges of which are interconnected by a lengthwise seam penetrating diametrically through the sling core so as to divide the latter into two portions, one on each side of the seam. In a direction perpendicular to a line interconnecting the centers of said portions, the cross-sections of said portions considerably exceed the cross-section of the sling in the area of the seam, whereby during use of the sling, the seam will be protected against wear and the stress taken by said two core portions.

Abstract: Decorative plastic welt has an elongated, decorative, arcuate, bead portion formed of a first plastic material. An integral elongated plastic flange extends from said bead along its length to an outer flange edge and defines a first flange portion adjacent the bead and a second integral flange portion extending from the first portion to the flange edge. The second portion is an elongated see-through plastic strip which permits the flange to be aligned with sheet materials on either side so that positioning notches in the sheet materials can be matched by visual observation through the strip.

Abstract: This invention relates to decorative ribbons, and to methods and machines for making them. More specifically, the invention relates to fabric ribbons that are edged with wire and trimmed with an overlay of decorative thread.According to the invention, a run of fabric ribbon is simultaneously edged with wire and tightly bound with a binding filament (such as monofilament) and a trim filament (such as decorative thread). This is done in a single operation. The result is a unique ribbon construction, which has many desirable properties. The new ribbons are flexible, but will retain their shape when bent, twisted or tied into a desired configuration. They are elegantly simple in design and provide a novel streamlined finished product with components that are firmly bound together. The ribbons provide an improved edge and trimming where the wire meets the fabric.