Abstract: An article of apparel includes a composite material. The composite material includes a pliable first layer and a resilient second layer, where the first and second layers are secured to each other via a patterned strand network. In forming the composite material, the second layer is stretched and maintained under tension while the first layer is secured to the second layer via the patterned strand network. The tension on the second layer is then released, resulting in contraction of the second layer in relation to the first layer and an outward buckling or protrusion of the first layer in relation to the second layer to form protruding cells along the composite material that are bounded by portions of the patterned strand network. The patterned strand network can be formed using embroidery with one or more auxetic patterns in the stitching.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for the application of a functional thread to secure roving or other fibers to a substrate, thereby forming a precursor to a resultant composite component structure having targeted, enhanced structural reinforcement. The functional thread may be comprised of one or more fibrous filaments or have a monofilament structure. The invention encompasses the sewing of this functional thread at varying stitch densities as function of component stress analysis, the mechanical stresses that the component will be subject to when exposed to the forces and loads associated with its intended use, and at least one physical or mechanical property of a functional thread. This variable stitch density serves to provide targeted, localized mechanical enhancement and reinforcement to the resultant composite structure.

Abstract: A piece of fabric for manual sewing projects and method of creating said projects with said fabric, consisting of a piece (1) of cloth that incorporates, with identical or different colors, prints and/or textures, the figures (2) for creating a certain patchwork design (3), each figure (2) being marked with a seam line (4) that defines the outline thereof and a cutting line (5) that defines a perimeter border that is optionally pre-perforated. The method only comprises obtaining said piece (1), cutting the figures (2) along the cutting line (5) and sewing them together. Optionally, the patchwork design (3) is selected and the piece (1) is ordered with the desired figures (2) and colors, prints and/or textures.

Abstract: A fastener attached product is structured such that a slide fastener is sewn to right and left attached bodies which are bent in a U-shape, and the right and left attached bodies are arranged in a tape surface side to which the element rows of the fastener tape are sewn. Further, the right and left attached bodies come into contact with the outer surfaces of right and left flanges which are arranged in a slider, and the element rows are arranged and exposed between the right and left attached bodies. As a result of this configuration, since the fastener tape is invisible from the outside by the attached body, exposing the element rows can provide the fastener attached product with different design from conventional products and eliminate problems due to degradation in the appearance and design which is caused by the exposure of the fastener tapes.

Abstract: An airbag can include a panel that defines at least a portion of an inflatable chamber. The airbag can also include a slit vent that is at least partially defined by the panel. One or more seams can encompass the slit vent and can permit the slit vent to naturally be in a closed orientation.

Abstract: One example includes a body formed of body fabric, the body defining a body pocket opening, a body pocket disposed in an interior of the body and coupled to the body pocket opening and body plush disposed in the interior of the body, between the body pocket and the body fabric. The example includes a head formed of head fabric, the head having a posterior portion of the head coupled to the body at an anterior portion of the body, the head defining a head pocket opening disposed on an anterior portion of the head, a head pocket disposed in an interior of the head and coupled to the head pocket opening and head plush disposed in the interior of the head, between the head pocket and the head fabric. The example includes at least one pair of legs formed of leg fabric and fastened to the body.

Abstract: A method of forming a resilient band for an article of apparel includes stretching a first fabric having a first resiliency to a first stretched position and stretching a second fabric having a second resiliency to a second stretched position. The second resiliency is greater than the first resiliency. The method further includes securing the first fabric to the second fabric while the first fabric is in the first stretched position and while the second fabric is in the second stretched position. Moreover, the method includes releasing the first fabric from the first stretched position and the second fabric from the second stretched position after securing the first fabric to the second fabric.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for manufacturing method a puff and the puff manufactured thereby. The method for manufacturing a puff comprises steps of: a) making a perforated cloth by perforating and cutting a puff cloth using a laser perforation apparatus; b) making a puff base by molding the perforated cloth; c) manufacturing a solid powder which includes a porous material which was inserted into a powder and compressed together with same; d) inserting the solid powder into the puff base; and e) manufacturing a puff by covering by sewing the puff cover onto the puff base.

Abstract: There is provided an airbag that is folded up in a normal state and is inflated and deployed in an emergency state. The airbag includes: a base fabric; a tether sewn to the base fabric and configured to restrict a shape of the airbag when the airbag is inflated and deployed. The base fabric has a first pin hole therethrough in a contact region where the base fabric and the tether contacts each other, and the tether has a second pin hole therethrough in the contact region, wherein a position of the second pin hole corresponds to a position of the first pin hole. The tether has a folded back portion sewn to the tether and covering the first and second pin holes. The respective first and second pin holes are configured to receive a positioning pin for fixing the base fabric and tether to each other.

Abstract: A process to manufacture tufted backing materials comprises the steps of a) providing a roll bearing a backing material which backing material comprises a first side exhibiting a first colour and a second side exhibiting a second colour, wherein the first colour is different from the second colour, the first side is the front side and the second side is the rear side, b) unwinding the backing material from the roll, c) tufting the backing material, d) cutting the backing material at a position between the roll bearing the backing material and the tufting device, e) rotating the roll bearing the backing material by an angle of 180°, f) unwinding the backing material from the roll in a second unwinding direction which is opposite to the first unwinding direction and guiding the backing material into the tufting device, and g) tufting the backing material.

Abstract: A set of sewing disks for controlling the movement of a piece of fabric over the free arm and under the needle of a sewing or quilting machine Each disk is flat and has an oval or circular configuration and comprises three registered, stacked adhesively attached layers—a first contact layer made of an open cell foam, a semi-rigid intermediate stiffener member, and a second contact layer made of close cell foam. When each disk is placed over a piece of fabric with the lower contact layer is placed adjacent thereto, the individual's fingers are exposed at all times and placed over the opposite contact layer. The intermediate stiffener layer spreads and evenly dissipates the forces exerted by the fingers to the top contact layer to the lower contact layer. Because, the finger tips are not in contact with the fabric, soiling of the fabric by the finger tips is prevented.

Abstract: A fabric handling device for quilting used to aid in the handling of fabric during free motion quilting and sewing and the method for using the device. The device includes a gripping member, a strap, and a fastener. It allows the wearer greater control over the fabric and still allows the full dexterity of the fingers so that it does not need to be removed to manipulate small sewing instruments or items such as needles, bobbins, scissors, and thread.

Abstract: A sewing machine is provided, which includes a table, support posts, upper and lower frames, a head unit, a bed unit, an X-axial head-unit-transport means and an X-axial bed-unit-transport means. An object is placed on the table. The support posts are provided on opposite sides of the table. The upper and lower frames connect the support posts to each other. The head unit is provided on the upper frame so as to be movable in an X-axis direction. The head unit has a head-unit-rotating means for rotating a sewing head. The bed unit is provided on the lower frame so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. The bed unit has a bed-unit-rotating means for rotating a sewing bed. The X-axial head-unit-transport means moves the head unit on the upper frame horizontally. The X-axial bed-unit-transport means moves the bed unit on the upper frame horizontally.

Abstract: A head unit fixed sewing machine is provided, which includes a table, support posts, an upper beam, a head unit and a bed unit. An object is placed on the table. The support posts are provided on opposite sides of the table. The upper beam connects the support posts to each other and is coupled to upper ends of the support posts. The head unit is fastened to the upper beam and has a head-unit-rotating means for rotating a sewing head within a predetermined range. The bed unit is provided below the head unit and has a bed-unit-rotating means for rotating a sewing bed within a predetermined range. Because the head unit and the bed unit can be rotated while sewing, the orientation of a sewn thread can be maintained constant. Hence, a perfect stitch can be realized over the entirety of the object.

Abstract: The device comprises: a tubular member (1); means (3, 5, 11) to insert and stretch a tubular knitted article (M) over the outside of said tubular member and over an end thereof; a control unit. It also comprises a crown (101) of detection elements cooperating with the end of the tubular member, and the control unit is programmed to determine the angular position of the tubular article stretched over the tubular member by reading the signal supplied by the detection elements in a definite reciprocal position of said tubular article, of said tubular member and of said detection elements.

Abstract: In a method for attaching s surface skin member with a stitch line onto a base core member, meandering of a stitch line is eliminated and thus a smart stitch line is formed. A stitch line A is formed on a surface skin member 33 of which material is artificial leather or genuine leather, a rod 36 is temporarily joined along the stitch line A on a reverse side of the surface skin member 33, a groove 311 is provided along the stitch line A on a surface of a base core member 31, the surface skin member 33 is attached and fixed on the surface of the base core member 31 while accurately positioning the stitch line A by accommodating the rod 36 inside the groove 311, and then the rod 36 is drawn out so as to accurately form the stitch line A.

Abstract: An underpad including a top fabric layer constructed of a therapeutic fabric for the prevention and treatment of skin wounds, and pressure wounds in particular, is disclosed. The underpad also includes an absorbent middle layer and liquid impermeable bottom layer. The therapeutic fabric includes warp yarns and filling yarns woven to provide a smooth fabric surface. One of the warp or filling yarns is at least about 40% by weight of the therapeutic fabric of continuous filament nylon, and the other of the warp or filling yarns is from about 0% to about 60% by weight of the therapeutic fabric of continuous filament polyester or nylon having non-round filament cross sections. The therapeutic fabric includes a conductive yarn at about 1% to about 2% by weight to control static dissipation, and an antimicrobial substance is topically applied or inherently available in the therapeutic fabric. A method of preventing and treating skin wounds, and pressure wounds in particular, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cloth doll's head and a method for manufacturing the same comprising the assembly of a soft cloth scalp cap, a soft cloth face portion, and stitching of synthetic or organic hair fibers directly to the soft cloth scalp cap. The hair and selected human facial features are embroidered, sewn, or otherwise imprinted on the outer surface of the scalp cap and face plate in a manner that is safe for a child.

Abstract: The device comprises: a tubular member (15) with an inlet end and an outlet end (15A), associated with suction means and inside which a tubular article (T) is sucked towards the outlet end; a moving pick-up element (21, 23) to engage a first end (P) of the tubular article (T) and remove it from the tubular member, said pick-up element which can be moved towards the outlet end; a shaped block (43), cooperating with the inner wall of the tubular member (15), to define a constriction with variable conformation at the outlet end of the tubular member. The constriction is suitable to define a narrow and elongated section of passage of the tubular article, in which said tubular article is forced to take a spread arrangement at least at the second end.

Abstract: For the manufacture of a dry preform intended for reinforcing a composite structural member of an aircraft, a digitally controlled automatic machine similar to an embroidery machine deposits and stitches successive layers of continuous reinforcing fibres. In each layer the fibres are oriented and distributed according to a predetermined scheme. A preform is obtained having a predetermined three-dimensional shape in which the reinforcing fibres are distributed and oriented an in optimum manner.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed toward an apparatus and method for coupling an embroidery accessory to an embroidery machine. The apparatus includes a support bar. The support bar is coupled to the embroidery machine. The apparatus also includes a set of acceptors. The set of acceptors are attached to the support bar. The apparatus also includes an embroidery accessory. The embroidery accessory includes a set of attachment adapters. The set of attachment adapters are adapted to be coupled to the set of acceptors.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to change the direction of the feed so that the user/operator can now use the free arm of the sewing machine to the optimum advantage.

Abstract: A curved edge sewing system sews a curved edge of a cloth, such as a curved edge of a fly. The curved edge sewing system has a cloth support table, and a sewing needle located at a sewing position relative to the cloth support table. A cloth presser device moves towards and away from the cloth support table and rotates relative to the sewing needle. A first driver is operatively connected to the cloth presser device and moves the cloth presser device towards and away from the cloth support table. A second driver is operatively connected to the cloth presser device and rotates the cloth presser device relative to the sewing needle. A controller has a first signal supplied to the first driver and actuates the first driver, and a second signal supplied to the second driver and actuates the second driver.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus has a main body with a hook section, a fixed blade fixed to a predetermined position of the main body, a cutting blade that cuts a sewing material by moving toward the fixed blade, and a drive device that moves the main body between a predetermined retracted position that does not interfere with the sewing operation and a predetermined cutting position for cutting the sewing material. During sewing of the sewing material, the main body is held at the retracted position. To cut the sewing material, the drive device moves the main body from the retracted position to the cutting position, where the hook section hooks the sewing material, and the cutting blade moves toward the fixed blade in response to driving operation of the drive device. The cutting apparatus is disposed a predetermined distance away from the sewing position.

Abstract: A tape edge applicator workstation including a conveyor for moving a mattress or foundation along a sewing path through a tape edge applicator. The tape edge applicator applies a tape edge material about the peripheral side edges of the mattress, with the mattress generally being rotated as the tape edge material is applied about the corners thereof.

Abstract: A cloth doll's head and a method for manufacturing the same comprising the assembly of a soft cloth scalp cap, a soft cloth face portion, and stitching of synthetic or organic hair fibers directly to the soft cloth scalp cap. The hair and selected human facial features are embroidered, sewn, or otherwise imprinted on the outer surface of the scalp cap and face plate in a manner that is safe for a child.

Abstract: A system for processing a material panel is provided including a table supported by a plurality of legs, the table having at least one linear edge. A sewing machine is provided functionally connected to the table at the at least one linear edge. An elongate track is provided mounted along the at least one linear edge. At least one sensor movable along said track is provided for measuring at least a length of the material panel.

Abstract: A method for stitching thread onto the wall of a tubular medical implant (preferably a graft) employs a sewing machine with an elongate bobbin or a needle on an elongate element, depending on whether it is desired to sew from the outside-in or the inside-out. A motor rotates and translates the implant, which is mounted on a hollow drum, relative to the needle.

Abstract: A stuffed textile article and method of manufacturing the same has at least one compartment having a baffle gate which receives a tube-like stuffing tool through which loose stuffing is blown into the compartment. Upon removal of the tool, the surrounding layers and panels which define the compartment are placed under tension by the stuffing causing the baffle gates to automatically close upon removal of the tool permanently preventing migration of the stuffing out of the compartment. The gate has a primary panel secured to the top and bottom layers of the article and an adjacent secondary panel at least partially covering the primary panel. The primary panel has a slit and the secondary panel has a slot. Taken individually, the slit and slot are each preferably longer than the thickness of the stuffed textile article and longer than half the circumference of the stuffing tool.

Abstract: An automated sewing device capable of neatly feeding a material(s) of easily contractible property to a sewing machine, without the material(s) being curled. In the automated sewing device, blower tubes are arranged so as to allow air to be blown therefrom to the material(s), thereby applying an appropriate degree of air pressure thereto at desired angles. With such blower tube arrangement, air pressure is effectively used for stretching the material(s) outwardly and neatly so as to prevent the same from curling, and also for automatically feeding the material(s) toward the sewing machine.

Abstract: A template (1) in the form of a thin disc is provided with segmental (3) and circular (4) markings, a central aperture (2), and apertures (5) which coincide with intersecting points on the markings enables centre point based positions to be plotted using the template (1) to assist in the process of circular sewing and embroidery.

Abstract: An emblem for embroidery stitching directly to a substrate is disclosed which provides an emblem which can be readily embroidered. The emblem includes a fabric layer with a thermoplastic adhesive coating one side of the fabric layer and a pressure sensitive adhesive coating the thermoplastic adhesive to provide an emblem which can temporarily adhere to a substrate. The emblem can thus be temporarily secured during embroidery and prevent distortion of the emblem. Following embroidery, the emblem is heat-sealed to a substrate and the thermoplastic adhesive coating penetrates through the pressure sensitive adhesive for attachment of the emblem to the substrate.

Abstract: A contour following machine for altering the edge of a material, which includes a horizontal work surface, a dial plate, through which a vacuum may be drawn, situated on the horizontal work surface, an edge-altering device, a rotary table upon which the edge-altering device is positioned, and a cut-out channel through which a connection between the dial plate and the vacuum is established. The edge-altering device is located at an end of the horizontal work surface and the cut-out channel extends to a far end of the cut-out channel positioned beyond a center point of the horizontal work surface. The dial plate can be moved to any position between the far end of the cut-out channel and the edge-altering device end of the cut-out channel. The edge-altering device may be a sewing machine, a knife, or a water jet.

Abstract: A product, such as a package, is provided and includes a plurality of layers of sheet material including at least a first layer and at least one second layer defined by a strip of material. The two layers are assembled in parallel overlying relationship to form a body in which the strip is covered by the first layer. The strip of material has a splice therein, with the splice being defined by two ends of the strip material. The two ends are held together by a plurality of yarn stitches passing through the strip of material and bridging the ends of the strip of material. The splice is arranged such that the strip of material has a surface characteristic at the splice which is substantially equal to that at other locations thereon and is not compromised by the splice.

Abstract: The cutting device comprises a first block or ram, and a second block or receptacle. The ram has a channel that extends along its longitudinal length, the channel is sized and configured to accept at least a portion of a cutting blade. The receptacle has a hollow sized and configured to accept at least a portion of the ram. The blade is arranged within the hollow and extends from the receptacle into the hollow and toward the ram. The blade is advantageously recessed within the ram. In one embodiment, the ram is attached to a drive coupled to a sewing machine, and the receptacle is attached to the sewing machine. The ram is moveable between a retracted position, in which the ram is separated from the receptacle, and an extended position, in which at least a portion of the ram is housed within the receptacle.

Abstract: In a sewing installation comprising a work piece holder of an outer contour that corresponds to the geometry of the work piece to be fixed thereon, the work piece holder being displaceable relative to a sewing needle via a control unit by the aid of x-y-drive motors, it is provided that a storage medium (chip 28) is disposed on the work piece holder (5, 6, 7), comprising any information necessary for the control of the sewing installation so that the course of the seam is computed and sewn corresponding to the contour of the work piece holder (5, 6, 7), the sewing installation comprising a sensor unit (read head 29) designed for the information to be read out of the storage medium (chip 28) and to be fed to an input of the control unit.

Abstract: A sewing apparatus performs sewing operation on a work piece that moves along an X-Y plane perpendicular to an axial direction of a hollow needle having an inclined opening that is formed by angular cutting a portion of an end portion of the hollow needle that penetrates the work piece with respect to the axial direction of the hollow needle, by reciprocating the hollow needle in a penetrating direction, using a thread threaded in the hollow needle. In the sewing apparatus, Tatami stitches are formed on the work cloth with a plurality of stitches. First, a plurality of stitches are formed in a first stitching direction along a line angled between 20 and 160 with respect to a needle tip opening direction.

Abstract: A contour following machine for altering the edge of a material, which includes a horizontal work surface, a dial plate, through which a vacuum may be drawn, situated on the horizontal work surface, an edge-altering device, a rotary table upon which the edge-altering device is positioned, and a cut-out channel through which a connection between the dial plate and the vacuum is established. The edge-altering device is located at an end of the horizontal work surface and the cut-out channel extends to a far end of the cut-out channel positioned beyond a center point of the horizontal work surface. The dial plate can be moved to any position between the far end of the cut-out channel and the edge-altering device end of the cut-out channel. The edge-altering device may be a sewing machine, a knife, or a water jet.