Abstract: A weighted article for providing deep pressure therapy includes a plurality of patchwork pieces including a plurality of layers. At least some of the patchwork pieces include a filler of weighted material contained between at least two of the plurality of layers. The plurality of patchwork pieces are fastened together at edges.

Abstract: A support assembly is disclosed generally including a buckle component or components and a positioning member of flexible material that is arranged and configured to support the buckle component in a predetermined elevated position or predetermined positions for multiple components while also allowing for resilient shifting thereof. In the preferred form, the flexible material is belt webbing that has a plurality of fold portions folded and sewn together in a specific manner. Sew patterns are disclosed as well as methods and fixtures for forming the belt webbing positioning member.

Abstract: A method of sewing a decorative seam includes providing a material suitable for receiving stitches, folding a first portion of the material onto a second portion of the material to form a bend, sewing a first stitch to join the first portion to the second portion, the stitch being substantially parallel to the bend and spaced apart therefrom, the first stitch forming a seam, unfolding the material and sewing a second and third stitch into the material such that the second and third stitches are substantially parallel to the seam and arranged such that the second and third stitches are on opposite sides of the seam.

Abstract: A plush toy has a stuffed fabric shell having at least one shell piece with an orifice closed by a releasable fastener. A stuffing pouch stuffed with filling and having a shape generally corresponding the shell piece can be removed from and replaced in the shell to allow the shell piece to be embroidered.

Abstract: A fabric is provided having discrete surface portions of a primary backing and tufted yarns exposed on the technical face of the fabric. To form the fabric, the yarn feed controlled by servomotors is adjusted in increments to rob back yarn sufficient to pull out the previously tufted loops in selected portions of the fabric, leaving the primary backing portion of the pulled-out loops exposed on the technical face. By the selection process, random or patterned tufted portions and exposed primary backing surface portions are provided on the technical face of the fabric.

Abstract: A camouflage material comprises a plurality of parallel strips of camouflage fabric attached side by side laterally across a substrate and extending longitudinally along the substrate. The strips have a plurality of longitudinally spaced edge strips extending laterally from side edges of a central portion. The edge strips have a flat body that extends outwardly from the central portion to an outer end. The edge strips are formed so that at lest some of the edge strips deflect outwardly and downwardly to give the fabric a three-dimensional contour. The three-dimensional effect is achieved by employing enlarged bulbous ends on some edge strips or by orienting the edge strips at an upward inclined angle, or both.

Abstract: A method of constructing a clean room utility pouch includes cutting dust-proof fabric in accordance with a pattern. The cut edges of the dust proof fabric are treated to eliminate loose particulates or loose fibers along the cut edges. Piping can be secured over the cut edges instead of treating, or in addition to treating the cut edges, and finished by securing the pieces together to form the utility pouch. In some embodiments, a mesh is secured to the cut edges to form a portion of the utility pouch. Air can then flow into and out of the pouch via a pouch opening and the mesh.

Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensionally curved fiber composite material structural component having a predefined flexural member profile cross section with at least one web area and at least one adjacent flange area, includes providing a flat base fiber laid scrim and disposing a unidirectional fiber laid scrim tape with 0° fibers on a partial area of the fiber laid scrim and fixed by sewing so as to provide a flat prefabricated fiber laid scrim strip having a flange strip area including the unidirectional fiber laid scrim tape and a web strip area free of the fiber laid scrim tape.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a quilt blank, a quilt kit including a quilt blank and method of making a quilt using a quilt blank. The disclosure describes a quilt blank including a partially completed quilt having a quilt top, backing and batting material interposed between the quilt top and the backing, all of which are secured together via a sewing or quilting pattern. The quilt top of the quilt blank includes at least one predetermined blank portion sized to receive a fabric swatch or other material selected by a user. Alternatively, the quilt blank may simply be a quilt top having a predetermined blank area to be filled with a fabric swatch or other material. The disclosure also describes a quilt kit including a quilt blank and a method of making a quilt using a quilt blank.

Abstract: A personalized article associated with a child includes a panel bearing an embroidered image based on a hand or foot print and autographed name impression of the child that is digitized and enhanced for use in creating a replicated stitched image on the panel using a digitally controlled embroidery machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a removable gridded stabilizer and a method for producing accurately sewn piecework. More specifically, the method involves the use of a removable stabilizer having a grid onto which pieces of fabric may be aligned, adhered, and sewn. Fabric pieces may be adhered into place according to the grid spaces of the stabilizer, then the stabilizer may be folded along the grid lines and sewn with a seam allowance. After sufficient pieces have been sewn together, the stabilizer may be removed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for feeding and slitting mattress covers, quilts and other soft goods supported on a table. The apparatus has a first slitting wheel rotatable by a motor. A second slitting wheel is rotatable by the motor and contacts the first slitting wheel to provide a cutting action. The apparatus further includes a conveyor operable by the motor for conveying the soft goods past the slitting wheels, and a compression assembly having an actuator, a swing arm, and wheels for compressing the soft goods and holding the soft goods against the conveyor to preventing slippage or twisting.

Abstract: A lightweight cornice with a hanging device such as sawtooth plate attached to the cornice back. The cornice assembly comprises of three sections; two side members and a top member that fits with the side members. The cornice has a fabric cover applied over the face, sides and top of the cornice structures. A hanging device is then attached to the top back area of the assembled cornice for easy mounting and dismounting. In accordance with the present invention, a lightweight cornices is provided that substantially eliminates or reduces the disadvantages associated with prior developed lightweight cornices.

Abstract: A process for producing a camouflage material having a three-dimensional surface contour comprises providing a plurality of parallel strips of thermoplastic camouflage material having irregular side edges and positioning the strips, preferably with overlapping edges, on an underlying substrate in a multiple head bonding machine, such as a quilting machine, that simultaneously bonds a number of strips of material to the substrate in parallel fashion. Prior to bonding the strips to the substrate, the strips are spaced apart from the substrate and freely suspended. While freely suspended, a series of hot gas pulses (typically hot air) are delivered at spaced, discreet locations along the longitudinal outer surface of the strips of camouflage fabric. The temperature and duration of the air pulses are such that the hot pulses form shallow, cup-shaped depressions in the camouflage fabric, causing the camouflage fabric to spring away from the plane of the substrate at intermittent intervals along its length.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a gusset to a panel includes a gusset folder that receives and folds a gusset material to form the gusset. The panel is supported by a sewing table. A sewing machine is positioned relative to the sewing table so as to be able to sew the gusset to the panel. A gusset guide guides the gusset toward a selected edge of the panel so that the gusset is held in substantial alignment with the edge of the panel. An edge detector detects when a next edge of the panel is approaching the sewing machine. A turning mechanism is positioned along the sewing table and is moveable into engagement with the panel. The turning mechanism turns the panel relative to the sewing machine when the edge detector detects the next edge of the panel is approaching the sewing machine.

Abstract: A three-dimensional camouflage fabric is produced in a multi-head quilting machine by sewing a multiplicity of transversely spaced, elongated strips of relatively narrow fabric on a relatively wide web of a substrate fabric along laterally spaced lines of attachment positioned between the side edges of the strips. The strips are attached to the substrate in a longitudinal wrinkled condition, giving the strips a three-dimensional contour. The side edges of the strips are formed in an irregular pattern, with edge patterns of adjacent strips being different. The edges of the strips desirably overlap so as to enhance the three-dimensional appearance. The strips can be wrinkled by feeding the strips at a faster rate than the substrate. This can be achieved by a spring feeding mechanism or by sewing the strips at an inclined angle to the substrate.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a method and device with which it is possible, in a simple and rapid way, to form a buttonhole in a fabric which requires no further marking. The object of the invention is achieved by providing a method for producing a buttonhole in a fabric, in which an opening is formed in the fabric by means of an ultrasonic welding treatment, after which the edges of this opening are fused, to form the buttonhole.

Abstract: A method for producing products made of fabric incorporating a tracking transponder, comprises the step of weaving a strip of fabric comprising a sequence of pockets obtained directly by knitting during weaving. After weaving, the strip is cut into pieces with at least a pocket that opens onto an edge that of the cut piece and a transponder is introduced into the pocket. After the transponder has been introduced the pocket is shut permanently, advantageously by means of sewing a hem on the product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sewing product (20,21), particularly a mattress panel, a quilt or the like, preferably from several sewing product layers that are to be stitched together, as a section of a sewing product material (11), in which method said sewing product material (11) is, by means of a sewing device (1) that is movable transversely to the conveying direction, provided with at least two stitched seams (19) between two sewing products (20, 21) which are arranged adjacent to each other in the sewing product material (11), and in which the sewing product material is subsequently cut between these two stitched seams (19), said sewing device (1) including a sewing unit (3) with needles (18) and a gripper box (8) with grippers allocated to said needles (18), and a tape-like sewing element (14) being sewed to the sewing product material (11) in the area of the stitched seams (19).

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 golf mat includes artificial grass fibers attached to and extending upward from a backing material, which may be one or more layers. The artificial grass fibers include groups of at least two different kinds of fiber sewn through a common path in the backing material. One of the kinds of fibers in each group is shaped so as to appear like a blade of grass. The other kind of fiber in each group is pre-stressed/crimped so that the relaxed shape of the fiber is nonlinear, resembling a curlicued or articulated form having lateral excursions. The lateral excursions cause portions of one such pre-stressed fiber to overlap and interfere with another, forming a mesh. The height of the pre-stressed fibers in their relaxed state in the turf is less than the height of the relatively unstressed artificial grass fiber(s). The crimped fibers form a resilient mat with impact characteristics similar to natural turf.

Abstract: A method of leather processing which, without need of using a large amount of a hardener, etc., can yield a leather which can retain a three-dimensional shape, especially one with a fine, highly attractive design, for a long time and has high stretchability and high recovery while retaining the flexibility inherent in leathers; and a leather of a three-dimensional shape, especially a processed leather of a pattern and shape such as ones formed by wringing the leather together. The method comprises deforming a flat leather into a three-dimensional shape having recesses and protrusions and heating at least part of either or both of the protrusions (2) and recesses (1) to cure the heated parts and thereby cause the leather to retain the three-dimensional shape. More specifically, the protrusions and the recesses are partly heated while keeping the remaining parts being insulated from the heat to cure the heated parts only.

Abstract: The present invention simplifies the process of placing quilt ties in the quilt during the quilt making process. The quilt tie device contains a plurality of openings that identify locations in the quilt for quilt ties. A quilt maker places the quilt tie device over a top layer of the quilt. The quilt tie device is positioned such that the openings in the device are at locations on the quilt where the maker desires to place quilt ties. The quilt maker performs the quilt tie operation by tying a quilt tie in the quilt layer at each location in the quilt that indicated by an opening in the quilt tie device.

Abstract: A child car seat cover is disclosed. This device provides an easily removable, cleanable and adjustable cover for a child car seat that restricts the passage of food, dirt and liquids to the car seat material. The device is comprised of multiple layers of fabric, strap covers, strap openings and strap closures.

Abstract: Embodiments include a floor covering comprising one or more patches, wherein each patch comprises one or more braids of jute-like fibers. In one aspect, at least one of the braids is wrapped around itself to form a first patch. In another aspect, the first patch is operatively connected to a second patch. In one embodiment, the floor covering resembles a quilt. Further embodiments include a method for forming the floor covering.

Abstract: Standard yarns are tufted into a non-woven backing and the backing is rolled and stored. Upon receiving an order for a sample carpet, a length of the tufted substrate is cut as a function of the length of the required sample. The yarn ends of the tufted substrate are tied into a tufting machine and the machine tufts the yarns pulled from the substrate into a backing material. The tufted backing material is then further processed to form the sample.

Abstract: A method for designing an absorbent article to be worn close to the body is disclosed. For one embodiment of the method, the steps are attaching middy tape in the shape of an edge of a first element of an absorbent article onto a body form to create an outline of the first element of the absorbent article, attaching conformable sheet material to the body form about the outline of the first element of the absorbent article, marking the shape of the outline of the first element of the absorbent article on the conformable sheet material to create a pattern, removing the conformable sheet material from the body form, constructing a first element of the absorbent article corresponding to the pattern.

Abstract: A quilt holding clamp for securing a quilt and finishing bias to eliminate the need for pining when attaching the finishing bias to the unfinished edge of the quilt. The clamp includes a top clamp member having a “J”-shaped forward end for elevating a folded end of the finishing bias above the quilt. A bottom clamp member is provided with a “L”-shaped forward end. A “U”-shaped spring biases the “J”-shaped forward end and the “L”-shaped forward end together. The “L”-shaped forward end provides a recess for recessing multiple layers of the folded finishing bias.

Abstract: This method of making a folding coin purse involves forming a first pocket and a second pocket on a layer of rectangular material. A peripheral border is biased into an upstanding position. The peripheral border frames an access opening between the first pocket and the second pocket. A second half of the body folds over a first half of the body to close the access opening.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mattress is constructed of a core having a first side and a second side. A padding layer is positioned at the first side of the core and has a contoured surface and a planar surface. A layer of individual fiberballs is disposed on the planar surface of the padding layer.

Abstract: This method of making a folding coin purse involves forming a first pocket and a second pocket on a layer of rectangular material and then turning the first pocket and the second pocket inside out. This forms a body with a first inside out pocket, a second inside out pocket and a narrow peripheral border. The peripheral border is biased into an upstanding position by the turning of the first pocket and the second pocket inside out. The peripheral border frames an access opening between the first inverted pocket and the second inverted pocket. A first half of the body folds over a second half of the body to close the access opening.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing system and a method for manufacturing sheet-like structures. The manufacturing system of sheet-like structures contains a loosened portion forming apparatus by which plural loosened portions, which are substantially U-shaped, are formed on a cord member, and plural linear portions, which connect each of the plural loosened portions, are formed substantially linearly; and a sewing apparatus by which each of the plural absorbing members and each of the plural linear portions are sewn with a thread member.

Abstract: A method of making a fabric having a finished edge includes providing a fabric having a plurality of fibers with free ends of the fibers at an edge of the fabric, disposing a curable polymer such as silicone over the edge of the fabric so that the curable polymer engages the free ends of the fibers at the edge of the fabric, and, after the disposing step, curing the polymer for finishing the edge of the fabric. The polymer binds the free ends of the fibers to prevent fraying of the fabric. The fabric is cut into a pattern piece for a garment before the step of disposing the curable polymer on the edge of the fabric.

Abstract: An airbag and a method for making an airbag of the type that includes an irregularly-shaped panel, such as the side panels of a passenger airbag. The irregularly-shaped side panel is first divided into two segments with a single straight line to define an inflation segment and an impact segment. The straight line drawn to define the largest polygon that can be defined by any single straight line without coming too close to the inflation module hole. By segmenting the larger, irregularly shaped panel into two smaller ones with one of those being polygonal, better nesting of the segments can be obtained, which significantly improves fabric utilization to offset the labor cost from sewing the two segments together when making the irregularly shaped side panel required for the airbag.

Abstract: A method of forming a fabric block that depicts an eight-point star by using only square-shaped and rectangular-shaped pieces of fabric. A square-shaped piece of fabric is sewn to a first rectangular-shaped piece of fabric and this combination is sewn to a second rectangular shaped piece of fabric to form a square-shaped fabric segment that is sewn to a second square-shaped fabric segment to form a square-shaped quarter portion depicting two points of the star. The four square-shaped quarter portions are sewn together resulting in a square-shaped fabric block depicting an eight-point star. This method overcomes the challenges and difficulties encountered when attempting to make an eight-point star design from diamond, triangle, and square geometric shapes.

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: Process for antiquing a quilt and resulting product includes providing a first fabric panel containing at least some of a first selected fiber, a second fabric panel containing at least some of a second selected fiber and a batting panel containing at least some of a third selected fiber. At least the first panel and its fiber is colored and susceptible to damage by washing. The three panels are layered and stitched together using thread of a fourth selected fiber and along a pattern to form a whole cloth quilt or fabric therefore can be used as is or as material for another product. Washing the quilt in a wet bath and with heat and agitation causes at least the first fabric panel to wear and fade and the quilt is then dried and has the antiqued appearance.

Abstract: A system for forming and attaching pillowtop attachment gussets and borders to panels, with the gusset or border material being fed from a supply into a sewing station. The gusset or border material is passed through a folder assembly that directs the gusset or border material into a sewing zone where it is attached to the panel. A ruffler mechanism engages and forms a series of ruffles in the gusset or border material as it is sewn about the corners of the panel.

Abstract: A label inserter system for inserting and sewing a label or law tag into a border for a mattress or foundation during the formation of the border. The label inserter system generally includes a hopper, a label pre-feeder and a label transfer clamp subassembly that engages and moves the label from the hopper and inserts the label between, on top or on the bottom of the cut edges of the border prior to sewing the cut edges to finish the border, with the label being sewn therein.

Abstract: An umbrella cover if formed from a unitary piece of material, an octagonal piece of material having eight corners, which may be decorated, such as by printing, without image segmentation. The cover has eight generally triangular slits therein extending one from each corner of the octagon toward, but in spaced relation from, a center point, a point of each triangle at the inner end of the slit. The sides of each slit are sewn together to form a dart. The cover is tacked to an eight-rib frame, with each dart tacked adjacent a flexion point in a rib.

Abstract: A method for cutting out a cutting (13) from a web (1) of endless textile fabric for producing workpieces from a fiber/plastic composite is described, with the web (1) of endless fabric made up of fiber strands (2, 3) being stitched at first according to the course (14) of the edge of the cutting (13) to be cut out before the cutting (13) is cut out from the web (1) of endless fabric. In order to provide advantageous process conditions it is proposed that the web (1) of endless fabric which can be conveyed step by step in a predetermined conveying direction (10) in longitudinal sections (6) concerning the conveying direction is stitched in sections exclusively within the cutting region on the one hand and is cut on the other hand and is conveyed further by a conveying step according to the section length after each sectional sewing and cutting process.

Abstract: An improved quilting machine includes a table having a carriage for supporting a sewing machine on the table and translating the sewing machine in two axes, a quilting rack for supporting one or more layers of fabric in a substantially planer orientation relative to the sewing machine, and foldable legs. The quilting rack is suspended above the table on a rotatable vertical support, and is easily adjustable without tools for positioning the fabric in a convenient orientation for machine quilting, hand sewing, or access to the table. A lamp is attached through a flexible assembly to the carriage for directing illumination to the sewing machine. The lamp moves with the carriage so that illumination tracks the sewing machine. The quilting rack and legs are foldable and, combined with the rotatable vertical support, provide for convenient transportation and storage of the quilting machine.

Abstract: A process for joining adjacent panels of plural layered upholstery, including the steps of adjacently positioning first and second panels, each having an offset backing and exterior layers, and substantially aligning longitudinal peripheries of the first and second panels. Stitching the panels together along a first stitching line positioned inboard of the longitudinal peripheries and substantially parallel thereto, and stitching portions of the first and second panels outboard of the first stitching line to an inboard portion of one or more of the panels along at least a second stitching line. In a preferred embodiment, the exterior layer in the first panel is offset laterally relative to the backing layer in an inboard direction, wherein the lateral offset imparts a substantially regular contour to portions of the exterior layer proximate the first stitching line and inboard thereof.

Abstract: A method is provided for upholstering an automotive interior component such as a seat or door panel. According to the method, a single piece of fabric is provided with a pattern that includes an interior portion and a pair of integral outboard bolsters. In a preferred embodiment, the interior portion is printed with a design that visually distinguishes the interior portion from the bolsters. The fabric is then sewn along pre-selected areas to form pinch seams and side panels may be joined to the pattern. Printing and sewing the pattern in this manner causes the resulting cover to appear as if it were made from multiple pieces of discrete fabric. However, by using the single piece of printed and sewn fabric, the need for multiple rolls of material, laborious pattern cutting, and excess scrap are eliminated.

Abstract: A method of forming a mattress, with a reduction in the number of sewing operations required, in which a border and gusset or an extended portion of the border will be integrally formed and attached to a mattress panel, with a flanging material also being attached as needed, to form a mattress cover or sleeve. A tape edge also can be applied for providing a more decorative appearance. Thereafter, the mattress cover or sleeve can be applied over a mattress spring set.

Abstract: A bedding foundation is manufactured with a cover having a welt cord extending upwardly to create a seal when a mattress is placed on the foundation. The cover is made using a two stage process. During the first stage a sewing machine is used to join a welt cord to a web of border material. In the second stage a second sewing machine sews a piece of non-skid decking to the border assembly. Fullness may be incorporated into the border material to enable the cover to fit around the corners of the bedding foundation with the welt cord being spaced inwardly from the perimeter of the foundation.

Abstract: A method of lacing together two parts of an inflatable evacuation slide uses a single piece of cord that is passed through multiple pairs of apertures formed in the two parts to be joined. Thereafter, the loops formed by passing the cord through the multiple apertures are laced together and secured with a conventional key loop. In operation, once the key loop is released, since the lacing is composed of a single length of cord, rather than multiple independent loops, the tension in all of the lacing is released simultaneously thereby allowing the lacing to unravel reliably irrespective of the load on the lacing.

Abstract: A process for joining adjacent edges of vehicle upholstery panels, particularly in applications wherein at least one of the edges is curved. The process includes the step of forming a plurality of U-shaped notches along a curved edge of a first upholstery panel, which are substantially evenly spaced along a portion of the curved length of the upholstery panel edge. At least a portion of an edge of a second upholstery panel is substantial aligned with a portion of the curved edge of the first upholstery panel. The first and second panels are stitched along a stitch line substantially parallel to edges of the first and second panels, wherein the stitch line is offset from aligned edges of the first and second panels by a distance greater than the depth of the notches and wherein successive portions of the edges are brought into alignment as stitching progresses.

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 sewing method to form a trim cover assembly for automotive seat, and an automotive seat using the trim cover assembly. Firstly, a first cover material, a second cover material and a backing tape are used and juxtaposed on one another, with their ends aligned with one another, and then sewn together to create a first seam and a sewn connection portion. Such sewn connection portion is cut off into a shortened sewn connection portion. Thereafter, the first cover material and backing tape are turned over relative to the shortened connection portion and sewn together, thereby forming one portion of the trim cover assembly. Another portion of the trim cover assembly may be formed by avoiding use of the backing tape and simply turning over the first cover material relative to the sewn connection portion, and sewing together the thus-turned portions of the first cover material.