Abstract: A method of selecting a commercial clothing pattern size for a user includes the step of comparing a neck size of the user to a numerical table, wherein the numerical table has a range of neck sizes corresponding to a corresponding range of clothing pattern sizes. A clothing pattern size corresponding to the neck size is then selected from the numerical table.

Abstract: An apparatus for fine processing includes a support for supporting a material to be processed, an active layer forming device for forming an active layer on the surface of the material by irradiating the material with light in a reaction gas, a latent image forming device for selectively irradiating the active layer with energy in the reaction gas to form a latent image, a shield mask forming device for removing either the latent image layer or the active layer to form a shield mask and an etching device for etching the portion other than the mask portion using the portion left unetched as the shield mask.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an industrial pattern grading template and a method for using such a template for the upgrading or downgrading of all types and parts of a garment concurrently in all the internationally standardized sizes. Both the template and the method for using it are appropriate for vocational technical training and professional use in the mass production of garments. With the present invention, starting from a single initial size, the concurrent construction of all the required size variations of the different parts of a garment is achieved, with simplicity, certainty and absolute precision, in minimal time without geometry and complex calculations. The template has two sides and a plurality of elongate apertures of variable length and direction. These apertures are adjusted to the basic points of a garment pattern block, and they have appropriate subdivisions and scales of proportionate grading for the grading of every part of a garment.

Abstract: A matching method and apparatus for the automatic cutting of patterned fabrics by an integrated marking and cutting system first defines matching points in each of the patterns of panels to be cut and digitizes these points so that the coordinates and respective identification codes for each of the points are recorded in a memory. Matching relationships are then defined for the matching points which unequivocally fix the position which the design must be in at each of the matching points and digitizes and records these relationships in the memory. Separation margins between the panels in their distribution are then established either automatically or interactively on the basis of the previously defined matching relationships and a vision sensor is then automatically positioned over the spread patterned fabric which is to be cut in the positions of the matching points which have been defined for each one of the panels which have been distributed for cutting.

Abstract: A method and pattern for making seamed articles which eliminate at least in part the need to initially precision-cut panels for piecewise assembly. The method and pattern are designed for use on sheets of fabric or the like, to generate a set of indicia. The indicia mark the seams to be formed of each panel, and lines about which the material can be folded to form the seams without cutting. Reference lines may also be used to permit precise panel-to-panel alignment prior to seam joining. In use, the pattern is applied to the material and the patterned material is folded along a fold line. The seams are then aligned so that they can be joined (e.g., by sewing or by fusing). The folding and joining steps may next be repeated to add further panels to the assembly. Finally, excess material may be removed if desired, by cutting beyond the seams.

Abstract: Automated made-to-measure garment manufacturing method and apparatus. A subject's mesurements are taken with a hand held measuring device and transmitted to a computer. The computer checks to see if the customer's style preference and physique are compatible and if they are, an order is generated. The customer measurements are then transmitted to a remote location for manufacture. At this location a computer has a set of co-ordinates defined for the customer's style in one size. These co-ordinates are modified based upon the actual customer measurements to produce a modified set of co-ordinates which in turn define the garment pieces for that customer. A control tape for a laser cutter is generated and the garment pieces are cut and sewn together. During the post cutting fabrication process, routing sheets for the garment indicate precision assembly steps to insure a quality finished garment is produced. Finally, the custom tailored suit is sent back to the retail outlet and delivered to the subject.

Abstract: A method for converting a pattern for a first garment to a pattern for a second garment, where the first garment includes front and back, body and shoulder portions with sleeves extending from shoulder holes between those front and back portions. The regions of the body and shoulder portion adjacent to the sleeve-to-shoulder seam are non-parallel with respect to regions of the sleeve portions adjacent to that seam when the body and shoulder portions are positioned in a plane. The second garment has the same outer contour as the first garment, including front and back body portions with a shoulder hole between those front and back body portions. Separate, generally tubular sleeve and shoulder portions having a sleeve and shoulder seams extending along their lengths, have one end joined to the perimeters of the shoulder holes along shoulder-to-body seams.

Abstract: Master garment patterns are copied while altering the size through the use of a grading device and method of using the same. The grading device has an elongated major axis with parallel spaced indicia therealong, and a pair of minor axes each perpendicular to the major axis with parallel spaced indicia along both. By securing the grading device relative to a copy material, the master pattern is duplicated at an increased or decreased size by moving the pattern along a defined path relative to the device. Movement of the master pattern occurs while maintaining a preselected two dimensional orientation of the pattern respectively parallel to the two dimensional indicia on the device.

Abstract: A pants suit pattern that is made to fit an individual having measurements not of the standard or average size and one that is made from a master pattern. A pants suit pattern per se is, of course, the foundation from which fitted slacks, jeans, culottes and shorts may be produced. Thus, it is desirable for the woman who does not fit into standard size, ready-made clothes to choose a pants suit pattern which may be fitted to her individual measurements and provide her with a pair of neatly tailored pants or other carefully made pieces for her wardrobe.The individualized pattern of this invention does just that. It is made from tissue paper and marked over a master pattern. The master pattern has graded measurements on its peripheral sides in outward, upward and downward directions but not on its center front. A pattern is made by cutting and marking these graded measurements to an individual's measurements with the use of a straight edged and curved tool.

Abstract: Pattern pieces of a conventional foundation pattern draft are divided into segments along predetermined division lines. Various segments of different overall sizes are joined together and form a new pattern piece. The segments selected for combination into the new pattern piece more precisely fit and accommodate major fitting and structural areas of the body. Adjustment lines are marked on various segments forming the pattern piece. Dividing the pattern piece along the adjustment lines and overlapping the resulting edges of separating the resulting edges or horizontally shifting one resulting piece from another achieves vertical and horizontal adjustment in the pattern piece. A transfer technique involving angular pivotation of one defined portion or sector of the new pattern piece with respect to the remaining portion of the pattern piece in conjunction with other adjustments achieves further adjustment and precise fitting of the pattern piece.

Abstract: A dress pattern adapted from a master pattern that is of variable size and has a bodice section and a skirt section which are separate but adjacent one another. The pattern is based on the concept of graded measurements at the periphery of the pattern. With the exception of the center front section, the pattern is characterized by having a center front section, a front neckline, a shoulder seam, a front armhole, an underarm seam and a bust dart. The skirt section itself is characterized by the addition of graded measurements on each section.

Abstract: A multiple pattern grading machine includes an open, horizontally-disposed support frame within which a table is movably mounted by means of parallelogram linkages connecting the opposite ends of the table to the adjacent ends of the support frame. The parallelogram linkages also mount a plurality of channel bars arranged in corresponding pairs at opposite ends of the table, each corresponding pair of channel bars being adapted to mount a sheet of pattern reproducing paper therebetween, with the paper sheets arranged in a superimposed stack across the table. A selected pair of channel bars mounts a rigid grid for mounting master pattern sections located above the uppermost sheet in such a manner that each of the pattern reproducing sheets and the master pattern sections are moved relative to one another in varying increments of distance when the table is manually moved in the frame.