US3713406A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic machine for sewing pocket pieces and the like to garments
Assignee: Singer Co
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Filing: 1971-06-23
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Granted: 1973-01-30
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Expires: 1991-06-23
Abstract
Abstract A machine for automatically sewing a pocket piece to a garment wherein the pocket is loaded onto a clamp in which the pocket shape is set and a sewing margin established. The clamp is connected to a fixture driven on an X-Y table and activated by a linkage assembly whose movement follows that of conjugate cams. The two cams are identical and are mounted on a common shaft in displaced configuration upon a line of symmetry to form a coordinate drive system which drives the clamp to prescribe a predetermined pattern. An adjustable bracket connects the fixture to the linkage assembly. The sewing machine and the conjugate cams are synchronously driven from a variable speed motor by timing belts. A pair of holding plates are used in the clamp to prevent the pocket edges from becoming unfolded while the pocket is in the clamp. The holding plates include an inner plate and an outer plate, interconnected to each other by a spring cartridge. Once the folding operation is completed, the clamp is moved to the sewing position for the start of the sewing cycle wherein the folded pocket will be sewn to a shirt front which has been placed beneath the pocket clamp before the pocket piece was inserted into the clamp.
Inventors
- 👤 M Futter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 23:33
CPC Classifications
D; D05; D05B; D05B35/00; D05B35/10; D05B21/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
383 words
In a mechanism for automatically sewing a piece to a garment, the combination of: a. a frame, b. a fixture shiftably mounted on the frame, c. means mounted on the frame and connected to the fixture to shift the fixture in a predetermined pattern, d. a sewing machine mounted on the frame adjacent the fixture, e. a work clamp carried by the fixture to prescribe the predetermined path at the sewing machine, whereby the piece will be sewn to the garment, f. the work clamp having a retractable folding plate upon which the piece is placed for subsequent folding of the edges thereof, g. a plurality of folding blades disposed about the folding plate adjacent the area to be sewn, and carried by the fixture to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position, in the expanded position the folding blades are moved toward the folding plate to fold the edges of the piece about the folding plate, while in the retracted position, the folding blades move away from the folded edge of said piece in a timed sequence of operation, h. a pair of holding plates shiftably mounted on the work clamp in superposition to the folding plate to hold the folded edge of the piece in folded condition upon the work surface to permit removal of the folding plate and the folding blades to assume the folded position and the retracted position, i. means connected to the folding plate and the folding blades to move the folding plate and the folding blades in a timed sequence of operation, j. control means for controlling the shifting mOvement of the holding plates in timed sequence to the movement of the folding plate and the folding blades, k. the pair of holding plates are interconnected and include an outer plate having a recessed interior into which the inner plate is disposed, l. a pressure arm carries the pair of holding plates, and is shiftable responsive to the control means, m. a biasing cartridge affixed to the pressure arm for movement therewith, and n. a pair of plungers operatively connected within the biasing cartridge to be selectively positioned into engagement with the pair of holding plates to urge the same toward the work surface in response to the movement of the pressure arm.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
383 words
In a mechanism for automatically sewing a piece to a garment, the combination of: a. a frame, b. a fixture shiftably mounted on the frame, c. means mounted on the frame and connected to the fixture to shift the fixture in a predetermined pattern, d. a sewing machine mounted on the frame adjacent the fixture, e. a work clamp carried by the fixture to prescribe the predetermined path at the sewing machine, whereby the piece will be sewn to the garment, f. the work clamp having a retractable folding plate upon which the piece is placed for subsequent folding of the edges thereof, g. a plurality of folding blades disposed about the folding plate adjacent the area to be sewn, and carried by the fixture to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position, in the expanded position the folding blades are moved toward the folding plate to fold the edges of the piece about the folding plate, while in the retracted position, the folding blades move away from the folded edge of said piece in a timed sequence of operation, h. a pair of holding plates shiftably mounted on the work clamp in superposition to the folding plate to hold the folded edge of the piece in folded condition upon the work surface to permit removal of the folding plate and the folding blades to assume the folded position and the retracted position, i. means connected to the folding plate and the folding blades to move the folding plate and the folding blades in a timed sequence of operation, j. control means for controlling the shifting mOvement of the holding plates in timed sequence to the movement of the folding plate and the folding blades, k. the pair of holding plates are interconnected and include an outer plate having a recessed interior into which the inner plate is disposed, l. a pressure arm carries the pair of holding plates, and is shiftable responsive to the control means, m. a biasing cartridge affixed to the pressure arm for movement therewith, and n. a pair of plungers operatively connected within the biasing cartridge to be selectively positioned into engagement with the pair of holding plates to urge the same toward the work surface in response to the movement of the pressure arm.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
383 words
In a mechanism for automatically sewing a piece to a garment, the combination of: a. a frame, b. a fixture shiftably mounted on the frame, c. means mounted on the frame and connected to the fixture to shift the fixture in a predetermined pattern, d. a sewing machine mounted on the frame adjacent the fixture, e. a work clamp carried by the fixture to prescribe the predetermined path at the sewing machine, whereby the piece will be sewn to the garment, f. the work clamp having a retractable folding plate upon which the piece is placed for subsequent folding of the edges thereof, g. a plurality of folding blades disposed about the folding plate adjacent the area to be sewn, and carried by the fixture to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position, in the expanded position the folding blades are moved toward the folding plate to fold the edges of the piece about the folding plate, while in the retracted position, the folding blades move away from the folded edge of said piece in a timed sequence of operation, h. a pair of holding plates shiftably mounted on the work clamp in superposition to the folding plate to hold the folded edge of the piece in folded condition upon the work surface to permit removal of the folding plate and the folding blades to assume the folded position and the retracted position, i. means connected to the folding plate and the folding blades to move the folding plate and the folding blades in a timed sequence of operation, j. control means for controlling the shifting mOvement of the holding plates in timed sequence to the movement of the folding plate and the folding blades, k. the pair of holding plates are interconnected and include an outer plate having a recessed interior into which the inner plate is disposed, l. a pressure arm carries the pair of holding plates, and is shiftable responsive to the control means, m. a biasing cartridge affixed to the pressure arm for movement therewith, and n. a pair of plungers operatively connected within the biasing cartridge to be selectively positioned into engagement with the pair of holding plates to urge the same toward the work surface in response to the movement of the pressure arm.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
383 words
In a mechanism for automatically sewing a piece to a garment, the combination of: a. a frame, b. a fixture shiftably mounted on the frame, c. means mounted on the frame and connected to the fixture to shift the fixture in a predetermined pattern, d. a sewing machine mounted on the frame adjacent the fixture, e. a work clamp carried by the fixture to prescribe the predetermined path at the sewing machine, whereby the piece will be sewn to the garment, f. the work clamp having a retractable folding plate upon which the piece is placed for subsequent folding of the edges thereof, g. a plurality of folding blades disposed about the folding plate adjacent the area to be sewn, and carried by the fixture to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position, in the expanded position the folding blades are moved toward the folding plate to fold the edges of the piece about the folding plate, while in the retracted position, the folding blades move away from the folded edge of said piece in a timed sequence of operation, h. a pair of holding plates shiftably mounted on the work clamp in superposition to the folding plate to hold the folded edge of the piece in folded condition upon the work surface to permit removal of the folding plate and the folding blades to assume the folded position and the retracted position, i. means connected to the folding plate and the folding blades to move the folding plate and the folding blades in a timed sequence of operation, j. control means for controlling the shifting mOvement of the holding plates in timed sequence to the movement of the folding plate and the folding blades, k. the pair of holding plates are interconnected and include an outer plate having a recessed interior into which the inner plate is disposed, l. a pressure arm carries the pair of holding plates, and is shiftable responsive to the control means, m. a biasing cartridge affixed to the pressure arm for movement therewith, and n. a pair of plungers operatively connected within the biasing cartridge to be selectively positioned into engagement with the pair of holding plates to urge the same toward the work surface in response to the movement of the pressure arm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
67 words
The combination claimed in claim 1 wherein: a. the pair of plungers includes an inner plunger to contact the inner holding plate and an outer plunger to contact the outer holding plate, b. a plurality of spring means in the biasing cartridge to inter-engage the pair of plungers whereby selective forces may be transmitted to said pair of plungers responsive to the movement of the pressure arm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
The combination claimed in claim 2 wherein: a. the outer plunger defines a sleeve through which the inner plunger is disposed, b. the outer plunger and the inner plunger operate alternately to urge the outer holding plate and the inner holding plate to clamp the piece in folded condition.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
57 words
The combination claimed in claim 3 wherein: a. a second spring normally out of engagement with the outer sleeve is brought to bear against said outer sleeve after the folding blades have been retracted so as to apply a second spring force against the outer plunger and outer door, which pressure is maintained during the sewing operation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
149 words
The combination claimed in claim 1 wherein: a. the folding plate is sized to include the sewing margin, b. the pair of holding plates are disposed in superposition to the folding plate, c. the outer holding plate is sized smaller than the folding plate to create a sewing margin on the folded piece, d. the outer holding plate has a downturned edge in superposition to the outer edge of the folding blade with the folding blade in folding position, e. the inner holding plate is sized smaller than the outer holding plate with the edge thereof in spaced relation to the folding blade and in superposition to the folded edge of the piece, whereby after removal of the folding plate, the inner holding plate will engage the folded edge of the piece to permit removal of the folding blades prior to clamping of said piece to the work surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
296 words
In a mechanism for symmetrically sewing a piece to a garment, the combination of: a. a frame having a work surface thereon, b. a pair of conjugate cams mounted on the frame to rotate about a prescribed axis, c. a motor means connected to drive said conjugate cams, d. a pair of lever means pivotally connected at one end thereof to the frame on one side of the conjugate cams to pivot about an axis parallel to the cam axis, e. each of the lever means extending on opposite sides of the conjugate cams, f. a cam follower connected to each of the lever means, with one cam follower engaging one of the conjugate cams and the other cam follower engaging the other of the conjugate cams, g. a pair of links, each pivotally connected at one end thereof to one of the lever means, and at the other end thereof pivotally connected to each other at an axis parallel to the pivotal axis of the lever, h. a sewing machine mounted on the frame to define a sewing station, i. a fixture, carrying a work clamp, connected to the links at the pivotal connection thereof to be moved responsive thereto, whereby the work clamp prescribes a predetermined path at the sewing station of the sewing machine, j. the axis of the conjugate cams and the axis of the pivotal connection of the lever means defining a hypothetical line of symmetry which will pass through the predetermiNed pattern prescribed at the pivotal connection of the inks to divide said pattern in symmetrical halves, k. the conjugate cams being equal and opposite on either side of the line of summetry at such times as the pivotal connecting axis of the links lies upon said line of symmetry.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
296 words
In a mechanism for symmetrically sewing a piece to a garment, the combination of: a. a frame having a work surface thereon, b. a pair of conjugate cams mounted on the frame to rotate about a prescribed axis, c. a motor means connected to drive said conjugate cams, d. a pair of lever means pivotally connected at one end thereof to the frame on one side of the conjugate cams to pivot about an axis parallel to the cam axis, e. each of the lever means extending on opposite sides of the conjugate cams, f. a cam follower connected to each of the lever means, with one cam follower engaging one of the conjugate cams and the other cam follower engaging the other of the conjugate cams, g. a pair of links, each pivotally connected at one end thereof to one of the lever means, and at the other end thereof pivotally connected to each other at an axis parallel to the pivotal axis of the lever, h. a sewing machine mounted on the frame to define a sewing station, i. a fixture, carrying a work clamp, connected to the links at the pivotal connection thereof to be moved responsive thereto, whereby the work clamp prescribes a predetermined path at the sewing station of the sewing machine, j. the axis of the conjugate cams and the axis of the pivotal connection of the lever means defining a hypothetical line of symmetry which will pass through the predetermiNed pattern prescribed at the pivotal connection of the inks to divide said pattern in symmetrical halves, k. the conjugate cams being equal and opposite on either side of the line of summetry at such times as the pivotal connecting axis of the links lies upon said line of symmetry.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
67 words
The combination claimed in claim 6 wherein: a. each of the conjugate cams having an identical pattern periphery when placed in superposition to one another with the respective line of symmetry of each matched and in unassembled position, b. one of the conjugate cams turned over with the respective lines of symmetry rematched to connect the same in assembled position for mounting upon the axis of rotation.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The combination claimed in claim 7 wherein: a. the starting point is defined by a predetermined angle set off from the axis of rotation of the assembled conjugate cams.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
68 words
The combination claimed in claim 6 wherein: a. each of the lever means of equal length, b. each of the links of equal length, c. each of the cam followers engage the conjugate cams at an equal distance measured from the line of symmetry, whereby a symmetrical pattern will be prescribed by the pivotal connection of the links and duplicated by the work clamp carried by the fixture.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
148 words
The combination claimed in claim 6 wherein: a. an adjustable mounting bracket carrying a pin to which the links are pivotally connected, interconnecting said links and the fixture, b. screw means detachably fixing the mounting bracket to the fixture, whereby the screws can be loosened to permit adjustment o the bracket and in tight position the screws lock said bracket in assembled position, c. a forced adjustment means carried by the fixture in perpendicular relationship to the line of symmetry, whereby on loosening of the connecting screws said bracket may be positioned in the X or the Y direction, d. a second adjustment means carried by the fixture to contact the bracket and move the same in a direction parallel to the line of symmetry, and e. biasing means carried by the fixture to urge said bracket in the direction of the first and the second adjustment means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
140 words
the combination claimed in claim 10 wherein: a. the connecting screws threadedly received in the mounting bracket, b. an extension plate fixedly connected to the fixture at one end thereof and disposed in superposition to the mounting bracket at the other end thereof, the extension plate having enlarged holes therein disposed in superposition to the tapped holes in said mounting bracket through which the connecting screws pass, c. a connecting plat disposed above said enlarged holes having openings therein in alignment with the tapped holes in the mounting bracket sized to rotatably receive the connecting screws, whereby tightening of the screws will clamp the extension plate between the mounting bracket and the connecting plate in assembled position and loosening of the screws will permit adjustment of the mounting bracket within the limits of the oversized holes in said extension plate.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
59 words
The combination claimed in claim 10 wherein: a. the extension plate is disposed substantially along the line of symmetry, b. a plurality of bosses extend downwardly from the extension plate in spaced relation to the mounting bracket, c. the first adjustment means carried in one of said bosses and the second adjustment means carried in another of said bosses.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-30 | 1976-07-31 | 1977-01-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-30 | 1980-07-31 | 1981-01-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-30 | 1984-07-31 | 1985-01-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |