US3794230A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Work piece guide system
Assignee: Blue Bell Inc
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Filing: 1972-12-26
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Granted: 1974-02-26
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Expires: 1992-12-26
Abstract
Abstract A system for accurately controlling and guiding the edge portions of one or more flexible fabric work pieces as they are being fed to a sewing machine stitching zone by applying a biasing or torque force to the work pieces. The torque is responsive to a linear force applied by the feed dogs and to frictional forces applied at pinch points spaced upstream and laterally of the feed dogs which linear force urges the edges of the work pieces into engagement with a guide member for maintaining a line of stitching a predetermined distance away from the edge of each work piece.
Inventors
- 👤 J Fulp
- 👤 C Bryan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 10:42
CPC Classifications
D; D05; D05B; D05B35/00; D05B35/10; D05D; D05D2207/00; D05D2207/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
The method of controlling and aligning edge porTions of flexible material comprising the steps of: advancing material by applying a prescribed linear force to the material, clamping the material with a predetermined force to apply a torque to the material as the material is advanced, displacing the material in a preselected direction in response to the torque applied thereto, and limiting the displacement of the material responsive to the torque beyond a specified location to guide edge portions of the material.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
81 words
The method of controlling and aligning edge porTions of flexible material comprising the steps of: advancing material by applying a prescribed linear force to the material, clamping the material with a predetermined force to apply a torque to the material as the material is advanced, displacing the material in a preselected direction in response to the torque applied thereto, and limiting the displacement of the material responsive to the torque beyond a specified location to guide edge portions of the material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the material is clamped at a prescribed location spaced upstream and laterally of the linear force.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as defined in claim 1, and further including the step of maintaining portions of the material adjacent the guided edge portions in an unbuckled and substantially flattened condition.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
76 words
Apparatus for controlling and guiding an edge portion of at least one work piece comprising: means for supporting and retaining a work piece in a generally flattened and unbuckled condition adjacent an edge portion to be guided, means for applying a force to a work piece sufficient to displace the work piece edge portion in predetermined direction, and means for limiting displacement of a work piece in said predetermined direction by engaging the edge portion thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
76 words
Apparatus for controlling and guiding an edge portion of at least one work piece comprising: means for supporting and retaining a work piece in a generally flattened and unbuckled condition adjacent an edge portion to be guided, means for applying a force to a work piece sufficient to displace the work piece edge portion in predetermined direction, and means for limiting displacement of a work piece in said predetermined direction by engaging the edge portion thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein the edge portions of a plurality of work pieces may be guided simultaneously and independently.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4, said supporting and retaining means including a plurality of superposed plates, and adjacent plates being positioned to receive a work piece therebetween.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein said force applying clamping means includes arcuate means biased into engagement with the work pieces at prescribed locations.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein said work piece limiting means includes an adjustable stop member for restricting displacement of one or more work pieces beyond a predetermined location.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein said supporting and retaining means and said force applying means cooperate with said displacement restricting means to align and control independently a plurality of work pieces.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 6, further including means for displacing said superposed plates to an opened position to facilitate the insertion of work pieces therebetween.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
GB519947A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-25 | 1977-08-27 | 1978-02-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-25 | 1981-08-27 | 1982-02-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-25 | 1985-08-27 | 1986-02-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |