US3805718A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pleat forming device for sewing machines
Assignee: Home Curtain Corp
•
Filing: 1968-08-12
•
Granted: 1974-04-23
•
Expires: 1988-08-12
Abstract
Abstract A pleat forming mechanism adapted to be attached to and operated in conjunction with a lock stitch or chain stitch sewing machine to interconnect the conventional triple pleat formed at the upper edge of drapery fabrics at periodic intervals. The device includes a first pleat forming member including a hinged gripping portion adapted to clamp a manually formed first pleat, means for moving the first pleat forming means into position beneath the needle of the sewing machine, second and third pleat forming elements, and means for advancing the same in serial fashion to successively form the remaining pleats of the individual triple pleat from unfolded material adjacent the first formed pleat. Means are provided for clamping the second and third pleats subsequent to withdrawal of the pleat forming elements, as is means for moving the clamped pleats in planar motion perpendicular to the axis of the sewing machine needle as the clamped material is sewed.
Inventors
- 👤 S Levinstein
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 19:35
CPC Classifications
D; D05; D05B; D05B35/00; D05B35/08; D05B29/00; D05B29/06; D05D; D05D2207/00; D05D2207/02; D10; D10B; D10B2503/00; D10B2503/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
A device for use in conjunction with a sewing machine for forming a plural pleat in piece goods along an edge thereof prior to a sewing operation permanently holding said formed plural pleat, comprising: a fold retaining element including a pair of clamping members, a plurality of fold retaining members mounted for pivotal movement about an axis fixed with respect to said sewing machine, and relatively movable about said axis from opened to closed positions to enclose and maintain a plurality of folds in pleated juxtaposed condition; a plurality of fold forming members arranged in mutually staggered relation, and means for serially moving said fold forming members into successive interstices formed by said fold retaining element and plurality of fold retaining members; means for successively closing said fold retaining members to retain folds of cloth placed therein, following the progressive formation thereof, and means for substantially simultaneously withdrawing said fold forming members after the completion of a formed pleat.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
159 words
A device for use in conjunction with a sewing machine for forming a plural pleat in piece goods along an edge thereof prior to a sewing operation permanently holding said formed plural pleat, comprising: a fold retaining element including a pair of clamping members, a plurality of fold retaining members mounted for pivotal movement about an axis fixed with respect to said sewing machine, and relatively movable about said axis from opened to closed positions to enclose and maintain a plurality of folds in pleated juxtaposed condition; a plurality of fold forming members arranged in mutually staggered relation, and means for serially moving said fold forming members into successive interstices formed by said fold retaining element and plurality of fold retaining members; means for successively closing said fold retaining members to retain folds of cloth placed therein, following the progressive formation thereof, and means for substantially simultaneously withdrawing said fold forming members after the completion of a formed pleat.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
Structure in accordance with claim 1, said fold retaining element having an opening therein for the entry of a sewing machine needle of shape corresponding to a predetermined sewing pattern.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
Structure in accordance with claim 1, including pneumatically operated means for moving said fold forming element.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
162 words
The method of forming a pleat consisting of a plurality of folds which comprises the steps of: providing a fold retaining element including a plurality of movably associated fold retaining members movable between a mutually spaced condition defining a plurality of interstices therebetween and a closed position in which said fold retaining members are moved to abutted condition to grip therebetween a folded piece of goods; providing a plurality of fold forming members slidably engageable between said interstices when said fold retaining members are in relatively opened condition; manually forming a first fold, and clamping the same between portions of said fold retaining element; serially moving the fold forming members into successive interstices formed between the fold retaining members to form adjacent pleats from material disposed on one side of said fold retaining element; serially clamping said fold retaining members upon formed folds as said folds are formed; subsequently withdrawing said fold forming members, and sewing said folds to form a pleat.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
162 words
The method of forming a pleat consisting of a plurality of folds which comprises the steps of: providing a fold retaining element including a plurality of movably associated fold retaining members movable between a mutually spaced condition defining a plurality of interstices therebetween and a closed position in which said fold retaining members are moved to abutted condition to grip therebetween a folded piece of goods; providing a plurality of fold forming members slidably engageable between said interstices when said fold retaining members are in relatively opened condition; manually forming a first fold, and clamping the same between portions of said fold retaining element; serially moving the fold forming members into successive interstices formed between the fold retaining members to form adjacent pleats from material disposed on one side of said fold retaining element; serially clamping said fold retaining members upon formed folds as said folds are formed; subsequently withdrawing said fold forming members, and sewing said folds to form a pleat.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method in accordance with claim 4, further characterized in the provision of the final step of moving said fold retaining element and fold retaining members as a unit from sewing position with respect to the sewing machine for subsequent manual removal therefrom.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-04-22 | 1977-10-22 | 1978-04-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-04-22 | 1981-10-22 | 1982-04-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-04-22 | 1985-10-22 | 1986-04-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |