US3918573A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic pleating device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-01-11
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Granted: 1975-11-11
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Expires: 1994-01-11
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to an automatic apparatus for conveying fabric, such as a shirt front and forming it into a so-called ''''one-piece'''' or ''''cut-on'''' center pleat. It involves a plurality of upper hem belts and a plurality of lower hem belts for gripping and conveying the edge of the fabric through a folder to a sewing machine. Means are provided for adjusting the tension of those upper and lower hem belts.
Inventors
- 👤 Wesley P Farney
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 21:40
CPC Classifications
D; D05; D05B; D05B35/00; D05B35/06; D05B35/062; D05B29/00; D05B29/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
Apparatus comprising a table, a plurality of driven endless conveying belts travelling in a selected direction on top of said table; a first plurality of aligned driven endless lower hem belts near an edge of the table and travelling in said direction on top of said table; a second plurality of aligned driven endless upper hem belts of essentially the same length in one-toone correspondence with said first plurality of hem belts travelling in said direction directly above said first plurality of lower hem belts, each one of said first plurality of belts being aligned with a different respective one of said second plurality of belts and coacting therewith to grip fabric therebetween to convey the fabric in said selected direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
Apparatus comprising a table, a plurality of driven endless conveying belts travelling in a selected direction on top of said table; a first plurality of aligned driven endless lower hem belts near an edge of the table and travelling in said direction on top of said table; a second plurality of aligned driven endless upper hem belts of essentially the same length in one-toone correspondence with said first plurality of hem belts travelling in said direction directly above said first plurality of lower hem belts, each one of said first plurality of belts being aligned with a different respective one of said second plurality of belts and coacting therewith to grip fabric therebetween to convey the fabric in said selected direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apParatus of claim 1 wherein each of said lower hem belts is essentially the same length.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein means are provided for simultaneously adjusting the tension on all of the lower hem belts.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein means are provided for simultaneously adjusting the tension on all of the upper hem belts.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein there are three lower hem belts of essentially the same length, there are three upper hem belts of essentially the same length, and in which means are provided for simultaneously adjusting the tension on all of the lower hem belts and means are provided for simultaneously adjusting the tension on all the upper hem belts.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 5 comprising also means for individually adjusting the tension on each of the lower hem belts and on each of the upper hem belts.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
82 words
The apparatus of claim 5 comprising also a plurality of roller assemblies disposed along the length of the upper and lower hem belts and bearing on them, each such assembly comprising at least one roller fixed in place horizontally, and free to move vertically and bearing on top of one or more upper hem belts, thereby to exert a positive control on fabric being conveyed between the upper and lower hem belts and to accommodate any thickness of fabric being so conveyed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
50 words
Apparatus as in claim 1, and folding means positioned in the path of travel of fabric for folding said fabric, and means for separating said first and second plurality of hem belts in the vicinity of said folding means to release the fabric so that the fabric can be folded.
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) | 1978-11-10 | 1979-05-12 | 1979-11-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-10 | 1983-05-12 | 1983-11-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-10 | 1987-05-12 | 1987-11-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |