US2132429A - Method and apparatus for the manufacture of upholstery - Google Patents

Description

Oct. l1, 1938. A A. s. MITCHELL 2,132,429

METHOD AND APPARATUS Fon THE MANUFACTURE oF UPHOLSTERY Filed Apg-f1 17, 1955 s sheets-sheet 1 w1- k mil/f Oct. l1, 1938. A. s. MITCHELL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF `UPHOLSTERY Filed April 17, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Zr Z M M YZO/00%@ A. S. MITCHELL Oct. 11, 1938. 2,132,429

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFAGTURE oP UPHOLSTERY Filed April 17,' 19:55

3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Oct. 11, 1938 UNITED STATES mz'rnon AND mmwrns ron 'rmt MAN- UrAc'rUnE -orUrnoLs'rEar Allister'S. Mitchell, Detroit, Mich.,` assigner to National Automotive Fibres, Inc., Detroit, Mich., a corporation ot Delaware Application April 17, 1935. Sorill N0. 16,868'

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This invention' relates particularly to upholstery adapted for use in automobiles, etc., and to a method and machine for manufacturing the same.

The primary object of the invention is to provide vupholstery of improved construction and appearance which may be used in making stuffed cushions or may be used to 'cover panels for the lining of an automobile or the like.

A further object of the invention is to provide a new type of seam between pleats of a cushion which may be described as M-shaped.

In the use of the improved machine, as preferably constructed, pre-cutr covers, a lining-fabric and strips of batting are fed through the machine, the pre-cut covers being iowermost; the lining-fabric has formed therein upstanding seam-ridges; the pre-cut covers are fed, seriatim, overa suitable b ed and provided with upstanding seam-ridges 4and intervening depressed pleats, the seam-ridges of the covers becoming nested with the seam-ridges of the lining-fabric. Strips of cotton batting or the like are drawn thrbugh with the fabrics and 1111 the pleats; and the upstanding nested seam-ridges of the lining-fabric and of the pre-cut covers (suitably spaced) are sewed by means of sewing mechanisms mounted on a cross beam above the path of the materials, each sewing mechanism preferably having a head carrying a sewing-needle and a louper-needle.

The covers are fed continuously through the machine and are connected in series either by lining-fabric or tapes which. serve .as backings for the seam-ridges. The cotton batts may be continuous strips and the cover fabrics are sewed to the lining. Ii desired, the batts fed to the pleats are periodically broken. to correspond with the spaces between the covers, so that the upholstery produced is a continuous piece composed of a series of `cushions connected by short lengths of lining-fabric or tapes. The lining-fabric may be cut at the spaces between the covers to effect separation of the. cushions.

In the present machine, use is made of a suction-conveyor and associated spaced ridges adapted to form seam-ridges and intervening (Cl. Ilz-2).

patent, No. 1,918,284, the .application for which was iiled October 30, 1930.

The invention is illustrated in a preferred embodlment in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a broken side elevational view of ai machine embodying the` invention; Fig. 2, a broken side elevational view of the improved ridge-bar; Fig. 3, a sectional view taken as indicated at line 3 of Fig. 1; Fig. 4, a. broken sectional view taken as indicated at line 4 of Fig. 1; Fig. 5, a broken sectional view taken as indicated at line 5 of Fig. 1; Fig. 6, a broken sectional view taken as indicated atllne 6 of Fig. l; Fig. '7, a broken sectional view taken as indicated at line 1 of Fig. 1; Fig. 8, a broken sectional view taken as indicated at 8--8 of Fig. 1; Fig. 9, a broken sectional view taken as indicated at line 9 of Fig. l; Fig. l0, an elevational view, partly in section, of a presser-shoe and associated stripper-arm; Fig. 11, a broken elevational view showing the relation between the presser shoe and ridge-depressing wheel; Fig. 12, a sectional view of a cushion embodying the invention; Fig. 13, a broken perspective view of a cushion having the improved M-shape seam; Fig. 14, a broken plan view showing an extension tacked onto the cover fabric; Fig. 15, a broken front sectional view oi' a forming-roll and ridge-bar for forming a pleat with the extension for the cover-fabric; Fig. 16', a sectional view showing the extension attached to the cushion; Fig. 17, a modification showing a fabric with animproved ridge-seam having. a connecting tape nested therein and sewed to form a backing for the seam; Fig. 18,

another modification wherein the tape is sufilciently wide to completely enclose the underside of the seam; Fig. 19 shows a series of fabrics for use in covering a panel and provided with connecting tapes of the character shown in Fig. 18; and Fig.20, a vertical sectional view showing a tape-tensioning device used when tapes are sewed to the fabric`ln a machine of the general character shown in Fig. 1. e

The construction of the machine is similar to that shown in my above patent and the -parts operate in substantially the same way. In the embodiment illustrated, A designates a main frame which is equipped at its iront end with a vertically adjustable cross-head A; B, a front suction-conveyor mounted in the bed of the machine; C, a series of sewing mechanisms mounted on the cross-head and'actuated byia commonV e shaft C; D and D', a pair of front feed rolls upholstery through the front end of the machine; E, a forming-roll disposed back of and carried by the lower portion of the cross-head A; F, longitudinal ridge-bars which cooperate with the forming-roll to form the seam-ridges; G, a series of lining-creasers mounted on a transverse bar G carried by the head; H, batt-feeding rolls journaled in supports carried by the main frame; and I, a series of guides or short chutes serving to guide the batts to the forming-roll E.

The main frame A, cross-head A', conveyor B, sewing mechanism C, and feed-rolls D and D are substantially the-same as those described in the patent above.

The forming-rolls E are laterally adjustable on the cross-shaft 2l and preferably formed in two parts 22 and 23. Each provides a groove 24 from which projects a grooved ridge-depressing wheel 25. As shown in Fig. 9, the parts may be connected together by suitable rivets 26 and the forming-roll is adjustably secured to the shaft 2| by means of a set' screw 21. As will be understood, the sewing mechanisms and cooperating parts of the machine are also adjustable later-v ally in order to form pleats of various widths.

The ridge-bar F, best shown in Figs. 1 and 2, is xed t'o the frame of the machine just above the suction-conveyor B. As will be understood from the sectional views in Figs. 3 and 6, the rear portion of the bar is substantially square, as indicated at 28, and tapers downwardly and forwardly towards the front of the machine in steps to a point 29. The ridge-bar is provided with an upwardly open longitudinal slot 30 in which the crown portion of the ridge-seam is depressed so as to become M-shaped. Above the ridge-bars are i'lxed forming-shoes 3| which extend down and partially enclose the ridge-bar F. Thus it will be understood that as a fabric-cover or blank 32 is fed forwardly over the ridge-bar F by means of the suction-conveyor B, the seam-portion will first be oi inverted U-form, as shown in Fig. 3, and gradually have its crown portion depressed to become M-shaped, as shown progressively in Figs. 4 and 5. At the same time, a lining-fabric 33 is formed into corresponding seam-portions by the forming-shoes G and comes into contact with the cover-fabric 32 at the forming-roll E. .The ridge-depressing wheel nests the seam-portions of the two fabric and they are advanced to the sewing mechanism C in this relation. It will be understood, also, that the cotton batts 34 are fed into the pleat-fulnesses in timed relation to the movements of the cover and lining-fabrics by means of the rolls H.

As shown in Figs. 1, 10 and 11, a presser-shoe 35 is mounted on the lower end of the cross-head A' and is equipped with a rearwardly extending stripper-arm 36 which extends back into the groove of the wheel 25 and is pivotally mounted on the presser-shoe at 31. A spring 38 is arranged to urge the rear portion of the stripperarm upwardly and a set screw 39 is provided to adjust the stripper-arm to accommodate various depths of seams. The stripper-arm serves to prevent the crown portion of the seam-ridge from following the rotation of the wheel 25Y upwardly.

As shown in Figs. l and 8, the seam-portions in the lining-fabric are formed by the liningcreasers G which comprise a pair of forwardly inclined bars 40 between which the lining-fabric is pressed by means of a parallel bar 4| which is fastened to a bracket 42 by means of a screw 43.

G' which, in turn, is supported on the crosshead A'.

It hasbeen dlmcult to obtain cover-fabrics of sufilcient width to form a complete cushion in one piece and, accordingly, the practice has been to sew on to the sides of the cushion lateral extensions which are known in the trade as hams. As shown in Figs. 13-16, in the present invention the hams 44 may be tacked to the coverfabric 32 by means oi.' stitching 45. Preferably, a butt-seam is employed. As shown in Fig. 15, a special ridge-bar 46 is employed to cooperate with the forming-roll E and the presser shoe 35 to form the end M-shape seam-ridge which contains the butt-seam between the cover-fabric and ham 44. y

When the upholstery blanks are to be used for covering lining panels rather than stuffed cushions, the lining-fabric 33 is not needed and tapes 49 may be substituted. When such tapes are used, the formers G may be omitted and tapetensioning devices 50 shown irr Fig. 20 may be mounted on the cross-head A in their places. The tensioning device may comprise a rearwardly extending plate 5l equipped with grooved rollers 52 around which the tape passes on its way to the forming-roll E. If the tape is of sufiicient width, the transverse stitches 53 which arefcrmed by the sewing-needle 54 and louper-needle 55 of the sewing mechanism C may pass through four thicknesses of both the cover-fabric and tape. However, if desired, a narrower tape may be used, as shown in Fig. 17, wherein the stitching 53 passes through four thicknesses of the cover-fabric and but two thicknesses of a tape 56. As shown in Fig. 19, the covers 32 are connected in series by means of the tapes 49 and this connection enables the feed-rolls D and D' `to withdraw the upholstery from the machine and facilitates subsequent folding operations. The tapes, of course, may be severed when the upholstery is ready to be applied to a lining panel.

'Ihe foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, but the appended claims should be construed as broadly as permissible, in view of the prior art.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patents, is:

l. In upholstery manufacture: feeding a cover-fabric and progressively forming an M- shape seam-ridge therein; feeding a second fabric and progressively forming an M-shape' seam-ridge therein and nesting the seam-ridges; and connecting the plies of the forwardly advancing steam-ridges by transverse stitches.

2. In upholstery manufacture: feeding a cover-fabric and forming therein a seam-ridge of inverted U-form and subsequently progressively depressing the central portion of the crown to produce an M-form seam-ridge; feeding a second fabric and progressively forming a seamridge therein and nesting the seam-ridges; and connecting the plies of the seam-ridges by transverse stitches.

3. In upholstery manufacture, the steps which comprise: pneumatically gripping and carrying a cover-fabric and forming therein inverted U- shape seam-portions and intervening depressed pleat-fulnesses; progressively depressing the central portion of the crowns of said seam-portions to produce M-shape seam-ridges; progressively forming seam-portions in a second fabric and bringing said fabric to superposed relation `transverse stitches.

s. In upholstery manufacture, the steps which comprise: pneumaticaliy gripping and carrying a cover-fabric and forming therein inverted U- shape seam-portions and intervening depressed pleat-fulnesses; progressively depressing the oentral portion of the crowns of said steam-portions to produce M-shape seam-ridges; forming seamportions in a second fabric and bringing said fabric to superposed relation with respect to the cover-fabric and nesting the seam-ridges of the two fabrics; feeding continuous strips of batting intofthe pleat-fulnesses; and sewing together the seam-portions of said fabrics with transverse stitches.

In upholstery manufacture: feeding a cover-fabric and progressively forming an M- `shape seam-ridge therein; feeding a second fabric and progressively forming an M-shape seam-ridge therein, and nesting the seam-ridges: and connecting all eight plies of the seam-ridges by transverse stitches.

6. A process which comprises: advancing precut covers seriatim; progressively forming M- shape seam-ridges in said forwardly advancing covers; and applying and sewing continuous tapes as bracings to the seams. l

7. A process of the character set forth which comprises: advancing pre-cut fabric-blanks seriatim; forming M-shape seam ridges successively in said blanks; feeding a continuous fabric ao that it contacts with the seam-portions of the formed blanks in succession; and sewing with transverse stitches the seam portions vof the blanks to the continuous fabric while the fabrics advance in unison.

a spaced from 8. In an upholstery machine: means for feed- 4 bar for depressing the fabric into said slot; and

means for rsewing together the four plies of the seam-ridge.

9. In an upholstery machine: means for feeding a cover-fabric; means for forming an M- shape seam-ridge in said fabric which comprises a longitudinally lextending ridge-bar having an upwardly open longitudinal slot, a forming-roll having a circumferential groove adapted to rereive said ridge-bar, and a ridge-depressing member in said groove projecting into said slot; and means for sewing together the four vplies of the seam-ridge.

10. In an upholstery machine: means for feeding a cover-fabric; means for forming an M- shape seam-ridge in said fabric which comprises a longitudinally vextending ridge-bar having an upwardly open longitudinal slot, a forming-roll having a circumferential groove adapted to receive said ridge-bar, a grooved ridge-depressing wheel in said groove projecting into said slot, and a stripper-arm mounted above said ridge.- bar and extending into the groove in said ridgedepressing wheel; and means for sewing together the four plies of the seam-ridge.

11. In a machine of the character set forth: feeding mechanism; and mechanism for forming an M-shape seam in a fabric advanced by said feeding mechanism comprising a. ridge-bar having a longitudinal slot, a forming-roll having a groove partially enclosing said ridge-bar in spaced relation, and a ridge-depressing wheel mounted on said forming-roll and projecting from said groove into the slot in said ridge-bar.

12. In a machine of the character set forth: feeding mechanism; and mechanism for forming an M-shape seam in a fabric advanced by said feeding mechanism comprising a ridge-bar having a longitudinal slot, a forming-roll having a groove partially enclosing .said ridge-bar in spaced relation, a grooved ridge-depressing wheel mounted on said forming-roll and projecting from said groove into the slot'in said ridge-bar, and a presser-shoe in the rear of said formingwheel provided with a forwardly extending stripper-arm projecting into said grooved wheel.

ALLISTER S.

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