US3083654A - Mattress sewing table - Google Patents

Description

April 2, 1963 J. A. CASH, SR 3,033,654

MATTRESS SEWING TABLE Filed Jan. 8, 1960 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 \BOTTOM FACE PANEL 5e FIG.2

IN VEN TOR.

JAMES A. CASH,SR.

BY (mam:

ATTORNEY April 2, 1963 J. A. cAsI-I, SR 3,083,654

MATTRESS SEWING TABLE Filed Jan. 8, 1960 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 TABLE TOP FIXED CENTER LEAF 23 I8 2| 22 2e 2e 24 25 I8 SUPPORT FRAMES as WHEEL as I T l9 43 40 32 PRIMARY LINK 34 H SIDE MARGINAL SECTION 6 o I9 I g8 I as FIXED LEAF g Y as EEIII 31 I LEVER MOTOR 27 HINGED LEAFgg l5 PRIMARY I LINK /-IO 49 -Io 4a 2e 15 I I I9 3? 43 5| I 47 I Pg ggNTER 5 o 50 SECONDARY HEEL3 I I HINGE 2e INK 40 LEVER 27 39 l HINGED LEAF 21 I o r-SUPPORT I FRAME 9 FIxEo LEAF 5 ll I9 g SIDE MARGINAL SECTION FIG. 3

INVENTOR.

JAMES A. CASH, SR.

ATTORNEY April 2, 1963 J. A. CASH, SR

MATTRESS SEWING TABLE 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 INTERMEDIATE 1 2 SECTION MOTOR 47 I 6 ,ss "R )i I Ft: "3

1 53 \INTERMEDIATE LEAF LEVER 2? 47 u 50 0 'CRANKWHEEL E F |G.6

6\\\(/(/ III! H zz \V/ i F -u x E]; 27\ 2| l3 1 u FIG 5 INVENTOR.

JAMES A. CASH,SR.

BY: W

ATTORNEY April 2, 1963 J. A. CASH, SR

MATTRESS SEWING TABLE 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Jan. 8, 1960 INVENTOR. JAMES A. cAsH,sR. BY 3 ATTORNEY April 2, 1963 J. A. CASH, SR

MATTRESS SEWING TABLE 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 8. 1960 JIGJI INVENTOR. JAMES A. CA$H,$R- BY d Mr ATTORNEY Ap 2, 1963 J. A. CASH, SR

MATTRESS SEWING TABLE Filed Jan. 8. 1960 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. JAMES A. cAsH,sR. BY G en/M ATTORNEY April 2, 1963 J. A. CASH, SR

MATTRESS sswmc TABLE 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Jan. 8, 1960 INVENTOR JAMES A. CASH, SR.

ATTORNEY .IIG. l8

April 2, 1963 J. A. CASH, SR

MATTRESS SEWING TABLE 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Jan. 8, 1960 INVENTOR.

JAMES A. GASH,SR.

ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 2, i963 MATTRESS SEWENG TABLE James A. Cash, Sn, Louisville, Ky, assignor to .lames Cash Machine (30., Louisville, Ky, a corporation of Kentucky Filed Jan. d, 1%6, Ser. No. 2,322 2 Qlaims. (U. 112-3) This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application, S.N. 773,368, filed Nov. 12, 1958, now abandoned.

in covering mattresses, the conventional practice comprises: (1) covering the bottom and peripheral border faces of the mattress with a shallow pan-like cloth cover, having a bottom face panel and a border panel sewn together along the bottom edge of the mattress; and then (2) closing the mattress by sewing a top face panel to the border panel along the top edge of the mattress.

The closing operation is less difficult to perform along the first two edges of the mattress because the top face panel is relaxed but it becomes progressively more difiicult to perform along the last two edges because the operator must now stretch the top face panel tightly across the mattress and hold it in this tightly stretched condition while he conducts the sewing operation in order to end up with a mattress having its top face panel tightly stretched to a smooth unwrinkled condition. in closing a full mattress, the operator must initially pull, push or otherwise manipulate it into an approximately centered position wherein its upper peripheral edge usually is inaccurately aligned with the path of the sewing head. In closing a smaller mattress, he must first manually manipulate it into one position, which is ofiset toward one side of the table, and then manually shift and manipulate it into another position, which is offset toward the other side of the table. The energy and care required by the closing operation necessitates the use of highly skilled labor, subjects that labor to fatigue and slows down production time.

The principal object of this invention is to overcome one or more of the foregoing difliculties in closing a mattress and, more particularly, substantially reduce the energy, care and skill required in the performance of the mattress cover-closing operation, lessen the possibility of fatigue and speed up the operation generally.

Another important object is to provide a method of and a means for supporting a mattress during the closing operation which eliminates the necessity of stretching the stop face panel and yet insures the production of a closed mattress havin its top face panel tightly stretch to a smooth unwrinkled condition.

Another important object is to provide a mattress cover closing table capable of achieving the foregoing objectives with mattresses of difierent sizes.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide an easier, quicker and more accurate way of centering any mattress in its first operative position on the table.

Another important object is to provide an easier, quick or and more accurate way of shifting and centering an undersized mattress in its second ofiset position even while the mattress remains in its elevated position.

Still another important object of the invention is to provide a simple and effective selectively-operable means for actuating the mattress sewing apparatus in a manner allowing the operator to remain adjacent the carriage throughout the mattress closing operation.

Bnoadly speaking, the first aspect of my invention resides in the concept of performing the closing operation while the mattress is supported in a sagging condition so that its top face panel may be relaxed throughout the entire closing operation. By elevating all margins of the mattress and leaving its center sag, it becomes unnecessary to stretch the top face panel during the closing operation but, at the end of that operation, when the mattress is allowed to flatten out, it will automatically stretch the top face panel into a smooth unwrinkled condition.

In carrying out this aspect of my invention, I propose to support a mattress, during the cover closing operation, by means of a table top composed of relatively elevated sections which are arranged to engage the bottom face margins of a mattress placed thereover and, through such engagement, to support said mattress in a sagging condition. Preferably, the table top sections are hinged for movement from a horizontal position in which they cooperate to provide a flat-faced mattresseupporting surface to a relatively upwardly inclined position in which they engage said mattress marginally and support it in a sagging condition.

For use in closing a full-sized mattress, the table may be provided with a hinged section along each of its four margins. In order to accommodate mattresses of the same length but smaller width, it is only necessary to provide a pair of hinged intermediate sections paralleling the marginal side sections with one intermediate section cooperating with one marginal side section to support the mattress on one side of the table and with the other intermediate section cooperating with the other marginal side section to support the mattress on the other side of the table.

The second aspect of my invention resides broadly in the concept of performing the mattress centering and shifting operations mechanically. The mechanical performance of these operations makes it easily and quickly possible to center each full mattress accurately in its centrally disposed operative position on the table and to center an undersized mattress accurately in each of its ofiset positions and to shift it quickly from one offset position to the other. Furthermore, it becomes possible for the operator to institute and control all of these mechanical operations from the carriage.

In carrying out the mattress centering and shifting as pects of my invention, 1 provide the apparatus (a) with spaced mattress centering means mounted on the table and operable, when actuated, to move from an out-of-the-way position to a relatively raised centering position during which movement they cooperatively engage the border of a mattress and push it into a centered position; (b) with shifting means mounted on the table and operable, when actuated, to push an undersized mattress across the table from its first offset position to its second offset position; and (c) multi-control means mounted on the carriage and arranged for selective operation, first, at the starting end of the table, to actuate the mattress raising means and the centering means so as to raise and center either a full sized mattress in its operative position or an undersized mattress in its first offset position, and second, at the other or shifting end of the table, to actuate the shifting means to push an undersized mattress from its first offset position to its second offset position and to actuate the means required to center and support such mattress in its second offset position.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein: I

FIG. 1 is a perspective View of a mattress sewing table constructed in accordance with my invention, this View showing a mattress supported on the table and a tape edge-sewing machine supported on the track surrounding it;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary section corresponding to one taken on line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the mattress sewing table;

starting and mattress shifting ends'of the table at the lower left and upper right respectively;

FIG. is a starting end elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the table top structure; FIG. 12 is a section taken along line -1212 of FIG. 11; FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on line 13-43 of FIG. 11, this view illustrating the mattress shifting mechanism with the mattress shifting leaf shown in full lines at the end of its inwardly extended mattress shifting movement and shown in dotted lines in its upwardly and outwardly inclined mattress-supporting position;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary enlarged perspective view showing the control pedals on the carriage in relation to the starting end of the table;

FIG. 15 is a section taken along line 1515 of FIG. 14 but omitting the pedal nearest the table to show the underlying pedal operated mechanism on the carriage and the co-operating mechanism on the table structure;

FIG. 16 is a section taken along line 1616 of FIG.14;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of the table leaf operating system, this view including a cut-way top plan view of the table leaves to show the relationship between the 7 operating system and the leaves;

FIG. 19 is an elevational view of the mattress shifting end of the table, this view being partly broken to Show a modified form of mattress shifting mechanism;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the structure shown in FIG. 19 with the upper portion of the table top and carriage omitted, the lower portion of the carriage'being shown at the starting end of the table; and 7 FIG. 21 is a fragmentary elevational view showing the carriage in' operative relationship to the modified form of mattress shifting mechanism.

APPARATUS OF FIGS. 1-7

The mattress sewing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 includes: a rectangular base; a sewing machine mounted on the base for travel along an endless rectangular path extending along the rectangular periphery of the base; a mattress supporting table locatedwithin said path and mounted on the base, said table having hinged'leaves; and operating means for said'leaves.

Base

carriage, also designated. 5, movably supported on the upper and lower trackways 1 and 2; a sewing head 6 adjustably mounted on top of the carriage; and a motor.

7 mounted on the carriage 5 and operatively connected not only to the carriage for moving it about thebase but also to the sewing heade for actuating it during the sewing operation.

4 Table V The mattress sewing table includes: a support frame; and a table top mounted on the frame and having hinged marginal sections and a center section including certain hinged intermediatesections.

SUPPORT FRAME The support frame 9 includes: at its top, a rectangular frame, also designated, 9, theunderside of which is seen in FIG. 3; a pair of horizontal cross braces 10 bridging the space between the longitudinal sides of the rectangular support frame 9 at intermediate locations; and a plurality of vertical legs 11, one extending downwardly from each corner of the support frame 9 and mounted on the base 1 ,for vertical adjustment. The means for adjustably mounting the legs 11 is not shown as it is conventional and is not a part of this invention.

TABLE TOP The table top .13 includes a plurality of sections overlying the top of the rectangular support frame 9. These sections include: a rectangular center section; and four surrounding marginal sections 14 to 17, onefor each side or end edge of the center section. Each marginal section is pivoted to the adjacent edge of the center section for movement between a collapsed position, in which ti 'is horizontally aligned with the center section, and a raised or. elevated position, in which it is inclined upwardly andoutwardly from the marginal edges ofthe center section.

MARGINAL SECTIONS The marginal sections include two end edge leaves 14 and 15 and two side edge leaves 16 and 17. These leaves are pivoted by the hinges 13 to the adjacent side and end edges of the center section of the table. Each of the leaves 14 to 17 is mitered at its opposite ends, as seen in FIG. 3. The adjacent mitered ends, of each pair of leaves at each corner of the table,.are separated, in their horizontal positions, by a small gap providing sutficient clearance 'for the leaves to be raised to their inclined CENTER SECTION The center section of the table 13 is composed .of a

transverse. succession of five longitudinalleaves 21 to 25,.

which extend lengthwise in parallel relationship on .the frame 9 with their adjacent side edgesnarrowly spaced, as seen in FIG. 5. The odd numbered-leavesofthis suc cession, namely, the two outer leaves 21 and 25, and the.

center leaf 23, are stationary and fixed to the tableframe 9. The other two -intermediate leaves 22 and .24'are pivoted by hinges 26 to the opposite. side edges of. the center leaf '23.

The intermediate'hinged leaves 22 and. 24are .arranged in .the center section so that they may be alternately '7 raised to an upwardly inclined; position to aid in supporting a smaller mattress, such asatwinsize mattress, at different times onoppositesides of the table. Thisalternate' use of the leaves.22 and 24 is illustratedin FIGS. 6 and 7.

,An individual operating lever 27 is fired to the bottom face ofeach of the intermediate hinged leaves 22 and; 7 24. These levers 27 function, when appropriately moved,

to raise and lower the leaves 22 and 2 4.

Operating Means The operating means for the leaves includes: means for raising and lowering the marginal sections of the top; and means for raising and lowering the intermediate sections of the top.

MEANS FOR RAISING AND IJOWERING MARGINAL LEAVES The marginal leaves 14 to 17 are raised and lowered by a mechanism, which, as seen in FIG. 3, includes: an electric motor 3%) mounted on a plate 31 fixed to the bottom of the table frame 9; and a mechanism interconnecting the motor 39 with the levers l9 fixed to the lower faces of the leaves 14 to 17. The interconnecting mechanism, proceeding from the motor 36 to the levers 19, includes: a pinion 32 fixed to the shaft of the motor 38; a gear 33 rotationally driven by the pinion 32; a primary link 34 having one end eccentrically pivoted on the gear '53 and its other end eccentrically pivoted to a spoked wheel 36; and individual secondary links 37 to 40 interconnected between the outer ends of separate spokes of the wheel 36 and individual levers 19.

The small pinion 32 and large gear 33 act as a simple gear reducing mechanism. The eccentric connection of the link 3 to the gear 33, which causes the link 34 to reciprocate when the gear is rotated, is or" the ball and socket type allowing a universal pivoting movement.

The spoked wheel 36 is mounted on a suitable bearing axle, which is fixed to and depends from a table cross brace 19. The wheel lid is composed of bars crossing at right angles to each other to form spokes of equal length. A horizontal flange .3 is fixed to one of the wheel spokes and connected to the end of the primary link 34-. Ohviously, the reciprocation of the link 34, will oscillate the wheel 36 back and forth. The connection between the link 34 and wheel 36 is of a pin-slot type allowing the magnitude of the angular movement of the oscillating wheel to be adjustably varied and also of a type allowing a universal movement of this end of the link 34, the same as the pivot on. the other end thereof.

The secondary links 37 to it are adjustable in length and are also mounted on pivots at their opposite ends providing a universal movement. The rotation of the *spoked wheel 36 moves the secondary links simultaneously and, therefore, raises or lowers the marginal leaves 14 to 17 simultaneously through their respective operating evers l9.

MEANS FOR RAISING AND LGWERING INTERMEDIATE LEAVES As best seen in FIGS. 57, the power means for operating the intermediate leaves 22 and 24 includes: an electric motor .7 fixed on a plate 43 welded to a table cross brace 1i and a mechanism interconnecting motor 47 with both levers 27 so that the intermediate leaves 22 and 24 can be alternately raised. This interconnecting mechanism includes: a crank wheel 49 fiXed to the shaft of the motor 47; a lird: 5t? eccentrically pivoted at one end to the crank wheel 49; and a bridge plate 51 pivoted to the other end of link 5%, the plate being connected at its opposite ends to the levers 27.

Each end of the bridge plate 51 has a horizontal slot 52 to receive a pin 53, which is fixed to the levers 27 and arranged to extend through and slide in these slots. The slots 52 are located so that when both of the leaves 22 and 24 are horizontal, as seen in FIG. 5, both of the pins 53 are at the inner ends of their respective slots. As indicated in FIGS. 5-7, movement of the bridge plate 51 in the right direction, transverse of the leaves 22 and 24, raises the right leaf 22 while movement in the left direction, raises the left leaf 24.

Operation At some time prior to the operation of the FIG. 1 apparatus, a partially formed mattress cover, having, as indicated in FIG. 2, a bottom face-panel 56 and a border panel 57 sewn together along their adjacent edges, is applied over a mattress 55. Then this mattress is placed on the table with its uncovered face uppermost. In completing the mattress-covering operation, a top face-panel 59 is placed over the uncovered face of the mattress and its edges are sewn to the adjacent edges of the border panel.

The conventionally rolled edges 58 and 60 of the mattress 55 are similar to each other. The rolled edge 60 is formed by overlapping the edge of the top face-panel 59 and the upper edge of the border panel 57 to form an outwardly extending flange, applying a longitudinally folded tape 61 progressively over these overlapped edges to sandwich them between its folded portions and simultaneously sewing the resulting four-layer assembly together with a seam 62.

At the start of the operation, we assume that all of the pivoted leaves of the table top 13 are down in horizontal positions and that the sewing machine 5 and mattress 55 are ready for the closing operation.

With a full size mattress 55, only the marginal (side and end) leaves 14 to 17 are raised. This is done by energizing the motor 39 to rotate the spoked wheel 36 counterclockwise, as seen in FIG. 3, and thereby push the secondary links 37 to 44 outwardly. This moves the lower ends of the levers l9 outwardly and such movement swings the marginal leaves to their respective inclined positions as seen in FIG. 4. in this position, the bottom face margins of the mattress 55 are engaged and raised by the marginal leaves while the center of the mattress sags downwardly normally remaining on the center section of the table.

The operator pulls the adjacent edges of the top face panel 59 and the border panel 57 into the sewing machine head 6 and proceeds to sew the rolled edge 60 progressively around the mattress. Due to the sag in the mattress 55, the top face panel 59 is loose and relaxed thus relieving the operator of the necessity of stretching it as the rolled edge 6-8 is stretched.

When the rolled edge 60 is completed, the operator energizes the motor 3% in the opposite direction to rotate the spoked wheel 36 clockwise and drop the leaves 14 to 17 simultaneously to their respective horizontal positions. The ensuing movement of the mattress 55 to a flat position stretches the top face panel 5? of the cover to a smooth condition.

The table is designed to handle smaller size mattresses such as a twin size mattress 65. To start this operation, a twin size mattress 65 is placed on the table with one of its side margins lying on one or the other of the side marginal leaves 16 (or 17) and its other side margin located on a corresponding intermediate hinged leaf 24 (or 22).

The motor 38 is now energized to raise all of the marginal leaves '14 to 1'7 simultaneously but only three of them (two ends and one side) are brought into engagement with the corresponding margins of the mattress. To engage the remaining side margin of this mattress, the motor 47 is energized to move the bridge plate 51 to the left, as seen in FIG. 5, and thereby raise the left intermediate hinged leaf 24. The operator can now proceed to sew three margins, one after the other, namely, one end margin, one side margin and the other end margin.

Thereafter, the motors 3t) and 47 are energized to drop the raised marginal and intermediate leaves, the mattress 65 moved across the table to place its unsewn side margin over intermediate section 22 and motor 39 and 47 again operated to raise the margin al leaves and the right intermediate leaf 22. The unsewn edge of mattress 65 is now held in an elevated position by the marginal section 17. As soon as this edge is sewn, all table leaves are again dropped to their respective horizontal positions. Once again, the flattening of the mattress 65 will stretch the top face panel to a very taut and smooth condition.

- MODIFICATION OF FIG. 8

FIG. 8 illustrates a modified mechanismfor raising the marginal leaves 14to 17 in which the electric motor 30 is replaced by a fluid Operated motor 47a having a piston 47b, which is connected to the end of the primary link .34. a The motor 47a may beoperated by either a pneumatic or hydraulic fluid. Along this same line, the motor v4-7 for operating the intermediate hinged leaves 22 and 24 may be replaced by asuitable fluid operated motor.

An apparatus of the FIG. 8 type with mechanical centering and shifting means on the table and selectively operable controls on the carriage is illustrated and described in FIGS. 9-18.

APPARATUS OF FIGS. 9-18 This apparatus comprises: (1) the same rectangular base; (2) thesame sewing machine with its carriage and drive modified; (3) the same hinged leaf table; (4) a mattress centering means mounted on the jhinged leaves of the table; (5) mattress shifting means mounted on the table; (6) operating means mounted onthe table for actuation from the starting end thereof to raise a full size mattress to and support it in a central elevated position and, when handling an nndersize mattress, for actuation first, from thestarting end thereof, to raise the undersize mattress to and center and support it in one elevated offset position and second, from the shifting end thereof, to shift the undersize mattress to and center and support it in its other elevated offset position; and (7) selectively-operable multicontrol means mounted on the carriage for actuating said operating means.

Base

form 5A fixed to the bottom of'carriage 5 and extending forwardly and outwardly from its front or leading wall.

The motorized drive means has been modified. to include a reversible drive motor connected operatively through afirst or"-rnotor clutch not only to the carriage drive means, which contains a second or carriage clutch but also to the sewing machine drive means which contains a third or sewing head clutch.

The three clutches thus provided .in the driving means enables the operator to open all three clutches, start the motor in the forwardtravel direction or reverse it and let it idle. By closing the carriage clutch, he can move it around the table in the desired direction to the. point where sewing is to start. Here he can institute the sewing operation, whenever desired, simply by closing the sewing head clutch. The specific details of the preferred form ofcarr-iage and driving means are not shown here are shown in my copending joint application S.N.' 812,940, filed May v13, 19.59,, to which reference maybe had.

Rectangular Table Thertable remains the same, hence includes: the support frame parts 9-11; marginal section leaves 14-17, each having an operating lever 19; and center section parts 21-25,-including hinged intermediate leaves 22 and 24, each with an operating lever 27. For purposes of convenience in further describing'this embodiment, the

marginal leaves aredesignated south, west, north and east marginalleaves, respectively, starting at the lower end of the table,.as seen in FIGS. v9 and 18, and proceeding clockwise around it. Hence, the marginalleaves will include the south. marginal leaf 14, which is at the starting end of the table, the west marginal leaf 16, the north marginal leaflS, which is at the shifting end of the table,

7 and the east marginal leaf 17.

Mattress Centering Means InaccQrdancewith my invention, each hingedleaf 14-17, 22 and 24 is provided with one or more center ing members mounted for movement from anout-of-thethe leaf and preferably along the upper face plane of its outer free edge. Each bar or flange 70 is hingedly mounted on its leaf for movement between its out-of-the way and its raised or centering positions. As some of these centering members 70 move upwardly, they may normally be expected to engage the border of a mattress and push it in the direction of the oppositely disposed centering members 70, which cooperate with the flanges, 7 doing the actual pushing to grip or clamp the mattress in its centered position and restrain it from moving beyond the centered position. 'Each centering flange carries an operating lever 71 depending from its under side.

Mattress Shifting Means In the preferred embodiment of my invention, the shifting of an undersized mattress is efiected by mechanically pushing that mattress sidewise from one offset position to the other. Preferably this is done with the mattress in its raised position so that its end margins slide upon the upper margins of the end marginal leaves 14, 15. this movement may be variously accomplished, it is preferably done by swinging west marginal leaf 16 inwardlv toward the other east marginal leaf 17 and continuing :this swinging movementuntil the undersized mattress,

such as twin-sized mattress 65,.reaches its other. offset.

position wherein its corresponding side margin is supported on said east marginal leaf 17.

Accordingly, the mattress shifting west marginal leaf 16 is arranged for swinging movement from its outwardly extending, upwardly-inclined or normal raised position through the vertical plane of its hinges to an inwardly-extcnding ,upwardly-inclined position corresponding to the shifted position of'the mattress and provided, on its under side, with another operating lever 73 for' actuating it through its mattress shifting movement.

Operating Means when activated, [to raise the first intermediate leaf and operate the centering means associated therewith, said first operating means being arranged for inactivation 7 from the shifting end of .the table so as to lower the first intermediate leaf and inactivate its centering means; and

(3) a third operating means arrangedfor activation from the shifting end of the table, whenthe second operating means is inactivated, and being operative, when activated, first to shift the mattress and, when the mattress is shifted,

next to raise the second intermediate leaf and operate the centering. means associated with it, said third operating means being arranged for inactivation from the starting end of the table.

FIRST OPERATING MEANS The first operating means comprises: ('1) marginal raising means operative, when energized, to raise all four marginal leaves 14 to 17 and the mattress centering means associated therewith; and (2 marginal valve means ar-' 7 ranged for actuation from the starting end of the table While and operative, when actuated, to energize the marginal raising means.

Marginal raising means.The marginal raising means includes: a marginal cylinder; a marginal linkage mechanism operably interconnecting the marginal cylinder with each of the four marginal leaves 14 to 17; and four marginal centering cylinders, one mounted on each marginal leaf.

Marginal cylinder.The marginal cylinder 75 moves between a retracted position, wherein the marginal leaves 14 to 17 are lowered to horizontal positions, and an extended position, wherein the marginal leaves are simultaneously raised to their outwardly and upwardly inclined positions. Preferably, the cylinder 75 is pneumatically operated. It may be a cylinder of the doubleacting type as shown in FIG. 8, but it preferably is of the single action type, with its extension being accomplished by air pressure and its retraction by an internal spring. It is mounted on the table frame 9 under the table top at a suitable position for operative connection to the marginal linkage.

l'rlarginal linkage.The marginal linkage operatively interconnects the marginal cylinder 75 with the operating levers 19 of the marginal leaves 14 to 17. This linkage is essentially the same as that used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7 and FIG. 8 with certain modifications. It includes, proceeding from the marginal cylinder 75 to the levers .19, a primary link 34 connected to the outer end of the cylinder piston rod 75, a four-spoked wheel 36 pivoted to the table frame 9 to rotate in a horizontal plane under the table top with one spoke being pivoted to the other end of the primary link 34, and respective secondary links 37 to 49 connected between respective spokes of the wheel 36 and the levers 19.

The linkage in the present embodiment is modified, as compared to that shown in the earlier embodiments, by having a socket 34- at an end of the primary link 34 which loosely fits over and seats on the outer end of the piston rod 75' of the marginal cylinder 75. This provides a joint between the piston rod 75 and primary link 34 which automatically separates under the application of a tension or pulling force to that joint. During the dropping of the marginal leaves and the retraction of the marginal cylinder, should the leaves be restrained from dropping, this joint separates and keeps the retraction force of the cylinder 75 from pulling the leaves down. In addition to protecting the table from being damaged, this is a safety feature. If anyone should accidentally get their hands pinched under the marginal leaves, between them and the frame 9, the primary link 34 simply separates from the cylinder 75 and the pinched hmds will normally not be seriously injured as the only force resting on them is the weight of the leaves.

All of the secondary links are pivoted to their respective operating levers l? with the exception of the secondary link 38 connected to the west marginal leaf to. The connection between this link 38 and its lever 19 is a separable connection to allow the west marginal leaf 16 to be swung upward through its mattress shifting movement. This separable connection is provided by the outer end of the link 38 being bent to a right angle portion 76 and seating this bent portion 76 in a notch in its lever 19. To keep the link 38 from dropping during its separation from its lever 19, it slides in a guide ring 77 fixed on the table frame 9.

Marginal centering cylinders-The centering cylinder 79 of each marginal leaf 14 to 17 raises and lowers its mattress centering flange 70 between inoperative and centering positions simultaneously with the raising and lowering of the marginal leaves 14- to 17. Each centering cylinder 79 is mounted on the under side of its respective marginal leaf adjacent the operating lever 71 for the flange 70 of that particular leaf and is connected to the lever 71 by a link 84), which is pivoted at its opposite ends to the cylinder 7? and to the lever 71, respectively. The

extension of the cylinder 79 lifts the flange 7t) upwardly to its mattress centering position and its retraction drops the flange to an outwardly-extending inoperative position aligned with its leaf. Preferably, the cylinder 79 is pneumatically actuated and of the type whereby air pressure extends its piston and an internal spring retracts it, the same type as the preferred form of marginal cylinder 75.

Marginal valve means-The marginal valve means includes: a marginal valve controlling the extension and retraction of the marginal cylinder 75 and all four marginal centering cylinders 79'; and a marginal valve operating assembly mounted on the table frame for cooperation with controls mounted on the carriage 5.

Marginal valve.-The marginal valve 82, as seen in H6. 18, is a two position valve operable between an exhaust position, in which it exhausts the marginal cylinder 75 and the marginal centering cylinders 79 to atmosphere, and a pressure position, wherein it feeds air pressure to these cylinders. t is connected on one side to a suitable air pressure source 83 by a supply air line 84 and on its other side to a marginal air line 35 having connections with the marginal cylinder 75 and with each of the marginal centering cylinders 79. In its exhaust position, it disconnects the supply air line 84 from the marginal air line 85, while connecting the latter to an exhaust port in its casing. In its pressure position, it connects t e supply line 84 to the marginal air line 85, while blocking the exhaust port. The structure of the marginal valve 82 is conventional and includes an operating plunger 82' which is biased outward by an internal spring to the exhaust position of the valve and movable inwardly (downwardly as seen in FIG. 18) to the pressure position.

Marginal valve operating assembly.This assembly is mounted on the table at its starting end and is actuated by control means mounted on the carriage 5 to operate the marginal valve 32. It includes a marginal valve mounting means; a marginal valve rocker; and three frame mounted hinged flaps for rocking the marginal valve rocker from the carriage mounted controls.

Marginal valve mounting means.The marginal valve 82 is mounted at the starting end of the table, intermediate the floor and the table top, on a vertical plate 87 fastened to a pair of horizontal bars 88 extending between the inner edges of the corner posts 3 at that end of the tala'le. It is located with its plunger 82. at its top and projecting upwardly from it, as seen in FIG. 16.

Marginal valve rocker.The plunger 82' is actuated by a marginal valve rocker fit The rocker fit! is a vertically extending member which is located over the outer side of the marginal valve 8-2, opposite its mounting plate 37, and is pivoted on a horizontal axis midway of its upper and lower ends to the plate 37. The rocker 90 includes a tongue at its upper end which is bent over the top of the marginal valve 82 and carries a cam roller 91 for engagement with the valve plunger 82. The rocker 9t rocks between a neutral vertical position wherein the cam roller 91 is disengaged from the valve plunger 82', and an outwardly-upwardly inclined position, wherein the cam 91 depresses the plunger 82' to move the marginal valve 82 to its pressure position, as seen in FIG. 16. Normally, the rocker will remain in any position to which it is moved.

Hinged flaps-The rocker 93' is rocked on its horizontal axis by three hinged flaps which include an upper fiap 93, center flap and lower flap 95. Each of the flaps 93 to 95 is an elongate horizontal bar extending across the starting end of the base 1 and hinged on horizontal axes to the corner posts 3 at that end of the base. These flaps are probably best shown in FIG. 16.

The upper flap 93 extends across the upper end of the rocker 99, is hinged along its upper edge, and swings inwardly to engage and rock the upper end of the rocker 99 inwardly, in a counter-clockwise direction as seen in FIG. 16, to its exhaust position.

The center flap 94 extends across the lower portion of the rocker 90, is hinged at its upper edge, and is located slightly inwardly of the upper flap 93. Swinging the lower edge ofvthe flap 94 inwardly engages therocker 90 androcks its lower end inwardly to move 'the valve 82 to its pressure position. This center flap 94 is used to operate both the marginal valve 32 and another valve which is described later.

The lower flap 95 also extends across the lower end of the rocker 90 below the flap 94. However, it is hinged attits lower edgeso that its upper edge swings inwardly. It is located somewhat outwardly of the center fiap 94. In addition, its inner face contains a projection 96 opposite the rocker 90' which engages the rocker 90 as the flap 96 swings inwardly to rock the lower end of the rocker inwardly and also move the valve 82 to its pressure position. This lower flap 95 is used when only the marginal valve 82 is to be operated.

. SECOND OPERATING MEANS The second operating means comprises: (1). firstintermediate raising means operative, when energized, to raise.

the first intermediate leat 24 and the centering means as.- sociated therewith; and (2) first intermediate valve means operable to neutral and first positions, said first intermediate valve means being arranged for actuation from the starting end of the table to its first position and operative, when so actuated, to energize the first intermediate raising means, and arranged for return to its neutral position from the shifting, end of the table to deenergize the first intermediate raising meanst First intermediate raising means.--The first intermediate raising means includes: a first intermediate cylinder connected to the first intermediate leaf 24; and a first intermediate centering cylinder mounted on the first intermediate leaf and connected to the first centering means associated with that leaf.

First intermediate cylinder.-The first intermediate cylinder 97 raises and lowers the first intermediate leaf 24, which is the hinged intermediate leaf nearest theeast side of the table. The cylinder 97 is mounted under the table top adjacent the operating lever 27 of the first intermediate leaf-24 and is connected to that lever by a link 98. The, link 98 is-pivoted to the lever 27 and, at its other end, has a socket fitting over the outer end of the cylinder piston rod, thus providing a separable joint similar to that'bet-weenthe marginal cylinder 75 and the primary link 34.

The extension of the first intermediate cylinder 97 raises the first intermediate leaf and its retraction lowers the leaf 24. The cylinder 97 is similar to the marginal cylinder 75 in that it is extended by air pressure and retracted by an internal spring. 7

First intermediate. centering cylinder.-The first intermediate centering cylinder 79" and its mounting on the first intermediate leaf 24*is the same as the previously described marginal centering cylinders 79. Hence, it is mounted underneath the leaf 24 adjacent the lever 71 of the centering flange 70 of that leaf and is connected to the lever. by a link '80. The extension ofthe cylinder 79' raises the flange 70 and its retraction lowers the flange.

First intermediate valve means.The first intermediate valve means includes: a first-intermediate valve controlling the extension and retraction of the first intermediate cylinder 97 and the first intermediate centering cylinder 79; and an intermediate valve operating assembly mounted onthe. table for cooperating with controls mounted on the carriage.

Firstintermediate valve.The first intermediate valve 100, looking at FIG. 18, is movable between exhaust and pressure positions. Inits exhaust position, it exhausts the. first intermediate cylinder 97 and the first intermediate centering cylinder 79' to atmosphere, .and in its pressure position, it feeds air pressure to these cylinders.

It is connected on one side to the supply air line 84,.

connected to the air pressure source 83, and on its other side to a first intermediate airline 101 running to the includes a plunger 190' which is biased upwardly and outwardly to the exhaustposition and is depressed inwardly to move the valve to .the pressure position.

' Intermediate valve operating assembly.This valve op-t,

erating'assembly is mounted onttheita ble and is actuated by control means on the carriage and at the starting end of the table to move the first'intermediate valve 10010 ist pressure position and, at the shifting end of the table, .to move thevalve w its exhaustposition. This means comprises: an intermediate valve mounting means; an intermediate valve rocker; and a pair' of intermediate hinged flaps moved .by the controlmeans on the carriage,

Intermediatevalve mounting means.The first 'inter- .mediate valve 1% is mounted at the starting end ofthe table beside the marginalvalve 82 on another vertical plate 87 which is supported bythe horizontal bars '88. Like the marginal valve 82','it is positioned with its plunger ltiit at its top. 7

Intermediate valve rocker.This rocker 103is also the same as the marginal valve rocker 94 and is pivoted on a horizontal axis on. the plate 87 supporting the first intermediate valve 100. Like the rocker 90, the intermediate rocker .103 carries a roller 91 at its top end which is movable to engage and depress'the plunger 100' of that J valve; In its normal vertical position, thetrocker 103 is in a neutral position. Swinging the upper end of the rocker 103 outward of the table moves the valve 100 to its pressure position.

Intermediate hinged flaps. The rocker 193 is swung on its horizontal axis by a pair 'of intermediate hinged fiapswhich include the center flap 94, at'the starting end of the table, which is movable inwardly by carriage con trols tomove the first intermediate valve 109 '110, a pressure position and' a fourth hinged fiap'105 mounted at the shifting'end of the table for swinging by the carriage mounted controls to return the first intermediate valve 160 to its exhaust position.

The fourth hinged flap 105 'issimilar to the other flaps 93 to 95, extends across the shifting end of the table and is hinged at-its upper edge to the posts 3 atthat end of; the table to swing on a horizontal axis. ltis connectedv to the lower end of-the intermediate rocker'103, by a tie rod 106 having pivoted connections-at-itsopposite ends to the flap 105 and rocker 103, respectively; Swinging the flap 105 inwardly, counter-clockwise looking at'FIG. 15, swings the upper end of therocker-103 inwardly and, if the valve 100 is in its pressure position, moves the valve" 100 to its exhaust position-by moving the roller 91 of the rocker 103 awayfrom the valve plunger 100'."

THIRD OPERATING MEANS, I

The ,third operating means comprises: (1 a second intermediateraising means operative, when energized, to raise the second intermediateleaf 22 and operate the centering means associated therewith; (2) mattress shift-1 ing means operative, when energized one way to-shift a mattress from the first-offset position to the second position; and- (3) valve means arranged for actuation from the shiftingend of the table and operative, when actuated, to energize the mattress shifting means one way and, after. the mattress is shifted, to energize the second intermediate raising means- 7 Second intermediate raising means-This means includes: a second intermediate cylinder operably connected to the second intermediate leaf 22, which isthe movable intermediate .leaf nearest the west side of the table; and a second intermediate centering cylinder operably con fected to the centering means of the second intermediate ear;

Second intermediate cylinder.This cylinder 108is similar to the first intermediate cylinder 97"and likethe cylinder 97, is'connected by a separable joint to a link 98' which is pivoted to the operating lever 27 of the second intermediate leaf .22.. Applying air pressure to the cylinder 198 extends it to raise the leaf 22and ex- 13 hausting the cylinder retracts it and lowers the leaf 22.

Second intermediate centering cylinder.The second intermediate centering cylinder 79" and its mounting on the second intermediate leaf 22 is the same as the previously described centering cylinders 79 and 79'. Hence, it should ufiice to say that it is mounted on the underside of the leaf 22 and is connected to the operating lever 71 of the flange 7d of that particular leaf by a link 8%. The extension of the cylinder 79 by the application of air pressure thereto raises the flange 76 and retracting it by exhausting it lowers the flange 7%.

Mattress shifting means-The mattress shifting means is operative, when energized one way, to swing the west marginal leaf 16 from its outwardly slanted position to an inwardly slanted position and, through such movement, cause the west marginal leaf 1% to push the mattress to its second offset position, said shifting means being operative, when energized another way to return the west marginal leaf 1t: to its outwardly slanted position. The mattress shifting means inclu es a double acting shifting cylinder 11% connected to the operating lever 73 of the west marginal leaf 16.

Looking at PEG. 13, the cylinder 11%} is vertically mounted below the lever 73 with the lower end of the cylinder housing pivoted on a depending bracket fixed to the table frame 9. The outer end of its piston rod is pivoted to the lever 73.

Extension of the cylinder 11% swings the west side marginal leaf 16 upwardly through its mattress shitting movement and the vertical plane to an inwardly-extending upwardly-inclined position. Retracting the cylinder 11% returns the leaf 15 to its former outwardly-extending upwardlydnclined position. Normally, the cylinder 11% is operated only after the leaf 16 has been raised to its ohtwardly-extending upwardly-inclined mattress cradling position.

As previously mentioned, the cylinder 11% is double acting. This means that it has an extension and and a retraction end and is moved in the extension and retraction directions by alternately applying air pressure to these ends. The speed of the movement of the cylinder 11% is controlled by metering or restricting the flow of air pressure applied to it.

Valve means.The valve means comprises: a double acting reversing valve means operable, in its normal position, to deenergize the second intermediate raising means and condition the shifting means for energization one way to shift a mattress and, in another position, to condition the shifting means for energization the other way to return it to its normal position and to condition the second intermediate raising means for energization; means for moving the reversing valve from its normal position to the other position at the end of the shifting movement and for returning it to its normal position when the carriage returns to the starting end of the table; and a second intermediate valve means operable to neutral and second positions and operative, in its neutral position, to deenergize both the second intermediate raising means and the mattress shifting means, said second intermediate valve means arranged for actuation from the shifting end of the table to its second position and operative, when actuated, to energize the mattress shifting means and, at the end of the mattress shifting operation, to energize the second intermediate raising means, and arranged for retur to its neutral position from the starting end of the table.

Reversing valve means-The reversing valve means comprises a valve 112 having a fluid pressure inlet and two fluid pressure outlets and being movable between a normal shifting position and an operating position. In the normal shifting position, as seen in EEG. 18, it conditions the mattress shifting means for the mattress shifting operation and deenergizes the second intermediate raising means by connecting the extension end side of the double acting shifting cylinder 116 to its fiuid pressure inlet so that it may be energized in the mattress shifting direction and by exhausting the retraction end of the shifting cylin der along with the second intermediate raising means. In its other or operated position, it reverses its fiuid pressure and exhaust connections with the mattress shifting means and the second intermediate means and thereby conditions the mattress shifting cylinder for energization in the return direction and the second intermediate raising means for energization in the raising direction.

Looking at FIG. 18, the valve 112 is connected, at its pressure inlet, to a second intermediate air line 113, at one of its outlets, to an extension air line 114 running to the extension end of the mattress shifting cylinder 116) and, at its other outlet, to a retraction air line 115 which runs to the retraction end of the cylinder 11%, to the second intermediate cylinder 1&8 and to the second intermediate centering cylinder 79". The valve 112 has an internal chamber, also designated 1'12, holding a shuttle 1:12 which slides back and forth alternately over the outlets connected to the air lines 114 and 115. The casing of the valve 112 also includes an exhaust port located between the outlets. in each position of the shuttle 112, the chamber :112 is connected with one outlet while the other outlet is connected to the exhaust port, with the connections to the outlets being reversed in alternate positions of the shuttle.

The reversing valve 112 is a conventional pneumatic valve having an internal pneumatic valve moving means controlled by remotely located pneumatic switches for moving it between alternate positions and is sold under the trade name Meadmatic by the Mead Specialties Co., Chicago, Illinois.

Reversing valve moving means-The reversing valve moving means comprises: means providing first and second actuating chambers normally subject to balanced fluid pressures and formed by means including a piston movable one way or the other in response to pressure diiferentials between said chambers acting in one direction and the other, said piston being connected to move the reversing valve correspondingly between its normal shifting and operating positions; first switch means, positioned to be actuated at the end of the mattress shifting movement, to unbalance the pressure differential in a direction causing the piston operated valve to move from its normal position to its operated position; and second switch means, positioned to be actuated as the second intermediate valve means is returned to its neutral position, from the starting end of the table, to unbalance the pressure differential in the other dilection to return the piston operated reversing valve to its normal position.

First and second actuating chambers-These chambers are located and formed at the opposite ends of a free piston 117 reciprocating in a cylinder bore provided in the casing of the valve 112. As seen in HS. 18, the left actuating chamber is designated 118 and the right chamber is designated 119.

The free piston 117 includes a small passage 117 extending axially between its ends which normally allows the air pressure in the two actuating chambers 11S and 119 to be balanced. However, this passage 117 is too small for a suddenly applied diiferential of pressure between the two chambers 118 and 119 to immediately balance. Hence, if one chamber, say 118, is suddenly exhausted, the air pressure in the other chamber 119 biases the piston 117 to the left in the direction of chamber 118.

The piston 117 is connected to the valve shuttle 112' for movement therewith by a stem which is tiixed on the shuttle and loosely seats in a radial hole in the piston 117. This radial hole communicates with the passage 117 and allows air pressure to flow from the main chamher 112 of the valve through this radial hole and the passage 117 into the two actuating chambers 118 and 119 With the shuttle 112 in its normal shifting position, as seen in FIG. 18, the shuttle 112' and piston 117 are positioned to the right and the exhaustion of the left actuating chamber 118 will result in the air pressure in the right 15 chamber 119 moving the shuttle 112' totheleft to its operating position. To reverse the valve, it is only necessary to exhaust the right chamber 119 and the air pressure in the leftchamber 11-8 moves the piston 117 and shuttle 112' to the right, returning the valve 112 to its normal shifting position.

First switch means-This means is actuated at the end of the mattress shifting movement to exhaust the left actuating chamber 118 and cause the valve 112 to move from its normal shifting position to its operating position. This means is a first vent valve .121 connected by a hose to the left actuating chamber 118 and mounted on the table where it is engaged and opened by a cam 122 mounted on the piston rod of the mattress shifting cylinder 110, at the end of its extension movement. The vent valve 121 is a conventional valve having a plunger 121' which is biased outward to a closed position and is opened simply by depressing the plunger inward. When open, the valve exhausts theleft actuating chamber 118 of the reversing valve 112.

Second switch means;This means is actuated at the end of the mattress sewing operation, with the carriage at the starting end of the table, to exhaust the right actuating chamber 119 and move the valve 112 to the right to its normal shifting position. connected by a hose to the right actuating chamber 119 and located on the table over the intermediate rocker 103 V to be opened momentarily by its roller 91 as it rocks clockwise, as seen in FIG-l8, to its neutral position. This momentary opening of the second vent valve 123 returns the valve shuttle 112 toward the right to its normal' shifting position and resets the valve 112 for another mattress sewing operation.

Second inlermediazevalve means.-'fhe second inter: mediate valve means includes: a second intermediate valve controlling the application of air pressure to the reversing valve 112;and a valve operating assembly for operating the second" intermediate valvethrough control means mounted on the carriage.

Second intermediate -valve.'1'he second intermediate valve 125 is movable between exhaust and pressure posi-- tions'and is arrangedfor actuation, from the shifting end of the table, to its pressure position wherein it feeds air pressure to the'inlet of thereversing valve 112, which is.

in its normal shifting position, to effect thev energization of the mattress shifting means to shift the mattress and, at the end of the mattress shifting operation, return the mattress shiftingmeans to its former position and also effect the energizationof the second intermediate raising means. It is returned to itsexhaust position at the end of the mattress sewing operation with the carriage at the a starting end of the table.

7 The second'intermediate valve 125 is connectedon one side to thesupply air line 84 and on itsother side.

to thesecond intermediate air line 113 running to the reversing valve 112. It includes a plunger 125' which is normally biased outward to theexhaust position of the valve and is movable inwardly to the pressure position, the same as the first intermediate valve 109.

- Valve operating assembly-This assembly is the same as the intermediate valve operating assembly'operating the first intermediate valve 169. :In fact, the second intermediatevalve 125 is located in the same casing that houses the first intermediate valve 100. Together, the two valves 1G0 and 125' form a double acting valve operated by the intermediate rocker 103 which is movable from a neutral position, with its roller 91 located between the'two plungers 160' and 125' of the two valves, alternately' to either side'of the neutral position to move the two valves to their pressure positions alternately. Swinging the rocker 103, as seen-in FIG. 15, clockwise from its neutral position moves the first intermediate valve 100 to its pressure position and swinging it counterclockwise moves the second intermediate valve 125 to its pressure position. a

It is a second vent valve 123.

The second intermediate valve 125 is normally moved to its pressure position from the shifting end of the table'at by swinging the fourth flap inwardly of the table-to rock the rocker Illicounterclockwise from-a position wherein its roller'91 depresses the first intermediate valve.

100 to a position wherein it depresses the second intermediate valve 125.

The second intermediate valve is normally moved to its exhaust position, with the carriage at the starting.

end of the table at the end of the sewing operation, by swinging the upper flap 93 inwardly in conjunction with the inward swinging of the center flap 94. These two flaps engage and swing the intermediate rocker 103- to a neutral vertical position asseen in FIG. 15. At the same time, they also swing the marginal rocker 90 to its neutral vertical position, thus also moving the marginal valve This movement of the. intermediate rocker 103. also momentarily opens the second vent valve 123 to return the reversing valve 112 to its normal mattress shifting position.

The second vent valve 123 is mounted above the roller.

91 of the intermediate rocker 103 approximately midway between its neutral position and theplunger 125, so that the roller 91 opens the vent valve 123 as it is withdrawn from the plunger 125', before that plunger is entirely raised. In other Words, the event valve 123 should be closed when the rocker roller 91 is depressing the plunger 125' its full extent, but should be opened as the plunger 125' raises and before the valve 125 is moved to its full exhaust position. The proper operating point for the vent valve 123 is found by moving it horizontally toward and away from the plunger 125' until the proper operation of the apparatus results.

Carriage Mounted Control M cans The carriage mounted control means for selectively operating the first, second and third operating means comprises: (1) first actuating means for actuating, from the second operating means from its neutral position to its' first position so as to raise the first intermediate leaf 24 and activate theassociated centering means: (3) thirdv actuating means for actuating, from the shifting end of the table, the first and second intermediate valve means of the second and third operating means, the first intermediate valve means being operated from its first position to its neutral position so as to 10WI the first intermediate leaf 24- and inactivate the associated centering means,

and the second intermediate valve means being actuated from its neutral position to its second position to energize the mattressshifting means one way and thereby] shift the mattress from its first ofi'set position to its second offset position, and, upon the completion of the mattress shift and the movement of the valve reversing means to itsv other operated position, to raise the second intermedi ate leaf 22 and activate the associated centeringmeans;

' and (4) fourth actuating means for actuating, from the; starting endof the table, the marginal valve means and the secondintermediate valve means to return them to neutral positions and thereby drop the marginal leaves 14 to 17, the second intermediate leaf 22 and the associated centering means, the reversing valve means being also returned by this same means to its normal mattress shifting position wherein it is ready for another mattress sewing cycle.

FIRST ACTUATING MEANS The first actuating means operates the marginal rocker 99 to move the marginal valve 82 to its pressure position and raise the marginal leaves 14 to 17. This may be accomplished by swinging either the center =fiap 94 or the lower flap 95 inwardly to engage and swing the rocker 99. Which flap is tilted depends on whether the operator also wants to operate the intermediate rocker 103. Tilting the center fiap 94 operates both the rockers 99 and 103 while tilting the lower flap 95 operates only the marginal rocker 90, due to the projection 96 carried by the lower flap 95 at a position where it engages and operates the rocker 90 without the lower flap operating the other rocker 163.

The carriage includes a series of four pedals located on its operator-supporting platform 5A. Looking at FIG. 14, these pedals include, from left to right, a first pedal 127, a second pedal 128, a third pedal 129 and a fourth pedal 13%. Only the first three pedals 127 to 129 operate the flaps. The fourth pedal 136 controls the main motor clutch of the carriage, this clutch being engaged by releasing the pedal 13%) in a manner similar to an automobile clutch.

With the carriage at the starting end of the table, the second pedal 12% tilts the center flap 9 and it does this, when depressed, by extending a horizontal rod 131 slidably mounted on the platform 5A outwardly to engage the center flap 94 and swing it inwardly of the base. The rod 131 is extended by cam engagement with the second pedal 128. A spring retracts the rod 131.

Also with the carriage at the starting end of the table, the third pedal 129 tilts the lower flap 95 by extending another horizontal rod 132, when depressed. The rod 132, like rod 131, is extended by cam engagement with the third pedal 129 and is retracted by a spring. The main difference between the rods 131 and 132 is that the operative end of rod 131 strikes the center flap 94 and the end of rod 132 strikes the lower flap 95.

SECOND ACTUATING MEANS With the carriage at the startin end of the table, the second actuating means tilts the center flap 94 to operate the intermediate rocker 153 and move the first intermediate valve 16% to its pressure position to raise the first intermediate leaf 24. This means is a part of the first actuating means and includes the second pedal 128 and its operating rod 131 which, when extended, tilts the center flap 94.

THIRD ACTUATIN G MEANS With the carriage at the shifting end of the table, the third actuating means tilts the fourth flap 1% inwardly to swing the intermediate rocker 193 counter-clockwise, as seen in 1 16. 15, moving the first intermediate valve to its exhaust position, to drop the first intermediate leaf 24, and then moving the second intermediate valve 125 to its pressure position. This means is also the same as the first and second actuating means and includes the second pedal 128 and its rod 131 or, alternately, the third pedal 129 and its rod 132. The fourth flap 155 is made wide enough for either of the rods 131 or 132 to strike and tilt it.

FOURTH ACTUATING MEAN S With the carriage at the starting end of the table, the fourth actuating means tilts both the upper flap 93 and the center flap 9 inwardly to return both the rockers 9i} and 103 to their neutral positions. This means includes the first pedal 127 which swings at bell-crank 134, pivoted on the carriage, inwardly to strike and tilt the upper flap 93, and the second pedal 128 and its rod 131 which tilts the center flap 94. The bell-crank 134 is retracted by a spring. One of its arms extends under the first pedal 127 to provide the operative connection between the two elements.

The first pedal 12 7 includes a tongue 135, projecting over the second pedal 12 This tongue 135 depresses the second pedal 128 with the first pedal 127 when the first pedal is depressed. Hence, the fourth actuating means is operated simply by depressing the first pedal 127.

18 OPERATION Prior to the start of the operation, we assume that all of the table leaves 14 to 17, 22 and 24 are down in their horizontal positions, providing the table top with a completely fiat upper surface, the sewing machine 6 and carriage 5 are located along the starting end of the table and that the apparatus is supplied with all necessary power, including electrical power and air pressure.

The operation of closing a full size mattress 55 is described first. In closing the double mattress 55, only the marginal leaves 14 to 17 are raised. The mattress, ready for closing, is laid on the table in an approximately centered position with the loose top face cover panel 59 on top of the mattress. The marginal leaves 14 to 17 are raised by the operator depressing the pedal 129 to push the rod 132 inwardly, tilt the lower flap inwardly, rock the lower end of the rocker 90 inwardly and depress the marginal valve plunger 82', thus moving the marginal valve 82 to its pressure position. Air pressure flows through the marginal air line 85 to the marginal cylinder 75 and the marginal centering cylinders 79 mounted on the marginal leaves.

The extension of the marginal cylinder 75 rotates the spoked wheel 36 counter-clockwise, looking at FIG. 11, to push the secondary links 37 to 46 outwardly and swing the marginal leaves upwardly, raising the bottom face margins of the mattress with its center sagging. Simultaneously, the extension of the marginal centering cylinders 79 raises the centering flanges 7%) on the marginal leaves to a vertical position where they engage and surround the vertical edge margins of the mattress. if the mattress is not centered on the table, the raising of the flanges 71) will force it to a centered position on the marginal leaves.

The operator pulls the adjacent edges of the top face panel 59 and the border panel 57 of the mattress cover into the sewing head 6, clamps the sewing head jaws on these edges and proceeds to close the mattress 55 by operating the carriage and sewing machine to travel clockwise, as seen in FIGS. 9 and 18, around the table from the starting end back to the starting end. This operation of the carriage is normally performed by operating the clutch pedal in conjunction with an electrical switch energizing the carriage drive means.

After completing the closing of the mattress stopping the carriage 5 once again at the starting end of the table, and unclamping the sewing head from the mattress, the operator depresses the first pedal 127 to drop the marginal leaves. Because of the tongue overhanging the second pedal 128, the depression of the pedal 127 also depresses the pedal 128, resulting in moving the bell-crank 134 inwardly to swing the upper flap 93 inwardly and moving the rod 131 inwardly to swing the center flap 94 inwardly. Swinging both the upper end center flaps 93 and 94 inwardly rocks the rocker 90 to its neutral vertical position, moving the valve 82 to exhaust position, whereby the marginal cylinder 75 and centering cylinders 79 on the marginal leaves are retracted. The spoked wheel 36 is returned and the marginal leaves 14 to 17 and their centering flanges 7% are dropped. The closed mattress 5 is then removed from the table and the apparatus is ready to receive another mattress.

The operation of closing a smaller or undersize mattress 65 is next described. In this operation, all of the table leaves are used. The undersize mattress 65, ready for closing, is laid on the table with its western edge lying generally along the west side of the table. With the carriage 5 at the starting end of the table, the marginal leaves 1 1 to 17 and the first intermediate leaf 24 are raised by the operator depressing the second pedal 128 to swing the center flap 94 inwardly. The lower ends of both of the rockers 9d and 163 are swung inwardly by the center flap 94 and both the marginal valve 32 and the first intermediate valve are moved to pressure positions. This movement of the marginal valve 82 raises the marginal leaves 14 to 17 and their centering flanges 70, as previously described in connection with the full siz e'mattress closing operation. The first "intermediate valve 106 admits pressure to the first intermediate air line 1 01 to extend the first intermediate cylinder 97 of the first intermediate leaf 24 and the first intermediate centering cylinder 79' on that leaf, resulting in the ra1sing of both that leaf and its centering flange 76 The mattress 65 is now cradled and centered in a sagging po-. sition between the marginal leaves 14 to 16 and the first intermediate leaf 24.

The sewing head 6 is clamped on the adjacent cover edges of the mattress and the operator sews clockwise around themattress until he reaches the shifting end of the table. Somewhere along the shifting end or" the table, the operator stops the carriage and disconnects the sewing head from the carriagedrive means, by a clutch, so that further movement of the carriage 5 will not drive the sewing head. i

The operation of shifting the mattress from the West side of the tahle to the east side is then performed by simultaneously depressing the pedal 128, or the pedal 129, and operating the carriage forwardly along the shifting end of thetable. The depression of one of the pedals 128 or 129 at the shifting end of the table swings the fourth flap 105 inwardly to push the tie rod 1% toward the startingend of the table and rock'the intermediate rocker 103 to its opposite position, exhausting the valve 1%: and moving the second intermediate valve 125 to its pressure position.

Exhausting the first intermediate valve 1% exhausts the firstintermediate cylinder 97 for the first intermediate leaf '24 and its centering cylinder 79', causing that leaf and its centering flange 70' to drop. Simultaneously, the second intermediate valve 125 feeds air pressure through the second intermediate airline 113 to thereversing valve 112, which is positioned in its normal shifting position to feed pressurfe'through the extension air line 114 to the extension and of the mattress shifting cylinder 110'. The extension of the mattressshifting cylinder 110 swings the west marginal leaf -16 upwardly through the vertical plane to push the mattress 65 'to the east side of the table.

At the end of the extension of the cylin'derillfi, its cam 122 opens the first vent valve 121, causing the revers ing valve 112 to move to its operating position andfeed pressure to the retraction m'r line 115. This simultaneously retracts the mattress shifting cylinder 11 returing the west marginal leaf'16 to its former outwardly inclined positin, -and extends the second intermediate cylinder 108 for the second intermediate leaf 22 and its centering cylinder 79", raising both that leaf and its centering flange 79. The mattress is now cradled and centeredin a sagging position on the marginal leaves 14, 15 and '17, and the second intermediate leaf 22.

During the shifting of the mattress, the operator drives the carriage at the same speed that the mattress moves. l lence, the sewing head remains stationary relative to the mattress during its shifting. The operator stops the carriage at thefcompletion of the mattress shifting movement, re-engag'es the sewing head with the carriage drive and proceedsto' finishlthe mattress closing operation, stopping atthe'sta'r'ting end of the table. r

Hethen disengages the mattress from the sewing head and drops all of the table leaves by depressing the first pedal 127 to move the rockers 9t and 103 to their neutral positions. Moving the rocker 9% to its neutral position drops themar'ginal leaves 14 to 17 as previously described in theido'uble mattress closing operation. Moving the rocker 183 to its neutral position moves the 7 second intermediate valve 125 to exhaust position to exliaust pressure from the reversing valve 112, the second intermediate cylinder 108 and the centering cylinder 79" of the second intermediate leaf 22, causing that leaf and its centering flange 74} to drop. The same movement of the rocker'lfili momentarily opens the second vent valve 1231s reset'the'revers'ing valve 112 in its normal shifting MODIFICATIONS OF FlGS. 1 921 These figures show a modified mattress shifting means i using a mechanical linkage operated by the movement of the carriage to swing the west marginal leaf 16 through its mattress shifting movement. This means includes: a linkage; and a carriage mounted abutment means.

Linkage The mattress shifting linkage is mounted on the table frame 9 along the shifting end of the table, under the north marginal leaf 15, and operates a lever 137 fixed to the underside of the West marginal leaf 16 near the north end of the table. The linkage comprises: a crank 138 journaled on a horizontal axis extending in a north-south plane through the. table; a gear 13h rotated by the crank 138; a horizontal rack 14h slidably mounted on the frame 9 to extend in an east-west plane of the table and driven by the gear 139; and a link 141 connecting the west end of the rack 14% to the lever 137. Rotating the crank 138 clockwise, looking at FIG. 19, pushes the rack 14%) and link 141 to the west, as shown in dotted lines, to raise the west marginal leaf 16 through its mattress shifting move ment.

Carriage Abutment Means as seen in FIG. 19, as it is carried past the crank by the I carriage and the west marginal leaf 16 will swing through its mattress shifting movement. During the shifting of a mattress, the operator will disconnect the drive of the sewing head 6 by a suitable clutch and the shifted speed of the mattress will be e'qual'to the carriage speed.

EXPANDED SCOPE OF INVENTION While all aspects of the present. invention maybe fully utilized in a mattress sewing table of the described type, it will be appreciated that it is within the scope of this invention to provide the tableleaves, the mattress shifting means and the mattress centering means with other types of movements, other than hinged movements.

For example, these members could be moved b o'dily,

rather than simply being swung about a fixed pivot, in either a purely sliding motion or a combination sliding and swinging motion.

It will also be appreciated that the mattress centering and shifting features and the other'features involved in the second aspect of this invention are applicableto mattress edge sewing machines generally, rather. than simply being limited tothose tables employing means for elevating the margins of a mattress. 'lfiorv example, the mattress centering and shifting features of this invention may be advantageously employed in tape edge, roll edge and other types of mattress edge sewing machines conventionally comprising: a mattress supporting table; a carriage mounted on the table for movement around its periphery; asewing machine mounted on the carriage; and carriage mounted drive means for moving the carriage and operating the sewing machine.

Having described my invention, I claim: 1. A table for supporting a mattress during the operation of closing its partly formed cover compr'ising:

a mattress supporting table structure including a table top having horizontally spaced members arranged to engage oppositely disposed margins of a mattress resting on said top; means mounting said members on said table structure for movement to a relatively elevated position wherein they cooperate to support said mattress with all of its margins elevated and its center portion sagging; a sewing machine and carriage mounted on said table structure for movement around said table top; operating means mounted on said table structure for operation, when actuated, to move said mattress-support members to said elevated position, and means for actuating said table mounted operating means.

2. The table of claim 1 wherein: said members include a leaf hinged to said table top; and said operating means includes a fluid operated cylinder operably connected to said leaf for elevating it.

3. The table of claim 1 wherein: said means for actuating said table mounted operating means includes control means mounted on said carriage for movement therewith.

4. The table of claim 3 wherein said traveling carriage includes a support for the operator of said control means; and said control means includes a foot pedal mounted on the carriage for operation at the will of said operator.

5. The table of claim 1 including: centering means mounted on said table structure for movement, when actuated, from an out-of-the-way position to a mattress centering position, said centering means being operative, during said movement, to engage the peripheral border of a mattress on the table and, through such engagement, move it into a centered position; table-mounted means for operating said centering means, said operating means being operative, when actuated, to move said centering means to said mattress centering position; and means for actuating the said operating means for said centering means.

6. The table of claim 5 wherein: said centering means includes a centering element movably mounted on one of said horizontally spaced members; and said operating means for said centering means includes means for moving said centering element to its mattress centering position simultaneously with the elevating movement of its member.

7. The table of claim 6 wherein: said centering element is hingedly mounted on said one member for swinging movement between its out-'of-the-way position and its centering position in which it extends upwardly from said member.

8. The table of claim 5 wherein: said means for actuating said operating means for said centering means includes control means mounted on said carriage for movement therewith.

9. The table of claim 1 including: shifting means mounted on said table structure for shifting movement, when actuated, from a first position to a second position, said shifting means being arranged to engage a mattress during such movement and, through such engagement, urge it across the table from one offset position to the other; table-mounted means for operating said shifting means, said operating means being operative, when actuated, to move said shifting means from said first position to said second position; and means for actuating said operating means for said shifting means.

10. The table of claim 9 wherein: said shifting means includes a shifting leaf hinged to said table structure for movement between said first and second positions; and said operating means for said shifting means includes a fluid operated cylinder mounted on the table structure for swinging said leaf between said positions.

-1l. The table of claim 10 wherein: said operating means for said shifting means includes means operative, in response to the arrival of said shifting leaf at said second position, to reverse the movement of said shifting leaf.

12. The table of claim 9 wherein: said means for actu- =ating said operating means for said mattress-support members, and for said shifting means includes control means mounted on said carriage for movement therewith.

13. The table of claim 9 including: centering means mounted on said table structure for movement, when actuated, from an out-of-the-way position to a mattress centering position, said centering means being operative, during said movement, to engage the peripheral border of a mattress on the table and, through such engagement, move it into a centered position; table-mounted means for operating said centering means, said operating means being operative, when actuated, to move said centering means to said mattress centering position; and means for actuating said operating means for said centering means.

14. The table of claim 13 wherein: each of the actuating means for actuating the table-mounted operating means for said mattresssupport members, said centering means and said shifting means includes control means mounted on the carriage for movement therewith and for selective operation at the will of the operator.

15. The table of claim 14 wherein: the table structure has a starting end and a shifting end; the table-mounted operating means for said mattress-support members and said centering means is arranged for actuation from said carriage at the starting end of the table; and said control means is operable at the starting end of the table for actuating the operating means for said members and said centering means.

16. The table of claim 14 wherein: the table structure has a starting end and a shifting end; the table-mounted operating means "for said shifting means is arranged for actuation from said carriage at the shifting end of the table; and said control means is operable at the shifting end of the table for actuating the operating means for said shifting means.

17. The table of claim 14 wherein: the table structure has a starting end and a shifting end; the several tablemounted operating means, which operate said means for shifting a mattress from said one side of the table to the other side thereof and for supporting and centering it on said other side are mounted on the table for actuation from said carriage at the shifting end of the table; and said control means for actuating said several table-mounted operating means is operable at the shifting end of the table.

18. A table for supporting a mattress during a sewing operation comprising: a mattress supporting table structure including a table top adapted to receive the mattress to be sewn in a position in which the mattress is approximately centered for the institution of the sewing operation; centering means mounted on the table structure for movement, when actuated, from an out-of-the-way position to a mattress centering position, during which movement it engages the peripheral border of the mattress and, through such engagement, urges it into a centered position; means for operating said centering means, said operating means being operative, when actuated, to move said centering means to said mattress centering position; and means for actuating said operating means for said centering means.

19. A table for supporting a mattress during the mattress sewing operation comprising: a supporting structure; a table top supported on said structure, said top being adapted to provide a support for a mattress which is offset to one side of said table during a sewing operation on that side and to the opposite side of said table during a sewing operation on said opposite said; shifting means mounted on said table for shifting movement, when actuated, from a first position to a second position, during which it operatively engages a mattress and, through such engagement, urges it across the table from one offset position to the other; means for operating said shifting means, said operating means being operative, when actuated, to move said shifting means from said first position to said second position; and means for actuating said operating means for said shifting means.

23 20. A table forsupporting a mattress during the cover closingoperation, comprising:

A. 'a supporting structure; I B. a tabletop supported on said structure;

C. horizontally-spacedmovable sections supported on V 21. The table of'claim 20 wherein:

A. said movable mattress-supporting sections form a least part of said table top;and include marginal sections providing oppositely-disposed margins of said table top.

,22; The table of claim 21 wherein:

A. said oppositely-disposed marginal sections provide side margins and end margins of said table top.

23. The table of claim 21 for use in supporting a large size of mattress and a smaller size of mattress,

wherein:

A. said movable sections also include one intermediate table top section intersposed' between said marginal sections;

' B. said marginal sections cooperate, when elevated, "to provide a support for holdinga large mattress-in'one position; and

C. said one intermediate-section and (meet said "margin-al sections cooperate, when elevated,itoprovide a support for holding a smaller mattress in a second position.

24."The table of claim 23 wherein:

A. said r nova'ole sections also mediate table top section interposedbetween said marginal sec'tionsjand V V B. said other intermediate'section and the otherofi said marginal sections cooperatefwhen elevated, to provide" a' s'npport 'for holding said "smaller mattress in a third position.

"References Cited in the "file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 810,882 Phel s 18.11.23, 1906 1,892,203 Burton et'a1 DEC. 27,1932 1,898,497 Roberti Feb.21, 1933 1,947,058 Pittoni Feb. 13, 1934 1,979,901 Perlesz Nov; 6, 1934 2,177,169 BIOWII Oct. 24,1939 2,869,493 Seavert Jan. 20,1959 2,918,884 Kalninget al Dec. 29, 1959 2,925,057 Cash Feb; 16, 1960 include another inter-

Claims (1)

1. A TABLE FOR SUPPORTING A MATTRESS DURING THE OPERATION OF CLOSING ITS PARTLY FORMED COVER, COMPRISING: A MATTRESS SUPPORTING TABLE STRUCTURE INCLUDING A TABLE TOP HAVING HORIZONTALLY SPACED MEMBERS ARRANGED TO ENGAGE OPPOSITELY DISPOSED MARGINS OF A MATTRESS RESTING ON SAID TOP; MEANS MOUNTING SAID MEMBERS ON SAID TABLE STRUCTURE FOR MOVEMENT TO A RELATIVELY ELEVATED POSITION WHEREIN THEY COOPERATE TO SUPPORT SAID MATTRESS WITH ALL OF ITS MARGINS ELEVATED AND ITS CENTER PORTION SAGGING; A SEWING MACHINE AND CARRIAGE MOUNTED ON SAID TABLE STRUCTURE FOR MOVEMENT AROUND SAID TABLE TOP; OPERATING MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID TABLE STRUCTURE FOR OPERATION, WHEN ACTUATED, TO MOVE SAID MATTRESS-SUPPORT MEMBERS TO SAID ELEVATED POSITION, AND MEANS FOR ACTUATING SAID TABLE MOUNTED OPERATING MEANS.

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