US3793968A

US3793968A - Fabric, joining and sewing device

Info

Publication number: US3793968A
Application number: US00178860A
Authority: US
Inventors: A Beazley
Original assignee: Farah Manufacturing Co Inc
Current assignee: Farah Manufacturing Co Inc
Priority date: 1970-01-26
Filing date: 1971-09-09
Publication date: 1974-02-26
Anticipated expiration: 1991-02-26

Abstract

A device for transferring, joining and sewing a pair of fabric workpieces is disclosed wherein one workpiece is held by suitable vacuum means and transferred into contact with the second workpiece whereupon the workpieces are clamped to a movable sewing table which advances the workpieces as a sewing machine forms a line of stitch joining the two workpieces together.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Beazley 1 FABRIC, JOINING AND SEWING DEVICE [75] Inventor: Aubrey G. Beazley, El Paso, Tex.

[73] Assignee: Farah Manufacturing Company, El

Paso, Tex.

221 Filed: Sept. 9, 1971 21 App1.No.: 178,860

Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 5,809, Jan. 26, 1970, Pat. No.

[52] US. Cl. ll2/l21.29 [51] Int. Cl D05b 33/02 [58] Field of Search 112/2,121.11,121.12,l21.15, 1l2/121.14, 121.29; 271/5, 11, 26, 74; 214/1 BS, 1 EV; 270/53, 58

1451 Feb. 26, 1974 3,099,970 8/1963 Hite l12/121.14 3,531,107 9/1970 Rovin et a1.. 1l2/121,ll X

11,581 8/1854 Shaw l12/121.l5

3,167,041 1/1965 Briggs 1l2/121.14 3,670,675 6/1972 Rovin et a1. 112/121.12 3,620,525 11/1971 Hawley 270/58 X 3,604,701 9/1971 Hawley.... 112/121.l1 X 3,474,747 10/1969 Noiles 112/12l.11 X 3,669,441 6/1972 Minasian 112/121.11 X

Primary ExaminerJames R. Boler Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Curtis, Morris & Safford [57] ABSTRACT A device for transferring, joining and sewing a pair of fabric workpieces is disclosed wherein one workpiece is held by suitable vacuum means and transferred into contact with the second workpiece whereupon the workpieces are clamped to a movable sewing table which advances the workpieces as a sewing machine forms a line of stitch joining the two workpieces together.

12 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENIEUFEBZBIQH v 3,793,968

SHEET 1 OF 7 FIG.|

INVENTOR. AUBREY G. BEAZLEY PATENTEDFEBZSIBH 3.793.968

SHEET 2 OF 7 FACING PATCH TRAVELv INVENTOR. AUBREY G. BEAZLEY PATENTEB FEB 2 6 I974 SHEET t UP 7 INVENTOR. AUBREY G. BEAZLEY PAIENIEUFEBZSIHH SHEET 5 OF 7 IINVEN'IOH.

AUBREY o. BEAZLEY sum 6 OF 7 u wdE INVENTOR. AUBREY G.BEA2LEY FABRIC, JOINING AND SEWING DEVICE This application is a division of copending application Ser. No. 5,809 filed on Jan. 26, 1970 and now Pat. No. 3,611,957 issued on Oct. 12, 1971.

This invention relates to an apparatus for joining garment components, and more particularly, to an apparatus which positions one fabric workpiece relative to another, such as a facing patch relative to a pocket blank, and sews the workpieces together.

In the production of garments, such as mens pants, almost endlessly repetitive sewing operations are required for a competitive manufacture of these garments. Thus, for example, in the manufacture of pants, the back pockets are fashioned from a pocket blank which undergoes a number of manufacturing steps until it is incorporated into the finished pants article. One of these manufacturing steps is to position and sew a facing patch on a pocket blank. The purpose of the facing patch is to cover the exposed portion of the pocket at the pocket opening. Although the positioning of the facing patch relative to the pocket blank and sewing thereof can be performed manually, such manual fabrication is relatively slow.

In accordance with the present invention, a mating and sewing apparatus is provided which accurately positions one fabric workpiece on a second fabric workpiece and sews the two workpieces together. The two workpieces are fed to the apparatus from two different directions e.g., orthogonal directions by suitable conveyor means to positions where one workpiece rests on a sewing table and the other workpiece is supported on a tray over and slightly forward of the sewing machine. Next, the second workpiece is gripped by suitable vacuum means and transferred into contact with the first workpiece as the support tray pivots out of the way. After the two workpieces are mated, the sewing machine is activated and by suitable gearing the sewing table is moved to permit the sewing machine to form a line of stitch joining the two workpieces. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a pocket blank forming machine utilizing the unique fabric transfer, joining and sewing device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a fabric workpiece mating device which places a first workpiece on a second workpiece;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2 showing the fabric workpiece mating device, a sewing machine unit, a workpiece advancing means and a gear train employed to reciprocally move the sewing table;

FIG. 4 is a vertical view showing the sewing machine unit with a worktable and a unique presser foot employed in sewing one fabric workpiece to another as well as the placement of the gear train in relationship to the sewing machine table;

FIG. 5 is a frontal view of the sewing machine along the line 5-5 of FIG. 3 illustrating the location of the presser foot guide rail and the means used for moving the worktable left and right as well as the gear and clutch relationship, the return means, etc.;

FIG. 6 is a frontal view of the gear train and rack for moving the sewing machine table;

FIG. 6A is a schematic view showing an electric clutch interposed in the gear train in a disengaged position;

FIG. 6B is a schematic view showing an electric clutch interposed in the gear train in an engaged position; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuits associated with the devices illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 6 and their controlled interrelationship.

A complete pocket forming machine is shown in FIG. 1. The functions and operational sequence of this machine are fully described in the previously identified copending application. The functions essentially consist of simultaneously feeding a pocket blank from a transfer device 40 toward a sewing machine unit 130 and feeding a facing patch from a twist pick-up device 39 toward a mating device 100. The mating device places the facing patch on the pocket blank whereupon the patch and blank are sewn together by sewing unit 130. Thereafter, the work blank with facing patch attached is removed from the sewing machine area by a rake device 180. Next, the pocket blank is conveyed to a patch facing folder device 200 and thereafter sent through a pocket blank side edge folding and pressing device 250. After the edge of the pocket blank has been folded, the pocket blank is conveyed to a pocket folder device 330 which folds the pocket blank over itself. At this point, the folded pocket blank is removed from the machine by a stacking device 370. The portion of this pocket blank forming machine comprising the mating device 100 and the sewing machine unit will now be discussed in greater detail.

Since a fabric workpiece is placed on a second workpiece by device 100, and the second workpiece is positioned simultaneously on the sewing machine table, a discussion of the mating apparatus must anticipate the description of the sewing machine operation and construction because of the interrelationship of these com ponents. Therefore, although the workpiece mating device 100 and the sewing machine unit 130 will be discussed separately, it should be understood that the time sequencing of these units overlap and are operatively interconnected. Moreover, the electrical means which are used in conjunction with the mating device 100 are also used to control the sewing machine unit 130 and therefore will be described after both mechanical means are discussed.

WORKPIECE MATING DEVICE The workpiece mating device 100 is shown in an isolated view in FIG. 2 and shown integrated with the sewing machine unit 130 in FIG. 3. This mating device consists of an air drop tray 101, having an adjustable stop 102 at one end with a guide rod 121 spacially supported above the upper surface of the tray. The travel of the first workpiece is aided by streams of low velocity air emitted through slanted air holes 103 positioned adjacent to the air drop tray 101.

The air drop tray is shown in an up position by solid lines and in its lowered or dropped position by dashed lines in FIGS. 2 and 3. Arrival of the workpiece on the air drop tray 101 is detected by a photocell 104 which functions in cooperation with a facing detection photocell lamp 105. The air drop tray 101 has a side guide 106 which ensures the proper positioning of the workpiece under a vacuum bar 114. The relative positioning of the workpieces is also ensured through the workpiece side guide photocell 122 which activates a pneumatic cylinder movable guide (not shown) when the photocell signals a non-interrupted beam indicating an 3 improperly positioned workpiece. This preparation positioning will be explained later in conjunction with the electrical control means used with this unit.

After the air drop tray 101 has received the first workpiece, the workpiece is urged against the stop 102 by the air emitted from air holes 103. While in this position, the workpiece is engaged by the vacuum bar 114 at a distance of approximately three-eighths inch from the side guide 106. The vacuum bar 114 extends horizontally and has holes therethrough which are connected through flexible hoses 115 with a vacuum source. The vacuum bar is slidably mounted on a slide guide 119. After the vacuum has been applied to the vacuum bar 114, the air tray 101 pivots downwardly about a shaft 107 to its drop position shown by the dashed lines in FIGS. 2 and 3. The downward motion of the air drop tray is activated by an air tray drop cylinder 108 which rotates one end of the tray downwardly by applying an upward force on a lever extension 109 of tray 101. The rod of cylinder 108 is preloaded by a spring 110 which tends to hold the air drop tray 101 in a horizontal position.

After the vacuum bar 114 has engaged the first workpiece and holds it in place suspended above the second workpiece, a pneumatically activated cylinder 116, having a cylinder rod 117, extends the vacuum bar 114 along a vacuum bar slide guide 119 forwardly and downwardly onto the sewing table 134 until the forward and downward motion is stopped by the end of the appropriately angled slide guide 119 having a forward microswitch 118 mounted thereon.

As the microswitch l 18 is activated by the downward movement of the vacuum bar 114, it cuts off the vac uum in hoses 115 by means of a valve (not shown) thus releasing the first workpiece. The operation of this sequence from an electrical standpoint will be discussed later.

The retraction of cylinder 108 is controlled by an air drop tray microswitch 113 which is located on frame 111. The retraction time and speed is adjusted so that when the forward stroke of the cylinder rod 1 17 is completed, the workpiece readily clears the slide guide 106 of the air drop tray 101.

The end stop 192 is provided with a threaded adjustment bolt 102a to provide adjustment means for accurately locating the first workpiece relative to the second workpiece.

Cylinder 116 is attached to frame 111 by means of a cylinder holding frame 120 which permits alignment of the cylinder and its rod to ensure proper guidance of the vacuum bar 114.

THE SEWING MACHINE UNIT As previously mentioned, the sewing unit 130 sews the two workpieces together. The sewing device or unit 130 is illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5. This sewing device consists of a sewing machine 131 having its head 132 facing towards the workpiece input conveyor rollers 66. The workpiece travels from rollers 66 onto a movable sewing table 134 where it is positioned under the pressure foot or clamp foot 135. The head 132 of the sewing machine 131 houses the sewing machine needle 133 and the needle bar 133a. The work-table 134 is moved by means of a rack 153 in a manner further explained herein, therefore, no feed dogs are necessary for moving the workpiece. Thus, the pocket blank is placed in a proper position by the conveyor rollers 66 and a side guide (not shown) which urge the workpiece against a side ledge 150 of the sewing table 134, and place the workpiece under the receiving or capture hood 148. Capture head 148 has an up-turned receiving ledge 148b which receives the workpeice thus preventing workpiece from climbing over the end and side ledge 150. An opening 148a is provided in the capture hood 148 to permit transmittal of light from a photocell lamp 146 to a photocell 145 to signal the proper position of the workpiece as it is urged against an end stop 142 located beneath the capture hood 148. The capture hood 148 is secured to side ledges 150 by a capture hood holding frame 149 which is adjustable to permit accurate positioning of the capture hood.

At the beginning of the apparatus cycle, the sewing table 134 is in its right-most position with the pressure foot 135 raised and the needle 133 and the needle bar 133a in the up-position. The presser foot cylinders 137 hold the presser foot guide rail 138 and attached presser foot lugs 138a upwardly, within the vertical guide rails 140. Presser foot rail 138 is guided in a horizontal plane by rollers 139, mounted on the vertical guide rail 140.

The presser foot cylinders 137 are fixedly mounted on a cylinder holding frame 144 which in turn is attached to the arm of the sewing machine 131. The vertical and the

horizontal guide rails

140 and 138, respectively, are engaged by an elbow shaped sewing machine presser foot holding frame 136 which extends over and moves with the movable sewing table 134. A long narrow slot 141 is provided in the presser foot 135 to permit sewing of the straight seam on the facing patch as the sewing table 134 and presser foot move.

As is evident from FIGS. 4 and 5, the movable sewing table 134 in cooperation with the presser foot 135 walk the workpieces from right to left over the lower stationary table 143. At the completion of the sewing cycle, the left-most position of the table is signaled by microswitch 147 which is attached to the housing of the sewing machine 131 by bracket 171a and tripped by the presser foot holding frame 136.

Side ledge 150 is attached to a spacer frame 152 which is affixed to a moving rack 153 by bolts 152a. A straddle frame 151 guides the rack 153 and is permanently affixed to a stationary part of the sewing machine. In tum, the whole assembly is joined together, i.e., sewing table 134, capture hood 148, hood holding frame 149, presser foot frame 136, and spacer frame 152.

A return cylinder rod 154 extending from horizontally positioned cylinder 155 is anchored to the spacer frame 154 at an anchor point 169. The opposite end of cylinder 155 is permanently attached to a cylinder holding rack 155a. When rod 154 is extended by cylinder 155, the sewing table 134 is placed in the receiving or right-most position. After the rack 153 has reached its right-most or left-most positions, it is stopped by the rack stops 168 contacting either the straddle frame 151 or the spacer 152. Appropriate adjustments may be made to position the rack stops 168 as needed.

In order to drive the rack 153 leftwardly, power is taken from the sewing machine 131. A sewing machine such as Singer 269 disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,938,477 is used for the sewing operation. This is a lockstitch type of machine and designed to sew a fixed number of stitches after which it automatically stops and trims the top and bottom threads by known means (not shown) thus, freeing a workpiece from the machine. This machine has an appropriately sized base gear 167 which makes one complete revolution per sewing cycle. Hence, the linear traverse of the sewing machine table 134 can be selected for each sewing cycle to assure a fixed sew length.

Base gear 167 is engaged with an intermediate transfer gear 166 which is joined through a shaft 166a to a second transfer gear 166b. Gear 166b, in turn, drives gear 161 which is coupled through a sleeve gear 162 to clutch and gear plate 160. The correct stitch length can be established by appropriate selection of these gears.

An electric clutch 158 is provided in the base of the sewing machine for the purpose of disengaging the sewing table 134 after completion of the stitch line so that cylinder 155 can return the table 134 to its right-most position. A commercially available electricclutch can be used which is readily available.

Clutch 158, which is magnetically engagable, couples the clutch and gear plate 160 to a pinion gear 156 during the sewing cycle. Pinion gear 156 is engaged with the rack 153. This clutch and gear plate 160 consists of an interiorily cut gear sliding on the slidable sleeve gear 162. This slidable sleeve gear is fixedly attached to a shaft 163 which holds gear 161.

When the power is removed from clutch 158, the clutch and gear plate 160 drops or slides vertically downwardly on the sleeve gear 162 thus disconnecting the power train from gear 161 to the pinion 156. However, when the base plate 160 is engaged by clutch 158, sleeve gear 162 is driven from the sewing machine base gear 167 through the intermediate gears 166 and 166b. The sewing machine 131 is also modified to replace the sewing machine clutch pedal (not shown; normally foot operated) with an air cylinder (not shown).

ELECTRICAL CONTROL CIRCUIT The electrical control means are illustrated by the electrical control circuit for the mating and sewing devices indicated as 900 in FIG. 7. The operating cycles of these devices were discussed above. The operation of electrical control circuit 900 will now be explained by describing what happens at each step in its operating cycle.

Initial Conditions Prior to Start of Operating Cycle Standard alternating current is applied to ac. power terminal 901 and ground terminal 902. 150 volts direct current is applied between d.c. terminal 903 and ground terminal 902. The following conditions exist:

1

Relays

910, 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 916 and 917 are tie-energized.

2, Table return solenoid valve 1550 is energized through a presser foot microswitch 1350 located on the presser foot lift bar linkage, causing the table 134 to assume its retracted (or right-most) position.

3 Table retract microswitch 147 is mechanically held closed by the retracted table 134.

4 A solenoid valve 103a is energized through relay 914 thus causing air to be blown through the slanted air holes 103.

5 Presser foot solenoid valves 1371) are energized through a sewing machine clutch microswitch 131a and forward microswitch 188 causing the presser foot 135 to assume its up-position.

6 Vacuum solenoid valve 115a, electric clutch 158, sewing machine clutch 131d, drop tray actuating cylinder solenoid valve 1080, forward cylinder solenoid valve 116a, and rake motor 187 are de-energized.

Start of Operating Cycle The operating cycle is initiated by the co-existence of the following three conditions:

1 Table 134 is in its retracted position.

2 The first workpiece is present and correctly aligned.

3 The second workpiece is present and correctly aligned.

When corectly aligned, the two workpieces will interrupt the pathsof the light beams from

lamps

123, 145 and to side photocell 122, front photocell 146, and photocell 104, respectively. Side photocell 122 is connected to a first photocell amplifier 920. Front photocell 146 is connected to a second photocell amplifier 921. Photocell 104 is connected to a third photocell amplifier 922. Covering side photocell 122, front photocell 146 and photocell 104 creates output signals at

output terminals

923, 924 and 925 of first photocell amplifier 920, second photocell amplifier 921 and third photocell amplifier 922, respectively, with the following results:

1. Relay 912 is energized by the output signal at output terminal 923 of first photocell amplifier 920.

2. Relay 911 is energized by the output signal at output terminal 924 of second photocell amplifier 921.

3. Relay 910 is energized by the output signal at output terminal 925 of third photocell amplifier 922.

4. Relay 913 is energized through table 134 retract microswitch 147 and

relays

910, 911, 912 and 915 with the following results:

a. Vacuum valve 155a is energized through relay 913 and presser foot microswitch a. This causes the first workpiece to become attached to vacuum bar 114.

b. Input terminal 932 of first delay circuit 930 is grounded through relay 913.

End of First Delay Time Interval After a period corresponding to the delay time of first delay circuit 930, output terminal 933 of first delay circuit 930 will assume a ground potential, causing relay 914 to be energized, with the following results:

1 Solenoid valve 103a is de-energized, causing the air flow through the slanted air holes 103 to be terminated.

2 Drop tray solenoid valve 108a is energized through relay 914, causing drop tray 101 to pivot down.

3 Machine delay circuit 926 is energized through relay 914. After an appropriate time delay, relay 918 will be energized, causing output terminal 904 to be grounded. This starts twist separation device 40 as described in the aforementioned copending application.

Drop Tray Assumes Down Position When drop tray 101 reaches its down position, the following occurs:

1 Drop tray microswitch 113 is mechanically actuated causing it to close.

2 First workpiece forward solenoid valve 1160 is energized through drop tray microswitch 113 and sewing machine clutch microswitch 131a, causing vacuum bar 114 to travel forwardly and downwardly.

de-energized. This causes presser foot 135 to travel downwardly.

Presser Foot Assumes Down Position When presser foot 135 reaches its down position, trapping the first workpiece against the second workpiece, presser foot microswitch 135a is mechanically actuated, causing it to assume its down position, with the following results:

1 Vacuum valve 115a is de-energized causing the first workpiece to be released from vacuum bar 114.

2 Table return solenoid valve 1550 is de-energized.

3 Electric clutch 158 is energized through presser foot microswitch 135a, causing sewing machine base gear 167 to be coupled to sewing machine table 135 as previously explained with respect to the mechanical means.

4 Sewing machine clutch (not shown) is energized through presser foot microswitch 135a and relay 913. This starts the sewing machine, which will run for one sewing cycle, after which it automatically stops.

5 Sewing machine clutch microswtich 131a is mechanically actuated by the sewing machine clutch (not shown) causing it to assume its engaged position, with the following results.

a First workpiece forward solenoid valve 116a is deenergized, causing the vacuum bar to return to its initial position.

b Relay 916 is energized through sewing machine clutch microswitch 131a. This connects capacitor 936 to +150 v.d.c-., causing it to charge to that voltage.

c Input terminal 934, of second delay circuit 931, is

grounded through sewing machine clutch microswitch 131a.

End of Second Delay Time lnterval relay 914.

4 Drop tray solenoid valve 108a is de-energized causing the drop (air) tray 101 to return to its initial position (by down stroke of cylinder 108).

End of Sewing Cycle After one sewing cycle, the sewing machine clutch automatically disengages. This mechanically actuates sewing machine clutch microswitch 131a, causing it to return to its disengaged position, with the following results:

1 Relay 916 is de-energized, connecting capacitor '936, which has previously been charged to +150 v.d.c.

through resistor 937 and relay 917. This momentarily energizes relay 917 with the following results:

a Rake motor 187 is momentarily energized through relay 917.

5 b The momentary rotation of rake motor mechanically actuates rake stop microswitch 192, causing it to close. Rake motor 187 is energized through rake stop microswitch 192, causing the sewn garment component to be transferred away by the rake.

0 After one revolution of rake motor 187, rake stop switch 192 is mechanically actuated causing it to open, thereby de-energizing rake motor 187. 2 Light beams from

lamps

123, 145 and 105 now illuminate side photocell 122, front photocell 146 and photocell 104, respectively. This causes relays 912, 911, and 910 to be de-energized by

photocell amplifers

920, 921 and 922, respectively.

3 Presser foot solenoid valve 137b is energized through sewing machine clutch microswitch 131a and front workpiece forward microswitch 118. This causes the presser foot to lift, which mechanically actuates presser foot microswitch 135a, causing it to assume its up position with the following results:

a Electric clutch 158 is de-energized.

b Vacuum valve 115a is energized through presser foot microswitch 135a and relay 913.

c Table return solenoid valve 1550 is energized through presser foot microswitch 135a causing the carriage to retract.

All circuits have thus returned to their initial conditions, making the end of one operating cycle. The mating, sewing and transfer devices are thus mechanically and electrically reset.

What is claimed is:

1. A device for joining two work pieces for sewing the same together comprising, a work piece support sur- 40 face, a sewing machine including a sewing table positioned adjacent said work piece support surface, means for advancing a first work piece to a first predetermined position on said support surface, means for advancing a second work piece to a predetermined position on said sewing table immediately below said support surface and a first work piece thereon; a first work piece support member, normally positioned adjacent to said support surface, selectively operable means for holding a first work piece advanced to said first prede- 50 termined position on said support member, selectively operable means for moving said support member between a first position adjacent said support surface and a second position adjacent said sewing table, said means for holding being operative during movement of said support member from said first to said second positions thereof, thereby to transfer a first work piece from said support surface onto a second work piece therebelow on said sewing table; means for clamping said first work piece to said second work piece on said sewing table in position for sewing together of said work pieces by said sewing machine.

2. A device according to claim 1 including means for controlling the sequence of operation of said holding, moving, and clamping means and said sewing machine.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein said controlling means includes an electrical circuit which comprises:

a. means for sensing the presence of said first work piece and said second work piece in their respective predetermined positions;

b. means for activating said means for holding said first work piece operatively interconnected to said means for sensing;

c. first delay means operatively interconnected to said means for sensing;

d. means for activating said means for moving said support member operatively interconnected to said first delay means;

e. means for sensing the proximity of said first work piece with respect to said second work piece;

f. means for activating said clamping means operatively interconnected to said means for sensing the proximity of said first work piece with respect to said second work piece;

g. means for sensing activation of said clamping means;

h. means for deactivating said holding means operatively interconnected to said means for sensing activation of said clamping means;

i. means for activating said sewing machine operatively interconnected to said means for sensing activation of said clamping means; and

j. means for sensing completion of sewing.

4. A device according to claim 1 wherein said support surface includes barrier means defining the limits of said first predetermined position of said first work piece; said means for advancing a first work piece includes at least one air jet for projecting said first work piece against said barrier means, and means for sensing the presence of said first work piece in said first predetermined position.

5. A device according to claim 1 wherein said means for advancing a second work piece includes stopping means and means for sensing said predetermined position of said second work piece on said sewing table.

6. A device according to claim 1 wherein said means for holding said first work piece comprises, vacuum means operatively connected to said support member, said support member being positioned at said first position thereof over a predetermined portion of the advanced first work piece, and means for activating said vacuum means operatively interconnected to said means for advancing a first work piece and to said means for advancing a second work piece.

7. A device according to claim 1 wherein said means for clamping comprises a vertically movable clamp foot mounted on said sewing machine and positioned above said sewing table; rack means operatively interconnected to said sewing table; said sewing machine having a base gear; transmission means in operative engagement with said base gear of said sewing machine and with said rack means for moving said sewing table from a first to a second position thereof along a line of stitching when said sewing machine is in operation; said transmission means including means for disengaging said base gear from said rack means after completion of sewing; and means for returning said sewing table from said second to said first position thereof when said base gear is disengaged from said rack means.

8. A device for joining two work pieces for sewing the same together comprising: means for advancing a first work piece to a first predetermined position; means for advancing a second work piece to a second predetermined position below said first work piece with respect to said first predetermined position of said first work piece; means for holding said first work piece including means for placing said held first work piece on said second work piece; means for clamping said first work piece to said second work piece; and means for sewing together said clamped work pieces; said means for holding said first work piece including means for placing said held first work piece on said second work piece comprising:

a. a frame;

b. a tray pivotally mounted on said frame for receiving and supporting said first work piece, said tray having an extension therefrom and having a work piece barrier thereon for properly positioning said first work piece;

c. at least one air jet positioned vertically adjacent said tray and oriented toward said work piece barrier for urging said first work piece against said barrier;

d. a photoelectric cell and lamp vertically positioned on respective opposite sides of said tray and adjacent to said work piece barrier for sensing a properly positioned first work piece;

e. a vacuum bar positioned above said tray, said vacuum bar having at least one bore therethrough for vacuum engagement with said properly positioned first work piece;

f. at least one conduit in communication with said vacuum bar bore and connected to a vacuum source;

g. a first pneumatic cylinder mounted substantially vertically on said frame, said first pneumatic cylinder having a downwardly projecting piston rod in pivotal engagement with said extension of said tray for pivoting said tray away from said engaged first work piece;

h. a second pneumatic cylinder mounted on said frame, said second pneumatic cylinder having a piston rod angled downwardly relative to a horizontal plane and attached to said vacuum bar for repositioning said vacuum bar;

i. an elongated slide guide attached to said second pneumatic cylinder, said slide guide positioned downwardly parallel to said second pneumatic cylinder piston rod and aligned above a predetermined position of said first work piece and a predetermined position of said second work piece for guiding said vacuum bar;

j. a microswitch positioned on. a lower end of said slide guide and activated by said vacuum bar, said microswitch operatively interconnected to the vacuum source for deactivating said vacuum source when said first work piece engaged by said vacuum bar is vertically adjacent said second work piece.

9. A device according to claim 1 including a frame;

said support surface comprising a tray pivotally mounted on said frame for movement between a first relatively horizontal position in which said tray receives said first work piece at the first predetermined position thereof and an inclined position wherein said tray extends downwardly and towards said sewing table to permit said moving means to move said support member and first work piece to said second position thereof.

10. A device according to claim 9 including means for pivoting said tray between said two positions thereof.

11. A device according to claim 9 wherein said support member comprises a vacuum bar and said holding means comprises vacuum means operatively connected to said bar for holding said first work piece against said bar.

12. A device for joining two workpieces for sewing together comprising:

a. a stand;

b. a frame mounted on said stand;

c. a tray pivotally mounted on said frame for receiving and supporting a first workpiece, said tray having an extension therefrom and having a workpiece barrier thereon for properly positioning said first workpiece;

d. means for conveying said first workpiece onto said tray;

e. at least one air jet positioned vertically adjacent said tray and oriented toward said workpiece barrier for urging said first workpiece against said barrier;

f. a first photoelectric cell and lamp vertically positioned on respective opposite sides of said tray and adjacent to said workpiece barrier for sensing a properly positioned first workpiece;

g. a sewing table slidably mounted on said stand opposite said frame and below said tray, said sewing table having a side ledge positioned on the top surface of said sewing table for properly positioning a second workpiece, and a workpiece capture hood attached to said side ledge for holding said second workpiece against said sewing table;

h. means for conveying said second workpiece onto said sewing table against said side ledge and under said capture hood;

i. a second photoelectric cell and lamp vertically positioned on respective opposite sides of said means for conveying a second workpiece and horizontally positioned near an edge of a conveyed second workpiece for sensing sideways alignment of said second workpiece;

j. a third photoelectric cell and lamp adjacent said capture hood and vertically positioned on respective opposite sides of said sewing table for sensing a proper position of said second workpiece under said capture hood and against said side ledge;

k. a vacuum bar positioned above said tray, said vacuum bar having at least one bore therethrough for vacuum engagement with said properly positioned first workpiece;

l. at least one conduit in communication with said vacuum bar bore and connected to a vacuum source;

m. a first pneumatic cylinder mounted substantially vertically on said frame, said first pneumatic cylinder having a downwardly extending piston rod in pivotal engagement with said extension of said tray for pivoting said tray away from said engaged first workpiece;

n. a second pneumatic cylinder mounted on said frame, said second pneumatic cylinder having a piston rod angled downwardly relative to a horizontal plane and attached to said vacuum bar for repositioning said bar from and upper first workpiece engagement position to a lower workpiece joining position;

0. an elongaged slide guide attached to said second pneumatic cylinder, said slide guide positioned downwardly parallel to said second pneumatic cylinder piston rod and extending to the lower workpiece joining position;

p. a first detecting means positioned on a lower end of said slide guide and activated by said vacuum bar, said detecting means operatively interconnected to the vacuum source for deactivating said vacuum source when said first workpiece engaged by said vacuum bar is vertically adjacent said second workpiece;

q. a sewing machine mounted on said stand substantially opposite said frame, said sewing machine having a base gear integral therewith;

. a pair of presser footpneumatic cylinders rigidly and vertically attached to said sewing machine, said presser foot pneumatic cylinders having downwardly extending piston rods;

s. a horizontal guide rail attached to ends of said presser foot pneumatic cylinder piston rods;

. a presser foot holding frame having a vertical guide rail mounted thereon, said vertical guide rail movably engaged with said horizontal guide rail;

u. a presser foot connected to said vertical guide rail and positioned over said sewing table for holding said first and second workpieces together and against said sewing table;

v. a gear train including a first transfer gear engaged with said base gear, a second transfer gear axially connected to said first transfer gear, a third transfer gear engaged with said second transfer gear, a sleeve gear engaged with said third transfer gear, a clutch and gear plate axially connected to said sleeve gear, an electric clutch engageable with said clutch and gear plate, and a pinion gear axially connected to said clutch;

w. a rack attached to said sewing table and positioned in the direction of a line of sewing, said rack engaged with said pinion gear for advancing said sewing table under said sewing machine;

x. a second detecting means mounted on said stand and positioned adjacent said presser foot holding frame for sensing completion of sewing;

y. a pneumatic table return cylinder mounted on said stand parallel to said rack, said return cylinder responsive to said second detecting means and having a piston rod attached to said sewing table for returning said sewing table to a starting position after completion of sewing said first and second workpieces together;

2. means for controlling and cycling said device operatively interconnected with said first pneumatic cylinder, said second pneumatic cylinder, said vacuum source, said first photoelectric cell, said first detecting means, said electric clutch, said sewing machine, said pneumatic table return cylinder, said second photoelectric cell, said third photoelectric cell, said presser foot pneumatic cylinders, and said second detecting means.

Claims

1. A device for joining two work pieces for sewing the same together comprising, a work piece support surface, a sewing machine including a sewing table positioned adjacent said work piece support surface, means for advancing a first work piece to a first predetermined position on said support surface, means for advancing a second work piece to a predetermined position on said sewing table immediately below said support surface and a first work piece thereon; a first work piece support member, normally positioned adjacent to said support surface, selectively operable means for holding a first work piece advanced to said first predetermined position on said support member, selectively operable means for moving said support member between a first position adjacent said support surface and a second position adjacent said sewing table, said means for holding being operative during movement of said support member from said first to said second positions thereof, thereby to transfer a first work piece from said support surface onto a second work piece therebelow on said sewing table; means for clamping said first work piece to said second work piece on said sewing table in position for sewing together of said work pieces by said sewing machine.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein said controlling means includes an electrical circuit which comprises: a. means for sensing the presence of said first work piece and said second work piece in their respective predetermined positions; b. means for activating said means for holding said first work piece operatively interconnected to said means for sensing; c. first delay means operatively interconnected to said means for sensing; d. means for activating said means for moving said support member operatively interconnected to said first delay means; e. means for sensing the proximity of said first work piece with respect tO said second work piece; f. means for activating said clamping means operatively interconnected to said means for sensing the proximity of said first work piece with respect to said second work piece; g. means for sensing activation of said clamping means; h. means for deactivating said holding means operatively interconnected to said means for sensing activation of said clamping means; i. means for activating said sewing machine operatively interconnected to said means for sensing activation of said clamping means; and j. means for sensing completion of sewing.

8. A device for joining two work pieces for sewing the same together comprising: means for advancing a first work piece to a first predetermined position; means for advancing a second work piece to a second predetermined position below said first work piece with respect to said first predetermined position of said first work piece; means for holding said first work piece including means for placing said held first work piece on said second work piece; means for clamping said first work piece to said second work piece; and means for sewing together said clamped work pieces; said means for holding said first work piece including means for placing said held first work piece on said second work piece comprising: a. a frame; b. a tray pivotally mounted on said frame for receiving and supporting said first work piece, said tray having an extension therefrom and having a work piece barrier thereon for properly positioning said first work piece; c. at least one air jet positioned vertically adjacent said tray and oriented toward said work piece barrier for urging said first work piece against said barrier; d. a photoelectric cell and lamp vertically positioned on respective opposite sides of said tray and adjacent to said work piece barrier for sensing a properly positioned first work piece; e. a vacuum bar positioned above said tray, said vacuum bar having at least one bore therethrough for vacuum engagement with said properly positioned first work piece; f. at least one conduit in communication with said vacuum bar bore and cOnnected to a vacuum source; g. a first pneumatic cylinder mounted substantially vertically on said frame, said first pneumatic cylinder having a downwardly projecting piston rod in pivotal engagement with said extension of said tray for pivoting said tray away from said engaged first work piece; h. a second pneumatic cylinder mounted on said frame, said second pneumatic cylinder having a piston rod angled downwardly relative to a horizontal plane and attached to said vacuum bar for repositioning said vacuum bar; i. an elongated slide guide attached to said second pneumatic cylinder, said slide guide positioned downwardly parallel to said second pneumatic cylinder piston rod and aligned above a predetermined position of said first work piece and a predetermined position of said second work piece for guiding said vacuum bar; j. a microswitch positioned on a lower end of said slide guide and activated by said vacuum bar, said microswitch operatively interconnected to the vacuum source for deactivating said vacuum source when said first work piece engaged by said vacuum bar is vertically adjacent said second work piece.

9. A device according to claim 1 including a frame; said support surface comprising a tray pivotally mounted on said frame for movement between a first relatively horizontal position in which said tray receives said first work piece at the first predetermined position thereof and an inclined position wherein said tray extends downwardly and towards said sewing table to permit said moving means to move said support member and first work piece to said second position thereof.

12. A device for joining two workpieces for sewing together comprising: a. a stand; b. a frame mounted on said stand; c. a tray pivotally mounted on said frame for receiving and supporting a first workpiece, said tray having an extension therefrom and having a workpiece barrier thereon for properly positioning said first workpiece; d. means for conveying said first workpiece onto said tray; e. at least one air jet positioned vertically adjacent said tray and oriented toward said workpiece barrier for urging said first workpiece against said barrier; f. a first photoelectric cell and lamp vertically positioned on respective opposite sides of said tray and adjacent to said workpiece barrier for sensing a properly positioned first workpiece; g. a sewing table slidably mounted on said stand opposite said frame and below said tray, said sewing table having a side ledge positioned on the top surface of said sewing table for properly positioning a second workpiece, and a workpiece capture hood attached to said side ledge for holding said second workpiece against said sewing table; h. means for conveying said second workpiece onto said sewing table against said side ledge and under said capture hood; i. a second photoelectric cell and lamp vertically positioned on respective opposite sides of said means for conveying a second workpiece and horizontally positioned near an edge of a conveyed second workpiece for sensing sideways alignment of said second workpiece; j. a third photoelectric cell and lamp adjacent said capture hood and vertically positioned on respective opposite sides of said sewing table for sensing a proper position of said second workpiece under said capture hood and against said side ledge; k. a vacuum bar positioned above said tray, said vacuum bar having at least one bore therethrough for vacuum engagement with said properly positioned first workpiece; l. at least one conduit in communication with said vacuum bar bore and connected to a vacuum source; m. a first pneuMatic cylinder mounted substantially vertically on said frame, said first pneumatic cylinder having a downwardly extending piston rod in pivotal engagement with said extension of said tray for pivoting said tray away from said engaged first workpiece; n. a second pneumatic cylinder mounted on said frame, said second pneumatic cylinder having a piston rod angled downwardly relative to a horizontal plane and attached to said vacuum bar for repositioning said bar from and upper first workpiece engagement position to a lower workpiece joining position; o. an elongaged slide guide attached to said second pneumatic cylinder, said slide guide positioned downwardly parallel to said second pneumatic cylinder piston rod and extending to the lower workpiece joining position; p. a first detecting means positioned on a lower end of said slide guide and activated by said vacuum bar, said detecting means operatively interconnected to the vacuum source for deactivating said vacuum source when said first workpiece engaged by said vacuum bar is vertically adjacent said second workpiece; q. a sewing machine mounted on said stand substantially opposite said frame, said sewing machine having a base gear integral therewith; r. a pair of presser foot pneumatic cylinders rigidly and vertically attached to said sewing machine, said presser foot pneumatic cylinders having downwardly extending piston rods; s. a horizontal guide rail attached to ends of said presser foot pneumatic cylinder piston rods; t. a presser foot holding frame having a vertical guide rail mounted thereon, said vertical guide rail movably engaged with said horizontal guide rail; u. a presser foot connected to said vertical guide rail and positioned over said sewing table for holding said first and second workpieces together and against said sewing table; v. a gear train including a first transfer gear engaged with said base gear, a second transfer gear axially connected to said first transfer gear, a third transfer gear engaged with said second transfer gear, a sleeve gear engaged with said third transfer gear, a clutch and gear plate axially connected to said sleeve gear, an electric clutch engageable with said clutch and gear plate, and a pinion gear axially connected to said clutch; w. a rack attached to said sewing table and positioned in the direction of a line of sewing, said rack engaged with said pinion gear for advancing said sewing table under said sewing machine; x. a second detecting means mounted on said stand and positioned adjacent said presser foot holding frame for sensing completion of sewing; y. a pneumatic table return cylinder mounted on said stand parallel to said rack, said return cylinder responsive to said second detecting means and having a piston rod attached to said sewing table for returning said sewing table to a starting position after completion of sewing said first and second workpieces together; z. means for controlling and cycling said device operatively interconnected with said first pneumatic cylinder, said second pneumatic cylinder, said vacuum source, said first photoelectric cell, said first detecting means, said electric clutch, said sewing machine, said pneumatic table return cylinder, said second photoelectric cell, said third photoelectric cell, said presser foot pneumatic cylinders, and said second detecting means.