US3797423A

US3797423A - Fabric turnover, mating and sewing device

Info

Publication number: US3797423A
Application number: US00185729A
Authority: US
Inventors: A Beazley; E Lopez; R Spidle
Original assignee: Farah Manufacturing Co Inc
Current assignee: Farah Manufacturing Co Inc
Priority date: 1970-06-09
Filing date: 1971-10-01
Publication date: 1974-03-19
Anticipated expiration: 1991-03-19
Also published as: DE2128407A1; DE2247234A1; BE768199A; DE2247235A1; FR2156535A2; US3794153A; GB1362981A; GB1362983A; FR2096096A5; GB1362982A; US3611961A

Abstract

A device for conveying, inverting, mating and sewing garment workpieces is disclosed which senses the presence of a first workpiece near a first position, raises and captures the leading end of the first workpiece thereby permitting conveyor rollers covered with an elastomeric material to sweep the following end of the first workpiece under the captured leading end, releases the captured leading end of the first workpiece after an appropriate delay period whereafter the first work-piece is conveyed to a second position, senses the presence of the first workpiece at the second position and the presence of a second workpiece at a third position, holds and aligns the second workpiece at the third position, moves the first workpiece from the second position over a ramp onto the second workpiece at the third position, releases the held workpieces and urges them toward a sewing area, and sews the two work-pieces together.

Description

[111 3,797,423 [4 1*Mar. 19, 1974 United States Patent Lopez et a1.

92 5 2 m m .ll 1 8 MZZUZZQ HH .JZZ ZH 11 l .l] .12 v a 1 Jensen............................... Pickett........

Rovin et al.

Hawley....... Buckalter............ Southwell et a1.

[ FABRIC TURNOVER, MATING AND SEWING DEVICE [75] Inventors: Enrique Lopez; Robert D. Spidle;

Aubrey Glenn Beazley, all of El Paso, Tex.

Egg1eston...... [73] Assignee: Farah Manufacturing Company Incm'porated El Paso Primary Etaminer--James R. Boler Notice; The portion ofthe term of this 141107716), Agent, 0! Firm-Curtis, MOI'I'IS & Safford patent subsequent to Oct. 12, 1988, has been disclaimed. [5 7] ABSTRACT [22] Filed: Oct 1, 1971 A device for conveying, inverting, mating and sewing garment workpieces is disclosed which senses the [2]] Appl. No.: 185,729 presence of a first workpiece near a first position,

Related s Application Data raises and captures the leading end of the first work- [62] Division of Ser. No. 44,710 June 9, 1970 Pat. No, piece thereby peimitting .conveyor rollers H 961 with an elastomenc material to sweep the followin end of the first workpiece under the captured leadin 52 us. 112/121.11, 270/58, 198/33 AD and, {eleases the aPmred 1eadi"g the first 51 int. D05b 21/00 wmkplece after amfipprflmate deflay Penod Whereaf- 581 Field of Search 112/2, 121, 11, 121.12, P the first Wmkdmce cmveyed sewnd P051 112/12ll5, 12129; 270/53, 58 46, 59, 68; non, senses the presence of the first workpiece at the 271/1, 198/32, 33 R, 33 AD, 35 second position and the presence of a second workpiece at a third position, holds and aligns the second [56] References Cited workpfiece ath the third1 position, moves the first Wot:-

piece rom t e secon position over a ramp onto t e UNITED STATES PATENTS second workpiece at the third position, releases the 3,611,961 10/1971 Lopez et l12/121.11 ld workpieces and urges them toward a Sewing area, i 2:22 et ag 55 kg and sews the two workpieces together. 3.271.023 9/1966 Disbrow et 270/58 22 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEBHAR is 1914 SHEET 1 BF 6 INVENTORS ENRIQUE LQPEZ ROBERT D. SPIDLE BY AUBREY G. BEAZLEY ATTORNEYS Pmmwm 1 9 1914 3.791423 SHEET '2 0F 6 INVENTORS ENRIQUE LOPEZ ROBERT D. SPIDLE BY AUBREY G. BEAZLEY ATTORNEYS PATENIEDHAR 19 I974 3 797L423 sum u or e INVENTORS ENRlQUE LOPEZ ROBERT D.SP|DLE AUBREY G.BEAZLEY AT ORNEYS PATENTEDHAR 1 IBM 37972423 SHEEI 5 (1F 6 INVENTORS ENRIQUE LOPEZ ROBERT D. SPIDLE BY AUBREY G. BEAZLEY ATTORNEYS FABRIC TURNOVER, MATING AND SEWING DEVICE This application is a division of copending application Ser. No. 44,710 filed on June 9, 1970 and now Pat. No. 3,611,961 issued on Oct. 12, 1971.

This invention relates to a device for mating garment components, including turning over a fabric workpiece and mating the workpiece with a second fabric workpiece, and for sewing the two fabric workpieces together.

In producing a number of similar garments, it is the accepted practice in the trade to lay out a bolt of cloth on a pattern table about 125 feet in length for pattern drawing or arranging. The bolt is then folded alternately face side up and face side down for a total of about 120 layers. As a consequence of this layout procedure, pattern cutting produces stacks .of garment components each consisting of 120 components per stack wherein each alternate component in each stack is inverted. Before the garment components can be assembled with other garment components, such as attaching a stiffening'patch to a welting patch, the alternate garment components in each stack must be inverted.

After the foregoing inversion step, it is necessary to align the inverted garment component with another garment component and sew the two components together. Numerous problems are encountered in sewing garment components together. Especially troublesome is misalignment of the individual pieces with each other which results in a nonuniform product. In addition, when the components are sewn together manually, the performance of each individual workman often vary considerably, thus resulting in products of varying quality. A third problem also arises when garment components are joined manually. Because of normal fatigue associated with this type of work, workmen can often lose the order in which the garment components are assembled or matched and thus mix components of varying shades and tones thereby losing component color uniformity in the final product. Hence, the device of the present invention is also applicable for the mating of two workpieces without inversion of one and the sewing together of the workpieces.

In the previously identified copending application a novel welt facing patch assembly machine is shown which eliminates a number of quality reducing manual operations while producing a more uniform product at a higher rate than that possible manually.

In accordance with the present invention, a device is provided for turning over alternate workpieces or garment components, mating the inverted workpiece to a second workpiece and sewing the two workpieces together. Thus, according to the invention, when a workpiece is transported along a conveyor, it interrupts the light path beam between a lamp and a photo-electric cell. The photoelectric cell output is delayed to allow sufficient time for the workpiece to advance to a capturing device which lifts and clamps the leading end of the workpiece. The conveyor continues to advance the remainder of the workpiece under the clamped leading end. After sufficient delay following removal of the workpiece from the light beam path which allows time for the-trailing end of the workpiece to be inverted, the leading end of the workpiece is released from the capturing device. The leading end then becomes the new following end. By utilizing appropriate circuitry, the capturing device may only be activated for alternate workpieces or every workpiece or rendered altogether inoperative.

Following inversion, the workpiece is advanced to a rake and mating device wherein it again interrupts another light beam path between a lamp and photoelectric cell; concurrently therewith or shortly thereafter, the second workpiece, transported by a second conveyor, arrives at the mating device and interrupts a light beam path to a third photoelectric cell. At this point, a rake is activated forcing the first workpiece up over a ramp onto the second workpiece. The two workpieces are held by a stop gate, until these are advanced to a sewing area by a puller wheel prior to which the stop gate is lowered. Thereafter, suitable sewing means sew the two workpieces together.

With reference to the foregoing and the attached drawings, the invention will be described in more detail wherein the various items in the figures will be marked with the same identifying numbers and items function ing substantially similarly also will [be identified by the I same identifying numbers, and wherein:

IN THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a machine incorporating an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a fabric turnover device;

FIGS. 2A to 2C are schematic side views of the fabric turnover device sequentially showing the turnover method utilized;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the workpiece rake which mates a first workpiece with a second workpiece;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section schematic along the line 4-4 of the rake device shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical control circuit for the turnover, rake, mating device as well as the sewing machine.

A complete automatic welting patch and liner assembler and sewing device is shown in FIG. 1. The functions and operational sequence of this machine are fully described in the previously identified copending, parent application. The portion of this machine comprising a turnover device 200, rake and mating device 230, and sewing unit 300 may also be used to position,

join and sew other fabric components. The device precussed in greater detail.

TURNOVER DEVICE 200 A turnover device 200 for inverting fabric workpieces is shown in FIG. 2. As a fabric garment component 10 travels along the conveyor rollers 201, it interrupts the light path between a lamp 204 and a photoelectric cell 202 which are oppositely mounted at ends of a U-shaped bracket 206 attached to a conveyor frame 52. The conveyor rollers 201 are covered with an elastomeric material which provides the necessary frictional engagement with the garment components required for its inversion and subsequent advancement over the conveyor rollers to the next work station. A suitable elastomeric material has been found to be silicone rubber. The number of rollers covered with this material may vary, however, it has been found that adequate operation is obtained by covering about six rollers, three preceding and three following a turnover gate 207, with the elastomeric material. Of course, the number of rollers 20] covered with the elastomeric material may be varied to accommodate various fabric materials. For example, the frictional characteristics and turnover behavior of materials based on thickness and stiffness may be used to determine the appropriate number of covered rollers required.

The turnover gate 207 includes a U-shaped rod, the two ends of which are affixed to a horizontal bar 209. A downwardly projecting rod 211 of a vertically positioned pneumatic cylinder 210 is centrally attached to bar 209 and moves bar 209 vertically when cylinder 210 is activated. Pneumatic activation of cylinder 210 raises bar 209 and an internal spring in cylinder 210 urges bar 209 downwardly when the cylinder is deactivated. Cylinder 210 is mounted on a horizontally extending portion of a support frame 212 attached to the conveyor frame 52. A horizontal bar 214 extends from frame 212 directly below cylinder 210. An elastomeric cushioning pad 216 covers the bottom of bar 214. Bar 214 also has two notches 214a and 214b at its end to guide gate 207 in its work stroke.

The operational sequence of the fabric turnover device 200 is illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 2c. The approximate position of the garment component is shown in FIG. 2a before the pneumatic cylinder 210 retracts the turnover gate 207 upwardly. In FIG. 2b, gate 207 has captured the garment component against the elastomeric material 216 on bar 214. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2c, the continuous motion of the conveyor rollers 201 advances the loose end of the garment component underneath and past the turnover gate 207. After an appropriate period of time has elapsed, the garment component is released by deactivating cylinder 210 thus permitting the cylinders spring to move the rod gate 207 downwardly in a continuous motion until it reaches its downward rest position ready for the next.

component to be turned over. The downward motion of gate 207 is relatively slow because of the residual backpressure in cylinder 210 which permits the released end of the garment component to be advanced from beneath gate 207 before the gate reaches its downward rest position. Rod 211 is shown cylindrical in shape, however, it also may be in the form of a hexagon, guided within the cylinder 210.

It should be noted that the precise use of turnover device 200 is dependent on the method used to stack the first set of garment components. In the preceding description it was assumed to be desirable to invert alternately conveyed components. However, other stacking methods may make the inversion of every garment component or, for example, every third component necessary. Such variation in use of the turnover device can be accomplished by minor modifications of the electrical control circuit associated with the turnover device. Of course, if necessary, the turnover device may also be made inoperative so that all garment components are conveyed past the turnover device without inversion.

RAKE AND MATING DEVICE 230 After the garment component has been inverted, it is urged by conveyor rollers 51 against a side guide 205 which is attached to the conveyor roller frame 52 and towards a rake and mating device 230. When in position on device 230, the garment component interrupts the light path between a photocell lamp 231 and a photoelectric cell 232. The photocell lamp 231 is mounted on a frame 232a which extends over the flat portion of a ramp 240 and slightly in front of a patch stop plate 233.

Ramp 240 consists of a highly polished metal plate in which slots are provided to accommodate a set of rake fingers 236. The edges of ramp 240 between the rake fingers 236 are highly polished in order to prevent the garment component from being caught by the edges. It has been found that about five rake fingers 236 are sufficient to properly move the garment component. Two rake fingers are positioned in slots in ramp 240 and the remainder are positioned between the conveyor rollers as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. In order to allow the tail end of the garment component to be swept uniformly onto a second garment component, a tail end ramp 241 has been provided adjacent ramp 240.

The tail end ramp 241 consists of three portions, each having slots therebetween to accommodate rake fingers 236. Ramp 241 is attached to a securing ledge 243 which is in turn affixed to the conveyor roller frame 52 by appropriate means now shown.

Two sets of conveyor rollers 51 convey the two garment components. One roller of each set is supported on a common shaft or axis 51a. The shafts 51a, in turn, are rotatably supported between the sides 52 of the conveyor frame.

The rake fingers 236 are all carried by a bar 234 as shown in FIG. 3. When activated, these fingers urge the first garment component onto and over ramps 240 and 241 thus effectively placing the first garment component on a second garment component which has been advanced by the right side conveyor rollers 51 and stopped by a drop gate 242.

When the drop gate 242 moves downwardly, a puller wheel 250 urges the mated garment components onto the sewing machine 301. Dropping of gate 242 is effected following a time interval of sufficient length to assure that the first garment component is properly positioned on the second component. Similarly, photoelectric cell 246 is uncovered when the trailing end of the two garment components have advanced to the sewing unit and gate 242 is raised by cylinder 242a.

An appropriate delay time is allowed before cylinder 242a is activated to raise the drop gate, in order to permit the garment components to pass towards the sewing machine.

The rake is activated only when both photoelectric cell 232 and photoelectric cell 246 are covered. If one of these two cells is not covered, the rake will remain inoperative.

The electrical control devices which are employed herein, will be described in more detail following the mechanical description of this invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view along line 44 of FIG. 3 showing that the rake bar rod 237 is affixed to rake bar cylinder 239. Cylinder 239 is internally spring loaded to return rod 237 to its extended position upon deactivation of the cylinder. To cushion the rapid return of the rake bar, the rake bar is stopped by an elastic rake bar stop 256 which is attached to the conveyor frame 52. On the other side of the conveyor frame, the rake cylinder 239 is mounted to conveyor frame 52 by a bracket 239a.

A puller wheel assembly is held vertically above the last conveyor roller before the gate 242 by a frame 249.

A cylinder 252 having a downwardly extending rod 254 is mounted on the top of frame 252. The puller wheel 250 is carried within a puller wheel shaft frame 261 which is attached to the lower end of rod 254. Therefore, activation of cylinder 252 drives the puller wheel 250 downwardly toward the last conveyor roller 51.

SEWING UNIT 300 Upon lowering of gate 242, rollers 51 advance the mated garment components toward the sewing unit 300 shown in FIG. 1. The sewing machine 301 of unit 300 is a modified conventional serging machine such as Union Special Machine Co. Sewing Machine No. 39500GP, which is well known in the art.

Thus, when the mated garment components are advanced onto a sewing table 307 by the rollers 51 as aided by the puller wheel 250, a photocell and photocell lamp combination 304 and 302, respectively, signal the approach of the components and cause presser foot 306 to be lifted by means of a pneumatically operated presser foot lift cylinder 305 which activates the linkages normally operated by a foot pedal.

The start and stopping of the sewing machine 301 is effected by a transmitter 366 which is well known in the art and available from commercial sources such as Singer Sewing Machine Co. The transmitter 366 has a brake and clutch combination operated by a two-way pneumatically driven cylinder (not shown) which has a clutch-engaged" position and a clutch-disengaged position.

The presser foot 306 is lowered and the sewing machine 301 started after an appropriate delay period following covering of photocell 304 to allow the mated components to advance to a proper sewing position. During sewing the two garment components together, the components are advanced along a stitch line in conventional fashion by means of feed dogs, not shown.

After the garment components are advanced a sufficient distance, photocell 304 is uncovered and another delay period commenced to allow for completion of sewing. When the line of stitch is completed, the sewing machine is stopped and is again ready for another pair of garment components.

ELECTRICAL CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR TURNOVER DEVICE 200 As a garment component proceeds down the conveyor rollers 201, the leading edge thereof interrupts the path of the light beam from lamp 204 to turnover photocell 202. This causes the input to a delay-on and delay-off circuit 646 (or delayed stop and start circuit as it is also known) to be grounded by photocell ampli fier 648.

After a time interval sufficient to assure that the leading edge of the garment component is aligned properly beneath the turnover mechanism, this time interval corresponding to the on-time delay of delay circuit 646, the output of delay circuit 646 is grounded, causing relay 650 to energize with the following results:

l. Capacitor 652 is charged to 150 volts DC through resistor 654.

2. Assuming that the stepper relay 656 (which causes the turnover gate 207 to be inoperative in respect to every other garment component) is in the position as shown, turnover valve 210d is energized, causing the leading edge of the garment to be captured by the turnover mechanism.

When the trailing edge of the garment component advances past turnover photocell 202, thus permitting the light beam from lamp 204 to impinge thereon, the input to delay circuit 646 is ungroulnded by the photocell amplifler 648.

After a time interval sufficient to assure that the turnover operation is complete, this time interval corresponding to the off-time delay of delay circuit 646, relay 650 is de-energized with the following results:

I. Turnover valve 210d is de-energized, causing the garment component to be released.

2. Stepper relay 656 is momentarily energized by charged capacitor 652, causing stepper relay 656 to change state. Stepping relay 656 will remain in its new state until the next time it is energized. This causes the turnover gate 207 to be inoperative for alternate garment components.

ELECTRICAL CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR MATING OPERATION When a garment component arrives at the rake device 230, it interrupts the path of the light beam from lamp 231 to photocell 232, causing relay 658 to be en ergized by photoelectric amplifier 660. Soon thereafter, the second garment component arrives at the stop gate 243 and interrupts the path of the light beam from lamp .244 to the second photocell 246 thus causing relay 662 to be energized by photocell amplifier 664, with the following results:

1. Relay 658 is latched through relay 662, so that relay 658 will not de-energize when photocell 232 is uncovered. I

2. Rake valve 239d is energized causing the garment component to be moved by the rake fingers 236.

3. The input of delay circuit 666 is ungrounded, causing delay circuit 666 to commence its delay interval.

After a time interval sufficient to assure that the first garment component has been transferred onto the second garment component, the output of delay 666 is grounded, causing relay 668 to energize, with the following results: y

l. Rake valve 239d is de-energized, allowing the internal spring to rake cylinder 239 to return the rake to its initial position.

2. Stop gate valve 242d, which is normally energized, is de-energized, causing the gate to retract so that it does not obstruct the conveying path of the mated garment components.

3. Relay 670 is momentarily energized by capacitor 672, causing puller valve 252d to be momentarily energized. This causes the mated workpieces to be conveyed away from the mating mechanism.

When the trailing edges of the mated workpieces uncover photocell 246, permitting the light beam from lamp 244 to impinge thereon, the coil of relay 662 is ungrounded. After a short time interval, to permit the trailing edge of the mated workpieces to be conveyed past the gate, relay 662 de-energizes. This time interval is determined by a resistor 676 and a capacitor connected across the coil of relay 662. The deenergization of relay 662 results in the following:

1.

Relays

658 and 668 are de-energized.

2. Stop gate valve 242d is energized returning the stop gate 242 to its initial position.

3. Capacitor 672 is discharged by resistor 674, returning the capacitor 672 to its initial condition.

All circuits have thus been restored to their initial condition marking the end of the mating operation.

ELECTRICAL CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR SEWING UNIT 300 As the mated garment components proceed down conveyor rollers 51, the leading end thereof interrupts the path of light to photocell 304. This interruption causes the input to a delay-on and delay-off circuit 680 to be grounded by photocell amplifier 682.

After a time interval sufficient to assure that the leading edge of the mated material is underneath the presser foot 306, this time interval corresponding to the on-time delay of delay circuit 680, relay 684 is energized by the delay circuit which in turn de-energizes the sewing valve 305d and energizes the sewing machine clutch valve 3012, thus causing the sewing machine 301 to commence operation.

Another relay and two other valves are shown in FIG. operatively interconnected to relay 684. The two valves are an air-trim valve which is energized to blow a connecting thread into a thread cutter and thread cutter valve. The functions of these components are described in the aforementioned copending application.

When the trailing ends of the mated garment components uncover photocell 304, the input to delay circuit 680 is ungrounded by photocell amplifier 682. After a time interval sufficient to assure that the sewing operation is complete, this time interval corresponding to the off-time delay of delay circuit 680, relay 684 is deenergized with the following results:

1. Sewing machine brake and presser foot valve 305d are energized.

2. Sewing machine clutch valve 301e is de-energized.

3. A puller valve is energized which advances the sewn material away from sewing machine 301.

At this point, all the sewing circuitry is restored to its initial thus marking the end of the sewing operation.

What is claimed is:

l. A device for turning over, mating and sewing fabric workpieces comprising:

a. means for advancing a first workpiece to a first position;

b. means for inverting said first workpiece at said first position operatively interconnected with said means for advancing;

c. means for advancing said first workpiece from said first position to a second position;

d. means for advancing a second workpiece to a third position;

e. means for mating said first workpiece with said second workpiece operatively interconnected with said means for advancing said first workpiece and means for advancing said second workpiece;

f. means for advancing said first and second workpieces from said third position operatively interconnected with said means for mating; and

g. means for sewing said first and second workpieces together operatively interconnected with means for advancing said first and second workpieces.

2. The device as defined in claim 1 including means for automatically operating said device. 3. The device as defined in claim 1 including means for aligning said first workpiece in said second position and means for aligning and restraining said second workpiece in said third position. I

4. The device as defined in claim 1 including means for automatically operating said device.

5. The device as defined in claim 1 including:

a. means for sensing the presence of said first workpiece near said first position operatively interconnected to said means for inverting;

b. means for sensing the presence of said first workpiece at said second position operatively interconnected to said means for mating; and

c. means for sensing the presence of said second workpiece at said third position operatively interconnected to said means for mating.

6. The device as defined in claim 1 and wherein said means for inverting includes:

a. means for raising and capturing a leading end of said first workpiece at said first position;

b. means for sweeping a following end of said first workpiece underneath said means for raising and capturing; and

c. means for releasing said captured leading end of said first workpiece.

7. The device as defined in claim 1 and wherein said means for mating includes:

a. incline means positioned between said second position and said third position, said incline means increasing in height toward said third position; and

b. means for sliding said first workpiece up and over said incline means into said third position on top of said second workpiece.

8. A device for turning over, mating and sewing fabric workpieces comprising in combination:

a. means for conveying a first workpiece to a first position;

b. means for sensing the presence of said first workpiece near said first position;

c. means for raising and capturing a leading end of said first workpiece at said first position, said means for raising and capturing responsive to said means for sensing the presence of said first workpiece near said first position;

d. means for sweeping a following end of said first workpiece underneath said means for raising and capturing a leading end of said first workpiece;

e. means for releasing said captured leading end of said first workpiece;

f. means for operatively timing the capture and release of said first workpiece including means for returning said capturing means to a ready-tocapture position;

g. means for alternate activation of said means for raising and capturing;

h. means for conveying said first workpiece to a second position;

i. means for aligning said first workpiece in said second position;

j. means for sensing the presence of said first workpiece at said second position;

k. means for conveying a second workpiece to a third position;

1. means for aligning and restraining said second workpiece at said third position;

m. means for sensing the presence of said second workpiece at said third position;

n. incline means positioned between said second position and said third position, said incline means increasing in height toward said third position;

0. means for moving said first workpiece up and over said incline means into said third position on top of saidsecond workpiece, said means for moving responsive to said means for sensing the presence of said first and second workpieces at said second and third positions, respectively;

p. means for releasing said restraining means following moving said first workpiece into said third position;

q. means for advancing said first and second workpieces from said third position to a sewing position; and I r. means for sewing said workpieces together at said sewing position.

9. The device as defined in claim 8 including means for controlling and cycling said device.

10. The device as defined in claim 9 and wherein said means for controlling and cycling said device is an electrical circuit comprising:

a. first relay means for switching activation of said means for raising and capturing, said first relay means including said means for alternate activation of said means for raising and capturing;

b. means for energizing said first relay means operatively interconnected between said means for sensing the presence of said first workpiece near said first position and said first relay means, said means for energizing including first delay means for delaying energizing said relay means until said first workpiece is properly positioned with respect to said means for raising and capturing;

c. means for de-energizing said first relay means operatively interconnected between said means for sensing the presence of said first workpiece near said first position and said first relay means, said means for de-energizing including second delay means for delaying de-energizing said first relay means until a following end of said garment component is carried past said means for raising and capturing;

d. second relay means for switching activation of said means for moving said first workpiece;

e. means for energizing said second relay means operatively interconnected to said means for sensing the presence of said first workpiece at said second position, said means for sensing the presence of said second workpiece at said third position and said second relay means;

f. third relay means for switching off activation to said means for releasing said restraining means;

g. means for energizing said third relay means operatively interconnected to said second relay means including means for delaying energizing said third relay means until said first workpiece is properly positioned on said second workpiece;

h. fourth relay means for switching activation to said means for advancing said first and second workpieces; and

i. means for energizing said fourth relay means operatively interconnected to said third relay means.

11. The device as defined in claim 8 and wherein said means for conveying said first workpiece and said means for conveying said second workpiece'cornprise driven conveyor rollers.

12. The device as defined in claim 8 and wherein said means for raising and capturing comprises, a stationary bar having a cushioning pad thereunder, a movable gate positioned beneath said stationary bar, and means for raising said movable gate into contact with said stationary bar.

13. The device as defined in claim 8 and wherein said means for aligning and restraining said second workpiece at said third position includes a vertically movable drop gate positioned adjacent said third position and perpendicular to a direction of conveyance of said means for conveying a second workpiece.

14. The device as defined in claim 13 and wherein said means for releasing said restraining means comprises a cylinder and piston positioned vertically under said gate for raising and lowering said gate.

15. The device as defined in claim 8 and wherein said incline means comprises a plurality of wedge-shaped ramps increasing in height toward said third position and spaced to accommodate said means for moving said first workpiece.

16. The device as defined in claim 8 and wherein said means for moving said first workpiece comprises a rake including a plurality of upwardly extending fingers at tached to a common base and means for moving said rake through said second position and said incline means.

17. A device for turning over, mating and sewing fabric workpieces comprising in combination:

a. a first conveyor including a plurality of parallel driven rollers for conveying a first workpiece to a first position and to a second position;

b. a first photoelectric cell and lamp positioned on opposite sides of said first conveyor near said first position for sensing the presence of said first workpiece near said first position; v

c. a stationary bar having a cushioning pad thereunder positioned above said first conveyor at said first position;

d. a movable gate positioned beneath said stationary bar, said gate movable from between two rollers of said first conveyor into contact with said stationary bar for raising and capturing a leading end of said first workpiece;

e. a first pneumatic cylinder vertically positioned over said stationary bar, said first pneumatic cylinder operatively interconnected with said movable gate for raising and lowering said movable gate with respect to said stationary bar, said first pneumatic cylinder responsive to sensed presence of said first workpiece by said first photoelectric cell;

i. a frictional covering on a plurality of rollers of said conveyor for sweeping a following end of said first workpiece underneath said movable gate toward said second position;

g. means for operatively timing activation of said first pneumatic cylinder for raising and capturing a leading end of said first workpiece and for operatively timing deactivation of said first pneumatic cylinder for releasing the leading end of said first workpiece;

h. a barrier at an end of said first conveyor for aligning said first workpiece in said second position;

i. a second photoelectric cell and; lamp positioned at said second position for sensing the presence of said first workpiece at said second position;

j. a second conveyor substantially parallel to said first conveyor, said second conveyor including a plurality of parallel driven rollers for conveying a second workpiece to a third position;

k. a vertically movable drop gate positioned adjacent said third position and perpendicular to a direction of conveyance of said second conveyor for aligning and restraining said second workpiece at said third position;

1. a third photoelectric cell and lamp for sensing the presence of said second workpiece at said third position;

m. a plurality of spaced wedge-shaped ramps positioned between said second and third positions, said ramps increasing in height toward said third position and a portion of said ramps extending through said second position;

n. a movable rake having a base and a plurality of upward extending fingers attached to said base, said fingers positioned in spaces between said ramps;

0. a second pneumatic cylinder horizontally positioned and having a piston rod attached to the base of said rake for moving said first workpiece up and over said ramp into said third position on top of said second workpiece, said second pneumatic cylinder responsive to sensed presence of said first and second workpieces by said second and third photoelectric cells;

p. a third pneumatic cylinder vertically positioned beneath said drop gate and having a piston rod attached to said drop gate, said third pneumatic cylinder lowering said drop gate upon deactivation following deactivation of said second pneumatic cylinder;

q. a fourth pneumatic cylinder vertically positioned above said third position, said fourth pneumatic cylinder having a piston rod and a rotatable wheel attached to said piston rod, and said rotatable wheel engagable with a roller of said second conveyor for advancing said first and second workpieces from said third position to a sewing position; and

r. a sewing machine at said sewing position for sewing said first and second workpieces together.

18. An apparatus for mating fabric workpieces comprising:

a. means for conveying a first workpiece to a first position;

b. means for aligning said first workpiece in said first position;

0. means for sensing the presence of said first workpiece at said first position;

d. means for conveying a second workpiece to a second position;

e. means for aligning and restraining said second workpiece at said second position;

f. incline means positioned between said first position and said second position, said incline means increasing in height toward said third position;

. means for moving said first workpiece up and over said incline means into said second position on top of said second workpiece, said means for moving responsive to said means for sensing the presence of said first and second workpieces at said first and second positions, respectively;

h. means for releasing said restraining means; and

i. means for advancing said first and second workpieces from said third position.

19. An apparatus as defined in claim 18 and wherein said means for aligning and restraining said second workpiece at said second position includes a vertically movable drop gate positioned adjacent said second position and perpendicular to a direction of conveyance of said means for conveying a second workpiece.

20. An apparatus as defined in claim 18 and wherein said incline means comprises a plurality of wedgeshaped ramps increasing in height toward said second position and spaced to accommodate said means for moving said first workpiece.

21. An apparatus as defined in claim 18 and wherein said means for moving said first workpiece comprises a rake including a plurality of upwardly extending fingers attached to a common base and means for moving said rake through said first position and said incline means.

22. An apparatus for mating fabric workpieces comprising in combination:

a. a first conveyor including a plurality of parallel driven rollers for conveying a first workpiece to a first position;

b. a barrier at an end of said first conveyor for aligning said first workpiece in said first position;

c. a first photoelectric cell and lamp positioned at said first position for sensing the presence of said first workpiece at said first position;

d. a second conveyor substantially parallel to said first conveyor, said second conveyor including a plurality of parallel driven rollers for conveying a second workpiece to a second position;

. a vertically movable drop gate positioned adjacent said second position and perpendicular to a direction of conveyance of said second conveyor for aligning and restraining said second workpiece at said second position;

f. a second photoelectric cell and lamp positioned on opposite sides of said second conveyor at said second position for sensing the presence of said second workpiece at said second position;

g. a plurality of spaced wedge-shaped ramps positioned between said first and second positions, said ramps increasing in height toward said second position and a portion of said ramps extending horizontally through said first position;

. a movable rake having a base and a plurality of upward extending fingers attached to said base, said fingers positioned in spaces between said ramps; i. a first pneumatic cylinder horizontally positioned and having a piston rod attached to the base of said rake for moving said first workpiece up and over said ramp into said second position on top of said second workpiece, said first pneumatic cylinder responsive to sensed presence of said first and second workpieces by said first and second photoelectric cells;

j. a second pneumatic cylinder vertically positioned beneath said drop gate and having a piston rod attached to said drop gate, said second pneumatic cylinder lowering said drop gate upon deactivation following deactivation of said first pneumatic cylin der; and

k. a third pneumatic cylinder vertically positioned above said second position, said third pneumatic cylinder having a piston rod and a rotatable wheel attached to said piston rod, and said rotatable wheel engagable with a roller of said second conveyor for advancing said first and second workpieces from said second position.

Claims

1. A device for turning over, mating and sewing fabric workpieces comprising: a. means for advancing a first workpiece to a first position; b. means for inverting said first workpiece at said first position operatively interconnected with said means for advancing; c. means for advancing said first workpiece from said first Position to a second position; d. means for advancing a second workpiece to a third position; e. means for mating said first workpiece with said second workpiece operatively interconnected with said means for advancing said first workpiece and means for advancing said second workpiece; f. means for advancing said first and second workpieces from said third position operatively interconnected with said means for mating; and g. means for sewing said first and second workpieces together operatively interconnected with means for advancing said first and second workpieces.

2. The device as defined in claim 1 including means for automatically operating said device.

3. The device as defined in claim 1 including means for aligning said first workpiece in said second position and means for aligning and restraining said second workpiece in said third position.

5. The device as defined in claim 1 including: a. means for sensing the presence of said first workpiece near said first position operatively interconnected to said means for inverting; b. means for sensing the presence of said first workpiece at said second position operatively interconnected to said means for mating; and c. means for sensing the presence of said second workpiece at said third position operatively interconnected to said means for mating.

6. The device as defined in claim 1 and wherein said means for inverting includes: a. means for raising and capturing a leading end of said first workpiece at said first position; b. means for sweeping a following end of said first workpiece underneath said means for raising and capturing; and c. means for releasing said captured leading end of said first workpiece.

7. The device as defined in claim 1 and wherein said means for mating includes: a. incline means positioned between said second position and said third position, said incline means increasing in height toward said third position; and b. means for sliding said first workpiece up and over said incline means into said third position on top of said second workpiece.

8. A device for turning over, mating and sewing fabric workpieces comprising in combination: a. means for conveying a first workpiece to a first position; b. means for sensing the presence of said first workpiece near said first position; c. means for raising and capturing a leading end of said first workpiece at said first position, said means for raising and capturing responsive to said means for sensing the presence of said first workpiece near said first position; d. means for sweeping a following end of said first workpiece underneath said means for raising and capturing a leading end of said first workpiece; e. means for releasing said captured leading end of said first workpiece; f. means for operatively timing the capture and release of said first workpiece including means for returning said capturing means to a ready-to-capture position; g. means for alternate activation of said means for raising and capturing; h. means for conveying said first workpiece to a second position; i. means for aligning said first workpiece in said second position; j. means for sensing the presence of said first workpiece at said second position; k. means for conveying a second workpiece to a third position; l. means for aligning and restraining said second workpiece at said third position; m. means for sensing the presence of said second workpiece at said third position; n. incline means positioned between said second position and said third position, said incline means increasing in height toward said third position; o. means for moving said first workpiece up and over said incline means into said third position on top of said second workpiece, said means for moving responsive to said means for sensing the presence of Said first and second workpieces at said second and third positions, respectively; p. means for releasing said restraining means following moving said first workpiece into said third position; q. means for advancing said first and second workpieces from said third position to a sewing position; and r. means for sewing said workpieces together at said sewing position.

10. The device as defined in claim 9 and wherein said means for controlling and cycling said device is an electrical circuit comprising: a. first relay means for switching activation of said means for raising and capturing, said first relay means including said means for alternate activation of said means for raising and capturing; b. means for energizing said first relay means operatively interconnected between said means for sensing the presence of said first workpiece near said first position and said first relay means, said means for energizing including first delay means for delaying energizing said relay means until said first workpiece is properly positioned with respect to said means for raising and capturing; c. means for de-energizing said first relay means operatively interconnected between said means for sensing the presence of said first workpiece near said first position and said first relay means, said means for de-energizing including second delay means for delaying de-energizing said first relay means until a following end of said garment component is carried past said means for raising and capturing; d. second relay means for switching activation of said means for moving said first workpiece; e. means for energizing said second relay means operatively interconnected to said means for sensing the presence of said first workpiece at said second position, said means for sensing the presence of said second workpiece at said third position and said second relay means; f. third relay means for switching off activation to said means for releasing said restraining means; g. means for energizing said third relay means operatively interconnected to said second relay means including means for delaying energizing said third relay means until said first workpiece is properly positioned on said second workpiece; h. fourth relay means for switching activation to said means for advancing said first and second workpieces; and i. means for energizing said fourth relay means operatively interconnected to said third relay means.

11. The device as defined in claim 8 and wherein said means for conveying said first workpiece and said means for conveying said second workpiece comprise driven conveyor rollers.

16. The device as defined in claim 8 and wherein said means for moving said first workpiece comprises a rake including a plurality of upwardly extending fingers attached to a common base and means for moving said rake through said second pOsition and said incline means.

17. A device for turning over, mating and sewing fabric workpieces comprising in combination: a. a first conveyor including a plurality of parallel driven rollers for conveying a first workpiece to a first position and to a second position; b. a first photoelectric cell and lamp positioned on opposite sides of said first conveyor near said first position for sensing the presence of said first workpiece near said first position; c. a stationary bar having a cushioning pad thereunder positioned above said first conveyor at said first position; d. a movable gate positioned beneath said stationary bar, said gate movable from between two rollers of said first conveyor into contact with said stationary bar for raising and capturing a leading end of said first workpiece; e. a first pneumatic cylinder vertically positioned over said stationary bar, said first pneumatic cylinder operatively interconnected with said movable gate for raising and lowering said movable gate with respect to said stationary bar, said first pneumatic cylinder responsive to sensed presence of said first workpiece by said first photoelectric cell; f. a frictional covering on a plurality of rollers of said conveyor for sweeping a following end of said first workpiece underneath said movable gate toward said second position; g. means for operatively timing activation of said first pneumatic cylinder for raising and capturing a leading end of said first workpiece and for operatively timing deactivation of said first pneumatic cylinder for releasing the leading end of said first workpiece; h. a barrier at an end of said first conveyor for aligning said first workpiece in said second position; i. a second photoelectric cell and lamp positioned at said second position for sensing the presence of said first workpiece at said second position; j. a second conveyor substantially parallel to said first conveyor, said second conveyor including a plurality of parallel driven rollers for conveying a second workpiece to a third position; k. a vertically movable drop gate positioned adjacent said third position and perpendicular to a direction of conveyance of said second conveyor for aligning and restraining said second workpiece at said third position; l. a third photoelectric cell and lamp for sensing the presence of said second workpiece at said third position; m. a plurality of spaced wedge-shaped ramps positioned between said second and third positions, said ramps increasing in height toward said third position and a portion of said ramps extending through said second position; n. a movable rake having a base and a plurality of upward extending fingers attached to said base, said fingers positioned in spaces between said ramps; o. a second pneumatic cylinder horizontally positioned and having a piston rod attached to the base of said rake for moving said first workpiece up and over said ramp into said third position on top of said second workpiece, said second pneumatic cylinder responsive to sensed presence of said first and second workpieces by said second and third photoelectric cells; p. a third pneumatic cylinder vertically positioned beneath said drop gate and having a piston rod attached to said drop gate, said third pneumatic cylinder lowering said drop gate upon deactivation following deactivation of said second pneumatic cylinder; q. a fourth pneumatic cylinder vertically positioned above said third position, said fourth pneumatic cylinder having a piston rod and a rotatable wheel attached to said piston rod, and said rotatable wheel engagable with a roller of said second conveyor for advancing said first and second workpieces from said third position to a sewing position; and r. a sewing machine at said sewing position for sewing said first and second workpieces together.

18. An apparatus for mating fabric workpieces comprising: a. means for conveying a first workpiece tO a first position; b. means for aligning said first workpiece in said first position; c. means for sensing the presence of said first workpiece at said first position; d. means for conveying a second workpiece to a second position; e. means for aligning and restraining said second workpiece at said second position; f. incline means positioned between said first position and said second position, said incline means increasing in height toward said third position; g. means for moving said first workpiece up and over said incline means into said second position on top of said second workpiece, said means for moving responsive to said means for sensing the presence of said first and second workpieces at said first and second positions, respectively; h. means for releasing said restraining means; and i. means for advancing said first and second workpieces from said third position.

20. An apparatus as defined in claim 18 and wherein said incline means comprises a plurality of wedge-shaped ramps increasing in height toward said second position and spaced to accommodate said means for moving said first workpiece.

22. An apparatus for mating fabric workpieces comprising in combination: a. a first conveyor including a plurality of parallel driven rollers for conveying a first workpiece to a first position; b. a barrier at an end of said first conveyor for aligning said first workpiece in said first position; c. a first photoelectric cell and lamp positioned at said first position for sensing the presence of said first workpiece at said first position; d. a second conveyor substantially parallel to said first conveyor, said second conveyor including a plurality of parallel driven rollers for conveying a second workpiece to a second position; e. a vertically movable drop gate positioned adjacent said second position and perpendicular to a direction of conveyance of said second conveyor for aligning and restraining said second workpiece at said second position; f. a second photoelectric cell and lamp positioned on opposite sides of said second conveyor at said second position for sensing the presence of said second workpiece at said second position; g. a plurality of spaced wedge-shaped ramps positioned between said first and second positions, said ramps increasing in height toward said second position and a portion of said ramps extending horizontally through said first position; h. a movable rake having a base and a plurality of upward extending fingers attached to said base, said fingers positioned in spaces between said ramps; i. a first pneumatic cylinder horizontally positioned and having a piston rod attached to the base of said rake for moving said first workpiece up and over said ramp into said second position on top of said second workpiece, said first pneumatic cylinder responsive to sensed presence of said first and second workpieces by said first and second photoelectric cells; j. a second pneumatic cylinder vertically positioned beneath said drop gate and having a piston rod attached to said drop gate, said second pneumatic cylinder lowering said drop gate upon deactivation following deactivation of said first pneumatic cylinder; and k. a third pneumatic cylinder vertically positioned above said second position, said third pneumatic cylinder having a piston rod and a rotatable wheel attached To said piston rod, and said rotatable wheel engagable with a roller of said second conveyor for advancing said first and second workpieces from said second position.