WO2004095961A1 - Hemming machine - Google Patents

Hemming machine Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004095961A1
WO2004095961A1 PCT/GB2004/001871 GB2004001871W WO2004095961A1 WO 2004095961 A1 WO2004095961 A1 WO 2004095961A1 GB 2004001871 W GB2004001871 W GB 2004001871W WO 2004095961 A1 WO2004095961 A1 WO 2004095961A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
textile article
hot melt
feed
hemming
hem
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2004/001871
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Anthony David Turner
Original Assignee
A D Turner Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by A D Turner Limited filed Critical A D Turner Limited
Priority to EP04730570A priority Critical patent/EP1624766B1/en
Priority to AT04730570T priority patent/ATE469574T1/en
Priority to DE602004027482T priority patent/DE602004027482D1/en
Publication of WO2004095961A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004095961A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C53/00—Shaping by bending, folding, twisting, straightening or flattening; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C53/36—Bending and joining, e.g. for making hollow articles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D27/00—Details of garments or of their making
    • A41D27/24—Hems; Seams
    • A41D27/245—Hems; Seams made by welding or gluing
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D05—SEWING; EMBROIDERING; TUFTING
    • D05B—SEWING
    • D05B27/00—Work-feeding means
    • D05B27/10—Work-feeding means with rotary circular feed members
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/10—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using hot gases (e.g. combustion gases) or flames coming in contact with at least one of the parts to be joined
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B29C65/4805—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding characterised by the type of adhesives
    • B29C65/481—Non-reactive adhesives, e.g. physically hardening adhesives
    • B29C65/4815—Hot melt adhesives, e.g. thermoplastic adhesives
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B29C65/4805—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding characterised by the type of adhesives
    • B29C65/481—Non-reactive adhesives, e.g. physically hardening adhesives
    • B29C65/4825—Pressure sensitive adhesives
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B29C65/50—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like
    • B29C65/5007—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like characterised by the structure of said adhesive tape, threads or the like
    • B29C65/5028—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like characterised by the structure of said adhesive tape, threads or the like being textile in woven or non-woven form
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B29C65/50—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like
    • B29C65/5057—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like positioned between the surfaces to be joined
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B29C65/50—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like
    • B29C65/5092—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like characterised by the tape handling mechanisms, e.g. using vacuum
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/13—Single flanged joints; Fin-type joints; Single hem joints; Edge joints; Interpenetrating fingered joints; Other specific particular designs of joint cross-sections not provided for in groups B29C66/11 - B29C66/12
    • B29C66/135—Single hemmed joints, i.e. one of the parts to be joined being hemmed in the joint area
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/40—General aspects of joining substantially flat articles, e.g. plates, sheets or web-like materials; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles; Joining single elements to substantially flat surfaces
    • B29C66/41—Joining substantially flat articles ; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles
    • B29C66/43—Joining a relatively small portion of the surface of said articles
    • B29C66/431—Joining the articles to themselves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/72—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined
    • B29C66/729—Textile or other fibrous material made from plastics
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/84—Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
    • B29C66/845—C-clamp type or sewing machine type

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hemming machine for hemming a textile article using an adhesive strip.
  • references herein to "hemming” are intended to encompass all methods of finishing an edge of fabric with a folded edge, including folding the edge of fabric and securing it in place to form a hem, folding an additional strip of fabric about the edge of fabric and securing it in place in order to bind the edge of fabric or folding the edges of two pieces of fabric and securing the folded edges together to form a seam.
  • an adhesive strip are intended to encompass all forms in which a hot melt and/or pressure adhesive may be provided in a strip-like manner, including a thread of hot melt and/or pressure adhesive; a strip of hot melt and/or pressure adhesive film either alone or on a carrier substrate, such as an elastic substrate; and an elastic or other carrier substrate incorporating a hot melt and/or pressure adhesive e.g. Grilon (RTM) threads in the elastic or carrier substrate or small amounts of hot melt and/or pressure adhesive periodically located on the surface of the elastic or carrier substrate.
  • a hot melt and/or pressure adhesive may be provided in a strip-like manner, including a thread of hot melt and/or pressure adhesive; a strip of hot melt and/or pressure adhesive film either alone or on a carrier substrate, such as an elastic substrate; and an elastic or other carrier substrate incorporating a hot melt and/or pressure adhesive e.g. Grilon (RTM) threads in the elastic or carrier substrate or small amounts of hot melt and/or pressure adhesive periodically located on the surface of the elastic or carrier substrate
  • hot melt film to adhere two layers of fabric together requires the provision of pressure and heat. This is commonly provided in laminating machines by two heated belt feeds arranged to feed the layers of fabric therebetween while applying heat and pressure to melt the hot melt film and adhere the layers of fabric together.
  • laminating machines incorporating two heated belt feeds are not suitable for creating a shaped hem, i.e. a hem which follows a curved contour, since prior known laminating machines only operate in a straight line.
  • a hemming machine for hemming a textile article using an adhesive strip
  • a support and a feed assembly arranged to draw a textile article across the support
  • the feed assembly including a belt feed arranged to move between a first position where the belt feed is spaced from the support, permitting insertion of a textile article between the belt feed and the support, and a second position where the belt feed is moved towards the support such that, when a textile article is located between the belt feed and the support, the belt feed presses the textile article against the support.
  • a feed assembly arranged to draw the textile article across the support allows the textile article to be fed through the machine at a constant rate, reducing the risk of the fabric becoming puckered and allowing the machine to be used to hem textile articles having curved edges as well as straight edges.
  • a sewing machine conversion kit to convert a sewing machine into a hemming machine for hemming a textile article using an adhesive strip comprising an attachment adapted to replace a sewing machine presser foot, the attachment including a belt feed.
  • a method of hemming a textile article using an adhesive strip comprising the steps of: (i) folding a marginal edge of the textile article to form a hem and inserting an adhesive strip such that the adhesive strip is located in the internal space of the hem; and (ii) feeding the hem between a belt feed and a support, the belt feed applying pressure to the hem to seal the hem.
  • a hemming machine for hemming a textile article using a hot melt strip comprising a support, a feed assembly arranged to draw a textile article across the support while pressing the textile article against the support, and a nozzle connected to a source of heated air and arranged to direct heated air into the internal space of a hem formed in a textile article containing a hot melt strip, to pre- melt the hot melt strip, downstream of the feed assembly.
  • a method of hemming a textile article using a hot melt strip comprising the steps of:
  • Figure 1 shows a hemming machine according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a support and feed assembly of the hemming machine of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 shows the support and a secondary feed assembly of the hemming machine of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 shows a presser foot and driven belt of the feed assembly of Figure 2;
  • Figures 5 and 6 show a hem-forming foot of the hemming machine of Figure 1 ;
  • Figures 7 and 8 show a hot melt strip delivery assembly of the hemming machine of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a hem as it is fed into the hemming machine of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of Figure 9;
  • Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B of Figure 9.
  • a hemming machine 10 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1.
  • the hemming machine 10 includes a support 12 and a feed assembly 14 including a heated presser foot 16 and a driven belt 18 extending around the presser foot 16 to form a heated belt feed (Figure 2).
  • the belt 18 is preferably formed of Teflon (RTM).
  • the presser foot 16 is preferably movable between a first position where the belt 18 is spaced from the support 12, and a second position where the belt 18 is moved towards the support 12.
  • the extent of movement of the presser foot 16 may be adjustable to adjust the position of the belt 18 relative to the support 12 in the first and second positions.
  • the support 12 is in the form of a plate 20, and the hemming machine 10 includes a second feed assembly 22 having a pair of claw feeds 24,26, each claw feed protruding through an aperture 28,30,31 formed in the plate 20 ( Figure 3).
  • the claw feeds 24,26 may be arranged to provide a differential feed.
  • differential feed in combination with the heated belt feed, is advantageous when the hemming machine 10 is being used to form a hem in a relatively delicate fabric. This is because the differential feed assists in feeding the fabric through the machine 10, and thereby reduces the risk of the fabric rucking or puckering. It thereby assists in producing a smoother hem.
  • the second feed assembly 22 may be modified to include a single claw feed, or to include a driven belt extending around the plate so as to provide a secondary feed over the surface of the plate 20.
  • the second feed assembly 22 may be excluded.
  • the plate 20 may be covered with a material having a relatively low co-efficient of friction such as, for example, Teflon (RTM). This reduces the amount of friction generated between the plate 20 and a textile article being drawn over the plate 20 during use.
  • the plate 20 may include a free-funning belt (preferably formed of Teflon (RTM)) extending around the plate 20 in alignment with the belt 18 of the feed assembly 14 such that it is free to move about the plate 20.
  • RTM Teflon
  • the provision of the free-running belt reduces the amount of friction generated between the plate 20 and a textile article being drawn over the plate 20.
  • the plate 20 includes a plurality of output nozzles 32 connected to a source of heated air (not shown) and arranged to direct jets of heated air towards the driven belt 18.
  • the plate 20 may be heated by means of a heating element (not shown) located beneath the plate 20.
  • the heated presser foot 16 includes an output nozzle 34 connected to a source of heated air (not shown).
  • the presser foot output nozzle 34 is preferably arranged to direct a jet of heated air to a position in front of and downstream of the driven belt 18.
  • the hemming machine 10 preferably includes a hem- forming foot 36 positioned downstream of the driven belt 18 ( Figures 5 and 6).
  • the foot 36 is mounted to a hot melt strip delivery assembly 38 by means of a hollow leg 40 which defines a channel 42 to receive a hot melt strip 44.
  • the channel 42 terminates in an aperture (not shown) on a lower surface " of the foot 36, allowing the hot melt strip 44 to pass out of the bottom of the foot 36.
  • the hemming machine 10 preferably includes an additional support 46 located beneath the hem- forming foot 36 and extending towards the driven belt 18, thereby providing a support surface for the hot melt strip 44.
  • An upper surface of the foot 36 is preferably shaped to form a sloped surface 48, and an air nozzle 50 is preferably attached to the hot melt strip delivery assembly 38 to direct a jet of air towards the sloped surface 48.
  • a second air nozzle 51 is preferably attached to the hot melt strip delivery assembly 38 to direct a jet of air towards the path of the hot melt strip 44 from the hem- forming foot 36 and the feed assembly 14, midway along its length.
  • the hot melt strip delivery assembly 38 ( Figures 7 and 8) includes a roll 47 of hot melt strip 44 and a feeding mechanism 45 to feed the hot melt strip into the channel 42 in the hollow leg 40 of the hem- forming foot 36.
  • the hot melt strip delivery assembly 38 preferably includes a control device to control the rate at which the hot melt strip 44 is delivered to the hem- forming foot 36.
  • the control device may also be adapted such that, at the start of a hemming procedure, the control device can be activated to deliver a predetermined amount of the hot melt strip 44 to the hem- forming foot 36.
  • the amount of the hot melt strip 44 delivered to the hem- forming foot 36 at the start of a hemming procedure is preferably chosen such that the hot melt strip 44 extends from the hem-forming foot 36 to the edge of the plate 20, as shown in Figure 5.
  • the hot melt strip 44 shown in Figure 5 is a strip of hot melt film.
  • the hot melt strip 44 may be a laminated structure including an elastic substrate having a hot melt film laminated to one or both of its surfaces.
  • the elastic substrate could, for example, be a strip of elastomeric material or a woven strip of elastomeric yarns.
  • a laminated structure of this type permits the formation of an elasticated hem.
  • an elastic or other carrier substrate may incorporate hot melt adhesive.
  • the substrate may incorporate Grilon (RTM) threads or small amounts of hot melt adhesive located periodically on the surface of the substrate.
  • the fabric is positioned such that its' marginal edge protrudes from the opposite side of the foot 36 and can be folded to rest on the sloped surface 48 of the hem- forming foot 36, thereby forming a hem enveloping the hot melt strip, as shown schematically in Figures 9 and 10.
  • a jet of air provided by the air nozzle 50 forces the fabric against the sloped surface 48, and so prevents the fabric from unfolding.
  • a jet of air provided by the second air nozzle 51 preferably forces the fabric towards the additional support 46 midway between the hem- forming foot 36 and the presser foot 16 to prevent the fabric unfolding between the hem- forming foot 36 and the presser foot 16.
  • the heated presser foot 16 is moved to its second position such that the driven belt 18 is moved away from the plate 20.
  • the hem, containing the hot melt strip 44 is then located between the driven belt 18 and the plate 20 before moving the heated presser foot 16 back to its first position to press the hem against the plate 20.
  • the driven belt 18 is then driven to draw the hem across the plate 20 while applying heat and pressure thereto to melt the hot melt strip 44 and seal the hem, as shown schematically in Figure 11.
  • control device of the hot melt strip delivery assembly 38 feeds the hot melt strip 44 to the hem-forming foot 36 to continue feeding the hot melt strip 44 into the hem prior to it being drawn under the heated presser foot 16 by the driven belt 18.
  • the presser foot output nozzle 34 preferably directs heated air into the internal space of the hem, downstream of the driven belt 18, as shown schematically in Figure 9. This serves to pre-melt the hot melt strip 44 before it passes under the driven belt 18. It therefore reduces the amount of heat required from the heated presser foot 16 to seal the hem.
  • heat is preferably applied to the hem from beneath either via heated air from output nozzles 32 provided in the plate 20 or from a heating element located beneath the plate 20. This also reduces the amount of heat required from the heated presser foot 16 to seal the hem.
  • the second feed assembly 22 is driven at the same time as the driven belt 18 to assist the driven belt 18 in drawing the envelope of fabric across the plate 20.
  • the feed assembly 14 may be adapted so that it does not apply heat to the hem during a hemming procedure.
  • the hot melt adhesive strip may be melted by directing a jet of heated air into the internal space of the hem enveloping the hot melt strip downstream of the feed assembly. Further heating, to assist the melting of the hot melt strip, may be provided by jets of heated air directed at the underside of the hem as the hem is drawn between the feed assembly 14 and the support 12.
  • the hem is sealed by the pressure of the feed assembly 14 against the support 12.
  • the hemming machine may be used to secure two pieces of fabric together where one of the pieces of fabric is folded about an edge of the other piece of fabric such as, for example, in a binding or seaming operation.

Abstract

A hemming machine (10) for hemming a textile article using a hot melt strip comprises a support (12) and a feed assembly (14) arranged to draw a textile article across the support (12). The feed assembly (14) includes a heated belt feed arranged relative to the support (12) for movement to and from the support (12) such that, when a textile article is located between the heated belt feed and the support (12), the heated belt feed presses the textile article against the support (12).

Description

HEMMING MACHINE
The invention relates to a hemming machine for hemming a textile article using an adhesive strip.
References herein to "hemming" are intended to encompass all methods of finishing an edge of fabric with a folded edge, including folding the edge of fabric and securing it in place to form a hem, folding an additional strip of fabric about the edge of fabric and securing it in place in order to bind the edge of fabric or folding the edges of two pieces of fabric and securing the folded edges together to form a seam.
References herein to "an adhesive strip" are intended to encompass all forms in which a hot melt and/or pressure adhesive may be provided in a strip-like manner, including a thread of hot melt and/or pressure adhesive; a strip of hot melt and/or pressure adhesive film either alone or on a carrier substrate, such as an elastic substrate; and an elastic or other carrier substrate incorporating a hot melt and/or pressure adhesive e.g. Grilon (RTM) threads in the elastic or carrier substrate or small amounts of hot melt and/or pressure adhesive periodically located on the surface of the elastic or carrier substrate.
It is desirable to minimise the appearance of seams in textile articles, particularly garments, during manufacture in order to produce a smoother line in the finished article. This is particularly applicable to ladies underwear, shirts and any under or outer garments requiring a hem, and can be achieved by forming the article so that it is substantially free from seams. It can also be achieved by minimising the amount of sewing required to form a seam. One manner in which the amount of sewing can be minimised is to form a seam using alternative fixing means to sewing such as, for example, hot melt film.
The use of hot melt film to adhere two layers of fabric together requires the provision of pressure and heat. This is commonly provided in laminating machines by two heated belt feeds arranged to feed the layers of fabric therebetween while applying heat and pressure to melt the hot melt film and adhere the layers of fabric together.
However, laminating machines incorporating two heated belt feeds are not suitable for creating a shaped hem, i.e. a hem which follows a curved contour, since prior known laminating machines only operate in a straight line.
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a hemming machine for hemming a textile article using an adhesive strip comprising a support and a feed assembly arranged to draw a textile article across the support, the feed assembly including a belt feed arranged to move between a first position where the belt feed is spaced from the support, permitting insertion of a textile article between the belt feed and the support, and a second position where the belt feed is moved towards the support such that, when a textile article is located between the belt feed and the support, the belt feed presses the textile article against the support.
The provision of a feed assembly arranged to draw the textile article across the support allows the textile article to be fed through the machine at a constant rate, reducing the risk of the fabric becoming puckered and allowing the machine to be used to hem textile articles having curved edges as well as straight edges. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a sewing machine conversion kit to convert a sewing machine into a hemming machine for hemming a textile article using an adhesive strip comprising an attachment adapted to replace a sewing machine presser foot, the attachment including a belt feed.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of hemming a textile article using an adhesive strip comprising the steps of: (i) folding a marginal edge of the textile article to form a hem and inserting an adhesive strip such that the adhesive strip is located in the internal space of the hem; and (ii) feeding the hem between a belt feed and a support, the belt feed applying pressure to the hem to seal the hem.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a hemming machine for hemming a textile article using a hot melt strip comprising a support, a feed assembly arranged to draw a textile article across the support while pressing the textile article against the support, and a nozzle connected to a source of heated air and arranged to direct heated air into the internal space of a hem formed in a textile article containing a hot melt strip, to pre- melt the hot melt strip, downstream of the feed assembly.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of hemming a textile article using a hot melt strip comprising the steps of:
(i) folding a marginal edge of the textile article to form a hem and inserting a hot melt strip such that the hot melt strip is located in the internal space of the hem; (ii) directing a jet of heated air into the internal space of the hem, to pre- melt the hot melt strip; and (iii) feeding the hem between a feed assembly and a support, the feed assembly applying pressure to the hem to seal the hem.
Other advantageous features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.
Preferred'embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a hemming machine according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 shows a support and feed assembly of the hemming machine of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 shows the support and a secondary feed assembly of the hemming machine of Figure 1;
Figure 4 shows a presser foot and driven belt of the feed assembly of Figure 2;
Figures 5 and 6 show a hem-forming foot of the hemming machine of Figure 1 ;
Figures 7 and 8 show a hot melt strip delivery assembly of the hemming machine of Figure 1 ;
Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a hem as it is fed into the hemming machine of Figure 1 ; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of Figure 9; and
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B of Figure 9.
A hemming machine 10 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1. The hemming machine 10 includes a support 12 and a feed assembly 14 including a heated presser foot 16 and a driven belt 18 extending around the presser foot 16 to form a heated belt feed (Figure 2). The belt 18 is preferably formed of Teflon (RTM).
The presser foot 16 is preferably movable between a first position where the belt 18 is spaced from the support 12, and a second position where the belt 18 is moved towards the support 12. The extent of movement of the presser foot 16 may be adjustable to adjust the position of the belt 18 relative to the support 12 in the first and second positions.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the support 12 is in the form of a plate 20, and the hemming machine 10 includes a second feed assembly 22 having a pair of claw feeds 24,26, each claw feed protruding through an aperture 28,30,31 formed in the plate 20 (Figure 3). The claw feeds 24,26 may be arranged to provide a differential feed.
The use of a differential feed, in combination with the heated belt feed, is advantageous when the hemming machine 10 is being used to form a hem in a relatively delicate fabric. This is because the differential feed assists in feeding the fabric through the machine 10, and thereby reduces the risk of the fabric rucking or puckering. It thereby assists in producing a smoother hem.
In other embodiments, the second feed assembly 22 may be modified to include a single claw feed, or to include a driven belt extending around the plate so as to provide a secondary feed over the surface of the plate 20. In yet further embodiments, the second feed assembly 22 may be excluded. In embodiments where the second feed assembly 22 is excluded, the plate 20 may be covered with a material having a relatively low co-efficient of friction such as, for example, Teflon (RTM). This reduces the amount of friction generated between the plate 20 and a textile article being drawn over the plate 20 during use.
Alternatively, the plate 20 may include a free-funning belt (preferably formed of Teflon (RTM)) extending around the plate 20 in alignment with the belt 18 of the feed assembly 14 such that it is free to move about the plate 20. The provision of the free-running belt reduces the amount of friction generated between the plate 20 and a textile article being drawn over the plate 20.
Preferably the plate 20 includes a plurality of output nozzles 32 connected to a source of heated air (not shown) and arranged to direct jets of heated air towards the driven belt 18.
In addition, or alternatively, the plate 20 may be heated by means of a heating element (not shown) located beneath the plate 20.
The provision of output nozzles 32 directing heated air towards the driven belt 18, and or the provision of a heated plate 20, reduces the amount of heat required from the heated belt feed, in use, to melt a hot melt strip enveloped between two layers of fabric. It thereby improves the efficiency of the hemming machine 10.
Preferably, as shown in Figure 4, the heated presser foot 16 includes an output nozzle 34 connected to a source of heated air (not shown). The presser foot output nozzle 34 is preferably arranged to direct a jet of heated air to a position in front of and downstream of the driven belt 18. The hemming machine 10 preferably includes a hem- forming foot 36 positioned downstream of the driven belt 18 (Figures 5 and 6). The foot 36 is mounted to a hot melt strip delivery assembly 38 by means of a hollow leg 40 which defines a channel 42 to receive a hot melt strip 44.
The channel 42 terminates in an aperture (not shown) on a lower surface" of the foot 36, allowing the hot melt strip 44 to pass out of the bottom of the foot 36. The hemming machine 10 preferably includes an additional support 46 located beneath the hem- forming foot 36 and extending towards the driven belt 18, thereby providing a support surface for the hot melt strip 44.
An upper surface of the foot 36 is preferably shaped to form a sloped surface 48, and an air nozzle 50 is preferably attached to the hot melt strip delivery assembly 38 to direct a jet of air towards the sloped surface 48.
A second air nozzle 51 is preferably attached to the hot melt strip delivery assembly 38 to direct a jet of air towards the path of the hot melt strip 44 from the hem- forming foot 36 and the feed assembly 14, midway along its length.
The hot melt strip delivery assembly 38 (Figures 7 and 8) includes a roll 47 of hot melt strip 44 and a feeding mechanism 45 to feed the hot melt strip into the channel 42 in the hollow leg 40 of the hem- forming foot 36.
The hot melt strip delivery assembly 38 preferably includes a control device to control the rate at which the hot melt strip 44 is delivered to the hem- forming foot 36. The control device may also be adapted such that, at the start of a hemming procedure, the control device can be activated to deliver a predetermined amount of the hot melt strip 44 to the hem- forming foot 36. The amount of the hot melt strip 44 delivered to the hem- forming foot 36 at the start of a hemming procedure is preferably chosen such that the hot melt strip 44 extends from the hem-forming foot 36 to the edge of the plate 20, as shown in Figure 5.
The hot melt strip 44 shown in Figure 5 is a strip of hot melt film.
In other embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the hot melt strip 44 may be a laminated structure including an elastic substrate having a hot melt film laminated to one or both of its surfaces. The elastic substrate could, for example, be a strip of elastomeric material or a woven strip of elastomeric yarns. In use, a laminated structure of this type permits the formation of an elasticated hem.
In yet further embodiments of the invention, it is envisaged that an elastic or other carrier substrate may incorporate hot melt adhesive. For example, the substrate may incorporate Grilon (RTM) threads or small amounts of hot melt adhesive located periodically on the surface of the substrate. Once the predetermined amount of the hot melt strip 44 has been delivered to the hem- forming foot 36, the edge of a piece of fabric to be hemmed is passed under the hem- forming foot 36 so that the hot melt strip 44 is located between the foot 36 and the fabric.
The fabric is positioned such that its' marginal edge protrudes from the opposite side of the foot 36 and can be folded to rest on the sloped surface 48 of the hem- forming foot 36, thereby forming a hem enveloping the hot melt strip, as shown schematically in Figures 9 and 10. A jet of air provided by the air nozzle 50 forces the fabric against the sloped surface 48, and so prevents the fabric from unfolding. A jet of air provided by the second air nozzle 51 preferably forces the fabric towards the additional support 46 midway between the hem- forming foot 36 and the presser foot 16 to prevent the fabric unfolding between the hem- forming foot 36 and the presser foot 16.
The heated presser foot 16 is moved to its second position such that the driven belt 18 is moved away from the plate 20. The hem, containing the hot melt strip 44 is then located between the driven belt 18 and the plate 20 before moving the heated presser foot 16 back to its first position to press the hem against the plate 20.
The driven belt 18 is then driven to draw the hem across the plate 20 while applying heat and pressure thereto to melt the hot melt strip 44 and seal the hem, as shown schematically in Figure 11.
Simultaneously, the control device of the hot melt strip delivery assembly 38 feeds the hot melt strip 44 to the hem-forming foot 36 to continue feeding the hot melt strip 44 into the hem prior to it being drawn under the heated presser foot 16 by the driven belt 18.
While the driven belt 18 draws the hem across the plate 20, the presser foot output nozzle 34 preferably directs heated air into the internal space of the hem, downstream of the driven belt 18, as shown schematically in Figure 9. This serves to pre-melt the hot melt strip 44 before it passes under the driven belt 18. It therefore reduces the amount of heat required from the heated presser foot 16 to seal the hem.
In addition, heat is preferably applied to the hem from beneath either via heated air from output nozzles 32 provided in the plate 20 or from a heating element located beneath the plate 20. This also reduces the amount of heat required from the heated presser foot 16 to seal the hem.
Since the use of heated air from output nozzles 32 in the plate 20, and from a presser foot output nozzle 34, reduce the amount of heat required from the heated presser foot 16, the temperature of the presser foot 16 may be reduced. This is particularly advantageous when the fabric is relatively delicate since it reduces the risk of burning or marking the fabric.
In embodiments where the hemming machine 10 includes a second feed assembly 22, in the form of claw feeds 24,26 or a second driven belt, the second feed assembly 22 is driven at the same time as the driven belt 18 to assist the driven belt 18 in drawing the envelope of fabric across the plate 20.
In other embodiments, the feed assembly 14 may be adapted so that it does not apply heat to the hem during a hemming procedure.
In embodiments using a holt melt adhesive strip, the hot melt adhesive strip may be melted by directing a jet of heated air into the internal space of the hem enveloping the hot melt strip downstream of the feed assembly. Further heating, to assist the melting of the hot melt strip, may be provided by jets of heated air directed at the underside of the hem as the hem is drawn between the feed assembly 14 and the support 12.
In embodiments using a pressure adhesive strip the hem is sealed by the pressure of the feed assembly 14 against the support 12.
While the invention has been described with specific reference to the formation of a hem along the edge of a piece of fabric, it is envisaged that the hemming machine may be used to secure two pieces of fabric together where one of the pieces of fabric is folded about an edge of the other piece of fabric such as, for example, in a binding or seaming operation.

Claims

1. A hemming machine for hemming a textile article using an adhesive strip comprising a support and a feed assembly arranged to draw a textile article across the support, the feed assembly including a belt feed arranged to move between a first position where the belt feed is spaced from the support, permitting insertion of a textile article between the belt feed and the support, and a second position where the belt feed is moved towards the support such that, when a textile article is located between the belt feed and the support, the belt feed presses the textile article against the support.
2. A hemming machine according to Claim 1 wherein the adhesive strip is a hot melt adhesive strip and the belt feed is heated.
3. A hemming machine according to Claim 2 wherein the heated belt feed includes a driven belt extending around a heated body which transmits heat to the belt.
4. A hemming machine according to any preceding claim further including a second feed assembly, the first and second feed assemblies being arranged to feed a textile article across the support from opposite sides of the textile article.
5. A hemming machine according to any preceding claim wherein the support includes a plate member.
6. A hemming machine according to Claim 5 wherein the plate member is covered, at least in part, in Teflon (RTM).
7. A hemming machine according to Claim 5 or Claim 6 wherein a free- running belt extends around the plate member such that it contacts an underside of a textile article drawn across the plate member by the heated belt feed.
8. A hemming machine according to Claim 4 and Claim 5 or Claim 6 wherein the second feed assembly includes a driven belt extending around the plate member such that it contacts an underside of a textile article drawn across the plate member by the belt feed.
9. A hemming machine according to any of Claims 5-8 wherein the plate member is heated.
10. A hemming machine according to any preceding claim wherein the or each belt is formed of Teflon (RTM).
11. A hemming machine according to Claim 4 wherein the second feed assembly includes a claw feed.
12. A hemming machine according to Claim 11 wherein the second feed assembly includes a pair of claw feeds arranged to provide a differential feed.
13. A hemming machine according to Claim 11 or Claim 12 wherein the support includes a plate member and the or each claw feed is arranged to protrude through an aperture provided in the plate member.
14. A hemming machine according to any preceding claim further including a hem forming means located downstream of the belt feed.
15. A hemming machine according to any one or more of Claims 2 to 14 further including a nozzle connected to a source of heated air and arranged to direct heated air into the internal space of a hem formed in a textile article containing a hot melt strip, to pre-melt the hot melt adhesive strip, downstream of the heated belt feed.
16. A hemming machine according" to Claim 3 and Claim 15 wherein the nozzle is provided in the heated body.
17. A hemming machine according to any one or more of Claims 2 to 16 wherein the support includes at least one auxiliary nozzle connected to a source of heated air to direct heated air towards the heated belt feed.
18. A hemming machine according to any one or more of Claims 2 to 17 wherein the hot melt adhesive strip is a hot melt film.
19. A hemming machine according to any one or more of Claims 2 to 17 wherein the hot melt adhesive strip is a laminated structure comprising an elastic substrate having hot melt adhesive film laminated to opposite surfaces thereof.
20. A sewing machine conversion kit to convert a sewing machine into a hemming machine for hemming a textile article using an adhesive strip comprising an attachment adapted to replace a sewing machine presser foot, the attachment including a belt feed.
21. A sewing machine conversion kit according to Claim 20 wherein the belt feed includes a body adapted to be heated and a belt extending around the body.
22. A sewing machine conversion kit according to Claim 21 wherein the body includes a nozzle adapted to receive heated air and direct the heated air into the internal space of a hem formed in a textile article containing a hot melt strip, to pre-melt the hot melt strip, downstream of the belt feed.
23. A method of hemming a textile article using an adhesive strip comprising the steps of:
(i) folding a marginal edge of the textile article to form a hem and inserting an adhesive strip such that the adhesive strip is located in the internal space of the hem; and
(ii) feeding the hem between a belt feed and a support, the belt feed applying pressure to the hem to seal the hem.
24. A method of hemming a textile article according to Claim 23 wherein step (i) further includes the sub-step of laying the adhesive strip on the marginal edge of the textile article prior to folding the marginal edge of the textile article to form a hem.
25. A method of hemming a textile article according to Claim 24 wherein the adhesive strip is a hot melt adhesive strip and the belt feed is heated.
26. A method of hemming a textile article according to Claim 25 further including the step of directing a jet of heated air into the internal space of the hem, to pre-melt the hot melt adhesive strip, prior to feeding the hem between the heated belt feed and the support.
27. A method of hemming a textile article according to Claim 25 or Claim 26 further including the step of directing one or more jets of heated air towards the envelope while feeding the envelope between the heated belt feed and the support.
28. A method of hemming a textile article according to any of Claims 25 to 27 wherein the hot melt strip is a hot melt film.
29. A method of hemming a textile article according to any of Claims 25 to 27 wherein the hot melt strip is a laminated structure comprising an elastic substrate having hot melt film laminated to opposite surfaces thereof.
30. A hemming machine for hemming a textile article using a . hot melt strip comprising a support, a feed assembly arranged to draw a textile article across the support while pressing the textile article against the support, and a nozzle connected to a source of heated air and arranged to direct heated air into the internal space of a hem formed in a textile article containing a hot melt strip, to pre-melt the hot melt strip, downstream of the feed assembly.
31. A method of hemming a textile article using a hot melt strip comprising the steps of:
(i) folding a marginal edge of the textile article to form a hem and inserting a hot melt strip such that the hot melt strip is located in the internal space of the hem;
(ii) directing a jet of heated air into the internal space of the hem, to pre- melt the hot melt strip; and
(iii) feeding the hem between a feed assembly and a support, the feed assembly applying pressure to the hem to seal the hem.
PCT/GB2004/001871 2003-04-30 2004-04-30 Hemming machine WO2004095961A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP04730570A EP1624766B1 (en) 2003-04-30 2004-04-30 Hemming machine
AT04730570T ATE469574T1 (en) 2003-04-30 2004-04-30 FOLDING MACHINE
DE602004027482T DE602004027482D1 (en) 2003-04-30 2004-04-30 FOLDER

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0309904.1 2003-04-30
GBGB0309904.1A GB0309904D0 (en) 2003-04-30 2003-04-30 Hemming machine

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004095961A1 true WO2004095961A1 (en) 2004-11-11

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2004/001871 WO2004095961A1 (en) 2003-04-30 2004-04-30 Hemming machine

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EP (1) EP1624766B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1798508A (en)
AT (1) ATE469574T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602004027482D1 (en)
GB (1) GB0309904D0 (en)
PT (1) PT1624766E (en)
WO (1) WO2004095961A1 (en)

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GB2430349A (en) * 2005-09-27 2007-03-28 Bagir Co Garment alteration

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WO2011095955A1 (en) * 2010-02-05 2011-08-11 Orange Srl Carrying bags
EP2594386A2 (en) 2011-11-15 2013-05-22 Samsonite IP Holdings S.a.r.l Thermally welded structure for luggage case
CN102493133A (en) * 2011-12-27 2012-06-13 山东南山纺织服饰有限公司 Method for cuffing trouser legs of men trousers
CN108950904A (en) * 2018-09-21 2018-12-07 深圳市雅诺科技股份有限公司 Fabric process equipment and fabric processing technology
CN110616535A (en) * 2019-10-18 2019-12-27 临沂市兰山区鲁润蓬布厂 Automatic change two sides heat seal of tarpaulin device of borduring

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US2378730A (en) * 1943-04-06 1945-06-19 Seaman Charles Sewing machine attachment
US3402089A (en) * 1964-08-24 1968-09-17 Domestic Film Products Corp Method and apparatus for welding fabric with a thermoplastic seam
GB1498957A (en) * 1973-12-19 1978-01-25 Kuper H Joining pieces of sheet material
GB2272398A (en) * 1992-11-11 1994-05-18 Kouwenberg Robert J C Folding apparatus for folding a hem on a sheet of material
WO2003008181A2 (en) * 2001-07-16 2003-01-30 Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc. Seam sealing apparatus and process therefor

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2378730A (en) * 1943-04-06 1945-06-19 Seaman Charles Sewing machine attachment
US3402089A (en) * 1964-08-24 1968-09-17 Domestic Film Products Corp Method and apparatus for welding fabric with a thermoplastic seam
GB1498957A (en) * 1973-12-19 1978-01-25 Kuper H Joining pieces of sheet material
GB2272398A (en) * 1992-11-11 1994-05-18 Kouwenberg Robert J C Folding apparatus for folding a hem on a sheet of material
WO2003008181A2 (en) * 2001-07-16 2003-01-30 Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc. Seam sealing apparatus and process therefor

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2430349A (en) * 2005-09-27 2007-03-28 Bagir Co Garment alteration

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1798508A (en) 2006-07-05
DE602004027482D1 (en) 2010-07-15
PT1624766E (en) 2010-08-17
ATE469574T1 (en) 2010-06-15
EP1624766B1 (en) 2010-06-02
GB0309904D0 (en) 2003-06-04
EP1624766A1 (en) 2006-02-15

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