Textiles: weaving – Fabrics – Materials
Reexamination Certificate
2001-01-26
2001-09-18
Falik, Andy (Department: 3741)
Textiles: weaving
Fabrics
Materials
C139S120000, C139S153000, C139S324000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06289943
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an assembly for applying serge to the edge of a material to prevent the unraveling of the edge of the material. More specifically, the present invention relates to an assembly for continuously applying serge around the edge of a piece of material.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Rugs, carpets, and throws are examples of various materials having edges that are commonly serge-finished to protect the edge of the material. Serge is typically applied to the edges of these materials using a conventional sewing or serging machine, with the operator of the sewing machine directing the application of serge to the edge of the material. The material is conventionally rectangular, and therefore has four edges to be processed. Once the serge has been sewn onto one edge of the carpet, the operator must make a perpendicular incision at the point in the material where the next edge is to begin, and the material must then be rotated for the next side edge of the carpet to have serge applied. As a result, to apply serge to each edge of the material, the operator must follow the following process: apply serge to one edge of the material, stop the operation of the sewing machine, cut an incision in the material with scissors at the point that the next edge is to be sewn, rotate the material at each intersecting edge, restart the operation of the sewing machine, and begin applying serge to the next edge of the material. Consequently, the process used to apply serge to the standard rectangular piece of material requires the operator to stop production to make four cuts on the material with a pair of scissors to be able align the desired edges to be serged.
This conventional method of applying serge creates several difficulties for the operator. First, for the operator to follow the steps of this method, it requires a substantial amount of time to make the required perpendicular incisions in the material at the edges that are to be serged. As stated above, for the operator to apply serge to each edge, the operator is required to stop the sewing of the edge, pick up a pair of scissors, cut the material at the desired location, rotate the material at the desired angle (preferably ninety degrees), and then begin sewing serge to the next edge. Since the edge of the material is preferably sewn on every side for conventional carpets, this process must be repeated approximately three times after the first edge to protect each individual edge of the rectangular piece of material. Consequently, the time required by the operator is significant when the operator has to make a cut in the edge of the rug according to the area for which serge is to be applied. Moreover, to improve the efficiency during this manufacturing process, the operator must hold and manipulate a pair of scissors throughout the application of the serge. The constant holding and usage of the scissors further increases the risk of injury to the operator and the operator's hands.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a serge applying assembly for sewing serge around the edge of a section of material without the operator having to physically release the material.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a serge applying assembly that will make an automatic incision in the material at the desired point on which the serge is applied along the edge.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a serge applying assembly that increases the efficiency of the operator in applying serge around the edge of a section of material.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an automatic serge applying assembly that is able to reduce the risk of injury to the operator applying the serge to the material.
These and other objects of the present invention are accomplished by the automatic serge applying assembly of the present invention. The serge applying assembly of the present invention includes a conventional sewing or serging machine that is able to sew the desired serge onto the edges surrounding a section of material. The sewing machine preferably includes a pressure foot and a feed dog for engaging and pulling the material to be sewn and cut. A cutting assembly is additionally included in the present invention, with the cutting assembly attached to the sewing machine in a position proximate the sewing needle. The cutting assembly is able to engage the material and make the desired cut into the material to aid the operator in applying serge around the perimeter of the material. The cutting assembly preferably includes a pneumatic cylinder having a piston, with a blade mechanically connected to the piston of the pneumatic cylinder.
The cutting assembly is positioned attached to the sewing machine proximate the pressure foot for easy engagement with the material. The cutting assembly is able to automatically cut the material, preferably perpendicular with respect to the edge of the material, and the operator is then able to rotate the material such that serge may be applied to the next edge of the material. This process is repeated until serge has been applied to the perimeter of the material.
These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4307675 (1981-12-01), Off et al.
patent: 5170733 (1992-12-01), Honma et al.
patent: 6237518 (2001-05-01), Yunoki et al.
Burr & Forman LLP
Falik Andy
Holland Christopher A.
Veal Robert J.
XYZ Control Inc.
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