Michael J Gribetz

US Patent:

D3530728, Dec 6, 1994

Filed:

Nov 17, 1992

Appl. No.:

D/001541

Inventors:

Harry M. Cornell - Joplin MO
Michael J. Gribetz - Fort Lauderdale FL

Assignee:

L&P Property Management Company - Chicago IL

US Classification:

D 6596

US Patent:

51541300, Oct 13, 1992

Filed:

Sep 30, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/768835

Inventors:

Michael J. Gribetz - Fort Lauderdale FL
Glenn E. Leavis - Hollywood FL
Michael A. James - Sunrise FL

Assignee:

Leggett & Platt, Incorporated - Carthage MO

International Classification:

D05B 6502

US Classification:

112292

Abstract:

An automatic thread trimming method and apparatus are provided for tack and jump sewing of fabrics. In a preferred embodiment, a quilting apparatus having a plurality of sets of, preferably, double lock chain stitch forming elements, is disposed on a mechanically linked mechanism in a reconfigurable array corresponding to an array of discrete patterns to be sewn. Each set of the array is equipped with a thread trimming element. In a preferred embodiment, a thread trimming cutting edge is formed on one surface of a thread stitch forming element, preferably on a revolving retainer element that is mechanically linked to the mechanism. When operated in a forward direction, a chain stitched pattern is sewn with the stitches formed in cooperation with the retainer revolving in a forward direction. Upon completion of the pattern, the mechanism is reversed for half of a cycle to bring the cutting edge against a thread, the thread tension is released, the fabric is advanced to pull the thread, the thread tension is reapplied to cause the thread to be cut, and the fabric is positioned for the start of a new discrete pattern.