William R Laird

US Patent:

6770240, Aug 3, 2004

Filed:

Mar 8, 2002

Appl. No.:

09/979217

Inventors:

William Laird - Warwick RI
George Murphy - Franklin MA

Assignee:

Microfibres, Inc. - Pawtucket RI

International Classification:

D06C 2300

US Classification:

264546, 26 2 R, 28160, 264555, 425385

Abstract:

Air embossing systems, air lances and methods of air embossing fabrics produce fine detail, crisp transition between unembossed and embossed regions, and a high degree of uniformity across the width of an embossed fabric. The air embossing systems utilize air lances ( ) for directing a stream of air onto the embossable surface ( ) of a fabric ( ) that have at least one nozzle ( ) having an orifice dimension substantially less than that of conventional nozzles. The air embossing systems can also include air lance nozzles positioned in proximity to the embossable surface, nozzles with an orifice dimension that is substantially less than the nozzle length, nozzles in the shape of an elongated slit oriental across essentially the entire width of the fabric, air lances including a nozzle-forming component ( ) separable from the main body ( ) of the air lance to enable the nozzle to be positioned within close proximity to the fabric and to redirect air to be emitted such that a substantial fracti n of the air stream is directed perpendicular to the fabric surface, and air lances including baffles r air redirecting elements ( ) which deflect air to pass through the nozzle and nt the fabric surface at an increased angle, relative to the air lance longitudinal axis.

US Patent:

6935229, Aug 30, 2005

Filed:

Aug 3, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/923250

Inventors:

William Laird - Warwick RI, US
Kevin R. Crompton - Westport MA, US

Assignee:

Microfibres, Inc. - Pawtucket RI

International Classification:

B31F001/07

US Classification:

101 6, 101116

Abstract:

Improved air embossing systems, improved air lances, and improved methods of air embossing fabrics, which are able to produce an unprecedented level of fine detail, crisp transition between unembossed and embossed regions, lack of undesired embossing artifacts, and a high degree of uniformity across the width of an embossed fabric, when compared to the performance of typical, conventional air embossing systems are disclosed. The disclosed air embossing systems utilize generally cylindrical, rotating stencils with air lances positioned therein for directing a stream of air through apertures in the stencil and onto the embossable surface of a fabric. The systems also include at least one stencil stabilizer that is constructed and positioned within the system to apply a force to the stencil during operation that is sufficient to reduce, and preferably essentially eliminate, variations in the distance separating the surface of a fabric being embossed by the system and the portion of the fabric-facing surface of the stencil directly adjacent thereto during rotation of the stencil.

US Patent:

7507364, Mar 24, 2009

Filed:

Jun 10, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/866177

Inventors:

William Laird - Warwick RI, US
George Murphy - Franklin MA, US

Assignee:

Microfibres, Inc. - Pawtucket RI

International Classification:

D06C 23/00

US Classification:

264546, 264555, 425385

Abstract:

Air embossing systems, air lances, and methods of air embossing fabrics produce an unprecedented level of fine detail, crisp transition between unembossed and embossed regions, and a high degree of uniformity across the width of an embossed fabric. The air embossing systems can utilize air lances for directing a stream of air onto the embossable surface of a fabric that have at least one nozzle having a characteristic orifice dimension substantially less than that of conventional air lance nozzles, and also substantially less than a characteristic length of the nozzle. Air lances can also include one or more nozzles in the shape of an elongated slit oriented so as to be positioned across essentially the entire width of a fabric being embossed. Air lances for embossing fabrics can include a nozzle-forming component that can be separable from the main body of the air lance and that enables the nozzle(s) of the air lance to be positioned within close proximity to the fabric, when the air lance is in operation, and that also can act to redirect air flowing within the air lance so that it is emitted from the nozzle(s) such that a substantial fraction of the air stream is directed essentially perpendicular to the surface of the fabric being embossed. Yet other air lances include therein one or more baffles or air redirecting elements, which serve to deflect air flowing within the air lance so that it passes through the nozzle(s) of the air lance and is directed onto the embossable surface of the fabric at an angle that is substantially greater, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the air lance, than the angle of an air stream emitted from a nozzle of an essentially equivalent air lance, except excluding the air redirecting element or baffle.

US Patent:

44924097, Jan 8, 1985

Filed:

Oct 20, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/435436

Inventors:

William B. Laird - Red Lion PA

International Classification:

A47C 402

US Classification:

297440

Abstract:

Furniture in the form of a chair, loveseat or couch is provided with a frame having at least one removable cushion. The cushion has oppositely disposed grooves. Each groove is adapted to receive a tongue on a frame of the furniture. A latch mechanism is provided within the cushion for cooperating with mating structure on an associated tongue whereby the cushion may be removed and replaced by another similar cushion or may merely be turned over and reinstalled in the furniture.

US Patent:

D3361713, Jun 8, 1993

Filed:

May 23, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/527788

Inventors:

William B. Laird - York PA

US Classification:

D 6373

US Patent:

43950710, Jul 26, 1983

Filed:

Feb 23, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/237338

Inventors:

William B. Laird - Marietta PA

International Classification:

A47C 402

US Classification:

297440

Abstract:

Furnitrue in the form or a chair, love seat or couch is provided with a frame having at least one removable cushion. The cushion has oppositely disposed grooves. Each groove is adapted to receive a tongue on a frame. A latch mechanism is provided within the cushion for cooperating with mating structure on an associated tongue whereby the cushion may be removed and replaced by another similar cushion or may merely be flipped over and replaced.

US Patent:

D3223698, Dec 17, 1991

Filed:

Feb 23, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/316108

Inventors:

William B. Laird - York PA

US Classification:

D 6364

US Patent:

D3212904, Nov 5, 1991

Filed:

Jun 17, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/211526

Inventors:

William B. Laird - Red Lion PA

US Classification:

D 6367