This is the generic locus for patents for (1) sewing machines,
(2) methods of sewing, and (3) stock material products of a sewing
operation. This class is also residual for patents for sewn articles
which are not specifically provided for in any other class.
SCOPE OF THE CLASS
Sewing is the operation of uniting or ornamenting material
by means of a strand which is inserted (stitched) in the material
at spaced locations by a needle having an eye, or equivalent structure,
and enchained or otherwise locked in position.
With the addition of product subclasses, no change has been
made in the relationship of this class with other classes in regard
to patents for machines and processes. See Lines With Other Classes
and Within This Class, below, for the reference to product subclasses.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
PRODUCT SUBCLASSES
With the addition of product subclasses 400-441, inclusive,
no change has been made in the relationship of this class with other
classes in regard to patents for machines and processes.
Regarding patents for products, it is intended that only such
patents in which layers have been secured together, or a strand
has been affixed to a base, solely by a stitching operation shall
be placed in this class. However, patents for such products which
include structure which is the result of an operation which may
be considered ancillary to the stitching operation (e.g., manipulating, folding,
cutting) or which include merely a description of the sewn material
(e.g., woven, knitted, braided, carded, twisted) will not be excluded
from this class.
A patent for a stock material product resulting from a combined
operation (e.g., sewn and coated or bonded) will be placed in an
appropriate subclass in Class 428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous
Articles, and see the main definition of that class, (428), section
V1 A 1.
It is recognized that patents for sewn stock material may be
found in other classes. No attempt has been made at this time to
collect such patents in this class. It is expected that when such
other classes are reclassified, sewn stock material patents will
be transferred to this class (112).
Search notes to related classes will be found under the definition
of subclass 400 for products, subclass 2 for apparatus, and subclass
262.1 for methods.
Surgery,
subclasses 144+ , for mechanical sewing devices for sewing parts
of the animal body.
SECTION IV - GLOSSARY
BLIND STITCH
A stitch in which the sewing thread penetrates only one nonthickness
surface of a layer or component. See Figure 1.
COMPONENT
A distinct unitary element of a composite web or sheet which
is longitudinally coextensive therewith and which, if separated
from said multi-part web or sheet, would be recognized as a web
or sheet by itself.
A component may consist of plural layers as in the folded
component shown in Figure 2.
COMPOSITE SHEET
A sheet comprising a plurality of components.
COMPOSITE WEB
A web comprising a plurality of components.
CONCEALED STITCH
A stitch in which the sewing thread completely penetrates
one or more layers of material and is hidden from view on at least
one side of the assembly by a fold of material overlying the stitch.
See Figure 3.
FIBER
A relatively short, slender, flexible element of macroscopic
size and finite length and having a width and thickness of the same
order magnitude. A fiber is generally of staple length to facilitate
being spun, twisted, or otherwise secured together into a composite
strand but may be of shorter length requiring bonding, felting,
or matting to form a strand or layer. It may be of animal (e.g.,
wool, rabbit hair); vegetable (e.g., cotton, jute, hemp); or mineral
(e.g., asbestos, glass, metal) origin; and may be either natural,
modified, or synthetic.
LAYER
A single thickness of material or materials in the form
of a panel, web, or sheet, or a plurality of any of these in side-by-side
coplanar relation, or particulate material arranged in continuity
to constitute a distinct stratum.
A layer may include a plurality of components as in Figure
4.
NONTHICKNESS SURFACE
The surface of a web, sheet, layer, or component on which
both its length and width may be measured. See Figure 5.
OVEREDGE STITCH
A stitch wherein the sewing thread extends thickness-wise
across a marginal extremity of one or more layers of material without
penetrating side extremity. See Figure 6.
PANEL
A portion of material of finite perimeter having length and
width greater than thickness and (a) having a modification or embellishment
of or on the entire periphery thereof or at least two nonadjacent
corners, (b) being completely enclosed in an envelope which substantially conforms
thereto, or (c) having a boundary
shape which is other than rectangle.
SHEET
A rectangular portion of material of finite length and width
which are each greater than its thickness. A piece of material having
a peripheral shape other than rectangular will be considered a panel.
STRAND
A relatively slender and flexible element having a width and
thickness of the same order of magnitude and a length which is either
(a) indeterminate or (b) coextensive with the length or width of
a sheet or layer. A strand may be a monofilament or it may include
either a plurality of filaments or fibers disposed in parallelism
(e.g., tow) or constituent fibers and/or filaments knitted, plaited,
braided, twisted, interlaced, interlocked, or otherwise secured
together to form a unit such as roving, thread yarn, cord, rope
or cable.
STRAND PORTION
A strand of finite length; or an unsevered but determinate
part of a strand.
STRIP
A web or sheet of relatively narrow ribbon-like material. A
strip which is interwoven or intertangled with other strips or strands
in the same manner as a strand will be termed a "strand-like
strip".
WEB
A portion of material having length and width each greater
than its thickness and with at least its longitudinal dimension
undetermined.
A web may comprise (a) a single thickness of material, (b)
a plurality of portions of a single piece of material folded onto
each other longitudinally or transversely, or (c)
a plurality of individual web components joined together in longitudinally
coextensive face or edge contact to form a composite web.
Boot and Shoe Making, appropriate subclasses for a shoe making machine including
stitching means, and particularly
subclass 58.5 for a machine for inserting lacings in the eyelets
of shoe uppers.
Package Making,
subclass 138.5 for packaging apparatus which includes means for
joining portions of the cover material by sewing, and subclass 545
for an apparatus for forming packages by confining the contents within
a progressively seamed cover formed from a continuous web or webs.
Apparel Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for a machine not including stitching
means for making, repairing or treating articles of apparel and analogous
articles, and see notes thereunder.
Brush, Broom, and Mop Making, appropriate subclasses for a machine particularly
adapted to the manufacture of the articles set out in the title
of that class.
Abrading,
subclasses 432+ for an abrading device designed to be attached
to and driven by a sewing machine. A nominal recitation of a sewing
machine in combination with such an attachment will not exclude
a patent from Class 451.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Device wherein means are provided to fasten together, with
needle and thread, material which covers a pad or tick filled with
soft material.
(1)
Note. The pad or tick is generally used, as, or on a bed.
(2)
Note. The needle is used to fasten material together but is
not a part of the fastening means remaining at the end of the sewing
process.
Metal Working,
subclasses 91.2+ for an apparatus or process for compressing portions
of a furniture cushion or padded furniture component in accord with
a desired pattern.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2.1. Device wherein material on upper and lower sides of the
pad or tick is fastened together with needle and thread which needle
and thread passes through the material and the pad or tick at spaced
points over the upper and lower sides of the pad or tick.
Brush, Broom, and Mop Making, appropriate subclasses for a machine or method particularly
related to one or more of the operations necessary to the manufacture
of the articles set out in the title of that class.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. For sewing straw braid, as in making hats.
(1)
Note. For machines for twisting straw into strands, combined
with sewing, see Class 57, Textiles: Spinning, Twisting, and Twining,
subclasses 4 and 6.
Boot and Shoe Making,
subclasses 32+ for machines which indent the edge of the sole,
particularly subclass 32.1, for those machines provided with means
to cause the indentations to occur at the stitch points.
Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus,
subclass 63 for apparatus for driving a member, e.g., tack,
combined with (or convertible to) apparatus for withdrawing the
same.
This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Stitches are held in place by friction, either of the threads
themselves, or of a plug inserted in the leather or other material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Means to form a support or rest against which the upper
or a lasted shoe may be held to guide the shoe as it is presented
to the sole-sewing mechanism.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, appropriate subclasses for methods of, and apparatus
for, feeding material without utilizing the leading or trailing
ends to effect movement of the material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Includes means to cast the previously-formed loop from the
needle as it pulls a new loop through the work.
for zigzag stitch forming mechanism wherein the
needle is shifted back and forth across the line of material feed, which
mechanism includes particular structure for sewing a pattern which encloses
a portion of the material within boundaries formed by the pattern
(e.g., buttonholes).
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Device including means for inserting a strand or strands
through a base material to form a material surface of raised strands
or strand loops.
(1)
Note. Strands or strand loops are "raised" if
they extend above the base material by design and do not merely
lie thereon.
(2)
Note. The strand loops may be cut or left uncut after being
formed on the base material.
for a web or sheet having a plurality of fibers,
strand portions, narrow strand-like strips, or groups of strands which
are attached to the web or sheet by stitching and extend outwardly from
a surface thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.01. Device wherein the strand or strands are inserted into (1)
part of a doll to simulate hair or (2) an element to be worn as
artificial or real hair.
(1)
Note. "Hair" are the filaments forming the
coat of an animal or covering a portion of the skin of a human.
(2)
Note. With regard to (1), the strand or strands are usually
inserted into a doll"s head.
Toilet,
subclass 5 for processes, under that class definition, for
making wigs, switches, rolls, or other artificial hair structures,
subclass 56 for devices, under the class definition, specially designed
for making wigs, switches, rolls, or other hair structures.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.03. Device including a motivating means, other than the human
attendant, for generating and imparting motion to the device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.03. Device wherein the strand inserting means has an elongated
portion which penetrates the material to pass the strand or strands
therethrough, the elongated portion having (1) a cavity substantially
parallel to the direction of elongation or (2) a passage or groove
substantially parallel to the direction of elongation.
(1)
Note. The cavity of (1) and the passage or groove of (2) are
usually for guiding the strand or strands.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.03. Device wherein the strand inserting means has an elongated
portion which penetrates the material to pass the strand or strands
therethrough substantially transverse to the direction of elongation.
(1)
Note. The elongated portion usually has a reentrant or planar
surface which engages the strand or strands.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.01. Device wherein a streat or air or other fluid acts directly
on the strand or strands to guide, tension, advance, or otherwise
handle the strand or strands.
(1)
Note. The fluid medium is usually air which acts directly
on the strand or strands, for example to propel the strand or strands
through a guiding tube.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.07. Device wherein the strand inserting means has an elongated
portion which penetrates the material to pass the strand or strands
therethrough, the elongated portion having a cavity substantially
parallel to the direction of elongation for guiding the strand.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.01. Device wherein surfaces of raised strands or strand loops
are formed on both upper and lower (opposite) sides of the base
material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.01. Device wherein the strand inserting means has an elongated
portion which penetrates the material to pass the strand or strands
therethrough, the elongated portion having (1) a cavity substantially
parallel to the direction of elongation or (2) a passage or groove
substantially parallel to the direction of elongation.
(1)
Note. The cavity of (1) and the passage or groove of (2) are
usually for guiding the strand or strands.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.01. Device wherein the strand inserting means has an elongated
portion which penetrates the material to pass the strand or strands
therethrough, the elongated portion having strand engaging structure
other than a hole therethrough substantially transverse to the direction of
elongation.
(1)
Note. The elongated portion usually has a reentrant or planar
surface which engages the strand or strands.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.01. Device including means for halting the operation of the
device upon the detection of a random, noncyclic condition or change
of condition, without the intervention of an operator or human attendant.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.01. Device wherein instructions having light sensitive, electrical,
or magnetic properties are read and acted upon by the device to
form a designed (i.e., patterned) surface of strands or strand loops.
(1)
Note. Devices wherein a human attendant must intervene to
read or act upon the instructions to form the designed surface of
strands or strand loops are not included in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8.23. Device including a cylinder which has the instructions stored
upon its circumferential surface or upon an element (e.g., sheet)
placed upon the circumferential surface.
(1)
Note. The cylinder usually rotates relative to a device which
reads the instructions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.01. Device wherein significance is attributed to (1) means for
holding, guiding, tensioning, advancing, severing, or otherwise
handling the base material or (2) means for subjecting the base
material to a physical or chemical process in order to change a
characteristic of the material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.3. Device for moving the base material transverse to a direction
of material advance past the strand inserting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.3. Device for holding the base material wherein the device
and the material held thereby are adjustable or otherwise transportable,
at the location or strand insertion, in a direction transverse to
a face of the held material.
(1)
Note. The material is usually moveable in a direction toward
or away from the strand inserting means for varying the depth of
penetration of the inserting means into the material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.01. Device wherein significance is attributed to means for holding,
moving, or guiding a strand inserting means having an elongated
portion which portion penetrates the base material to pass the strand
or strands therethrough.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.4. Device for moving the strand
inserting means transverse to a direction of material advance past
the inserting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.4. Device for reciprocating the strand inserting means in a
direction parallel to its direction of elongation which includes
(1) means for adjusting the amplitude of reciprocation or (2) means
for adjusting the position of reciprocation in a direction parallel
to the direction of reciprocation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.4. Device wherein there are at least two strand inserting means,
having an elongated portion which portion penetrates the base material
to pass a strand or strands therethrough, the device further including
means to reciprocate, in the direction of elongation, one of the
inserting means to penetrate the base material while not reciprocating,
in the direction of elongation, one other of the inserting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.4. Device for making and braking a motive coupling between
(1) the strand inserting means and (2) an element which imparts
reciprocation to the strand inserting means to cause the strand
inserting means to penetrate the material.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes devices (1) means to disconnect
a needle bar and a needle toprevent
the needle from reciprocating or (2) means to disconnect a needle
bar and the bar"s drive means.
(2)
Note. A device having merely a switch which turns on a tufting
machine"s drive motor is not included in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.01. Device wherein significance is attributed to means for engaging,
holding, or guiding a strand portion which portion has been formed on
the base material and which portion is in the configuration of a
roughly oval, closed or nearly closed turn or figure (i.e., a strand
loop).
(1)
Note. "Loopers", "hooks",
and loop guiding guards are included in this and indented subclasses.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.5. Device wherein the strand loop engaging, holding, or guiding
means includes an elongated portion with a free and adapted to extend through
a strand loop and further includes means acting in cooperation with
the elongated portion to surround the periphery of or otherwise
hold or contain the strand loop.
(1)
Note. The means cooperating with the elongated portion is
usually mounted on the strand loop engaging, guiding, or hold means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.5. Device wherein at least two means are provided which each
engage, hold, or guide a strand loop wherein each of the means (1)
has a different appearance or (2) operates with a different positional
relationship with regard to the strand loop being engaged, held
or guided.
(1)
Note. Each of the loop engaging, holding, or guiding means
may act on the same stand loop or set of loops or may act on a different
loop or set of loops.
(2)
Note. In loop catching devices with plural loop catching bills,
each bill and associated support is considered to be a separate
strand loop engaging, hold, or guiding means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.52. Device wherein the strand loop engaging, holding, or guiding
means do not move relative to one another during operation of the
device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.5. Device wherein the strand loop engaging, holding, or guiding
means engages, holds, or guides strand loops of differing lengths
which have been formed on the base material.
for plural loop catchers having different shapes
or orientations which may engage, hold, or guide strand loops of differing
lengths which have been formed on the base material.
for tufting devices including yard manipulating
means for producing variable height strands or strand loops on the
base material by varying the rate of feed of the strands to the
strand inserting means (e.g., backdrawing).
Textile: Cloth Finishing,
subclass 8 for devices under that class definition for cutting
pile loops, and particularly subclasses 9+ for devices
which simultaneously cut pile loops while feeding material.
for tufting devices having a bill with a clip or
gate which devices include means for severing one strand loop and
for never severing another strand loop.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.55. Device wherein the strand loop severing means is supported
by and rotates about the means which engages, holds, or guides the
strand loop.
(1)
Note. Devices with severing means which are supported on and
rotate about a support of the loop engaging, holding, or guiding
means are included in this subclass if the support is integral with and
does not move relative to the loop engaging, holding, or guiding
means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.55. Device wherein the severing means does not move with respect
to the means which engages, holds, or guides the strand loop.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.01. Device wherein significance is attributed to (1) means for
guiding, tensioning, advancing, severing, or otherwise handling
the strand or (2) means for subjecting the strand to a physical
or chemical process in order to change a characteristic of the strand.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.7. Device for (1) severing the strand or (2) subjecting the
strand to a physical or chemical process in order to change a characteristic
of the strand.
(1)
Note. Strand dyeing devices are included in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.7. Device for advancing the strand including two sets of bars,
one set of which overlaps and opposes a second set in an intermeshing
area, each bar having a projected edge which contacts the strand
when in the intermeshing area. The two sets of bars are driven to
advance the strand by alternately passing the strand from a projected
edge of one bar of the one set to a projected edge of an opposing
bar of the second set.
(1)
Note. The bars are often provided with indentations in the
strand contacting projected edges which indentations vary in depth
are are configured so as to cause a variation in the rate of strand
advance.
This subclass is indented under subclass 80.7. Device for advancing a strand wherein the strand advancing
means has a drive, rotating, cylindrical element over which the
strand is guided.
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Device including a control system having an electronic program
storing means to produce either (a) a series of stitches along a
predetermined path, or (b) to control an ancillary operation of
the machine.
(1)
Note. An example of an ancillary operation includes a machine
generated audio voice command, a pattern learning system, etc.
for a vibrating needle-type zigzag stitch forming
mechanism having electronic memory, especially subclass 458 wherein
the device includes pattern selection means through which an operator
can select one pattern from a plurality of patterns.
Geometrical Instruments,
subclasses 700+ for an instrument for the measurement of a distance,
especially subclass 735 where the measurement device is for flexible
material and is achieved by rolling contact and the resultant data
is processed through a computer.
Machine Element or Mechanism,
subclasses 25 through 62for a mechanism which converts rotary motion to reciprocating
motion or reciprocating motion to rotary motion; subclasses 111
through 125.5 for an intermittent grip-type device, especially subclasses
112 through 125.5 for an intermittent grip-type device which converts
rotary motion to intermittent unidirectional motion; and subclasses 113
and 114 for an intermittent grip-type device which converts rotary motion
to intermittent unidirectional motion which includes an automatic control
system.
Radiant Energy,
subclass 202 for a photocell system responsive to a pattern,
subclass 548 for a photocell system which controls a web, strand, strip,
or sheet; subclasses 559+ for a photocell which is responsive
to light from a web, strand, strip, or sheet and which produces
an electrical signal which is indicative of some characteristic
of the material; and subclasses 571+ for a prephotocell
system which detects the presence, absence, or some characteristic
of a web, strand, strip, or sheet.
Electricity: Motive Power Systems, appropriate subclasses for a motor control system in general,
and especially
subclasses 567+ for an electrical motor control system which uses
a program or pattern control system.
Article Dispensing, appropriate subclasses for article dispensers (feeders) not
otherwise provided for and not combined with a sewing machine, and see
the class definition of Class 221 for the disposition of related
disclosures of article and strip feeding processes and apparatus.
Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus,
subclasses 31+ for combined apparatus for assembling a button with
a workpiece and applying a member, e.g., nail, thereto.
Article Dispensing, appropriate subclasses for article dispensers (feeders) not
otherwise provided for and not combined with a sewing machine, and see
the class definition of Class 221 for the disposition of related
disclosures of article and strip feeding processes and apparatus.
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Device wherein significance is attributed to the means for
uniting or ornamenting material by means of a thread.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, may include a nominal recitation of a supply or take-up
coil (e.g., less than a support for such a coil or a cooperative
relationship between a tension or exhaust detector and reel driving
or reel stopping means, etc.),
subclass 196.1 for a passive guide combined with a material feeder.
Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding,
subclasses 157+ for a residual guide that directs a strand*,
subclass 566 for an unwinding apparatus having a particular guide
or guard, or subclasses 615+ for a residual guide or guard
that directs elongated flexible material that may be combined with
more than nominal winding structure.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Devices having mechanisms which cooperate to form stitches
in work material.
(1)
Note. Lock-stitch machines, including the revolving-hook type
and the shuttle type, are those in which a mass of threads is passed
bodily through a loop of needle-thread. In chain stitch machines,
one loop is inserted through another loop without passing the mass
of thread supply therethrough.
for a zigzag stitch forming mechanism wherein the
needle is shifted back and forth across the line of material feed which
mechanism further includes a second needle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 154. The stitch is formed loosely, so that two fabrics united
thereby may be separated to simulate hemstitching.
This subclass is indented under subclass 154. A hook member draws out the needle-loop without passing
bodily therethrough, the under-thread carrier or bobbin being passed
bodily through the loop either by the movement of the loop or the
carrier.
for a zigzag stitch forming mechanism wherein the
needle is shifted back and forth across the line of material feed which
mechanism includes specified means for working the thread on the side
of the material opposite the side from which the needle penetrates
the material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 181. The hook is operated at a variable speed or through a plurality
of revolutions to one reciprocation of the needle.
for a zigzag stitch forming mechanism wherein the
needle is shifted back and forth across the line of material feed which
mechanism includes specified means for working the thread on the side
of the material opposite the side from which the needle penetrates
the material.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Supports for devices including a generally flat horizontal
top or working surface member, supporting frame or base structure therewith
and either (a) mechanism for driving or controlling a sewing device
on the said surface or (b) work or product supporting or handling
features claimed in relation to the sewing device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 217.1. Sewing machine stands including mechanisms to aid in the
drive or control of an electric or mechanical motor connected with
the sewing machine.
This subclass is indented under subclass 217.3. Subject matter wherein the stand includes a foot-treadle
disclosed for driving the sewing device wherein the motor displaces
the foot-treadle drive and the motor control is usually connected
with the foot-treadle.
(1)
Note. In some instances the foot-treadle drive and the motor
drive are both operative and may be used selectively. However, usually,
the conversion is from foot-treadle to motor driven.
Apparel Apparatus,
subclass 102 as the general subclass for pointed instruments
having an eye, hook, or equivalent to attach to a thread, tape, or
the like for sewing, threading, or attaching the thread to a fabric.
for a zigzag stitch forming mechanism wherein the
needle is shifted back and forth across the line of material feed, which
mechanism includes specified means for working the thread on the side
of the material opposite the side from which the needle penetrates
the material.
for a zigzag stitch forming mechanism wherein the
needle is shifted back and forth across the line of material feed, which
mechanism includes specified means for working the thread on the side
of the material opposite the side from which the needle penetrates
the material.
Work Holders, appropriate subclasses. Class 269 is the residual locus for patents to a device
for clamping, supporting and/or holding an article (or articles)
in position to be operated on or treated. See notes thereunder for other
related loci.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Elements wherein special significance is attributed to the
elements structural adaptability for use in sewing operations.
This subclass is indented under subclass 271. Devices which sense the presence or absence of work and
cause the sewing drive mechanism to start or stop in response to
the condition sensed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 271. Devices which sense a condition of the sewing thread, such
as its slackness, a break or run out, and cause the sewing drive
mechanism to start or stop in response to the condition sensed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 270. Devices which sense a condition of the sewing thread, such
as slackness, breakage or run out, and activate a signal generator
in response to the condition sensed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 270. Devices for removing waste material, such as thread pieces,
from any general or selected area of the sewing operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 270. Devices which are generally known in the machine arts as "fly
wheels", including means to fasten or secure them on the
supporting shaft.
This subclass is indented under subclass 270. Devices made of one or more elements and specifically designed
to cause a given mechanical motion or movement at a given point.
This subclass is indented under subclass 270. Devices designed to cut, sever, break, or otherwise part
the stitch forming thread or threads at the end of a seam or between
articles which are attached by a seam forming chain.
This subclass is indented under subclass 285. Devices including additional structure which holds or positions
the end of the thread which emanates from the needle, usually for
the purpose of keeping the thread end out of the way of the next
piece of work or work function.
This subclass is indented under subclass 285. Devices having means to provide an air flow, positive and/or
negative (suction), the function of such means being to remove or
dispose of a piece of cut or waste thread.
This subclass is indented under subclass 285. Devices for parting the chain of thread which links adjacent
articles or an article and the needle of the sewing machine.
This subclass is indented under subclass 285. Devices designed to cut a thread emanating from the upper
surface or plane of the work and a thread emanating from the lower
surface or plane of the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 285. Devices wherein the thread parting operation is performed
by manually positioning the thread against the parting means or
by manually moving the parting means into and out of its operating
position and/or movement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 285. Devices wherein the thread parting means is actuated by
electricity or by an electrically actuated mechanism.
This subclass is indented under subclass 270. Devices designed to guide, position or otherwise handle
the thread before or after the seam or chain has been made but prior
to cutting the seam or chain.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, may include a nominal recitation of a supply or take-up
coil (e.g., less than a support for such a coil or a cooperative
relationship between a tension or exhaust detector and reel driving
or reel stopping means, etc.),
subclass 196.1 for a passive guide combined with a material feeder.
Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding,
subclasses 157+ for a residual guide that directs a strand* or
subclass 566 for an unwinding apparatus having a particular guide
or guard.
for a zigzag stitch forming mechanism wherein the
needle is shifted back and forth across the line of material feed, which
mechanism includes cam means for actuating the needle or material
feed and further includes specified structure for transporting the material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 303. Device including means to align the work with respect to
the machine or with respect to another piece of work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 303. Device wherein the longitudinal dimension of the material
being advanced is effectively infinite insofar as can be determined
from the disclosed structure for advancing such material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 303. Device wherein the work is advanced along a path that has
curate or nonstraight-line portions.
(1)
Note. Included in this subclass are feed mechanisms which
sense that the work has moved laterally of the stitch line, and make
correction by feeding the work back to its proper position.
This subclass is indented under subclass 308. Device wherein the feed mechanism is cable of advancing
the work material in all directions.
(1)
Note. Included in this subclass are mechanisms to advance
the work material according to a predetermined pattern or design
and are capable of reset or reprogram to different patterns or designs.
This subclass is indented under subclass 303. Device wherein the work material is advanced by feed means
in the form of two opposed surfaces which grip the upper and lower
surfaces of the work material therebetween.
This subclass is indented under subclass 303. Device wherein the feed means comprises at least two distinct
work engaging mechanisms, each mechanism advancing at a different
rate of speed.
(1)
Note. The feed mechanisms of this subclass either move apart
to stretch the work or move toward each other to bunch or ruffle
the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 303. Device having means to adjust or otherwise change the movement,
rate of advancement, or position of the work advancing means relative to
the stitch forming means.
for a zigzag stitch forming mechanism wherein the
needle is shifted back and forth across the line of material feed, which
mechanism includes particular structure for sewing a pattern which encloses
a portion of the material within boundaries formed by the pattern
(e.g., buttonholes).
This subclass is indented under subclass 314. Device wherein the adjustment means provides for operation
of the work advancing means at periodic intervals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 303. Device wherein the work advancing means moves in an up,
forward, down, backward, generally rectangular path.
Apparel, appropriate subclasses, for a sewn garment, a subcombination thereof,
and for a supporter or retainer therefor, and particularly
subclass 274 for garment structure including a sewn binding,
and subclass 275 for garment structure including a sewn seam.
Miscellaneous Hardware (e.g., Bushing, Carpet Fastener, Caster, Door Closer, Panel Hanger, Attachable or Adjunct Handle, Hinge, Window Sash Balance, etc.),
subclass 17.1 for a patent to a sewn rug combined with an anti-slip
or stiffener attachment where no more rug structure is claimed than
is necessary to support the attachment.
Harness for Working Animal, appropriate subclasses for a sewn article of the type provided
for in that class, particularly
subclasses 65+ for a pad and subclasses 80.4+ for a fly-net.
Flexible or Portable Closure, Partition, or Panel, appropriate subclasses for a sewn product of the type provided
for in that class, and particularly
subclasses 385+ for a curtain or drape panel including sewn means
(e.g., hem, loops) for mounting the panel on a support.
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate subclasses and particularly,
subclasses 4+ for a sewn bow, pom-pom or rosette; subclasses 24+ for
a sewn artificial flower; subclass 37 for a spirally flatwound strand
or strip (e.g., braided rug) where the convolutions are held in place
by stitching, and subclasses 102+ for a product which includes stitching
combined with a discrete fastener, coating, or adhesive bond.
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Product wherein panels* or longitudinally noncoextensive
sheets* are joined by stitching in edge-abutting or edge-overlapping
relation to form a web*, sheet* or layer*.
(1)
Note. A patent for a plurality of fur sections joined in edge-to-edge
relation by sewing will be placed in this subclass.
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclasses 54+ and 57+ for similar structure in which
sections are united other than by, or in addition to, stitching.
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Product comprising a web* or sheet* which
is embellished by - or in which layers* or components* thereof,
or added elements thereon, are joined, reinforced or held in position
by - a stitched strand* so disposed that it may have been
introduced into the product by an eyed needle (with or without the
cooperation of other sewing instrumentalities).
(1)
Note. A patent for a single layer of material with stitching
not specifically provided for in any of the indented subclasses
will be placed in this subclass.
Bleaching and Dyeing; Fluid Treatment and Chemical
Modification of Textiles and Fibers, appropriate subclasses for a combined process of sewing
and fluid treatment.
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate subclasses for a single or plural layer sheet
material product which is the result of a sewing operation followed
by some other operation and which is not provided for in this class
(112) or any other class, and particularly
subclasses 102+ for a product which includes stitching combined
with a discrete fastener, coating, or adhesive bond.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product including a strand* or component* which,
as disclosed, may be removed from the web or sheet by dissolution
or disintegration.
Etching a Substrate: Processes, appropriate subclasses for the use of etching in
the dissolution or disintegration of a strand or component from
a web.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product wherein a plurality of horny epidermal outgrowths
which make up the outer covering or plumage of birds; aperture pellets;
or shiny platelets, strips or strands; are attached to the web or
sheet, directly or indirectly, by stitching.
Apparel Apparatus,
subclasses 44+ the generic locus for machines and machine methods
of making and/or attaching trimmings to apparel, linens, and
analogous articles, and see notes thereunder.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product wherein a panel* or sheet* overlies and
is attached by stitching to a nonthickness surface of a base web
or sheet of greater length than the attached panel or sheet.
(1)
Note. The panel or sheet may be inserted in an aperture in
the base and stitched to the edge of the aperture.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product wherein the web or sheet has means secured thereto
by a stitched thread for selectively attaching it to, and detaching
it from, a cooperating means on another web or sheet.
(1)
Note. A stitched buttonhole is not considered an external
fastening means within the definition of this subclass.
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclasses 99+ for a product including an external type fastener attached
to a base sheet or web by means other than stitching.
This subclass is indented under subclass 406. Product wherein the fastener is either an element curved
or bent to catch or hold to another element, or an element adapted
to be engaged by a curved or bent fastener element.
(1)
Note. A fastener of the type having a hook portion which resiliently
interlocks with a cooperating fastener will be considered to be
a snap fastener and will be placed in subclass 406.
This subclass is indented under subclass 406. Product wherein the fastener is an article of any shape
(e.g., disc, knob) joined to the base web or sheet by stitching
and adapted to pass through a cooperating slit or loop.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product provided with a plurality of individual strand portions*,
groups of strand portions (such as tassels) or strand-like loops
integral with or sewn to a web or sheet edge and freely dependent
or extending outwardly therefrom, the so formed fringe being coextensive
with said edge.
Miscellaneous Hardware (e.g., Bushing, Carpet Fastener, Caster, Door Closer, Panel Hanger, Attachable or Adjunct Handle, Hinge, Window Sash Balance, etc.),
subclass 442 for a tassel attached to flexible suspending means
and adapted to function as a handle therefor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product wherein a plurality of fibers*, strand portions*,
narrow strand-like strips* or groups of strands are attached
to the web or sheet by a stitching operation and extend outwardly
from a surface thereof; or wherein a component having outwardly
extenting fibers, strand portions, or strand-like strips, no matter
how provided, is embellished, reinforced, or joined to a base web
or sheet by a stitched strand.
(1)
Note. The projecting portions of strand-like material may
be cut to form discontinuous or independent tufts, or they may remain
uncut to form pile loops.
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclasses 85+ for a strand-type fabric which has been subjected
to a napping operation or wherein a pile surface is secured to a
base by means other than, or in addition to, stitching (e.g., by
adhesion).
This subclass is indented under subclass 410. Product wherein the strand-like portions forming the tufts
or loops do not pass through the base web or sheet and are attached
thereto by a sewing thread.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product wherein the web or sheet consists of a layer of
strands* or strand portions* arranged side-by-side
and held together by stitching.
(1)
Note. The strand portions may be portions of a single strand
folded back and forth to lie side by side.
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclass 37 for a spirally flat-wound strand product in which
the convolutions are held in place by stitches; subclasses 105+ and
114 wherein strands in adjacent layers are in angular or parallel
relation, respectively, and are held in place by means other than
or in addition to stitching; and subclass 298.1 for a web of parallel
strands or strand-portions held together by an adhesive substance.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product in which at least a portion of a web or sheet, or
in which a constituent strand* or sewing thread incorporated
in a web or sheet, possesses a relatively high degree of extensibility or
deformability longitudinally and/or transversely of the
web or sheet and the ability to resile from such extension or deformation
with substantially no permanent deformation.
(1)
Note. Patents including a layer which is elastically compressible
in the direction of web thickness only are excluded from this subclass,
as indicated by the term "longitudinally and/or
transversely" in the definition.
Fabric (Woven, Knitted, or Nonwoven Textile or
Cloth, etc.),
subclasses 182+ for a woven fabric which has an elastic quality
and subclasses 328+ for a nonwoven fabric which has an
elastic quality.
This subclass is indented under subclass 413. Product in which a portion or element of the structure is
folded or pleated, or has a wavy, creped, crinkled, or embossed
surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product in which the web or sheet, or a component thereof,
either (1) comprises significant claimed structure peculiar to one
of the textile making arts other than sewing or felting (e.g., weaving,
braiding, knitting), or (2) manifests a particular relation of the
stitching strand to the strands of a sewn fabric.
(1)
Note. A mere descriptive term (e.g., woven) will not be sufficient
for placement of a patent in this subclass. However, a limitation
as to a particular structure or composition of individual strands
of the fabric (e.g., straw, twisted paper), a particular arrangement
or relationship of fabric strands or strand portions (e.g., mesh,
lace, selvage, woven multi-ply, thick and thin strands), two dissimilar
fabrics (e.g., woven and crocheted), or a particular weave of knit (e.g.,
twill, leno, rib, warp knit, tubular knit) will justify placement
in this subclass.
(2)
Note. A patent for sewn bias cut textile material will be
placed in this subclass.
for stitching including a nonpenetrating strand
supported on the surface of a sewn web and having portions of the strand
or of several such strands interlooped.
This subclass is indented under subclass 415. Product in which the significant nonsewn textile structure
of the web or sheet, or at least one component thereof, comprises
either a plurality of courses of interlocked loops of strand material
or crossed strands which are tied at their junctions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product wherein a narrow component, a strand*,
or a strand portion* lies either intermediate and in contact
with two parallel web components or within a fold of a web or component
and is held in place, in either instance, by stitching extending
through the components or layers.
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclass 123 for a nonsewn stock material including a strand
or strand-portion between folded layers; subclasses 189+ for
such material including a strip between components.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product wherein a relatively narrow width of material is
inserted in or overlies the sewn joint between adjacent components,
or is folded over an edge of the web sheet, or a component thereof,
and is secured thereto by stitching.
(1)
Note. The strip may be in a single thickness or infolded at
one or both longitudinal edges, as in bias tape, and may be held
in place by the stitches effecting the seam.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Product wherein the strip is folded longitudinally back
upon itself to form substantially parallel legs joined integrally
at the bend and extending over the edge of at least one web component.
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclass 122 for a U-shaped or channel shaped edge binding secured to
a web or sheet by means other than or supplementary to a stitched
strand.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product wherein a body of fibers (including paper or felt)
or particles is disposed in a layer intermediate two surface layers
of material differing in structure or composition from the intermediate
layer, with the fiber or particulate layer stitched to at least
one of the surface layers.
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclasses 161+ for a nonsewn composite stock material including
a component of varying thickness and at least one other component
conforming to the nonplanar surfaces of the first named component;
subclasses 195+ for plural web components differentially
or discontinuously adhered.
Fabric (Woven, Knitted, or Nonwoven Textile or
Cloth, etc.),
subclasses 295+ for a woven fabric containing a paper or wood pulp
layer, subclasses 320+ for a felt fabric, and subclasses
412 and 413 for a nonwoven fabric containing paper or wood.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product wherein the nonthickness surfaces of a component
deviate substantially from parallelism.
(1)
Note. Mere compression of the sewn material incidental to
a normal stitching operation will not be considered a substantial
deviation from parallelism. However, a patent claiming a
groove or depression produced by the stitching thread will be placed
in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product wherein a web sheet or component of uniform-thickness
material has its nonthickness surfaces* defined by other
than two parallel planes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Product wherein the nonplanarity is in the form of a marginal
portion of the web, sheet, or component folded to extend out of
the plane thereof or turned back on itself substantially 180° and maintained
in such condition, directly or indirectly, by stitching.
This subclass is indented under subclass 423. Product wherein stitches which join layers or components
in the zone of the fold are covered by a fold or layer of material
on at least one face of the web or sheet, with or without penetration
by the stitches of the inner surface of said covering fold or layer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 424. Product wherein the concealed or blind stitching has portions
extending thickness-wise and outside the marginal extremity of one
or more layers of a web or sheet; or wherein
a reversely folded component is sewn to an adjacent face-contacting
component (or reversely folded layers of a web, sheet, or component
are sewn to each other) by concealed or blind stitching running
along or adjacent the fold margin of the folded component (or the
web or sheet), which margin is displaced inwardly from the edge
of the composite web or sheet.
(1)
Note. The marginal extremity referred to above may be the
fold junction of two layers of a web or sheet.
This subclass is indented under subclass 423. Product in which the reversely folded portion of a component
is located in the zone of stitching uniting such component to one
or more other components.
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Product wherein at least a portion of the web, sheet or
component has been folded back upon itself substantially 180°+ two
or more times in series, each succeeding fold of such portion being
made in a rotary directional sense opposite to that of the next
preceding fold so as to provide a series of offset portions in substantially
parallel relation; or wherein a longitudinally extending portion
of the web, sheet, or component has been gathered in regular or irregular
folds or crimps and is held in this condition by stitching.
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Product comprising two or more longitudinally coextensive
components* held together in a composite web or sheet by
stitching with at least one of the components being nonplanar.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product wherein a strand*, a narrow component which
functions in the assembly like a strand, part of a strand, or a
group of fibers, is disposed upon a base web or sheet which it does
not penetrate and is attached thereto by a sewn thread.
(1)
Note. A floating strand or strand-like member may be, for
instance, a locking thread or one that serves only as an ornament.
(2)
Note. A tape which has been bent about its longitudinal axis
and sewn to a base in that condition as an edge binding is not considered
to be a strand-like tape for this subclass. See subclass 419.
This subclass is indented under subclass 429. Product wherein a loop of a floating strand or strand-like
member passes through a loop of the same or another such strand
or member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 429. Product wherein the floating strand, strand portion, or
strand-like member is included in a seam which extends along or
immediately adjacent the perimeter of a slit, or of a space from
which the substance of the base web or sheet has been removed or
omitted in its manufacture.
This subclass is indented under subclass 429. Product wherein the sewing thread(s) fastening the floating
strand or strand-like member to the base penetrate(s) the base at
intervals along two or more substantially straight equidistant lines
to provide two or more series of loops, and in which the floating
strand on strand-like member is interlooped with the loops of at
least two such series in continuing sequence.
This subclass is indented under subclass 432. Product wherein the lines of sewing thread with which the
floating strand or strand-like member is interlooped include a line
of stitch-loops extending over the edge of the base from one face
thereof toward the other, or in which the floating strand or strand-like
member itself extends over the edge of the base from one face thereof
toward the other, the combined floating and needle-thread elements
forming an arrangement of stitches which extends around the edge
of the base.
This subclass is indented under subclass 432. Product wherein the lines of sewing thread, with which the
floating strand or strand-like member is interlooped, penetrate,
respectively, different ones of a pair of edge-contacting, overlapped
or adjacent substantially coplanar components and in which the said
floating strand or member extends back and forth across the interweb
line of abutment, area of overlap or intervening gap.
(1)
Note. A patent for a product in which the adjacent edges of
the components are bent out of the plane of the web or sheet into
face contact will be placed in subclass 423.
(2)
Note. A patent for a similar product including overedge stitching
will be placed in subclass 433.
This subclass is indented under subclass 434. Product wherein a plurality of floating strands or strand-like
members run back and forth between the parallel lines of stitching
and cross each other at spaced points in their travel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 429. Product wherein the floating strand, strand portion or strand-like
member is bound to the base by, or is an integral part of, an arrangement
of stitches which extends from a line of through-stitches on one
face of the base around an edge of the base to a line of through-stitches
on the other face.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product wherein the sewn web or sheet, or a component thereof,
includes one or more holes, slits, gaps, or other openings formed
independently of the introduction of the sewing thread therein.
for a zigzag stitch forming mechanism wherein the
needle is shifted back and forth across the line of material feed, which
mechanism includes particular structure for sewing a pattern which encloses
a portion of the material within boundaries formed by the pattern
(e.g., buttonholes).
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product wherein the sewing thread is arranged in a series
of stitch loops each of which is drawn through the bight of a preceding
loop.
Textiles: Knitting,
subclasses 169+ and appropriate subclasses for a fabric formed
of a strand or strands formed in loops which extend through the bights
of preceding loops in series.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product wherein the stitches are arranged on the surface
of the web or sheet to form a decorative pattern.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Product not provided for in any of the preceding subclasses
wherein the sewing strand joins a plurality of web or sheet components
to each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 440. Product wherein the uniting stitches of the sewing strand
occur in the region of one of the marginal boundaries of at least
one of the components.
This subclass is indented under subclass 157. Device wherein the needle is shifted back and forth laterally
across a line of material feed in forming stitches in one or more
layers of material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 443. Device including means to provide a human attendant with
information regarding the operation or condition of the device or
the material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 444. Device wherein significance is attributed to means to store
information for later retrieval and wherein the information stored
has electrical or magnetic properties.
This subclass is indented under subclass 443. Device particularly adapted to sewing a discrete set of
stitches (i.e., a pattern) on material, which pattern encloses a
portion of the material within boundaries formed by the stitches.
for machines adapted for stitching around the edges
of an opening, such as a buttonhole. Note subclass 73, particularly,
in which the needle is shifted laterally in forming the buttonhole
stitch.
for stitch forming mechanisms having means to advance
the work material wherein the stitch length is adjustable and the
material feed direction is reversible.
This subclass is indented under subclass 446. Device including means to store information for later retrieval
wherein the information stored has electrical or magnetic properties.
This subclass is indented under subclass 446. Device including a first element and a slave element which
move relative to one another, wherein the first element has an irregular
or eccentric surface over which a portion of the slave element is
caused to slide, and wherein needle or material movement is controlled
by the resultant movement of the slave element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 448. Device wherein a human attendant can preset elements of
the device to cause the amplitude of lateral needle movement or
the amount of material transported past the needle per needle reciprocation
to vary as the device operates without further input from the human
attendant.
(1)
Note. This subclass is intended to include a device which
can be preset by a human attendant to produce rectangular buttonholes
wherein the device sews at least parts of two sides of the buttonhole
without further input by the attendant.
Device under 443 wherein means are provided (1) to produce
stitches which temporarily hold material elements together or (2)
to omit (skip) stitches from a chosen discrete set of stitches to be
sewed.
(1)
Note. With respect to (2), devices with unlatching means for
unlatching the needle bar from the associated needle bar reciprocatory
drive mechanism in order to omit a stitch are included in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 443. Device wherein means are provided to produce a stitch at
the beginning or at the end of a discrete set of stitches (e.g.,
a pattern), the stitch specifically functioning to prevent unravelling of
the pattern; the stitch is selectable separately from the pattern.
This subclass is indented under subclass 443. Device including means to store information for later retrieval
wherein the information stored has electrical or magnetic properties.
This subclass is indented under subclass 453. Device including means whereby a human attendant can preset
the device to sew two different and discrete sets of stitches (i.e.,
patterns) in succession without further input from the attendant;
each discrete set of stitches is selectable alone for sewing by
the attendant.
This subclass is indented under subclass 453. Device including a unit which receives and logically processes
electrical signals and then outputs an electrical signal to adjust,
select, or actuate an element located in a drive train between a
drive motor and a needle movement or material transporting mechanism.
This subclass is indented under subclass 453. Device including means to algebraically manipulate selected
variables or constants and to produce an output command which effects alteration
of needle movement or material transport.
This subclass is indented under subclass 453. Device wherein (1) the information storage means contains
stored information which is alterable by a human attendant or (2)
the information storage means is specified as being physically exchangeable,
by a human attendant, for another information storage means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 453. Device having means whereby a human attendant can choose
a discrete set of stitches (i.e., a pattern) to be sewn from a plurality
of patterns.
(1)
Note. The plurality of patterns, from which the pattern to
be sewn is chosen, are usually stored in the electronic memory.
(2)
Note. Devices including means for a human attendant to vary
the amplitude of needle oscillation or to vary the material feed
characteristics are included in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 443. Device including a first element and a slave element which
move relative to one another wherein the first element has an irregular
or eccentric surface over which a portion of the slave element is
caused to slide, and wherein needle movement or material transport
is controlled by the resultant movement of the slave element.
for zigzag stitch forming mechanisms having cam
actuation of the needle or material feed which are applied to closed
pattern sewing (e.g., buttonholes).
This subclass is indented under subclass 459. Device including structure to facilitate the physical removal
of the first element (cam) from the device by a human attendant.
(1)
Note. Cam detaching devices are included in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 461. Device further including means by which the amplitude of
needle oscillation or the rate of material transport can be varied
independently of the first element cam surface.
(1)
Note. Means for adjusting the stitch width are usually similar
in structure to means for adjusting the material feed; therefore,
both means are included in this subclass.
(2)
Note. Devices wherein the only available adjustment of stitch
width or material feed results in the elimination of needle shifting
or material transport are not included in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 461. Devices including at least two first element cams, one of
which can be chosen for active engagement by a slave element.
(1)
Note. A first element cam is in "active" engagement
with a slave element if cam movement causes movement of the slave element
which in turn causes another functional element such as a needle movement
or material transporting mechanism to move.
(2)
Note. Devices having coaxial cams with cam portions which
potions are adjustable relative to one another so as to define a
single cam surface, which surface rotates to move a slave element
and connected mechanism, are included in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 459. Device further including means by which the amplitude of
needle shifting can be varied independently of the first element
cam surface.
(1)
Note. Devices wherein the only adjustment of stitch width
results in the elimination of needle shifting are not included in
this subclass.
for zigzag stitch forming mechanisms having cam
actuation of the needle or material feed and including specified material
feed means and means for the fine adjustment of stitch width or material
feed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 459. Devices including at least two first element cams, one of
which can be chosen for active engagement by a slave element.
(1)
Note. A first element cam is in "active" engagement
with a slave element if cam movement causes movement of the slave element
which in turn causes another functional element such as a needle movement
or material transporting mechanism to move.
(2)
Note. Devices having coaxial cams with cam portions which
portions are adjustable relative to one another so as to define
a single cam surface, which surface rotates to move a slave element
and connected mechanism, are included in this subclass.
for zigzag stitch forming mechanisms having cam
actuation of the needle or material feed and including plural selectively
used cams and specified material feed means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 465. Device including at least two slave elements which slave
elements actively engage the same or different first element cams.
This subclass is indented under subclass 443. Device wherein significance is attributed to means for working
the stitching thread on the side of the material opposite the side
from which the needle penetrates the material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Device including a control system having program storing
means either (a) to produce a series of stitches along a predetermined
path, or (b) to control an ancillary operation of the machine.
(1)
Note. An example of an ancillary operation includes a machine
generated audio voice command, a pattern learning system, etc.
(2)
Note. The program storing means can be either a mechanical
device or an electrical device.
for a vibrating needle-type zigzag stitch forming
mechanism having electronic memory, especially subclass 458 wherein
the device includes pattern selection means through which an operator
can select one pattern from a plurality of patterns.
Geometrical Instruments,
subclasses 700+ for an instrument for the measurement of a distance,
especially subclass 735 where the measurement device is for flexible
material and is achieved by rolling contact and the resultant data
is processed through a computer.
Machine Element or Mechanism,
subclasses 25 through 62for a mechanism which converts rotary motion to reciprocating
motion or reciprocating motion to rotary motion; subclasses 111
through 125.5 for an intermittent grip-type device, especially subclasses
112 through 125.5 for an intermittent grip-type device which converts
rotary motion to intermittent unidirectional motion; and subclasses 113
and 114 for an intermittent grip-type device which converts rotary motion
to intermittent unidirectional motion which includes an automatic control
system.
Radiant Energy,
subclass 202 for a photocell system responsive to a pattern,
subclass 548 for a photocell system which controls a web, strand, strip,
or sheet; subclasses 559+ for a photocell which is responsive
to light from a web, strand, strip, or sheet and which produces
an electrical signal which is indicative of some characteristic
of the material; and subclasses 571+ for a prephotocell
system which detects the presence, absence, or some characteristic
of a web, strand, strip, or sheet.
Electricity: Motive Power Systems, appropriate subclasses for a motor control system in general,
and especially
subclasses 567+ for an electrical motor control system which uses
a program or pattern control system.
This subclass is indented under subclass 470.01. Device including a workpiece sensor, means for conveying
the workpiece through the stitch forming region, and means for adjusting
the speed of the workpiece conveyer; and wherein the control system
adjusts the speed of the workpiece conveyer based on the output
of the workpiece sensor.
for a stitch forming mechanism having a workpiece
conveyer; and especially subclasses 314+ for a stitch forming
mechanism having means to adjust or otherwise change the movement,
the rate of advancement, or the position of the workpiece conveying means
relative to the stitch forming mechanism.
This subclass is indented under subclass 470.01. Device including means to enable the operator of the sewing
machine to readily alter the program data of the control system.
(1)
Note. Examples of program data are fabric type, fabric weight,
stitch length, stitch count, sewing speed, stitch pattern, etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 470.01. Device combined with means to perform a non-stitching procedure
on the work either prior to or after the sewing operation.
(1)
Note. Examples of non-stitching procedure include cutting,
stacking, etc.
Cutting, appropriate subclasses for a cutting device, per se., especially
subclass 100 wherein the product is handled by suction, subclasses
202+ for a cutting device which operates during the dwell
time of an intermittent feed system, subclasses 209+ for
the aforementioned combined with a work sensor, subclasses 255+ for
a multiple station system, subclass 276 for a workfeed
element which moves with the work, subclass 360 for a cutting system
having a work sensor, subclass 910 for an embroidery trimming or cutting
device, and subclasses 936+ for a cutting device for cloth
or leather.
This subclass is indented under subclass 470.01. Device wherein the program storing means is an electronic
device which stores a stitch pattern and wherein the sewing machine further
includes means for gripping, supporting, and conveying the work
with respect to the sewing needle to form the stitch pattern.
for a vertically reciprocating embroidery-type sewing
machine having a fabric shifting mechanism, subclass 102.5 for a
vertically reciprocating embroidery-type sewing machine having a
pattern or program control system and subclass 103 for a vertically
reciprocating embroidery-type sewing machine having a work holder frame.
for a sewing machine especially adapted to sew a
quilt having a mechanism to shift the work relative to the sewing
machine, and especially subclass 119 for the aforementioned combined
with a work holder.
for a stitch-forming mechanism having a workfeeder,
especially subclasses 308+ wherein the workfeeder is capable
of moving along a curved path, and subclass 311 for a workfeeder
having a work clamp.
This subclass is indented under subclass 470.06. Device wherein the work carrier is movable along a path
which is parallel and adjacent to the perimeter of the workpiece.
This subclass is indented under subclass 470.06. Device wherein the work carrier is movable along a path
which is specialized for sewing a nether garment which is a close-fitting
covering for the foot and at least a part of the leg.
This subclass is indented under subclass 470.01. Device wherein the program storing means is a mechanical
device which stores a stitch pattern, and wherein the sewing machine further
includes means for gripping, supporting, and conveying the work
with respect to the needle to form the stitch pattern.
This subclass is indented under subclass 470.09. Device wherein the work carrier moves the article along
a path which produces a helical stitch pattern.
This subclass is indented under subclass 470.12. Device having means for moving the sewing machine along
either (a) two axis or (b) rotationally about a single axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 470.14. Device wherein the work carrier is specialized for gripping,
supporting, and carrying a nether garment which is a close-fitting covering
for the foot and at least part of the leg.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Device wherein the sewing machine includes means to attach
an elongated threadlike member of fixed, predetermined length to
a workpiece.
Metal Working,
subclass 241 for an apparatus for assembling either by stringing
parts on an attenuated or elongated means or by passing such means
through a part or parts, where no stitching is involved; and subclass 433
for a process of mechanical assemble or joining which includes passing
a narrow attenuating member through a series of pieces or passing pieces
serially over the member to arrange the pieces upon the member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 470.21. Device wherein the stringer-type sewing machine is combined
with means for tying one end of the thread.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Device wherein the sewing machine is particularly configured
to stitch together equal length stands of material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 470.23. Device wherein the strands of material are sewn to a fabric
backing without inserting them through the backing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Device wherein the sewing machine is specialized to sew
a large padded or stuffed impact absorbing article.
(1)
Note. An example of an impact absorbing article includes a
cushion in a chair, the cushion in a couch, a car seat, a padded
dashboard, etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Device including means to grip and maintain tension on the
fabric being advanced through the sewing machine, and wherein the
tension is applied to the means by the force of gravity acting on
a weight.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Device wherein the sewing machine includes means for tensioning
a loop of fabric during a sewing operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Device wherein the sewing machine is especially configured
to sew together multiple workpieces and includes a device to apply
tension to at least one of the workpieces being sewn.
This subclass is indented under subclass 470.31. Device wherein the sewing machine includes at least two
workpiece feed mechanisms and wherein said feed mechanisms deliver
the workpieces to the stitch forming region of the sewing machine
at different rates.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Device wherein the sewing machine is especially adapted
to sew an object which has a length which is much greater than its
width.
Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc.,
subclass 90 for a button having an aperture for thread, subclasses
395 through 397 for a zipper attached by stitching, and subclass
695 for a separable fastener having a specific structure for cooperating
with stitching.
Textiles: Manufacturing, for a method of making a fabric which involves both sewing
and a Class 28 process and, in particular,
subclass 164 for a process of making an ornamental or textured
fabric by sewing combined with a Class 28 process.
Cutting,
subclasses 13 through 56for a process of cutting; subclasses 78+ for
a cutting device having means to move, guide, or otherwise effect
the motion of the product or work, especially subclasses 98+ where
the movement is effected by a fluid current; subclass 202 for a
cutting device which has intermittent workfeed, especially subclasses
209+ which includes work sensing means; subclass 255 for
work feeding to plural tools; subclasses 276+ for workfeed element
which contacts and moves with the work; subclass 360 for a cutting
device controlled by detection means responsive to work, especially subclass
365 where the sensor is photoelectric; subclass 409 for a work carrier;
subclasses 410+ for a work carrier which guides the material
in a non-rectilinear path; subclass 910 for a cutting or trimming
device for embroidery; subclass 915 for a fur cutting device, and
subclasses 936+ for a cutting device for cloth or leather.
Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture, appropriate subclasses for seaming by laminating, especially
subclass 93 for a process of laminating and sewing.
Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers,
subclasses 611.3+ for an electric circuit maker or breaker which
is responsive to a running length, web or strand.
Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding,
subclasses 484.7+ for a winding device for use with sewing thread upon
or in connection with a sewing machine, subclasses 472.9+,
479.9+, 484.8, and 484.9+ for a thread break detector;
and subclasses 534 and 563+ for a web break detector.
Sheet-Material Associating,
subclasses 37+ for a method or apparatus for associating a plurality
of sheets or webs of flexible material by stitching or stapling
in accordance with a recognizable indicia thereon, and subclasses
53+ for a method or apparatus for associating a plurality
of sheets or webs of flexible material by stitching or stapling
in accordance with a recognizable indicia thereon combined with
folding.
Sheet Feeding or Delivering, appropriate subclasses for a device for feeding
or delivering a sheet to or away from a mechanism where the particulars
of the mechanism is not specifically set forth
Flexible Bags,
subclasses 79 and 92 for a flexible bag having a closure which
includes a securing element designed to extend through aligned openings
in the bag material (e.g., stitching).
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclasses 102 through 104for sewn stock material which includes stitching
and either a discrete mechanical fastener, a coating, or an adhesive bond.
Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or
Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web, appropriate subclasses for a method of making a bag or
a method of attaching a bag adjunct (e.g., a handle) to a bag, each of
which may include the step of stitching, especially
subclasses 405+ which includes the step of folding.
This subclass is indented under subclass 475.01. Method including the step of manipulating, handling, or
guiding the workpiece, other than by mere straightline feeding of
the workpiece.
(1)
Note. The manipulation may occur before, during, or after
the sewing operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 475.04. Method including the step of moving the workpiece along
a path determined by (a) data which has been calculated immediately prior
to sewing, or (b) data which has been produced by a person during
a controlled data collecting procedure.
(1)
Note. An example of item "a" is the step of
calculating the number of stitches and their length required to
sew a given length of material, and an example of item "b" includes
the step of recording in electronic memory the stitching pattern (e.g.,
number of stitches, stitch lengths, stitch type, and path taken)
produced by the operator for use later on another article.
Sheet-Material Associating,
subclass 32 for a method or apparatus for associating two flexible
webs by the correlation of two indicia thereon through a folding
step or device; subclass 37 for the aforementioned combined with sewing
or stapling.
This subclass is indented under subclass 475.04. Method including the step of moving the workpiece to the
sewing machine or moving the workpiece away from the sewing machine
This subclass is indented under subclass 475.01. Method wherein the stitching operation is performed on an
object substantially in its ultimate use form as distinguished from stock
material.
Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or
Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web, appropriate subclasses for a method of making a bag or
a method of attaching a bag adjunct (e.g., a handle) to a bag, each of
which may include the step of stitching, especially
subclasses 405+ which includes the step of folding.
This subclass is indented under subclass 475.08. Method wherein the sewing operation is performed on a portion
of an article of clothing (e.g.; pocket, cuff, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 475.09. Method wherein the sewing operation is performed on a nether
garment which is a close-fitting covering for the foot and at least
a part of the leg.
This subclass is indented under subclass 475.09. Method wherein the sewing operation is performed on an exterior
bifurcated outer garment worn about the hips and legs.
Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc.,
subclass 90 for a button having an aperture for thread, subclasses
395 through 397 for a zipper attached by stitching, and subclass
695 for a separable fastener having a specific structure for cooperating
with stitching.
This subclass is indented under subclass 475.14. Method wherein the stitching operation is used to attach
a fastener which is generally disk-shaped and is intended to be
fitted through a hole or loop.
Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc.,
subclass 90 for a button having an aperture for thread, subclasses
395 through 397 for a zipper attached by stitching and subclass
695 for a separable fastener having a specific structure for cooperating
with stitching.
This subclass is indented under subclass 475.14. Method wherein the stitching operation is used to attach
a fastener of the type having parallel rows of teeth on adjacent
edges of an opening that interlock by a sliding tab.
This subclass is indented under subclass 475.01. Method including the step of moving a sewing thread with
respect to the workpiece along a specified pathway to produce a
specific type of stitch.
Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture, appropriate subclasses for seaming by laminating, especially
subclass 93 for processes of laminating and sewing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 475.17. Method wherein stitches are formed along a path having a
geometric configuration which is perceived as a decorative design.
This subclass is indented under subclass 475.18. Method which includes the step of accessing an electronic
storage device which includes stitch forming information.
for a stitch-forming mechanism in which data is
electronically processed to control the lateral position of the sewing
needle and/or the position of the feeddog thereby forming
a stitch pattern on a base fabric.
for a stitch-forming mechanism in which data is
electronically processed to control the motion of a work carrier thereby
forming a stitch pattern on a base fabric.
This subclass is indented under subclass 475.18. Method wherein the stitching operating produces a puffed
region in the workpiece or a cockled region in the workpiece.
Textiles: Manufacturing, for a method of making a fabric which involves both sewing
and a Class 28 process and, in particular,
subclass 164 for a process of making an ornamental or textured
fabric by sewing combined with a Class 28 process.
This subclass is indented under subclass 475.17. Method wherein the stitching operation includes guiding
the thread through one surface of a workpiece to a depth which is
less than the thickness of the workpiece resulting in a stitch which
is visible from only one side of the workpiece.
This subclass is indented under subclass 475.17. Method including either (a) the step of guiding a thread
along a path which encircles an aperture in the workpiece, (b) the
steps of (1) guiding the thread along a path which encircles a location
of the intended buttonhole, then (2) making a buttonhole aperture
in the workpiece within the region defined by encircling threaded
region, or (c) the step of simultaneously forming an aperture in
the workpiece while guiding the thread along a path which encircles
the aperture.
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