Adhesively bonded seams and seam forming methods
AssigneeMountain Hardwear, Inc.
InventorsPaul F. Kramer, Gaston MacMillan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A stitchless seam comprises a first portion of material folded upon itself proximate an edge to define an overfolded end portion having overlapping edge and nonedge portions and a second portion of material positioned adjacent the overfolded end portion. A first portion of adhesive is interposed between the overlapping edge and nonedge portions and a second portion of adhesive is interposed between the second portion of material and the edge portion of the overfolded end portion. Energy may be applied, via an ultrasonic seam bonding machine or other means, to activate the adhesive portions. The seams may be used for items made of waterproof breathable laminate fabric material, such as garments and sports articles.
Claims26
A method of forming a stitchless seam, comprising:
- folding a first portion of material upon itself proximate an edge of the first portion of material to define an overfolded end portion having overlapping edge and nonedge portions;
- positioning a second portion of material adjacent the overfolded end portion such that the overlapping edge portion is interposed between the overlapping nonedge portion and the second portion of material;
- positioning a first portion of adhesive adjacent the first portion of material such that, after the first portion of material is folded upon itself, the first portion of adhesive is interposed between the overlapping edge and nonedge portions of the overfolded end portion;
- positioning a second portion of adhesive between the second portion of material and the edge portion of the overfolded end portion;
- bonding the overlapping edge and nonedge portions together;
- and
- bonding the second portion of material to the overfolded end portion,
- thereby forming a stitchless seam.
A stitchless seam, comprising:
- a first portion of material terminating at an edge, the first portion of material folded upon itself proximate the edge to define an overfolded end portion having overlapping edge and nonedge portions;
- a second portion of material positioned adjacent the overfolded end portion such that the overlapping edge portion is interposed between the overlapping nonedge portion and the second portion of material;
- a first portion of adhesive interposed between the overlapping edge and nonedge portions of the overfolded end portion;
- and
- a second portion of adhesive interposed between the second portion of material and the edge portion of the overfolded end portion, whereby the first portion of adhesive bonds the overlapping edge and nonedge portions together and the second portion of adhesive bonds the second portion of material to the overfolded end portion to thereby form a stitchless seam.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.