Automatic buckram attachment machine for draperies and process

A buckram sewing device for sewing strips of buckram onto the top edge of drapery panels comprising frame means for supporting said device;

• drapery support means for supporting the upper portion of a drapery panel, said support means being mounted to said frame so as to be movable between a first load position and a second work position;
• clamp means mounted to said frame means so as to be movable in a timed relationship with said support means between a first load position and a second clamping position, said clamp means cooperating with said support means when each is in said first load position so as to align and position the top edge of the drapery panel so that a portion thereof can be trimmed when the buckram and drapery panel are seamed together and for clamping the buckram and drapery panel when said support means and said clamping means are each in said second position;
• first drive means attached to said frame means for independently moving each of said support means and said clamping means between said first and second positions;
• sewing means slidably mounted on said frame means and positioned adjacent said clamp means and said support means for sewing the buckram and drapery panel together, said sewing means being movable between a home position adjacent one corner of the top of the drapery panel when the drapery panel is in its clamped position and a finish position adjacent the opposite top corner of the drapery panel;
• second drive means for moving said sewing machine means along said frame means between said home and finish positions and for returning said sewing means back to said home position;
• buckram supply means attached to said frame means adjacent the finish position of said sewing means;
• cutting means mounted on said frame means for separating the buckram sewed to the drapery panel from the buckram retained on said buckram supply;
• buckram holding means for holding a portion of the buckram retained on said buckram supply means following the cutting thereof at the termination of the sewing cycle whereby a predetermined length of buckram is pulled from said buckram supply means as said sewing means is returned to its home position and control means for controlling the operation of said device following the loading thereof.