Method and apparatus for providing additional support to selected portions of a garment

A method for applying a powdered adhesive to a selected portion of a garment, said method comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a continuous conveyor system;
• b. applying a tack adhesive to an outer surface of said conveyor system;
• c. loading said portion at a predetermined position on said conveyor system;
• d. applying the powdered adhesive to said portion in a predetermined pattern;
• e. curing the powdered adhesive;
• f. positioning a cover panel over the powdered adhesive on said garment;
• g. fusing said cover panel to said portion;
• and
• h. removing said portion from said conveyor system.

An apparatus for applying a thermoplastic hot melt powdered adhesive to a selected portion of a garment, said apparatus comprising:

• a continuous conveyor system including a continuous conveyor belt;
• an applicator station adapted to apply a tack adhesive to an outer surface of said conveyor belt;
• a loading station including a loading fixture provided above said conveyor belt, said loading fixture being adapted to orient said portion of said garment on said conveyor belt;
• a printing station for printing the powdered adhesive onto said portion of said garment in a predetermined pattern, said printing station including a printing screen containing at least one pattern exposure in said predetermined pattern through which the powdered adhesive may be applied directly to said portion of said garment;
• a drying oven for curing the powdered adhesive on said portion of said garment;
• a loading station for applying a cover panel over the cured adhesive;
• and
• a fusing station for fusing said cover panel to said portion of said garment at elevated temperature and pressure.