Method for forming strings of pocketed springs

A method of forming a string of coil springs wherein each of the coil springs is enclosed within an individual fabric pocket having flat overlapping side seams, the method comprising the steps of:

• folding an elongated web of fabric a first time to create a longitudinally extending first flap;
• folding said web of fabric a second time to create a second longitudinally extending flap which overlaps said first flap laterally, thereby defining a fabric tube having a flap side and a back side with said second flap on said flap side laterally overlapping said first flap on said flap side;
• conveying said fabric tube longitudinally across a first deflector member in a manner such that said first deflector member causes said second flap to deflect away from overlapping relationship with said first flap as said fabric tube is conveyed across said first deflector member thereby forming a laterally extending opening in said tube With said second flap on said flap side of said tube being displaced from overlapping relationship with said first flap on said flap side of said tube;
• inserting a compressed coil spring into the opening between the first and second flaps on the flap side of the tube;
• conveying said fabric tube across a second deflector member in a manner such that said second deflector member causes said second flap to be realigned into laterally overlapping relationship with said first flap as said fabric tube is conveyed longitudinally across said second deflector member;
• and
• interconnecting said laterally overlapping first and second flaps to form a lap seal therebetween.