Apparatus and method for attaching reinforcement to a flexible sheet

Abstract

A programmable sewing head including a work controlling clamping mechanism is automatically loaded with air bag material or the like, together with a reinforcement strategically placed thereon, for automatic attachment (by a predetermined stitching pattern) of the reinforcement to the bag material. A table having a loading station supports material orienting an aperture and the reinforcement, and extends to a transfer station at the sewing head. A locator aperture and a retractable locator head are in the table surface at the loading station for receiving the sheet and reinforcement. Placement of the reinforcement and the sheet over the locator pad aligns the reinforcement with respect to the hole in the sheet. A transfer pad, having a configuration corresponding to the locator pad is supported over the table surface, normally located near the loading station, and is movable into vertical alignment with the locator pad, for movement (a) along a vertical path extending through said locator pad, and also (b) for movement along the loading path to the sewing head. The transfer pad has a pilot portion constructed to be force fit through a reinforcement and the related hole in a flexible sheet, to displace the locator pad from the sheet and the reinforcement. Movement of the transfer pad along the table carries the parts into position for transfer into the clamping mechanism and sewing.