POCKETED SPRING UNIT AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING THE SAME

摘要

A method of forming a pocketed spring unit (38) for an upholstered article comprises taking successive strings (16) of pocketed springs and welding at least one sheet of material (20) to at least a first end of the pocketed springs. Anvils (46) are moved from a non- operative position to an operative position, in which they are located between adjacent pockets at upper and lower ends of the springs. This embodiment makes use of the surplus material that is formed at the ends of the pockets in the form of flaps (50) or "ears" of material. These flaps (50) protrude upwardly initially, and then become folded flat as the spring unit advances between the rolls (48) of material. The external anvils (44) are then made to apply heat and pressure to the material flaps (50) trapped between them and the internal anvils (46) at the sides of the pockets, between the springs to weld them to the material from the rolls (48).