Method and apparatus for applying a welt to a garment panel

摘要

A welt applicating apparatus (10) is disclosed which positions welts (12) on individual garment panels (14) for adhesive attachment. The apparatus (10) includes a holding clamp assembly (136) which moves the tape sideways against fixed guide surfaces (176) to align the welt. A transfer clamp assembly (138) clamps the welt with a transfer clamp (202) and moves the welt into a preselected position between side plates (240-242) of the apparatus (10). A trimming assembly (248) is activated to move inwardly to trim the edges of the welt with cutting blade assemblies including movable blades (266-268) and stationary blades (262-264). A vacuum nozzle (278) collects the material trimmed and the backing layer cut by the cutting assemblies. A setting clamp assembly (282) clamps the welt in the preselected position with an extendable setting clamp mounted on a setting clamp arm (284). The arm pivots adjacent the garment panel. The setting clamp is extended to position the welt against the garment panel (14). A heater bar (346) is lowered to clamp the welt against the garment panel and heat the adhesive on the welt to activate the adhesive to bond the welt to the garment panel.