Adhesive Thread System

Abstract

A system for forming a waterproof seam between to sewn materials. The seam is formed using an adhesive coated thread. A thin strip of adhesive is placed between the two materials at the seam line. As the coated thread is sewn into the seam heat and pressure are simultaneously applied, melting the adhesive coating thereby filling the needle punctures. The melted adhesive coating will also flow into the areas between the needles punctures and between the materials. The heat and pressure applied to the coated thread will also melt the adhesive strip, causing additional adhesive to flow into the needle punctures and the areas between needle punctures.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Applicant claims the priority benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 575,602, filed Aug. 24, 2011.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to the field of sewinq, and, in particular, to a system for making a waterproof seam.[0003]In sewings, a seam is the join where two or more layers of fabric or other material are held together with stitches. The nature of sewing a seam is have a needle puncture a series of holes in the materials to be joined and simultaneously interleavening thread through the holes thereby fastening the materials to each other.[0004]Many seam applications require the seam to be water resistant, and even water proof. Examples of this are outdoor clothing, tents, and sleeping bags. The problem with conventional seams is that water can pass through the holes alongside the thread, and also between the joined materials. The prior art addresses this problem by applying an adhesive ta...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention solves the problem of needing to use separate machines and extra labor to apply seam tape by using a special thread coated with adhesive. This thread coating melts into each cavity formed by a needle puncture, creating a highly water repellant seam. An additional thin adhesive strip can be added for additional waterproofing. The invention allows for a centralized and one-step waterproof / windproof seam process, reducing bulk and cost. It can be used in various products such as clothing, shoes, tents, sleeping bags, outdoor furniture, boating supplies, umbrellas, back packs, and covers.

Problems solved by technology

The problem with conventional seams is that water can pass through the holes alongside the thread, and also between the joined materials.

This is costly both in the requirement of a separate machine and also, more importantly, in the extra labor required to operate the separate machine.

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