Abstract:
An apparatus for stitching a fabric and/or attaching guide rings to the fabric for possible use in a covering for an architectural opening includes a lift bar to which a top edge of the fabric is connected so the fabric can hang into an underlying housing where a plurality of individually operated clamps are positioned. The clamps can manipulate the fabric as the lift bar is raised or lowered while horizontal tucks are formed in the fabric with a reciprocating tucker blade. A pair of traversing sewing machines are used to stitch and/or attach guide rings to the tuck in an automated operation. After all operations are complete on a tuck, the fabric is raised a predetermined amount so that a repeated operation can be applied to the fabric at a predetermined distance below the first operation where by the fabric can be provided with rows of tucks forming tunnels to which guide rings are attached. Hobbles can also be formed in a front panel of the fabric by gathering segments of the front panel in a vacuum chamber as tucks are being formed in the fabric so that hobbles are formed in the front panel between tucks.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 60/758,494 filed Jan. 12, 2006, and that application is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully disclosed herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Inventive Field 
         [0003]    The inventive field relates generally to the automated stitching of fabric and the attachment of rings thereto. In particular, the inventive field relates to the automated stitching and attachment of rings to window coverings such as Roman shades. 
         [0004]    2. Background 
         [0005]    The attachment of rings to fabrics presently is labor intensive. While automated machinery, such as sewing machines, fabric location and positioning devices and the like have greatly automated the manufacture of fabric based products, such as window coverings, the attachment of rings to such fabrics, e.g., to cooperate with pull cords for operating the coverings, has remained a manual operation. More specifically, when attaching rings to fabrics, such as occurs when manufacturing Roman and similar style window coverings (or “shades”), manufacturers commonly today rely upon manual labor to position the rings and the shade material and then attach the rings to the material using a commercial sewing machine. That is, there are no readily available apparatus or methods for automatically positioning the fabric (relative to a ring adapted sewing machine) and repeatedly attaching rings thereto. Thus, a need exists for an apparatus and method for the automated attachment of rings to fabric as well as pre-stitching the fabric and, more specifically, the automated manufacture of Roman shades and other window coverings. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The apparatus of the present invention includes a lift bar for attachment to the top edge of a fabric material to be treated with the apparatus of the invention and a plurality of clamps within an underlying housing for manipulating the fabric during stitching and ring-attachment operations. 
         [0007]    By properly gripping and manipulating the fabric, a pair of sewing machines can sequentially traverse the width of the fabric to stitch the fabric and/or attach rings to the fabric for use as cord guides when the fabric is incorporated into a control system for a window covering or the like. 
         [0008]    Other aspects, features and details of the present invention can be more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the drawings and from the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an apparatus used to automatically attach rings to fabric. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2A  is perspective view of a ring feeding mechanism utilized in conjunction a first sewing machine on the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 2B  is a top view of a clamping assembly utilized in conjunction with the ring feeding mechanism of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3A  is a front view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3B  is a front view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  and further shows the positioning of a fabric material prior to the attachment of rings thereto. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3C  is a front view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  and further shows the positioning of a fabric material to which a plurality of rings and seams for tunnels and/or hobbles have been attached. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 A of  FIG. 3B  which shows the ring attachment station of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  prior to the fabric being vertically clamped and tucked. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 A of  FIG. 3B  which shows the ring attachment station of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  with the fabric vertically clamped and awaiting tucking. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4C  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 A of  FIG. 3B  which shows the ring attachment station of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  with the fabric vertically clamped and tucked. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4D  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 A of  FIG. 3B  which shows the ring attachment station of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  with the fabric vertically clamped, tucked, and horizontally clamped. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4E  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 A of  FIG. 3B  which shows the ring attachment station of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  after activation of a vacuum plenum so as to bunch a front sheet of fabric and prior to vertical clamping of a back sheet of fabric, as used for one application of the apparatus to create a hobbled roman shade. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a close-up sectional view of the ring attachment station, in a ready to sew position, for the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a close-up sectional view of tunnel stitching machine for use in another embodiment of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 7A  is a close-up sectional view of the ring attachment station, with a plurality of stitches having been sewn inside the ring, for the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 7B  is a close-up sectional view of the ring attachment station, with a plurality of stitches having been sewn outside the ring, for the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 7C  is a close-up sectional view of the ring attachment station, after a predetermined number of rings, for a given span of fabric, have been attached to the fabric and the horizontal clamp released and withdrawn so that the fabric can clear, with rings attached, the ring attachment station, for the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 7D  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 A of  FIG. 3B  which shows the ring attachment station of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , after a row of rings have been attached to the fabric, the clamps released and the tucker blade withdrawn. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a rear dissected view showing of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  identifying the timing belt drive mechanism used to relocate the ring attachment station and the tunnel stitching station. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 9A-9D  are a flow chart illustrating a process flow for attaching and stitching fabric with rings only, rings with a slouch, rings with tunnels and rings with a hobbled fabric effect for one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    An apparatus and method is provided for stitching and automatically attaching rings to fabric and other materials (hereafter, collectively “fabrics”). It is to be appreciated the apparatus may be utilized to attach rings, buttons, loops, and other types of objects (hereafter, collectively, “rings”) to fabrics. The apparatus and method further provides for the stitching of a seam in fabric. Based upon various combinations of rings and seams, the apparatus can produce at least four different types of window coverings: (1) rings only, where rings are attached but a seam is not sewn coincident with the rings; (2) slouched, where at least two rings are attached and a seam sewn so that the fabric may slouch between the rings; (3) reverse fold shades, where a plurality of rings are attached and a seam is sewn so as to create a tunnel that can be stiffened by a rod or otherwise; and (4) hobbled shades, with either tapes or sheets being utilized to create the hobble. Window coverings bearing rings are often commonly identified as “Roman Shades,” but, it is to be appreciated the apparatus and methods disclosed herein need not be construed or limited to the production of only Roman Shades. The apparatus and methods may be used to attach rings to any type of fabrics, with or without seams being stitched too. 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3A , the apparatus  100  includes an operator&#39;s control console  101 , a first sewing machine  102 , a second sewing machine  104 , a first sewing housing  106 , a second sewing housing  108 , a ring hopper  110 , a first guide rail  112 , a second guide rail  114 , a lift bar  116 , a top clamp  118 , a tucker  120 , a sewing clamp  122 , a plurality of sewing clamp activators  124 , a left guide rail  126 , a right guide rail  128 , a top cross-member  130 , and a lift motor assembly  132 . 
         [0030]    As further shown in  FIG. 2A , the first sewing machine  102  is mounted on the first sewing housing  106  and desirably includes a sewing machine and apparatus configured to sew a ring to fabric. For example, an MB1800 AM/BR 10 sewing machine and apparatus, as manufactured by Juki Corp. located in Tokyo, Japan (hereafter, the “first sewing machine”) can be used. Other sewing machines adapted to attach rings to fabric can also be utilized for other embodiments. The first sewing machine commonly includes a ring hopper  110  configured to store a plurality of rings and dispense rings into a first carousel  202 . The first carousel  202  is adapted to rotate and dispense rings into a second carousel  204  and then into a ring clamping assembly  206 , as shown in  FIG. 2B . More specifically, the ring clamping assembly  206  includes a first tong  208  and a second tong  210  that when pressed towards each other can clamp and retain a ring  212  therebetween. 
         [0031]    The apparatus  100  ( FIG. 1 ) can also include, for certain embodiments, a second sewing machine  104  and associated second housing  108 . The second sewing machine  104  can be configured to sew a seam, cross-stitch, or the like along an entire width, or portion thereof, of fabric in a horizontal direction. For one embodiment, the second sewing machine is a DDL-8700 tunnel stitching machine which is also manufactured by Juki Corporation. Other types of stitching machines can be utilized in other embodiments. Also, the apparatus  100  may be configured to include and/or utilize, for any given task, only one sewing machine. That is, the apparatus may be configured to include and/or utilize only the first sewing machine  104 , only the second sewing machine  104 , both the first and second sewing machines  102  and  104 , more than two sewing machines or the like. That is, a sewing machine can be provided, for example, that is adapted to sew rings as well as stitch seams. Thus, while two sewing machines are shown in  FIG. 1  for the apparatus  100  shown therein, any number of sewing machines can be used. 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIG. 3A , when the apparatus  100  is in a rest state, such as may occur for maintenance, when the apparatus  100  is being programmed, when fabric is being loaded onto or from the apparatus  100 , or when rings are not to be sewn to the fabric, the first sewing machine  102  and associated housing  104  is desirably positioned at a home position  300 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , the home position for the first sewing machine in this embodiment is at a far left position. The home position, however, can be positioned anywhere along the apparatus, but, is desirably positioned such that the second sewing machine  104  (when present) can access the full width of any loaded fabric without interference from the first sewing machine  102 . Likewise, the second sewing machine  104  and associated housing  107  can be positioned at a far right home position  310 . Each sewing machine and housing can be desirably positioned so that either sewing machine may travel across the available stitching span  300  of the apparatus. In one embodiment, the span  300  facilitates the sewing of rings to and stitching of fabrics up to 96 inches in width. However, longer and shorter fabric widths may be supported. 
         [0033]      FIG. 3B  illustrates the operation of the apparatus when the first sewing machine  102  is in a first ring attachment position  308 . As shown, a fabric  306  has been loaded into the machine and secured to the lift bar  116  by the top clamp  118 . In one embodiment, the apparatus is desirably loaded such that the bottom of the fabric (when being used to hang as a window covering from a framing member at the top of a window) is secured to the lift bar  116 . For other embodiments, however, the top, bottom or any location therebetween may be secured to the lift bar  116 . 
         [0034]    As further shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3C , the first ring attachment position can be located a given offset  322  to the right of the left edge  312  of the fabric  306 . In one embodiment, the offset is one inch. Desirably, each row of rings has at least two rings, with the first and second rings each being attached the same offset ( 322  and  324 ) from the left edge  312  and the right edge  314 , respectively, of the fabric  306 . When more than two rings are to be attached to the fabric  306 , the apparatus suitably determines where to position the third, fourth, and subsequent rings based upon the fabric width, the desired gap ( 320 ) between rings, and the total offset (i.e., the combined left and right offsets). Based upon these parameters, which an operator may input or the apparatus may be configured to automatically determine based upon fabric type, weight and/or width and the number of rings necessary per row, the positions for such rings are determined. For example, a fabric  92  inches wide, with  1  inch left and right offsets and a desired gap  320  ( FIG. 3C ) of no more than  9  inches results in  10  rings being attached to the fabric at the following positions: 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81 and 91 inches to the right of the left edge  312  of the fabric  306 . 
         [0035]    Similarly, the apparatus can be configured to attach rows of rings (and/or sew seams) at a predetermined interval along the length of the fabric  306 . That is, the lift bar  116  may be positioned by the lift motor assembly  132  such that a given vertical gap  316  exists from the lift bar  116  to the first row of rings and/or seams. Likewise, the vertical gap  318  between rows of buttons can also be predetermined and/or specified real-time by an operator. Like the variable horizontal gaps  320 , the vertical gap  316  between rows of rings can be constant or vary along the length of the fabric, as desired for specific aesthetic or functional needs. The vertical gaps  316  and  318  can be predetermined and/or specified real-time by an operator. In one embodiment, the vertical gap between rows is  7  inches. 
         [0036]    For one embodiment of the apparatus, the lift bar  116 , top clamp  118 , left and right guide rails  126  and  128 , and top cross-member  130  are provided and manufactured by Thompson of Amherst, N.Y., USA. Other apparatus and devices for suspending, raising and lowering fabrics can be utilized in other embodiments of the apparatus. 
         [0037]    The length of fabric which can be suspended from the lift bar  116  can also vary based upon a particular embodiment of the apparatus used. In one embodiment, the length of fabric is determined based upon the length of the left and right guide rails  126  and  128 . In other embodiments, the length of fabric supported can depend upon the type of clamping mechanism utilized as the top clamp  118 . For example, a top clamp  1   18  configured to not support the hanging of fabric by other than its ends can limit the fabric length to the length of the guide rails  126  and  128 . In contrast, a top clamp  118  configured to support the wrapping of fabric over the top rail, such that fabric extends from either side of the lift bar  116  can support fabric lengths longer than the length of the guide rails  126  and  128 . Thus, it is to be appreciated that various types of top clamps, lift bars, guide rails and the like may be used to suspend a fabric for use in the apparatus. Alternatively, the fabric may be suspended horizontally or at some angle between horizontal and vertical. That is, the guide rails can be rotated until they are horizontal with the tucker and thereby support the attaching of rings and seam sewing of fabrics of various lengths. 
         [0038]    As further shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  and as mentioned above, the apparatus can be utilized to sew one or more seams in the fabric. When sewing seams, the second sewing machine can be desirably positioned and/or travel along the span  302  of the fabric to sew seams of any given length and thickness. In one embodiment, seams are sewed parallel with a given horizontal row of rings. However, it is to be appreciated that horizontal seams can be sewn with or without a corresponding row of rings. As shown in  FIG. 6 , a seam can be sewn within a given range of overlap, wherein the range of overlap determines the amount of material extending beyond the seam, as shown by line  604 . It is to be appreciated that as the needle is positioned further along line  606 , a larger overlap occurs. Likewise, as the needle is positioned further along line  604 , a smaller overlap occurs. Thus, by varying the location of the needles, with respect to a given seam, the size of the tunnel  608  created by the stitching of the seam can be varied. A larger tunnel enabling a thicker rod or dowel to be inserted therein, and thereby a stiffer shade, horizontally, can be provided. It is to be appreciated that the stiffer the shade, horizontally, the more uniformly the shade can be raised and lowered. 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 4A , the apparatus  100  is shown in a rest position, i.e., a state between the sewing of a next row of rings to the fabric and/or the stitching of a next seam to the fabric. The apparatus  100  includes a tucker blade  400 . As discussed below, the tucker blade  400  is utilized to press the fabric  306  towards a needle of the sewing machines  102  and  104 . As shown in  FIG. 4A , the first sewing machine  102  is positioned in a ready state to attach a next row of rings to the fabric  306 . It is to be appreciated, however, that the second sewing machine  104  can also be similarly positioned. In one embodiment, the tucker blade  400  is Teflon® coated on both its top and bottom surfaces. Other coatings, if any, can be used to obtain a given level of friction between the blade and the fabric. The tucker blade  400  is suitably attached to a gear rack  402 , which is in communication with a pinion gear  404 , that can be driven by the shaft  406  of a motor (not shown). As the shaft  406  of the motor is rotated in a clockwise direction (as shown by arrow  408 ) the tucker blade  400  is retracted (moved away) from the suspended fabric  306 . Likewise, when the shaft is rotated in a counter-clock-wise direction, the tucker blade  400  is extended towards the suspended fabric  306  (as shown in  FIG. 4D ). The tucker blade  400 , gear rack  402 , pinion gear  404  and motor are positioned on a support assembly  410  which is attached at a pivot point  412  to a frame member of the apparatus  100 . The support assembly  410  is also pivotally attached, at pivot pin  416 , to an angle adjustment mechanism, actuator  414 , which is configured to pivot the support assembly  410  about the pivot point  412  such that the angle at which the tucker blade  400  impinges the fabric  306  can be varied. In one embodiment, the actuator  414  includes a pneumatic piston and related compressors and control mechanisms. In other embodiments, hydraulic pistons, motor driven chain (or belt) and pulley mechanisms or the like may be utilized to adjust the angle of the tucker blade  400 . Further, it is to be appreciated that the height, angle and/or other orientations of the tucker blade  400  may be suitably controlled using other well known structures such as height and/or angle adjustable tilt tables and the like. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 4B , the apparatus  100  includes a tensioning mechanism  422  that is utilized to apply tension to the fabric as it is being raised. It is to be appreciated that as the relative height of the lift bar  116  (and the fabric attached thereto) increases, the remaining portion of the fabric below the height of the tucker blade  400  decreases. This decrease in fabric correspondingly results in a decrease in the weight of the fabric and the tension applied to the tucker blade  400  by the fabric. As a result, without a tensioning mechanism, a variable amount of fabric can be impinged by the tucker blade  400  when it is extended. To prevent this variability, the tensioning mechanism  422  is configured to provide uniform tension to the fabric  306  while it is initially impinged by the tucker blade  400 . 
         [0041]    In the embodiments shown in  FIG. 4B , the tensioning mechanism  422  includes a pneumatic piston  424  providing a given amount of resistance to a connecting rod  426 . The connecting rod  426  is connected to an offset bracket  428 . The offset bracket  428  is connected to a linear bearing  430 . The linear bearing  430  is also connected to a mounting bracket  432 . The fabric side of the linear bearing  430  (i.e., the side of the linear bearing coming into contact with the fabric) desirably is coated with an adhesive tape or other moderate to high friction surface, such as Bobotex Friction Covering manufactured by Bobtex Hans Ludwig GmbH &amp; Co. of Wuppertal, Germany, so as to provide positive contact with the fabric when desired. It is to be appreciated that a friction plate or other member can also be attached to the fabric side of the linear bearing in order to provide any desired friction. The tensioning mechanism  422  also includes a corresponding pressure bar assembly  434 . The pressure bar assembly  434  desirably provides a force that is opposed by the linear bearing  430  such that the fabric  306  can be impinged between the pressure bar  436  (when extended) and the linear bearing  430 . The pressure bar  436  is attached to at least one adjustable and controllable actuator  438 . In one embodiment, the actuator  438  includes one or more pneumatic pistons. Other types of actuators, however, can be used in other embodiments of the apparatus. Thus, it is to be appreciated that when in operation, the tensioning mechanism  422  provides a given and consistent amount of tension to the fabric whenever the tucker blade  400  is to be extended, such that a consistent “tuck” of the fabric is achieved. 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 4D , while the tucker blade  400  is moved toward the fabric  306 , the blade  400  travels at a substantially level orientation and thereby creates a “V” in the fabric. Likewise, as the tucker blade  400  impinges and pushes the fabric  306  towards the sewing positions (as represented by needle  440 ) the linear bearing  430  and corresponding pressure bar assembly  434  move upwards, while the piston  424  provides the desired downward resistance on this assembly and the impinged thereby fabric. Further, the tensioning mechanism  422  can apply pressure to any number of layers of fabric. For example, when multiple sheets of fabric are used in a shade, the fabric can be positioned relative to the tensioning mechanism, and specifically relative to the pressure bar assembly, such that downward pressure can be applied to one sheet, all sheets or any number of sheets of fabric. 
         [0043]    Further, when a hobbled shade look is desired, the apparatus can be configured such that downward pressure is applied only to one or more backing panels  444  and not to a front panel  446  thereby allowing a bulge  448  to be created in the front panel  446 . Further, when a hobbled shade look is desired, as shown in  FIG. 4E , a vacuum plenum  442  can be utilized to suction the front panel  446  away from direct contact with the back panel  444  and thereby facilitate the formation of a consistent bulge  448 . 
         [0044]    The apparatus can also be configured to rotate the tucker blade  400  down once a “tuck” of the one or more panels of fabric has been achieved. As shown in  FIG. 4C , the support assembly and tucker components affixed thereto (i.e., blade  400 , gear rack  402 , pinion gear  404 , motor (not shown) and the like) are tilted clockwise about pivot point  412  by a release in the pneumatic pressure of actuator  414 . That is, the actuator  414  rotates the tucker blade  400  downwards such that a bottom portion of the “V” in the fabric comes into direct contact, under pressure, with the top surface of ledge  420 . It is to be appreciated that by tilting the tucker blade  400  a pressure point instead of a pressure plane is created between the tucker blade  400 , the fabric  306  and the corresponding ledge  420  in the “V” area  418 . The resulting pressure point resulting in less friction between the tucker blade  400  and the fabric  306  and thereby facilitating the smooth (non-fabric snagging) retraction of the tucker blade  400 . 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 4C , the apparatus  100  also includes a horizontal clamp  450  and attached pressure plate  452  that are utilized to provide a downward force upon the “V” portion of the fabric  418  during ring attachment and/or stitching operations. 
         [0046]    In  FIG. 5 , a close-up view of the sewing clamp  122  (see  FIG. 1 ) and sewing clamp activators  124  ( FIG. 1 ) for one particular embodiment of the apparatus are shown. Particularly, sewing clamp  122  includes a horizontal clamp  450 , connected to vertical member  460  at pivot point  458 . The vertical member  460  is connected to a linear bearing  454 , which is fastened to a frame member  462 . The linear bearing  454  facilitates the vertical movement of the vertical member  460  over a predetermined range. Also, the horizontal clamp  450  is connected at pivot point  466  to sewing clamp actuator ( 124 ,  FIG. 1 ) such as pneumatic piston  456  via rod  464 . 
         [0047]    When under force from rod  464  being extended from piston  456 , the horizontal clamp  450  applies pressure, via pressure plate  452 , to the tip end of “V” portion of the fabric  306 . As shown, upon the pressure plate  452  applying pressure to the fabric  306 , beyond the tip of the “V” (i.e., to the right on the drawing figure), a top segment  468  of the fabric before the fold  470  is pressed into contact with a bottom segment  472  of the fabric. More specifically, the extension of rod  464  results in: the downward travel of vertical member  460  along the track of linear bearing  454 , the rotation of horizontal clamp  450  about pivot point  458 , and thereby applies point pressure, via pressure plate  452 , to the fabric  306 . Further, it is to be appreciated that the tucker blade  400  (as shown in  FIG. 4E ) can be fully or partially retracted from the “V” region of the fabric as the rod  464  is extended and the pressure upon the fabric  306  is transferred from the tucker blade  400  to the pressure plate  452 . When partially retracted, as shown in  FIG. 4E , the tucker blade  400  can also apply pressure to the fabric at the bottom of the “V.” Once the top segment  468  and bottom segment  472  of the fabric  306  have been pressed into contact with each other, the fabric  306  is ready to have a seam stitched and/or a plurality of rings sewn thereon. It is to be appreciated that for the embodiment of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  and discussed hereinabove the fold exists along the entire width of the fabric  306 . 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3C and 6 , when a seam is to be stitched and after the fabric  306  has been tucked, pressed and a fold thereby formed (as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 5  and as shown in  FIG. 6 ), the second sewing machine  104  is desirably positioned at a stitching start position  328  ( FIG. 3C ). The second sewing machine  104  then proceeds along the width of the fabric while stitching a seam, such as seam  326 . As discussed above, the seam may be positioned a variable distance from the fold  470  and thereby create a tunnel  608  in the fabric. Additionally, the seam may be stitched across the entire width, or a portion of, the fabric. 
         [0049]    Following the stitching of a seam, if any, for a given row on the fabric, the second sewing machine  104  is returned to its home position  310  ( FIG. 3B ) and the attachment of one or more rings commences with the first sewing machine  102  being moved from its home position  300  ( FIG. 3A ) to the first ring position  308  ( FIG. 3B ). 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , upon the fold  470  being created in the fabric  306 , the first sewing machine positions a ring  212  above the fabric in a position proximate to the fold location such that upon being stitched to the fabric, the ring will extend from the fabric at approximately the fold position. Upon the ring  212  being positioned on the top segment  468  of the fabric  306 , the first sewing machine commences attaching the ring to the fabric by sewing one of a plurality of stitches inside the ring (as shown in  FIG. 7 ). Once the desired number of stitches have been applied inside the ring, the first sewing machine  102  then repositions the ring (as shown in  FIG. 7B ) such that a plurality of stitches can be applied outside the ring and thereby secure the ring  212  to the fabric  306 . The positioning, stitching, repositioning and continued stitching of the ring is accomplished using standard button attachment routines provided by the Juki sewing machine that have been modified to accommodate a ring instead of a two hole button. 
         [0051]    Once the desired number of rings for a given row have been attached to the fabric (and assuming no further stitching is desired), the ring tongs  208  and  210  (as shown in  FIGS. 2B and 7C ) are retracted, the needle  440  is raised, the thread  466  is cut, the downward pressure exerted by pressure plate  452  is released, the horizontal pressure exerted by vertical clamp  436  is released, and the fabric is allowed to return to a non-tucked, non-impinged position  472 , as shown in  FIGS. 7C and 7D . Desirably, the rod  464 , vertical member  460 , horizontal clamp  450  and pressure plate  452  are retracted such that a clearance region  474  is formed which enables the folded fabric to resume a vertical position without being impeded by the horizontal clamp  450 . 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the drive mechanism for each of the sewing machines is shown. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , each of the sewing machines  102  and  104  is secured to a sewing housing  106  and  108 , respectively, that can travel along the span of the fabric, as desired. In one embodiment, the travel of each of the housings is controlled by using respective stepper motors (whose shafts  800  and  802  are shown in  FIG. 8 ). A timing belt  804  is connected via respective timing gears  806  and  808  to the motors. Additionally, a plurality of corresponding idler pulleys  808  are used to guide the timing belt around the timing gears  806  and  808 . 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9A-9D , a method by which the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1-8  can be utilized to sew rings, slouches, rings and tunnels and/or hobbled shades is shown. For this embodiment, the process begins with configuring the apparatus for the desired operations by, for example, hanging the fabric(s) on the lift bar (Operation  900 ). As discussed above, one or more sheets of fabric may hang from the lift bar and rings sewn thereon or otherwise stitched accordingly. The apparatus configurations can also be set by entering the dimensions of the fabric(s) (Operation  902 ). It is to be appreciated that the dimensions of the fabric(s) may be preset, sensed by the apparatus (for example, by using optical or other sensors configured to detect the presence of fabric along the operating span of the apparatus), entered by an operator, provided by other process equipment or otherwise provided. The configuration operations can also include determining the operations to be performed with respect to the fabric(s) (Operation  904 ). The operations to be performed can be pre-set, based upon operator input (using, for example, console  101  ( FIG. 1 )) or otherwise determined. Depending upon the configuration of the apparatus, operations may include, but are not limited to, attaching rings only to the fabric, attaching rings so as to form a slouched shade, attaching rings and creating tunnels, attaching rings, creating tunnels and providing for a hobbled effect (where a front fabric has more material between tunnel seams than a backing fabric) and others. Based upon these inputs, the apparatus, using a controller, such as a CJIM programmable logic controller manufactured by Omron in Schaumberg, Ill., USA, calculates the number of rings needed per row (when rings are to be attached). Similarly, the apparatus can be programmed to determine the spacing between rows of rings and/or seams, the amount of hobble desired, the depth of any tunnels created, the position of the ring relative to the tunnel (for example, the ring may be attached at the fold or inside of the fold) and other calculations. Thus, it is to be appreciated that the apparatus may include any desired level of automation and/or operator input. As the automation of the apparatus increases, the controller may be substituted with microprocessors, computers and other centralized and/or distributed control systems. 
         [0054]    Referring again to  FIG. 9A , once the operating parameters and initial configurations are set, the lift bar  116  is positioned such that the first row of rings, tunnels or the like to be sewn is properly aligned with the tucker blade  400  (Operation  906 ). More specifically, the controller sends output signals to the lift motor assembly  132  which accordingly raises and/or lowers the lift bar  116  such that the fabric is positioned so that rings can be attached and/or tunnels/hobbles stitched along the desired first row. 
         [0055]    Upon the fabric  306  being positioned, the tensioning mechanism  422  vertically clamps the fabric  306  to the linear bearing  430  by activating actuator  438 , which extends vertical clamp  436  and applies pressure to the fabric  306  (Operation  908 ). At this point, the tension in and along the fabric extending from the lift bar  116  to the vertical clamp  436  is desirably uniform and constant. 
         [0056]    A determination is also made as to whether the shade type is to be hobbled (Operation  909 ). It is to be appreciated that this operation (as can many if not most of the other operations shown in  FIGS. 9A-9D ) can be made prior to, after or in conjunction with any of the preceding operations and is shown as residing at Operation  909  for purposes of illustration and simplification only. If a hobbled shade is to be produced, the Operations proceed to Operation  960  of  FIG. 9C . 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 9C  and as discussed above, to produce a hobbled shade, the apparatus desirably allows more material to exist between the seams for one or more front sheet(s) than exist between the same seams with respect to one or more backing sheets. Simply stated, one may consider the front sheet(s) to be bunched between seams, whereas the backing sheet(s) are non-bunched. To facilitate this bunching of front sheets, the apparatus desirably uses a vacuum plenum  442  which draws the front sheet(s) towards it while allowing the backing sheet(s) to hang free (as shown in  FIG. 4E ) (or vice versa when an inverted hobbled shade is desired). It is to be further appreciated that since the backing sheets are secured by the tensioning mechanism  422  ( FIG. 4B ), which include vertical clamp  436 , the amount of bunching possible with the apparatus is limited by the length of connecting rod  426 . That is, as lift bar  116  and connecting rod  426  are lowered, the bunching of the first fabric  416  increases. Thus, when producing a hobbled shade, the process includes activating the vacuum plenum (Operation  960 ), lowering the lift bar  116  the desired hobble amount (Operation  962 ) and, correspondingly, and lowering the vertical clamp  436  (by extending connecting rod  426 ) the desired amount (Operation  964 ). As shown in  FIG. 9C , Operations  962  and  964  desirably occur in conjunction and are each extended the same amount. It is to be appreciated, however, that the lift bar  116  may be lowered prior to the vertical clamp and that the lift bar may be lowered more than the vertical clamp, thereby also producing some bunching in any backing sheets. The process then resumes with Operation  910 . 
         [0058]    In Operation  910 , the tucker blade  400  is extended as shown, for example, in  FIG. 4C . Upon extension of the tucker blade  400 , the “V” fold  418  in the fabric  306  is formed. Next, the horizontal clamp  450  and attached pressure plate  452  are extended such that the fabric is clamped horizontally (Operation  912 ). The tucker blade  400  is retracted (Operation  914 ). It is to be appreciated, however, that the tucker blade  400  may be retracted as the pressure from horizontal clamp  450  increases on the “V” part of the fabric. Thus, while shown as sequential Operations in  FIG. 9A , it is to be appreciated that Operations  912  and  914  may occur substantially simultaneously or sequentially. 
         [0059]    As discussed above, the apparatus desirably is capable of both attaching rings to the fabric as well as sewing tunnels and hobbles. In one embodiment, tunnels and hobbles are sewn before rings. In other embodiments rings are sewn first, then tunnels or hobbles. In other embodiments the sewing of rings and tunnels/hobbles may be interspersed, if so desired. In  FIG. 9A , an embodiment of a process for automated shade manufacturing is shown in which tunnels and hobbles are sewn prior to the attachment of rings. In this embodiment, when tunnels and/or hobbles are to be sewn, the process continues with initiating the second sewing machine  104  (Operation  966 ,  FIG. 9D ). 
         [0060]    Desirably, each of the sewing machines  102  and  104  are automatically operated under the control of the controller and are initiated for operation as needed. Once initiated, the foot of the second sewing machine is raised by a pneumatic cylinder or solenoid (Operation  968 ). It is to be appreciated that the pneumatic cylinder used to raise the foot of the sewing machines, and thereby perform a “toe” operation, may also be utilized to lower the foot of the sewing machines, and thereby perform “heel” operations. The performance of both “heel” and “toe” operations are common to sewing machines. The second sewing machine is moved to a start position, where the start position is the location along the fabric at which the stitching of the tunnel/hobble is to commence (Operation  970 ). A pause in the process can then occur. This pause enables an operator to verify that the fabric, the hobble (if any) and the second sewing machine are correctly configured and positioned before the stitching by the second machine commences (Operation  972 ). 
         [0061]    If the fabric, second sewing machine, hobble or the like is not correctly positioned or formed (in the case of a hobble), the process continues taking those actions necessary to resolve the error condition. Such actions may include releasing the horizontal clamp, releasing the vertical clamp, deactivating and reactivating the vacuum plenum, raising and lowering the lift bar, and the like. Such actions may be pre-programmed, or operator directed via the control console. For purposes of illustration, the process flow of  FIGS. 9A-9D  illustrate the process resuming with the clamping of the fabric vertically, in Operation  908 . It is to be appreciated, however, that the process may resume at any of Operations  910 ,  912 ,  914   916 ,  966 ,  968 ,  970 ,  972  or otherwise. 
         [0062]    When the fabric is correctly positioned on the apparatus, the stitching of a seam, whether for a tunnel or a hobble, resumes with lowering the foot and stitching the tunnel/hobble (Operation  976 ). The stitching of the tunnel/hobble desirably occurs across the entire width of the fabric, at which instance the second sewing machine is returned to its home position (Operation  978 ). The controller also determines whether rings are to be attached to the fabric along the current row (Operation  980 ). If not, then the process continues at Operation  926  with releasing both the vertical clamp and the horizontal clamp, withdrawing the tucker blade  400  and determining whether additional rings are to stitched. Such rows may include rings, tunnels, hobbles or the like. 
         [0063]    When rings are to be attached to the fabric along a currently clamped row of fabric (regardless of whether a tunnel or hobble has or has not been stitched), the process proceeds with moving the first sewing machine  102  to a start (or first ring) position (Operation  918 ). The controller, if it has not already done so or otherwise been instructed, calculates the number of rings to be attached for the given row and the location of the rings. At this instance, the process desirably pauses and allows time for the operator to verify that the first ring position is correct (Operation  920 ). If the first ring position is not correct, the process desirably proceeds with releasing either or both the horizontal clamp and the vertical clamp, withdrawing the tucker, adjusting the lift bar height, repositioning the first sewing machine, recalibrating the ring offset, specifying the number of rings to be attached for the given row, or the like (Operation  922 ). Desirably, reorientation of the fabric and reconfiguration of the apparatus is not necessary when a tunnel or hobble has already been stitched for a given row. 
         [0064]    When the first ring position is correct, the process continues with the first sewing machine automatically attaching the first ring and all subsequent rings for the row. (Operation  924 ) In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the first sewing machine is repositioned under the direction of the controller to each of the ring sewing positions along the width of the fabric by instructing the stepper motor for the first sewing machine to rotate the timing gear  806  a desired number of counts and thereby move the first sewing machine to the next ring position. 
         [0065]    Upon sewing all of the rings for a given row, the process continues with releasing the clamps and withdrawing the tucker blade (Operation  926 ). If more rows remain for which tunnels/hobbles need to be stitched and/or rings attached, the process continues at Operation  930  with raising the lift bar to the next row and repeating the above described steps. As shown, Operation  930  is shown as proceeding to Operation  904 , where a determination of whether rings, slouch, tunnels and/or hobbles can again be made, as necessary or desired. That is, the apparatus can be configured to sew, for example, tunnels on any given number of rows, such as every other row or the like. Also, the apparatus can be configured to sew every row the same. If so, then it should be appreciated that Operation  904  may be bypassed and the sewing of the next row resuming, after Operation  930  with Operation  906  or  908 . 
         [0066]    When no more rows are to be sewed to the fabric, the process continues from Operation  928  with Operation  932  ( FIG. 9B ). As shown in Operation  932 , the process desirably includes another pause. During this pause, the operator may raise and lower the fabric and visually inspect whether any rings are missing or defectively sewn for a given row. If not, the process desirably continues with lowering the lift bar (Operation  934 ), releasing the top clamp and unloading the fabric (Operation  936 ). At this point the process ends. 
         [0067]    Alternatively, if the rings are not okay, the process continues with the operator instructing the apparatus to position the lift bar so that a ring can be attached to the row containing the missing or defective ring (Operation  940 ). If a ring is defective, the operator can remove it. Once the lift bar is positioned at the desired height, the process continues with the removal of the defective ring (if any), vertically clamping the fabric (Operation  942 ), extending the tucker blade so as to form the “V” shape in the fabric (Operation  944 ), horizontally clamping the fabric (Operation  946 ), retracting the tucker blade (Operation  948 ) and positioning the first sewing machine at the position of the missing/defective ring (Operation  950 ). A new ring is then sewn onto the fabric (Operation  952 ). A determination can then be made as to whether any additional rings are missing or defective for a given row (Operation  954 ). If so, the remaining rings are attached to the row per Operations  950  and  952 . If no more rings are to be sewn for the current row, the clamps are released (Operation  956 ), the tucker blade withdrawn (Operation  958 ) and a determination made as to whether any other rows are missing rings or contain defective rings. If so, the above process continue. If not, the lift bar is lowered (Operation  934 ), the top clamp  118  is released, the fabric is unloaded from the apparatus (Operation  936 ) and the process ends. 
         [0068]    Although various embodiments of the apparatus and method for automated shade manufacturing have been described above, those skilled in the art can make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed inventions. Further, all references (e.g., first, second, up, down, inner, outer, above, below, clockwise, counterclockwise, next, then, continuing, or the like) used above are to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the disclosed inventions, but, are not to be construed as creating or establishing any limitation as to the features, functions, components, parts, process operations, orientation, configuration or the like of the present inventions. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and drawing figures are for purposes of illustration and explanation only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of any claimed inventions.