Eugene J Plaud

US Patent:

51371901, Aug 11, 1992

Filed:

Dec 6, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/804103

Inventors:

Eugene Plaud - New Bedford MA

Assignee:

CHF Industries - New Bedford MA

International Classification:

A41H 3300

US Classification:

223 33

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for forming parallel and non-parallel pleats in a fabric structure such as a curtain or drape includes a generally planar baseplate and a segmented forming member hingedly attached thereto and overlying the baseplate. The segmented forming member includes a first template and at least one second template which are hingedly connected together, each of the first and second templates having a leading edge and a trailing edge wherein the first template trailing edge is hingedly connected to the baseplate and wherein the second template trailing edge is hingedly connected to the first template such that a portion of the second template overlies a portion of the first template and such that the first template leading edge and such that a pocket a fabric-forming pocket is defines between the first template leading edge and the second template trailing edge. In forming a pleated fabric structure, a piece of fabric is placed onto the baseplate in alignment with and aligned with a first alignment edge thereof and the first template of the segmented forming member is folded over the fabric. The fabric is then formed folded up over the first template leading edge and into the pocket formed between the first and second templates.