PATTERN AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLY OF GARMENTS

Abstract

A simplified code for instructing garment assembly steps is disclosed. The code is integrated with a garment pattern and printed onto a textile sheet. The textile sheet is assembled into a garment using an associated method.

Claims

1. A code for use in the assembly of an item from discrete component pieces, the code comprising: a plurality of unique instruction markers, the markers corresponding to a series of assembly steps required to assemble the component pieces into the item.

2. The code according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of unique instruction markers comprise a plurality of shapes.

3. The code according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of shapes are selected from at least one of the group comprising: a circle, a square, a triangle, a hexagon, and a line.

4. The code according to claim 2, where the plurality of shapes are different colours.

5. The code according to claim 4, wherein the different colours represent locations on the component piece, including front, back, side, outline, attachment point.

6. The code according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of unique instruction markers comprise alphanumerical characters.

7. The code according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of unique instruction markers comprise mirror image alphanumeric characters.

8. The code according to claim 6 wherein each alphanumeric character is superimposed on a respective coloured shape.

9. The code according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of unique instruction markers comprise symbols.

10. The code according to claim 9 wherein each symbol is superimposed on a respective coloured shape.

11. The code according to claim 1, wherein the item is selected from at least one of: dress, shirt, hat, skirt, jacket, curtain, furniture cover, toy.

12. A pattern for use in the assembly of an item from discrete component pieces comprising: an outline of at least one component piece, wherein the at least one component piece is marked with a code, wherein the code comprises a plurality of unique instruction markers, the markers corresponding to a series of assembly steps required to assemble the component pieces into the item.

13. The pattern according to claim 12 comprising written information which supplements assembly step information provided by the unique instruction markers.

14. The pattern according to claim 12, further comprising a textile sheet.

15. A method of assembling an item, comprising the steps of: a) obtaining one or more component pieces cut from one or more textile sheets, wherein the one or more textile sheets comprise a pattern, and wherein the obtained component pieces are suitable for assembly into the item; and b) performing the series of assembly steps indicated by the unique identifiers marked on the obtained component pieces thereby to assemble the components pieces into the item.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 shows an example of a plain colour dot code;

[0031] FIG. 2 shows an example of a mirror dot code;

[0032] FIG. 3 shows an example of a numerical dot code;

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of a clothing pattern using the colour code of FIG. 1, the mirror code of FIG. 2 and the numerical code of FIG. 3;

[0034] FIG. 5 shows the clothing pattern of FIG. 4 printed onto a decorative fabric;

[0035] FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of a clothing pattern using the numerical code of FIG. 3;

[0036] FIG. 7 shows the clothing pattern of FIG. 6 printed onto a decorative fabric;

[0037] FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of a clothing pattern using the colour code of FIG. 1, and the numerical code of FIG. 3;

[0038] FIG. 9 shows the clothing pattern of FIG. 8 printed onto a decorative fabric;

[0039] FIG. 10 shows a fourth embodiment of a clothing pattern using the colour code of FIG. 1 and the mirror code of FIG. 2;

[0040] FIG. 11 shows the clothing pattern of FIG. 10 printed onto a decorative fabric;

[0041] FIG. 12 shows another example of a plain colour dot code;

[0042] FIG. 13 shows another example of a dot code;

[0043] FIG. 14 shows another example of a numerical code and a corresponding mirror image numerical code; and

[0044] FIG. 15 shows a fifth embodiment of a clothing pattern using the dot code of FIG. 13.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0045] The present invention will now be described with reference to the following examples which should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive.

[0046] While the invention may be used in the assembly of many items, including furnishings and toys, it will be described hereafter with reference to the application of the invention to the assembly of clothing garments. These garments may include, for example, dresses, shirts, hats, skirts, and jackets.

[0047] As best shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a code (1) for use in the assembly of garments includes a plurality of unique instruction markers. Each marker provides information regarding an assembly step that is required to assemble the garment.

[0048] The code (1) includes markers in the form of a number of different coloured circles (2), shown in FIG. 1 as pink (3), green (4), blue (5), sky blue (6) and orange (7). In one embodiment, the coloured circles provide location information, defining separate sections of the components piece. These include front (3), back (4), side (5), outline (6) and attachments (7).

[0049] The code (1) also includes symbols (8), shown in FIG. 2 as dots. In this embodiment, increasing numbers of dots (8) are shown, however it will be appreciated that other distinctive symbols may be used. In the embodiment shown, for example, each coloured circle (2) has from one to six white dots (8), allowing for up to thirty assembly steps to be identified using these markers.

[0050] The code (1) also includes alphanumeric characters (9), shown in FIG. 3 as the numbers 1 to 6 inclusive superimposed on coloured circles. As shown in FIG. 14, an alphanumeric code (10) may be used together with a mirror image alphanumeric code (11) to provide additional information.

[0051] In the embodiments shown, the symbols (8) and alphanumerical characters (9) are superimposed on the coloured circles (2). These combinations can be used as balance points or to provide location or attachment information. It is appreciated that each of the types of markers may be used separately or together, depending upon the assembly requirements.

[0052] The markers may include mirror image alphanumeric characters. Alphanumeric characters are advantageously used in the assembly of asymmetric items, but can be used for any type of item. Each alphanumeric character is superimposed on a respective coloured shape.

[0053] FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of a pattern (12) for use in the assembly of a garment. The pattern includes an outline (13) for each component piece (14) of the garment. The component pieces (14) are marked with the code in the form of dotted circles (15) and numbered circles (16).

[0054] FIG. 5 shows the same pattern (12) as shown in FIG. 4 printed on a sheet of textile or fabric (17). The outline (13) for each component piece (14) is filled in with a decorative image. As each component piece is printed onto the fabric, the decorative image can be aligned inside the component piece outline to ensure that the completed garment has the desired aesthetic appearance.

[0055] FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of a pattern (12). This pattern uses a code including numbered circles (16) only. FIG. 7 shows the same pattern printed on a sheet of fabric (17) with each component piece (14) filled in with a decorative image.

[0056] FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of a pattern (12). This pattern uses a code including blank circles (2) and numbered circles (16). FIG. 9 shows the same pattern printed on a sheet of textile or fabric (17) with each component piece (14) filled in with a decorative image.

[0057] FIG. 10 shows a fourth embodiment of a pattern (12). This pattern uses a code including blank circles (2) and dotted circles (15).

[0058] FIG. 11 shows the same pattern printed on a sheet of textile or fabric (17) with each component piece (14) filled in with a decorative image.

[0059] FIGS. 12 to 14 show alternative embodiments of the code. In FIG. 12, an alternative form of the coloured circles (18) is provided while FIG. 13 shows these circles used in combination with a dot code (19). FIG. 14 shows a numerical code (10) and a corresponding mirror image numerical code (11). FIG. 15 provides a fifth embodiment of a pattern (12) printed on a textile sheet (17) using a code including the dot code (19) of FIG. 13.

[0060] Each of the patterns can also includes brief written instructions (20) displayed adjacent to the component pieces. It is appreciated that these instructions may instead be displayed on the opposite side of the sheet and within the outline of the component piece. In this case, the brief instructions (20) would be visible to the dressmaker during assembly, but located on the inside of the garment once completed.

[0061] Each of the patterns shown in FIGS. 5, 7, 9, 11 and 15 can be used to easily assemble a garment. First, the component pieces (14) for the desired garment are cut from the relevant textile sheet. Then each of the series of assembly steps are performed thereby to assemble the component pieces into the desired garment. In the figures, these assembly steps are indicated by numbered items in the brief written instructions (20) where the code (1) is used to easily identify matching points in order to perform each step. These assembly steps may include, among others, joining seams in the correct sequence, stitching hems, matching and stitching fabric at dot locations, attaching straps and buttons, setting in zippers, joining pockets, joining facing, encasing elastic, adding gussets, adding darts, adding tucks, adding pleats, indications of starting location, and instructions to repeat actions.

[0062] Advantageously, the diagrammatic feature of the code makes the associate pattern and method globally accessible independent of language.

[0063] Further advantageously, the code can be embedded into a pattern on selected material. Alternatively, the code can be printed with a decorative pattern into the desired format for each component piece. This ensures advantageous alignment of the decoration when the garment is completed. Printing the decoration only inside the component piece outline is also advantageous due to cost saving associated with the reduction in pigment dye required. Any desired decoration or image is then available to be transformed into a fabric for a garment.

[0064] Further advantageously, the code provides highly visible information that is easy to find and understand during the assembly process. The code also makes it easy during garment assembly to identify what the orientation and location of each component piece will be in the completed garment. It is therefore simple to fit the garment to the future wearer as the garment is being assembled.

[0065] In is envisaged that the code, pattern and method will provide effective educational tools for basic to advanced apparel and furnishing classes.

[0066] The invention provides an easy-to-use code, pattern and method for the cut and assembly stage of dressmaking which is incorporated into garment patterns along with the desired textile design.

[0067] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.