Clothing manufacturing methods

Abstract

Provided is a garment production method that enables efficient production. A cylindrical sleeve member (30) is formed by partially joining a third sheet material to a fourth sheet material that are transferred in a superposed state and cutting the same at a prescribed position. The sleeve member is superposed on a first sheet material (W1) for forming a front-side member (10) to be transferred. The first sheet material to be transferred and a second sheet material (W2) to be transferred are superposed on one another such that the sleeve member superposed on the first sheet material is disposed between the first sheet material and the second sheet material. In a second forming step, the first sheet material and the second sheet material, which are transferred in a superposed state, are partially joined so as to conform to the shape of an outer edge of a garment 1, and then the first and second sheet materials to be transferred in a superposed state are partially cut so as to conform to the shape of the outer edge of the garment 1. The garment formed in the second forming step is then separated from the first and second sheet materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing clothing.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a method for manufacturing clothing such as protective clothing covers and surgical gowns, a manufacturing method as shown in Patent Document 1 (Patent No. 6762991) is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The clothing disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Patent No. 6762991) is manufactured by sewing a plurality of members such as a front panel, two rear panels, a collar, sleeves, cuffs, etc. in a curved shape. Therefore, the manufacturing process of the clothing disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Patent No. 6762991) is complicated and not suitable for mass production.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing clothing in which the manufacturing method is relatively simple and manufacturing can be performed efficiently.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The garment manufacturing method of the present invention comprises a first conveying step, a second conveying step, a first forming step, a first overlapping step, a second overlapping step, a second forming step, and a separation step. In the first conveying step, a first sheet material for forming a first member, which is one of the front and back body panels, is conveyed. In the second conveying step, a second sheet material for forming a second member, which is the other of the front and back body panels, is conveyed. In the first forming step, a conveyed third sheet material and a conveyed fourth sheet material are overlapped, the third sheet material and the fourth sheet material, which are conveyed in an overlapped state, are partially joined, and cut at a predetermined position to form a tubular sleeve member. In the first overlapping step, the conveyed first sheet material and the sleeve member are overlapped. In the second overlapping step, the conveyed first sheet material and the conveyed second sheet material are overlapped so that the sleeve member, which is overlapped with the first sheet material, is positioned between the first sheet material and the second sheet material. In the second forming step, the first and second sheet materials, which are transported in an overlapping state, are partially joined to match the shape of the outer edge of the garment. Also in the second forming step, the first and second sheet materials, which are transported in an overlapping state, are partially cut to match the shape of the outer edge of the garment. In the separation step, the garment formed in the second forming step is separated from the first and second sheet materials. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The method for manufacturing clothing according to the present invention allows for the manufacture of clothing through a relatively simple process, and enables efficient clothing production.

[0008] Furthermore, in the garment manufacturing method according to the present invention, since the sleeve member is positioned between the first sheet material for forming the first member and the second sheet material for forming the second member, the outer surface (front) of the front body and the sleeve member can be covered by the back body. Therefore, the garment manufacturing method according to the present invention makes it possible to manufacture a hygienically superior garment that can suppress the occurrence of situations in which the outer surface of the front body or the sleeve member of the manufactured garment is contaminated by human hands or other objects coming into contact with it. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the state of a garment manufactured by the garment manufacturing method of the present invention when worn, as viewed from the front. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the state of a garment manufactured by the garment manufacturing method of the present invention when worn, as viewed from the rear. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the state of a garment manufactured by the garment manufacturing method of the present invention, as viewed from the side that faces outward when the wearer puts it on (the side that does not face another person). [Figure 4] This diagram schematically illustrates an example of processing performed on the first sheet material in the garment manufacturing method of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a continuation of Figure 4, and schematically depicts an example of processing performed on the first sheet material, the sleeve member that joins the first sheet material, and the second sheet material in the garment manufacturing method of the present invention. [Figure 6] This diagram schematically illustrates an example of the process of forming a sleeve member from a third sheet material and a fourth sheet material in the garment manufacturing method of the present invention. [Figure 7] This diagram schematically illustrates an example of processing performed on the second sheet material in the garment manufacturing method of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates an example of the position where the first sheet material and the second sheet material are cut in the second forming step of the garment manufacturing method of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates another example of the position where the first sheet material and the second sheet material are cut in the second forming step of the garment manufacturing method of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figures 4 and 5 show schematic flowcharts illustrating examples of the processing flow performed on the first sheet material, the sleeve member that joins the first sheet material, and the second sheet material. [Figure 11] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow for forming sleeve members from the third and fourth sheet materials. [Figure 12]It is a flowchart schematically showing an example of the process flow performed on the second sheet material in FIG. 7. [Figure 13] It is a diagram schematically depicting a part of the main part of a clothing manufacturing system, mainly depicting an apparatus for processing a first sheet material and an apparatus for forming sleeve members. [Figure 14] It is a diagram schematically depicting a part of the main part of a clothing manufacturing system, mainly depicting an apparatus for processing a second sheet material. [Figure 15] It is a diagram schematically depicting a part of the main part of a clothing manufacturing system, mainly depicting an apparatus for joining a second sheet material to a first sheet material and sleeve members to form clothing. [Figure 16] It is a schematic view of the state before wearing of clothing according to another example manufactured by the method for manufacturing clothing of the present invention, as seen from the side (the side not facing the person) that is turned outward when the wearer wears it. [Figure 17] It is a schematic view of a sleeve member formed by joining a third sheet material and a fourth sheet material and then cutting the joined portion at the central part. [Figure 18] It schematically depicts an example of the process for forming a sleeve member from a third sheet material and a fourth sheet material in the method for manufacturing clothing of Modification Example J.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the method for manufacturing clothing according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Note that the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made to the following embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the claims.

[0012] (1) Clothing (1-1) Overview The clothing 1 manufactured using the method for manufacturing clothing according to the present invention will be described while referring to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the state when the clothing 1 is worn by a wearer, as viewed from the front side. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the state when the clothing 1 is worn by a wearer, as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the state of the clothing 1 before being worn, as viewed from the side (the side not facing the person) that is turned outward when the wearer wears it. In FIG. 3, for the sake of clarity of the drawing, the drawing of the members that cannot be directly seen other than the left rear side member 20L and the sleeve member 30 is omitted.

[0013] In addition, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the state where the string described later for making the clothing 1 adhere closely to the body is not tied is drawn. Also, in FIG. 3, it is not the state of the clothing when the clothing manufacturing system 100 described later has completed the manufacture of the clothing 1, but the state where the clothing 1 that the clothing manufacturing system 100 has folded for compacting the clothing 1 is unfolded for wearing is drawn.

[0014] Hereinafter, when explaining the clothing 1 and the members constituting the clothing 1, in order to indicate the direction and orientation, words such as "up", "down", "front (front side)", "rear (back side)", "right", "left", etc. may be used. Unless otherwise specified, these expressions mean "up", "down", "front", "rear", "right", "left" in the worn state of the clothing 1. Specifically speaking, the upper side of the clothing 1 means the head side of the wearer in the normal wearing state of the clothing 1, the front side of the clothing 1 means the chest (front side) of the wearer in the normal wearing state of the clothing 1, and the right side of the clothing 1 means the right arm side of the wearer in the normal wearing state of the clothing 1. The same applies to other expressions.

[0015] Also, hereinafter, when explaining the clothing 1 and the members constituting the clothing 1, words such as "outer surface", "inner surface", etc. may be used. Unless otherwise specified, these expressions mean "outer surface", "inner surface", etc. in the worn state of the clothing 1. Specifically speaking, the inner surface means the surface on the side facing the wearer in the normal wearing state of the clothing 1, and the outer surface means the surface on the side not facing the wearer in the normal wearing state of the clothing 1.

[0016] The garment 1 manufactured by the manufacturing method of the present invention can be used for a variety of purposes, but for example, it can be used as a surgical gown or a protective cover used during work. Although there is no limit to the number of times it can be used, the garment 1 is, for example, a disposable garment that is discarded after use. The garment 1 covers the upper body of the wearer as well as the lower body of the wearer from the waist down to the ankles.

[0017] Garment 1 has as its main components a front member 10 (front body), which is an example of a first component; a back member 20 (back body), which is an example of a second component; a first sleeve member 30R (right sleeve); and a second sleeve member 30L (left sleeve). The difference between the first sleeve member 30R and the second sleeve member 30L is which side they are positioned on relative to components 10 and 20 (which arm of the wearer is inserted into them); their shape and structure are identical. In the following, when there is no particular need to distinguish between the first sleeve member 30R and the second sleeve member 30L, they may be referred to simply as sleeve member 30.

[0018] The front member 10, the rear member 20, and the sleeve member 30 are joined at predetermined locations, the rear member 20 and the sleeve member 30, and the front member 10 and the rear member 20, thereby forming garment 1. The joining of the front member 10 and the sleeve member 30, the joining of the rear member 20 and the sleeve member 30, and the joining of the front member 10 and the rear member 20 will be described later.

[0019] The materials of the front member 10 and the rear member 20 are not limited, but may include, for example, films or nonwoven fabrics made of thermoplastic resin. For example, the materials of the front member 10 and the rear member 20 may include polyethylene, polyolefin resins such as polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, etc. By using such materials, it is possible to heat-weld the front member 10 and the rear member 20. Note that the front member 10 and the rear member 20 do not need to be made of a single type of material, but may be made of a material composed of multiple materials, such as a laminate of multiple materials.

[0020] Furthermore, other materials may be partially attached to the front member 10 and the rear member 20 for reinforcement or to improve the wearer's comfort. Although not limited, in this embodiment, a reinforcing member 12 made of a different material from the front member 10 is attached to the inner surface of the front member 10 (see Figure 1). The reinforcing member 12 is positioned over approximately the entire left-right direction of the front member 10, in the area from around the chest to the vicinity of the hem 18. Also, a neck circumference member 15a (nonwoven fabric) is attached to the inner surface of the front member 10 around the front neckline 14 of the garment 1, as shown in Figure 1. In addition, in this embodiment, a neck circumference member 25a (nonwoven fabric) is attached to the inner surface of the rear member 20 around the rear neckline 24 of the garment 1, as shown in Figure 1.

[0021] Further details will be provided regarding the front member 10, the rear member 20, and the sleeve member 30.

[0022] (1-2) Details of each component (1-2-1) Front side member The front member 10 is a roughly rectangular sheet-like member, as shown in Figure 1. However, the upper part of the front member 10 has a roughly C-shaped neckline 14 that is recessed downwards to allow the wearer's head to pass through. The shape of the neckline 14 is arbitrary; for example, the neckline 14 may be roughly V-shaped. The shoulder portion 16 of the front member 10 that covers the wearer's shoulders includes an inclined portion 16a that extends diagonally downwards from the neckline 14 side to the sleeve member 30 side, as shown in Figure 1, to fit the wearer's body. The shoulder portion 16 of the front member 10 also includes a horizontal portion 16b that extends between the neckline 14 and the inclined portion 16a, as shown in Figure 1. With this configuration of the shoulder portion 16, the end 16c of the shoulder portion 16 on the sleeve member 30 side is positioned closer to the hem of the garment 1 (the hem 18 of the front member 10) than the end 16d of the shoulder portion 16 on the neckline 14 side.

[0023] A first front tie 11a and a second front tie 11b are attached as accessories to the outer surface of the front member 10 near the waist. In Figure 1, the first front tie 11a and the second front tie 11b are shown in front of the front member 10, but when the wearer actually wears the garment 1, the first front tie 11a and the second front tie 11b are fastened on the back side of the wearer. By fastening the first front tie 11a and the second front tie 11b on the back side of the wearer, the garment 1 can be made to fit snugly against the wearer's body near the waist.

[0024] (1-2-2) Rear side member The rear member 20 includes a right rear member 20R and a left rear member 20L. The right rear member 20R and the left rear member 20L are each substantially rectangular sheet-like members. In garment 1, the right rear member 20R and the left rear member 20L are arranged to overlap. Specifically, in garment 1, the area near the left end of the right rear member 20R is arranged to overlap the area near the right end of the left rear member 20L. In Figure 2, the area near the left end of the right rear member 20R is positioned behind the area near the right end of the left rear member 20L, but the shape of garment 1 is not limited to this shape, and the design may be modified so that the area near the right end of the left rear member 20L is positioned behind the area near the left end of the right rear member 20R.

[0025] In the following, instead of describing the individual shapes of the right rear member 20R and the left rear member 20L, we will consider the right rear member 20R and the left rear member 20L as a single rear member 20 and describe its shape accordingly.

[0026] The rear member 20 has the same external shape as the front member 10. The rear member 20 is a roughly rectangular sheet-like member, as shown in Figure 2. However, the upper part of the rear member 20 has a roughly C-shaped neckline 24 that is recessed downwards to allow the wearer's head to pass through. The shape of the neckline 24 is arbitrary; for example, the neckline 24 may be roughly V-shaped. The shoulder portion 26 of the rear member 20 that covers the wearer's shoulders includes an inclined portion 26a that extends diagonally downwards from the neckline 24 side to the sleeve member 30 side, as shown in Figure 2, to fit the wearer's body. The shoulder portion 26 of the rear member 20 also includes a horizontal portion 26b that extends between the neckline 24 and the inclined portion 26a, as shown in Figure 2. Because the shoulder portion 26 has this configuration, the end 26c of the shoulder portion 26 on the sleeve member 30 side is positioned closer to the hem of the garment 1 (the hem 28 of the rear member 20) than the end 26d of the shoulder portion 26 on the neckline 24 side.

[0027] The front member 10 and the rear member 20 are joined and integrated at the following points: The shoulder portion 26 of the rear member 20 is joined to the shoulder portion 16 of the front member 10. In addition, the left and right outer edges of the rear member 20 and the front member 10 are joined together from the joint (side portion) with the lower end of the sleeve member 30 of the front member 10 and the rear member 20 to the hems 18 and 28 of the front member 10 and the rear member 20.

[0028] Furthermore, the neckline 24 of the rear member 20 and the neckline 14 of the front member 10 are not joined together because the wearer needs to be able to expose their head. Also, the hem 28 of the rear member 20 and the hem 18 of the front member 10 are not joined together so that the wearer can expose their legs.

[0029] A first neck strap 22a and a second neck strap 22b are attached as accessories to the outer surface of the rear member 20 near the neckline 24. The first neck strap 22a is attached to the left rear member 20L, and the second neck strap 22b is attached to the right rear member 20R. When the wearer puts on the garment 1, the first neck strap 22a and the second neck strap 22b are fastened together on the back of the wearer. By fastening the first neck strap 22a and the second neck strap 22b together on the back of the wearer, the garment 1 can be made to fit snugly against the wearer's body around the wearer's neck.

[0030] Furthermore, an outer waist tie 21a and an inner waist tie 21b are attached as accessories to the waist area of ​​the rear member 20. The outer waist tie 21a is attached to the outer surface of the left rear member 20L. The inner waist tie 21b is attached to the inner surface of the right rear member 20R. When the wearer actually wears the garment 1, the outer waist tie 21a and the inner waist tie 21b are fastened together on the wearer's back. By fastening the outer waist tie 21a and the inner waist tie 21b together on the wearer's back, it is possible to prevent the right rear member 20R and the left rear member 20L from separating.

[0031] Furthermore, a hook-and-loop fastener 22c is provided as an accessory on the inner surface of the right rear member 20R, which faces the outer surface of the left rear member 20L. When the wearer actually puts on the garment 1, the hook-and-loop fastener 22c is attached to the fibers (loop portion) on the outer surface of the left rear member 20L and is used to make the garment 1 fit snugly against the wearer's body around the wearer's neck.

[0032] (1-2-3) Sleeve member The sleeve member 30 is the part of the garment 1 through which the wearer puts their arms.

[0033] The sleeve member 30 is a cylindrical member. One end of the sleeve member 30 is provided with a cuff 32 through which the wearer of the garment 1 can put their hand. The other end of the sleeve member 30 is provided with an armhole 34 through which the wearer of the garment 1 can insert their arm.

[0034] The sleeve member 30 is joined to the front member 10 and the rear member 20 at the end facing the armhole 34. Specifically, the outer edge of the front end of the first sleeve member 30R facing the armhole 34 is joined to the right outer edge of the outer surface of the front member 10 over its entire length in the vertical direction. The outer edge of the rear end of the first sleeve member 30R facing the armhole 34 is joined to the right outer edge of the outer surface of the rear member 20 (right rear member 20R) over its entire length in the vertical direction. The outer edge of the front end of the second sleeve member 30L facing the armhole 34 is joined to the left outer edge of the outer surface of the front member 10 over its entire length in the vertical direction. The outer edge of the rear end of the second sleeve member 30L facing the armhole 34 is joined to the left outer edge of the outer surface of the rear member 20 (left rear member 20L) over its entire length in the vertical direction.

[0035] In this embodiment, the sleeve member 30 has a smaller opening at the cuff 32 than the opening at the armhole 34 of the sleeve member 30. By making the cuff 32 of the sleeve member 30 smaller (by reducing the opening size of the cuff 32), the excess cuff 32 of the sleeve member 30 is less likely to get in the way of work. On the other hand, by making the opening at the armhole 34 of the sleeve member 30 relatively large, the wearer of the garment 1 can move their arms freely.

[0036] Furthermore, an elastic material E is placed (attached) to the cuff 32 of the sleeve member 30. The elastic material E is, for example, a highly elastic sheet-like material or elastic thread. The elastic material E at the cuff 32 of the sleeve member 30 tightens the cuff 32, making it less likely for the cuff 32 to get in the way of work and making it difficult for foreign objects to enter the inside of the garment 1 from the cuff 32.

[0037] (1-3) How to wear clothes This explains how to wear garment 1.

[0038] First, before explaining how to wear garment 1, we will describe the shape of garment 1 before it is worn by the wearer. Note that the garment manufacturing system 100, which produces garment 1, manufactures garment 1 in a folded state, as will be described later, in order to make the manufactured garment 1 more compact. However, here, we will refer to the shape of garment 1 after it has been unfolded from the folded state manufactured by the garment manufacturing system 100, rather than the shape of garment 1 in its folded state, as the shape of garment 1 before it is worn by the wearer.

[0039] After garment 1 is put on, the outer surface of the front member 10 will be positioned in front of the wearer, and the outer surface of the rear member 20 will be positioned behind the wearer. Also, after garment 1 is put on, the inner surface of the front member 10 will face the front of the wearer, and the inner surface of the rear member 20 will face the back of the wearer.

[0040] In contrast, in garment 1 before it is worn by the wearer, the inner surface of the front member 10 (the surface facing the wearer after wearing) is positioned outward, and the inner surface of the rear member 20 (the surface facing the wearer after wearing) is positioned outward. In other words, in garment 1 before it is worn by the wearer, the outer surface of the front member 10 (the surface not facing the wearer after wearing) is positioned inward, and the outer surface of the rear member 20 (the surface not facing the wearer after wearing) is positioned inward. In short, in garment 1 before it is worn by the wearer, the surfaces that will be positioned outward when the wearer wears it are not exposed to the outside. Furthermore, in garment 1 before it is worn by the wearer, the sleeve member 30 is positioned between the outer surface of the front member 10 and the outer surface of the rear member 20. The armhole 34 of the sleeve member 30, positioned between the front member 10 and the rear member 20, is open on the side of garment 1. In other words, in garment 1 before it is worn by the wearer, the wearer is in a state where they can insert their arm into the armhole 34 of the sleeve member 30.

[0041] When a wearer puts on garment 1, the wearer faces the front of the garment 1, with the inner surface (the surface facing the wearer after wearing) of the front member 10 of garment 1 having the shape shown in Figure 3. The wearer then inserts their right arm through the armhole 34 of the first sleeve member 30R and extends their right wrist through the cuff 32 of the first sleeve member 30R. The wearer also inserts their left arm through the armhole 34 of the second sleeve member 30L and extends their left wrist through the cuff 32 of the second sleeve member 30L.

[0042] In this state, for example, an assistant assisting with putting on garment 1 covers the wearer's back with the right rear member 20R and the left rear member 20L so that the inner surfaces of the rear members 20 (the inner surface of the right rear member 20R and the inner surface of the left rear member 20L) that were positioned in front of the wearer face the wearer's back. The assistant then attaches the hook-and-loop fastener 22c provided on the inner surface of the right rear member 20R to the fibers (loops) on the outer surface of the left rear member 20L. Furthermore, the assistant fastens the first neck strap 22a and the second neck strap 22b together on the wearer's back, and fastens the outer waist strap 21a and the inner waist strap 21b together on the wearer's back. Next, the assistant or the wearer fastens the first front strap 11a and the second front strap 11b together on the wearer's back. In this manner, the wearer can put on garment 1.

[0043] (2) Methods and systems for manufacturing clothing An embodiment of the method for manufacturing the garment 1 of the present invention, and an example of a garment manufacturing system 100 for manufacturing the garment 1 using this method, will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 15.

[0044] Figure 4 schematically illustrates an example of processing performed on the first sheet material W1. Figure 5 is a continuation of Figure 4 and schematically illustrates an example of processing performed on the first sheet material W1, the sleeve member 30 that joins the first sheet material W1, and the second sheet material W2. Figure 6 schematically illustrates an example of processing to form the sleeve member 30 from the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4. Figure 7 schematically illustrates an example of processing performed on the second sheet material W2.

[0045] Note that the dashed lines in Figures 4, 5, and 7, which indicate the neckline and shoulder area of ​​the garment, and the dashed lines indicating the boundary of the sheet material used to manufacture one garment 1 (the dashed lines drawn at the position corresponding to the hem of garment 1), are drawn for ease of understanding and do not represent physical perforations or anything similar. Also, the double-dash line drawn on the conveying sheet material in Figure 6 indicates that in subsequent processes, the third and fourth sheet materials will be joined at this position, or the third and fourth sheet materials will be cut, and does not represent physical perforations or anything similar. Furthermore, in Figures 4 and 7, components that are not directly visible are shown with dashed lines, but in Figure 5, to avoid making the drawing too complex, the drawing of components that are not directly visible has been omitted.

[0046] Figure 8 illustrates an example of the position where the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 are cut in the second forming step of the method for manufacturing garment 1. Figure 9 illustrates another example of the position where the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2, which are transported in an overlapping state, are cut in the second forming step of the method for manufacturing garment 1.

[0047] Figure 10 corresponds to Figures 4 and 5 and is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow performed on the first sheet material W1, the sleeve member 30 that joins the first sheet material W1, and the second sheet material W2. Figure 11 corresponds to Figure 6 and is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow for forming the sleeve member 30 from the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4. Figure 12 corresponds to Figure 7 and is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow performed on the second sheet material W2.

[0048] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a part of the main components of the garment manufacturing system 100, mainly depicting the apparatus for processing the first sheet material W1 and the apparatus for forming the sleeve member 30. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a part of the main components of the garment manufacturing system 100, mainly depicting the apparatus for processing the second sheet material W2. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a part of the main components of the garment manufacturing system 100, mainly depicting the apparatus for merging the second sheet material W2 with the first sheet material W1 and the sleeve member 30 to form the garment 1.

[0049] (2-1) Materials used in the manufacture of the front and rear members In the manufacture of garment 1, the main materials used are a first sheet material W1 for manufacturing the front member 10, a second sheet material W2 for manufacturing the rear member 20, and a third sheet material W3 and a fourth sheet material W4 for manufacturing the sleeve members 30. Materials other than the first sheet material W1, the second sheet material W2, the third sheet material W3, and the fourth sheet material W4 will be explained in the description of the manufacturing method of garment 1.

[0050] The first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 are, for example, sheets of thermoplastic resin. The width of the first sheet material W1 (length in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first sheet material W1, see Figure 4) is equal to the length L1 of the left and right width of the front member 10 and rear member 20 of the garment 1 (see Figure 1).

[0051] The third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4 are, for example, sheets made by laminating a nonwoven fabric and a reinforcing material. The width of the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4 (length in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, see Figure 6) is equal to the length L2 of the left and right width of the sleeve member 30 (see Figure 2).

[0052] The first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 are unwound from a raw material roll (not shown).

[0053] The third sheet material W3 is manufactured by overlapping and joining W3nw (nonwoven fabric), a sleeve sheet material, and W3r, a reinforcing sheet material, which is also unwound from the raw material roll. The fourth sheet material W4 is manufactured by overlapping and joining W4nw (nonwoven fabric), a sleeve sheet material, and W4r, a reinforcing sheet material, which is also unwound from the raw material roll.

[0054] (2-2) Method of manufacturing clothing By describing the manufacturing of garment 1 using garment manufacturing system 100, an embodiment of the method for manufacturing garment 1 of the present invention will be explained.

[0055] The garment manufacturing system 100 includes, as devices for processing the first sheet material W1, the sleeve member 30 that merges with the first sheet material W1, and the second sheet material W2, mainly a first sheet material conveying device 110, a reinforcing member joining device 120, a sheet piece joining device 130, front tie joining devices 140, 150, adhesive application device 160, sleeve member overlapping devices 260, 270, second sheet material overlapping devices 410, 420, body edge joining device 180, body edge cutting device 190, separation device 200, and folding device 195 (see Figures 13 and 15). The garment manufacturing system 100 mainly includes a third sheet material forming and conveying device 210, a fourth sheet material forming and conveying device 220, expansion material joining devices 205, 215, sleeve edge joining device 230, sleeve edge cutting device 240, and position adjustment devices 245, 250 as devices for forming the sleeve member 30 (see Figure 13). The garment manufacturing system 100 also mainly includes a second sheet material conveying device 310, a sheet piece joining device 320, a slitting device 330, a neck strap joining device 340, 390, a waist strap joining device 350, 380, a hook-and-loop fastener joining device 360, and adhesive application devices 370, 400 as devices for processing the second sheet material W2 (see Figure 14). The function of each device will be explained along with the description of the manufacturing method.

[0056] The manufacturing process flow described below is merely an example. For example, the order in which the processes are performed may be changed as long as it does not create a contradiction. Also, for example, two or more processes may be performed simultaneously, as long as they do not create a contradiction.

[0057] Furthermore, in the following explanation, expressions such as "overlapping B on A" may be used. However, this expression does not limit the positional relationship to one where "B" is placed on top of "A," but rather means that "A" and "B" are in a state of overlapping. In other words, unless contradictory, the expression "overlapping B on A" includes configurations where "A" is placed on top of "B," and configurations where "A" and "B" are placed side by side horizontally (horizontally adjacent).

[0058] The first sheet material conveying device 110 (see Figure 13) conveys the first sheet material W1 unwound from a raw material roll (not shown) using, for example, multiple rollers (step A1 in Figure 10). Step A1 in Figure 10 is an example of a first conveying process that conveys the first sheet material W1 for forming the front member 10, which is one of the front and back body parts (in this case, the front body part). Although a detailed explanation is omitted here, the first sheet material W1 may be a sheet material in which multiple layers of sheets are laminated, and the manufacturing process of the garment 1 may include a process of manufacturing the first sheet material W1 which is laminated in multiple layers from multiple sheets.

[0059] The reinforcing member joining device 120 (see Figure 13) joins the reinforcing member 12, cut from a sheet material (not shown) unwound from a raw material roll (not shown), to the first sheet material W1 being transported by the first sheet material transport device 110 (step A2 in Figure 10). The joining method may be welding or adhesive, and can be selected as appropriate. The reinforcing member joining device 120 (see Figure 13) joins the reinforcing member 12 to the transported first sheet material W1 so that the reinforcing member 12 is positioned at a predetermined location on the inner surface of the front member 10 in the manufactured garment 1. The shape of the reinforcing member 12 can be determined as appropriate, but for example, it is rectangular.

[0060] The sheet piece joining device 130 (see Figure 13) joins the neckline sheet piece 15, cut from the sheet material (not shown) unwound from the raw material roll (not shown), to the first sheet material W1 being transported by the first sheet material transport device 110 (step A3 in Figure 10). The joining method may be welding or bonding with an adhesive, and can be selected as appropriate. The sheet piece joining device 130 joins the neckline sheet piece 15 to the transported first sheet material W1 so that the neckline member 15a (the part remaining on the front member 10 as a result of the neckline sheet piece 15 being cut together with the first sheet material W1 in a later process) is positioned at a predetermined location around the neckline 14 on the inner surface of the front member 10 in the manufactured garment 1. The shape of the neckline sheet piece 15 can be determined as appropriate, but for example, it is rectangular.

[0061] The front tie joining device 140 (see Figure 13) overlaps sheet materials Wa1 and Wa2 cut from a raw material roll (not shown), folds the overlapped sheet materials once or more in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and joins them at predetermined locations, and then cuts the resulting first front tie 11a to a predetermined width in the conveying direction and joins it to the first sheet material W1 being conveyed by the first sheet material conveying device 110 (step A4 in Figure 10). The front tie joining device 140 joins the first front tie 11a to the conveyed first sheet material W1 so that the first front tie 11a is positioned at a predetermined location on the front member 10 of the manufactured garment 1. The joining method may be welding or adhesive, and can be selected as appropriate.

[0062] The front tie joining device 150 (see Figure 13) joins the second front tie 11b, formed from sheet material Wb1 and sheet material Wb2, to the first sheet material W1 being transported by the first sheet material transport device 110, in a manner similar to that of the front tie joining device 140 (step A5 in Figure 10). The front tie joining device 150 joins the second front tie 11b to the transported first sheet material W1 so that the second front tie 11b is positioned at a predetermined location on the front member 10 of the manufactured garment 1. The joining method may be welding or adhesive, and can be selected as appropriate.

[0063] The adhesive application device 160 (see Figure 13) applies adhesive to the outer surface of the first sheet material W1 conveyed by the first sheet material conveying device 110 (the surface that becomes the outer surface of the front member 10 when it becomes garment 1) at the position where the sleeve members 30 (first sleeve member 30R and second sleeve member 30L) are joined (step A6 in Figure 10). Specifically, the adhesive application device 160 applies adhesive to the right edge of the outer surface of the first sheet material W1 at the position where the first sleeve member 30R, which will be placed on the first sheet material W1 in a later step, will make contact. The adhesive application device 160 also applies adhesive to the left edge of the outer surface of the first sheet material W1 at the position where the second sleeve member 30L, which will be placed on the first sheet material W1 in a later step, will make contact. The adhesive applied by the adhesive application device 160 is a hot melt adhesive, although this is not limited to it.

[0064] At this point, we will temporarily suspend the explanation of the process performed on the first sheet material W1 and explain the process of forming the sleeve member 30 with reference to Figures 6, 11, and 13.

[0065] The sleeve member 30 is mainly composed of a third sheet material W3 and a fourth sheet material W4.

[0066] The third sheet material forming and conveying device 210 (see Figure 13) conveys the third sheet material W3, which is manufactured by overlapping (see Figure 6) and joining (step B1 in Figure 11) a nonwoven sleeve sheet material W3nw unwound from a raw material roll (not shown) and a reinforcing sheet material W3r unwound from a raw material roll (not shown). Note that the mechanism for joining and joining the sleeve sheet material W3nw and the reinforcing sheet material W3r is not shown in Figure 13.

[0067] The expansion jointing device 205 positions the expansion joints E at both ends of the conveyed third sheet material W3 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the third sheet material W3 is conveyed, and then joins them (step B2 in Figure 11). Step B2 in Figure 11 is an example of the positioning process.

[0068] The fourth sheet material forming and conveying device 220 (see Figure 13) conveys the fourth sheet material W4, which is manufactured by overlapping (see Figure 6) and joining (step B3 in Figure 11) a nonwoven sleeve sheet material W4nw unwound from a raw material roll (not shown) and a reinforcing sheet material W4r unwound from a raw material roll (not shown). Note that Figure 13 omits the illustration of the mechanism for joining and joining the sleeve sheet material W4nw and the reinforcing sheet material W4r.

[0069] Note that, for illustrative purposes, step B3 is shown after steps B1 and B2 here, but this does not mean that step B3 is executed after steps B1 and B2. Steps B1 and B2, and step B3 and step B4 (described later) should be executed in parallel.

[0070] The expansion jointing device 215 places expansion joints E at both ends of the conveyed fourth sheet material W4 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fourth sheet material W4 is conveyed, and joins them (step B4 in Figure 11). Step B4 in Figure 11 is an example of the placement process.

[0071] The third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, after the installation of the expansion material E, are joined together (step B5 in Figure 11) and placed on top of each other. The third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, in their superimposed state, are then transported in the first direction D1 (see Figure 13).

[0072] The sleeve edge joining device 230 (see Figure 13) partially joins the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, which are transported in a superimposed state in the first direction D1 (see Figure 6) (step B6 in Figure 11). Specifically, the sleeve edge joining device 230 joins the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, which are transported in a superimposed state in the first direction D1, along a direction intersecting the first direction D1, across the entire width direction of the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4 (see the thick solid line drawn above reference numeral B6 in Figure 6). More specifically, the sleeve edge joining device 230 joins the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, which are transported in a superimposed state in a first direction D1, over the entire width direction of the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, such that when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the sheet surface of the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, the joining point 1 and the joining point adjacent to this joining point in the first direction D1 generally coincide with the shape of the upper and lower edges of the outer shape of the sleeve member 30. When the sleeve edge joining device 230 joins the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4 in this manner, the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, which are transported in the first direction D1 in an overlapping state, are viewed from a direction perpendicular to the sheet surface of the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, and are arranged alternately as sleeve members 30 with a cuff 32 positioned on one end in the second direction D2 which is perpendicular to the first direction D1, and sleeve members 30 with a cuff 32 positioned on the other end in the second direction D2 (however, the sleeve members 30 are connected to each other) (see Figure 6).

[0073] The method for joining the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4 using the sleeve edge joining device 230 may be heat welding or ultrasonic welding. Alternatively, the method for joining the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4 using the sleeve edge joining device 230 may be bonding using an adhesive.

[0074] The sleeve edge cutting device 240 (see Figure 13) is positioned downstream of the sleeve edge joining device 230 in the first direction D, and cuts each of the joints made by the sleeve edge joining device 230 of the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, which are transported in the first direction D1 in an overlapping state, at the center of the joint along the direction in which the joint extends (step B7). In other words, the sleeve edge cutting device 240 separates the sleeve members 30 that are connected to each other on the transported third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, forming sleeve members 30 that are independent of the other sleeve members 30.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4 are overlapped, joined, and cut (by performing steps B5 to B7 as an example of the first forming process), and in the garment manufacturing system 100, the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4 are conveyed in the first direction D1 in an overlapping state, and alternately, a cylindrical first sleeve member 30R, with a cuff 32 positioned at one end in the second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, and a cylindrical second sleeve member 30L, with a cuff 32 positioned at the other end in the second direction D2, are formed. In this embodiment, the first sleeve member 30R is used as the right sleeve, and the second sleeve member 30L is used as the left sleeve. In this way, by alternately forming the first sleeve member 30R and the second sleeve member 30L from the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, which are transported in the first direction D1 while stacked, it is possible to suppress the generation of scrap material even when forming a sleeve member 30 in which the opening on the cuff 32 side is smaller than the opening on the armhole 34 side (even when forming a sleeve member 30 whose thickness is not uniform).

[0076] In the sleeve member 30, the elastic material E at the cuff 32 is useful because it can tighten the cuff 32. However, the elastic material E on the armhole 34 side is not particularly necessary, and it is preferable to omit it. Therefore, for example, in the manufacturing method of garment 1, it is preferable to have a cutting step in which the elastic material E attached to the part of the sleeve member 30 that will become the armhole 34 is cut at the same time as or before or after steps B6 and B7. Although not limited thereto, in the cutting step, for example, heat is applied to the part of the sleeve member 30 that will become the armhole 34 to cut the elastic material E by heat.

[0077] As an example of the first forming process, the sleeve member 30 formed by steps B5 to B7 is transported by position adjustment devices 245 and 250 to sleeve member overlapping devices 260 and 270, which overlap the sleeve member 30 onto the first sheet material W1 (step B8). The position adjustment devices 245 and 250 transport the first sleeve member 30R to the sleeve member overlapping device 260 and the second sleeve member 30L to the sleeve member overlapping device 270. This will be explained in detail.

[0078] The position adjustment device 245 transports the sleeve members 30 to the position adjustment device 250 and hands over the sleeve members 30 to the position adjustment device 250. The position adjustment device 245 has the function of adjusting the distance between adjacent sleeve members 30 in the transport direction of the sleeve members 30. For example, the position adjustment device 245 has a roller and a plurality of holding members provided along the circumference of the outer circumference of the roller (not shown). The holding members are members that receive and hold the formed sleeve members 30. When the position adjustment device 245 transports the sleeve members 30 by rotating the roller and thereby rotating the holding members as well, it changes the relative position of the holding members with respect to the roller in the circumferential direction of the roller, thereby widening the distance between adjacent sleeve members 30 in the transport direction of the sleeve members 30.

[0079] The position adjustment device 250 transports the first sleeve member 30R from the sleeve member 30 received from the position adjustment device 245 to the sleeve member overlapping device 260, and the second sleeve member 30L to the sleeve member overlapping device 270. The position adjustment device 250 has the function of adjusting the distance between adjacent sleeve members 30 in at least a direction perpendicular to the transport direction (width direction). For example, the position adjustment device 250 has a roller and a plurality of holding members provided on the outer circumference of the roller along the circumferential direction (not shown). The holding members are members that receive and hold the formed sleeve members 30. When the position adjustment device 250 transports the sleeve members 30 by rotating the roller and rotating the holding members, it widens the distance between adjacent sleeve members 30 in the transport direction of the sleeve members by changing the relative position of the holding members with respect to the roller along the rotation axis of the roller.

[0080] In this way, the position adjustment devices 245 and 250 adjust the positions of the first sleeve member 30R and the second sleeve member 30L, so that the first sleeve member 30R and the second sleeve member 30L are transported along different transport paths and to different locations. Specifically, the first sleeve member 30R is transported to the sleeve member overlapping device 260, and the second sleeve member 30L is transported to the sleeve member overlapping device 270.

[0081] Let's return to the explanation of the processing performed on the first sheet material W1. Here, we will mainly refer to Figures 5, 10, and 13.

[0082] The sleeve member overlapping device 260 (see Figure 13) overlaps the conveyed first sheet material W1 with the first sleeve member 30R (step A7 in Figure 10). Step A7 in Figure 10 is an example of the first overlapping process. The sleeve member overlapping device 260 overlaps the first sleeve member 30R with the conveyed first sheet material W1 so that the first sleeve member 30R is positioned at a predetermined location on the outer surface of the front member 10 in the manufactured garment 1.

[0083] Furthermore, when overlapping the first sheet material W1 and the first sleeve member 30R, the sleeve member overlapping device 260 applies heat to the portion of the right edge of the first sheet material W1 to which the adhesive application device 160 has applied hot melt adhesive. As a result, the first sheet material W1 and the first sleeve member 30R are joined together. In other words, step A7 in Figure 10 is also part of the joining process that joins the first sheet material W1 and the sleeve member 30.

[0084] The sleeve member overlapping device 270 (see Figure 13) overlaps the conveyed first sheet material W1 with the second sleeve member 30L (step A8 in Figure 10). Step A8 in Figure 10 is an example of the first overlapping process. The sleeve member overlapping device 260 overlaps the second sleeve member 30L with the conveyed first sheet material W1 so that the second sleeve member 30L is positioned at a predetermined location on the outer surface of the front member 10 in the manufactured garment 1.

[0085] Furthermore, when overlapping the first sheet material W1 and the second sleeve member 30L, the sleeve member overlapping device 260 applies heat to the portion of the left edge of the first sheet material W1 to which the adhesive application device 160 has applied hot melt adhesive. As a result, the first sheet material W1 and the second sleeve member 30L are joined together. In other words, step A8 in Figure 10 is also part of the joining process that joins the first sheet material W1 and the sleeve member 30L.

[0086] Here, we will interrupt the explanation of the processing performed on the first sheet material W1 and explain the processing performed on the second sheet material W2, mainly referring to Figures 7, 12, and 14.

[0087] The second sheet material conveying device 310 (see Figure 14) conveys the second sheet material W2 unwound from the raw material roll (not shown) using, for example, multiple rollers (step C1 in Figure 12). Step C1 in Figure 12 is an example of a second conveying process that conveys the second sheet material W2 for forming the rear member 20, which is the other half of the front and back body (in this case, the back body). Although a detailed explanation is omitted here, the second sheet material W2 may be a sheet material in which multiple layers of sheets are laminated, and the manufacturing process of the garment 1 may include a process of manufacturing the second sheet material W2 which is laminated in multiple layers from multiple sheets.

[0088] The sheet piece joining device 320 (see Figure 13) joins the neckline sheet piece 25, cut from a sheet material (not shown) unwound from a raw material roll (not shown), to the second sheet material W2 being transported by the second sheet material transport device 310 (step C2 in Figure 12). The joining method may be welding or bonding with an adhesive, and can be selected as appropriate. The sheet piece joining device 320 joins the neckline sheet piece 25 to the transported second sheet material W2 so that the neckline member 25a (the part remaining on the rear member 20 as a result of the neckline sheet piece 25 being cut together with the second sheet material W2 in a later process) is positioned at a predetermined location around the neckline 24 on the inner surface of the rear member 20 of the manufactured garment 1. The shape of the neckline sheet piece 25 can be determined as appropriate, but for example, it is rectangular.

[0089] The slitting device 330 (see Figure 14) forms a slit in the direction of transport of the second sheet material W2 in the middle portion of the second sheet material W2 in the width direction (perpendicular to the transport direction of the second sheet material W2) as it is being transported (step C3 in Figure 12). The process in step C3 in Figure 12 is an example of the third forming process. The second sheet material W2, which has been slit by the slitting device 330, is transported in two parts: the second right sheet material W2a and the second left sheet material W2b.

[0090] The following processing is performed on the second right-side sheet material W2a.

[0091] The neck strap joining device 340 joins the second neck strap 22b to the second right-side sheet material W2a as it is being transported (step C4 in Figure 12). The neck strap joining device 340 joins the second neck strap 22b to the second right-side sheet material W2a as it is being transported so that the second neck strap 22b is positioned at a predetermined location on the outer surface of the rear member 20 in the manufactured garment 1. Functionally, the neck strap joining device 340 is the same as the front strap joining devices 140 and 150, differing only in the position of the strap joining and the length of the strap to be joined. To avoid redundancy in this explanation, a detailed description of the neck strap joining device 340 is omitted here.

[0092] The waist tie joining device 350 joins the inner waist tie 21b to the second right sheet material W2a as it is being transported (step C5 in Figure 12). The waist tie joining device 350 joins the inner waist tie 21b to the second right sheet material W2a as it is being transported so that the inner waist tie 21b is positioned at a predetermined location on the inner surface of the rear member 20 in the manufactured garment 1. Functionally, the waist tie joining device 350 is the same as the front tie joining devices 140 and 150, differing only in the tie joining position and the length of the tie being joined. To avoid redundancy in this explanation, a detailed explanation of the neck tie joining device 340 is omitted here.

[0093] The hook-and-loop fastener joining device 360 ​​joins the hook-and-loop fastener 22c to the second right-side sheet material W2a as it is being transported (step C6 in Figure 12). The hook-and-loop fastener joining device 360 ​​joins the hook-and-loop fastener 22c to the second right-side sheet material W2a as it is being transported so that the hook-and-loop fastener 22c is positioned at a predetermined location on the inner surface of the rear member 20 in the manufactured garment 1.

[0094] The adhesive application device 370 (see Figure 14) applies adhesive to the outer surface of the second right-side sheet material W2a as it is being transported (the surface that will become the outer surface of the front member 10 when it becomes garment 1), at the position where the first sleeve member 30R will be joined (step C7 in Figure 12). Specifically, the adhesive application device 370 applies adhesive to the right edge of the second right-side sheet material W2a, at the position where the first sleeve member 30R will come into contact in a later step. The adhesive applied by the adhesive application device 370 is a hot-melt adhesive, although this is not limited to it.

[0095] Next, we will explain the processing performed on the second left sheet material W2b. Note that, for illustrative purposes, steps C8 to C10 are shown after steps C4 to C7, but this does not mean that steps C8 to C10 are executed after steps C4 to C7. Steps C4 to C7 and steps C8 to C10 should be executed in parallel.

[0096] The waist tie joining device 380 joins the outer waist tie 21a to the second left sheet material W2b as it is being transported (step C8 in Figure 12). The waist tie joining device 380 joins the outer waist tie 21a to the second left sheet material W2b as it is being transported so that the outer waist tie 21a is positioned at a predetermined location on the outer surface of the rear member 20 in the manufactured garment 1. Functionally, the waist tie joining device 380 is the same as the front tie joining devices 140 and 150, differing only in the tie joining position and the length of the tie to be joined. To avoid redundancy, a detailed explanation of the waist tie joining device 380 is omitted here.

[0097] The neck strap joining device 390 joins the first neck strap 22a to the second left sheet material W2b as it is being transported (step C9 in Figure 12). The neck strap joining device 390 joins the first neck strap 22a to the second left sheet material W2b as it is being transported so that the first neck strap 22a is positioned at a predetermined location on the outer surface of the rear member 20 in the manufactured garment 1. Functionally, the neck strap joining device 390 is the same as the front strap joining devices 140 and 150, differing only in the position of the strap joining and the length of the strap to be joined. To avoid redundancy, a detailed explanation of the neck strap joining device 390 is omitted here.

[0098] The adhesive application device 400 (see Figure 14) applies adhesive to the outer surface of the second left sheet material W2b as it is being transported (the surface that will become the outer surface of the front member 10 when it becomes garment 1), at the position where the second sleeve member 30L will be joined (step C10 in Figure 12). Specifically, the adhesive application device 400 applies adhesive to the left edge of the second left sheet material W2b, at the position where the second sleeve member 30L will come into contact in a later step. The adhesive applied by the adhesive application device 400 is a hot melt adhesive, although this is not limited to it.

[0099] Let's return to the explanation of the processing performed on the first sheet material W1. Below, we will explain the processing performed on the first sheet material W1, mainly referring to Figures 5, 10, and 15.

[0100] The second sheet material overlapping device 410 (see Figure 15) overlaps the conveyed first sheet material W1 and the conveyed second right sheet material W2a (second sheet material W2) so that the first sleeve member 30R, which is overlapped with the first sheet material W1, is positioned between the first sheet material W1 and the second right sheet material W2a (step A9 in Figure 10). Step A9 in Figure 10 is an example of the second overlapping process.

[0101] Furthermore, when the second sheet material overlapping device 410 overlaps the first sheet material W1 and the second right-side sheet material W2a, it applies heat to the right edge of the second right-side sheet material W2a where the adhesive application device 370 has applied hot-melt adhesive. As a result, the second right-side sheet material W2a and the first sleeve member 30R are joined together. In other words, step A9 in Figure 10 is also part of the joining process that joins the second sheet material W2 (second right-side sheet material W2a) and the sleeve member 30.

[0102] The second sheet material overlapping device 420 (see Figure 15) overlaps the conveyed first sheet material W1 and the conveyed second left sheet material W2b (second sheet material W2) so that the second sleeve member 30L, which is overlapped with the first sheet material W1, is positioned between the first sheet material W1 and the second left sheet material W2b (step A10 in Figure 10). Step A10 in Figure 10 is an example of the second overlapping process.

[0103] Furthermore, when overlapping the first sheet material W1 and the second left-side sheet material W2b, the second sheet material overlapping device 420 applies heat to the left edge of the second left-side sheet material W2b where the adhesive application device 400 has applied hot-melt adhesive. As a result, the second left-side sheet material W2b and the second sleeve member 30L are joined together. In other words, step A10 in Figure 10 is also part of the joining process that joins the second sheet material W2 (second left-side sheet material W2b) and the sleeve member 30.

[0104] After going through steps A9 and A10, the first sheet material W1, the first sleeve member 30R, the second sleeve member 30L, and the second sheet material W2 are arranged in this order, as schematically shown in the dashed-dot area of ​​Figure 15. Also, after going through steps A9 and A10, the first sleeve member 30R and the second sleeve member 30L are sandwiched between the outer surface of the first sheet material W1 (the surface that becomes the outer surface of the front member 10 when it becomes garment 1) and the outer surface of the second sheet material W2 (the surface that becomes the outer surface of the rear member 20 when it becomes garment 1).

[0105] The first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2, which have been stacked after steps A9 and A10, are further transported downstream.

[0106] In the garment manufacturing system 100, one garment 1 is formed from the region Z of the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2, which are transported in an overlapping state. Region Z is the area enclosed by line segment X1, line segment X2, and both edges in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2, as shown in Figure 5. Line segments X1 and X2 are straight lines that extend in the width direction of the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2. Line segments X1 and X2 are placed apart by a length L3 (see Figure 3), which is the total length of the garment 1.

[0107] Garment 1 is manufactured using most of the material in region Z of the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2. The only scraps in region Z of the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 are the portion enclosed by the imaginary line X3 and line segment X1 drawn at the position that will become the neckline of garment 1 (neckline 14 of the front member 10 and neckline 24 of the rear member 20) when formed into garment 1, and the portion enclosed by the imaginary line X4 and line segment X1 drawn at the position that will become the inclined portion of the shoulder of garment 1 (inclined portion 16a of the shoulder portion 16 of the front member 10 and inclined portion 26a of the shoulder portion 26 of the rear member 20) when formed into garment 1. Note that line segment X1 here is a line segment drawn at the position that will become the horizontal portion of the shoulder of garment 1 (horizontal portion 16b of the shoulder portion 16 of the front member 10 and horizontal portion 26b of the shoulder portion 26 of the rear member 20) when formed into garment 1. Furthermore, line segment X2 is a line segment drawn at a position that will become the hem of garment 1 (hem 18 of the front member 10 and hem 28 of the rear member 20) when garment 1 is formed.

[0108] Now, in steps A11 and A12 described below, in order to form a garment 1 from the region Z of the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 which are transported in an overlapping state, the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 are partially joined in region Z to match the shape of the outer edge of the garment 1, and the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 are partially joined in region Z to match the shape of the outer edge of the garment 1. In other words, the processes in steps A11 and A12 are an example of the second forming process.

[0109] In step A11, a garment edge joining device 180, located downstream of the second sheet material overlapping device 420 in the conveying direction of the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2, partially joins the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2.

[0110] Specifically, the garment edge joining device 180 joins the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 in the portion that extends from the side of the garment 1 to the hem when the garment 1 is formed, and in the portion that becomes the shoulder portion of the garment 1 when the garment 1 is formed (the portion shown by the thick solid line).

[0111] In other words, the garment edge joining device 180 joins the edges of the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2, where the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 are in direct contact. Furthermore, the garment edge joining device 180 joins the portion of the first sheet material W1 that will become the shoulder portion 16 of the front member 10 when formed into the garment 1, and the portion of the second sheet material W2 that will become the shoulder portion 26 of the rear member 20 when formed into the garment 1.

[0112] The method of joining the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 using the garment edge joining device 180 may be heat welding or ultrasonic welding. Alternatively, the method of joining the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 using the garment edge joining device 180 may be adhesive bonding.

[0113] In step A12, the garment edge cutting device 190 cuts the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 in the region Z of the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2, which are being transported in an overlapping state, to match the shape of the shoulder portion (the inclined portion 16a of the shoulder portion 16 of the front member 10 and the inclined portion 26a of the shoulder portion 26 of the rear member 20) and the neckline (the neckline 14 of the front member 10 and the neckline 24 of the rear member 20) of the outer edge of the garment 1 (to match the shape).

[0114] To explain in detail using the drawings, in step A12, the garment edge cutting device 190 cuts the portion that will become the inclined portion 16a of the shoulder portion 16 of the front member 10 and the inclined portion 26a of the shoulder portion 26 of the rear member 20 when the garment 1 is formed, as indicated by the thick lines in Figure 9. The garment edge cutting device 190 also cuts the portion that will become the neckline 14 of the front member 10 and the neckline 24 of the rear member 20 when the garment 1 is formed, as indicated by the thick lines in Figure 9. The garment edge cutting device 190 also cuts the portion of line segment 17 that connects one end of the neckline 14 of the front member 10 and the neckline 24 of the rear member 20 to the other end of the neckline 14 of the front member 10 and the neckline 24 of the rear member 20, as indicated by the thick lines in Figure 9. The scrap material generated at this time (the portion that will become the neckline 14 of the front member 10 and the neckline 24 of the rear member 20 when formed into garment 1, and the portion enclosed by the line segment 17) is collected by a scrap material collection device (not shown).

[0115] On the other hand, the garment edge cutting device 190 does not cut the parts that become the horizontal part 16b of the shoulder portion 16 of the front member 10 and the horizontal part 26b of the shoulder portion 26 of the rear member 20 when formed into garment 1, as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 9. By not cutting the parts that become the horizontal part 16b of the shoulder portion 16 of the front member 10 and the horizontal part 26b of the shoulder portion 26 of the rear member 20 when formed into garment 1, even if the garment edge cutting device 190 cuts the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2, the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 downstream of the cut by the garment edge cutting device 190 remain connected to the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 upstream of the cut by the garment edge cutting device 190. Therefore, if the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 are transported downstream of the area cut by the garment edge cutting device 190, the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 upstream of the area cut by the garment edge cutting device 190 can also be transported.

[0116] In step A12, the garment edge cutting device 190 does not need to cut the portion of line segment 17, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 10.

[0117] The first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2, which have been processed by the garment edge cutting device 190, are then transported further downstream.

[0118] The folding device 195 (see Figure 15) folds both ends of the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2, which are transported in an overlapping state after processing by the body edge cutting device 190, in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 are transported (third direction D3, see Figure 5), inward along the third direction (step A13 in Figure 10). As a result, the width of the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 as they are transported is reduced in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0119] The first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2, folded by the folding device 195, are transported further downstream. The separation device 200, located downstream of the folding device 195, separates the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 for one garment 1 (in other words, the portion of region Z used in the manufacture of garment 1) from the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2, which are transported in a stacked state (step A14 in Figure 10). In other words, the separation device 200 separates the garment 1 formed in the second forming process (steps A11 and A12) from the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2. The process in step A14 is an example of a separation process, and by going through the process in step A14, one garment 1 is separated from the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 and becomes independent of the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2. The scraps generated at this time are collected by a scrap collection device (not shown).

[0120] After step A14, in order to further compact the garment 1, the garment manufacturing system 100 may have a device for further folding the garment 1. A detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0121] (3) Features The characteristics of the manufacturing method for the garment 1 of the above embodiment will be described below.

[0122] (3-1) The method for manufacturing the garment 1 according to the above embodiment comprises a first conveying step (step A1), a second conveying step (step C1), a first forming step (steps B5, B6, B7), a first overlapping step (steps A7, A8), a second overlapping step (steps A9, A10), a second forming step (steps A11, A12), and a separation step (step A14). In the first conveying step, a first sheet material W1 for forming a front member 10 (front body) as an example of a first member is conveyed. In the second conveying step, a second sheet material W2 for forming a rear member 20 (back body) as an example of a second member is conveyed. In the first forming step, the conveyed third sheet material W3 and the conveyed fourth sheet material W4 are overlapped, and the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, which are conveyed in an overlapped state, are partially joined and cut at a predetermined position to form a tubular sleeve member 30. In the first overlapping step, the first sheet material W1 and the sleeve member 30 are overlapped. In the second overlapping step, the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 are overlapped so that the sleeve member 30, which has been overlapped with the first sheet material W1, is positioned between the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2. In particular, in the above embodiment, in the second overlapping step, the first sheet material W1 and the second right sheet material W2a are overlapped so that the first sleeve member 30R, which has been overlapped with the first sheet material W1, is positioned between the first sheet material W1 and the second right sheet material W2a. Also in the above embodiment, in the second overlapping step, the first sheet material W1 and the second left sheet material W2b are overlapped so that the second sleeve member 30L, which has been overlapped with the first sheet material W1, is positioned between the first sheet material W1 and the second left sheet material W2b. In the second forming step, the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2, which are transported in an overlapping state, are partially joined to match the shape of the outer edge of garment 1. Also in the second forming step, the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2, which are transported in an overlapping state, are partially cut to match the shape of the outer edge of garment 1. In the separation step, the garment formed in the second forming step is separated from the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2.

[0123] In the method for manufacturing the garment 1 described above, the garment 1 can be manufactured using a relatively simple process, and the garment 1 can be manufactured efficiently.

[0124] Furthermore, in the garment manufacturing method of the above embodiment, the sleeve member 30 is positioned between the first sheet material W1 for forming the front member 10 and the second sheet material W2 for forming the rear member 20. As a result, the outer surface of the front member 10 and the sleeve member 30 can be covered by the rear member 20. Consequently, in the garment manufacturing method of the above embodiment, the occurrence of contamination of the outer surface of the front member 10 or the sleeve member 30 of the manufactured garment 1 by human hands or other objects can be suppressed, and a hygienically superior garment can be manufactured.

[0125] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the garment 1 according to the above embodiment, since the inner side of the rear member 20 is exposed to the outside of the garment 1 before wearing, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of contamination of the outer surface of the rear member 20 by human hands, etc., before wearing, and thus it is possible to manufacture a garment that is superior in hygiene.

[0126] (3-2) The method for manufacturing the garment 1 according to the above embodiment includes a third forming step (step C3). In the third forming step, a slit is formed in the second sheet material W2 along the direction in which the second sheet material is conveyed.

[0127] The manufacturing method for the garment 1 according to the above embodiment suppresses contamination of the outer surface of the front member 10 (front body) and the sleeve member 30 by the rear member 20 (back body) before wearing the garment 1, and when wearing the garment 1, the rear member 20 can be easily positioned on the rear side of the body. In short, the manufacturing method for the garment 1 according to the above embodiment makes it possible to manufacture a garment 1 that is hygienic and easy to wear.

[0128] (3-3) In the garment 1 manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the above embodiment, the dimensions of the opening of the cuff 32 of the sleeve member 30 are smaller than the dimensions of the opening of the armhole 34 of the sleeve member 30. In the sleeve member formation process, the first sleeve member 30R and the second sleeve member 30L are alternately formed from the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, which are transported in a first direction D1 while stacked together. The first sleeve member 30R is a sleeve member 30 in which the cuff 32 is positioned on one end side in the second direction D2, which is perpendicular to the first direction D1, in the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, which are transported in the first direction D1 while stacked together. The second sleeve member 30L is a sleeve member 30 in which the cuff 32 is positioned on the other end side (opposite side from the first sleeve member 30R) in the second direction D2, which is perpendicular to the first direction D1, in the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, which are transported in the first direction D1 while stacked together.

[0129] In the garment 1 manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the above embodiment, the sleeve member 30 of the garment 1 has a small opening at the cuff 32 and a large opening at the armhole 34. Therefore, the garment manufactured by this method allows for easy arm movement when worn, and the cuff 32 does not interfere with work.

[0130] In the first sleeve member 30R, the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, which are transported in an overlapping state, have a cuff 32 at one end in the second direction D2 (referred to as the first end), which may require a small amount of sheet material, and an armhole 34 at the other end in the second direction D2 (referred to as the second end), which requires a large amount of sheet material. On the other hand, in the second sleeve member 30L, the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, which are transported in an overlapping state, have a cuff 32 at the second end in the second direction D2, which may require a small amount of sheet material, and an armhole 34 at the first end in the second direction D2, which requires a large amount of sheet material. Therefore, by using this garment manufacturing method, the amount of material required to manufacture the sleeve member 30 can be reduced compared to the case where only the sleeve member 30 corresponding to the first sleeve member 30R or the second sleeve member 30L is continuously manufactured from the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4.

[0131] (3-4) The method for manufacturing the garment 1 according to the above embodiment comprises a first arrangement step (step B2) and a second arrangement step (step B4). In the first arrangement step, the stretch material E is placed at both ends of the conveyed third sheet material W3 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the third sheet material W3 is conveyed. In the second arrangement step, the stretch material E is placed at both ends of the conveyed fourth sheet material W4 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fourth sheet material W4 is conveyed.

[0132] In this method of manufacturing garment 1, since the elastic material E is placed at both ends of the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, the elastic material E can be provided at the cuff 32 of the sleeve member 30. As a result, in garment 1 manufactured by this method, the cuff 32 can be tightened with the elastic material E, the cuff 32 is less likely to get in the way of work, and foreign objects are less likely to enter the garment 1 from the cuff 32.

[0133] (3-5) In the manufacturing method of the garment 1 of the above embodiment, the elastic material E is placed in both the portion that will become the cuff 32 of the sleeve member 30 and the portion that will become the armhole 34 of the sleeve member 30. The manufacturing method of the garment 1 includes a cutting step of cutting the elastic material E that is attached to the portion that will become the armhole 34 of the sleeve member 30.

[0134] If elastic material E is present in the armhole 34 portion of the sleeve member 30, wrinkles may form in the sheet materials W3 and W4 that make up the sleeve member 30, or in the first sheet material W1 or second sheet material W2 to which the sleeve member 30 is attached, during the manufacturing of the garment 1, which may prevent the garment 1 from being manufactured properly. In addition, the presence of elastic material E in the armhole 34 portion of the sleeve member 30 may interfere with wearing the garment 1.

[0135] In contrast, in this method of manufacturing garment 1, the elastic material E attached to the armhole 34 portion of the sleeve member 30 is cut, thus preventing situations where the elastic material E interferes with the manufacturing of garment 1 or interferes with wearing garment 1.

[0136] (3-6) The manufacturing method for the garment 1 of the above embodiment includes a joining process (steps A7, A8, A9, A10). The joining process is performed before joining the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2. In the joining process, the first sheet material W1 and the sleeve member 30 are joined, and the second sheet material W2 and the sleeve member 30 are joined.

[0137] In this method of manufacturing garment 1, positional displacement of the sleeve member 30 relative to the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 during the manufacturing process can be suppressed.

[0138] (3-7) In the manufacturing method of the garment 1 according to the above embodiment, the ends (16c, 26c) of the shoulder portion of the garment 1 (shoulder portion 16 of the front member 10 and shoulder portion 26 of the rear member 20) on the sleeve member 30 side of the garment 1 are positioned closer to the hem of the garment 1 (hem 18 of the front member 10 and hem 28 of the rear member 20) than the ends (16d, 26d) of the shoulder portion of the garment 1 on the neckline side of the garment 1 (neckline 14 of the front member 10 and neckline 24 of the rear member 20). In the second forming step, the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 are cut to match the shape of at least a portion of the shoulder portion of the outer edge of the garment 1 (inclined portion 16a of the shoulder portion 16 of the front member 10 and inclined portion 26a of the shoulder portion 26 of the rear member 20).

[0139] Garment 1 manufactured using this method has a shape in which the shoulder area slopes downward from the neckline towards the sleeve. Therefore, garment 1 manufactured using this method fits the body well.

[0140] (3-8) The method for manufacturing the garment 1 of the above embodiment includes a folding step (step A13). The folding step is performed on the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2, which are transported in a superimposed state in a third direction D3 after the second molding step (steps A11, A12) and before the separation step (step A14). In the folding step, both ends of the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 in a direction perpendicular to the third direction D3 are folded inward along the third direction D3.

[0141] This method of manufacturing garment 1 makes it possible to make the manufactured garment 1 more compact.

[0142] (4) Variations Modifications of the above embodiment are described below. Note that the following modifications may be combined as appropriate, provided they are not contradictory.

[0143] (4-1) Variation A The positions and number of fastening strings and hook-and-loop fasteners provided on the front member 10 and rear member 20 are illustrative examples and can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the fastening strings and hook-and-loop fasteners may be omitted as appropriate.

[0144] (4-2) Modification B In step C3 of the above embodiment, a slit is formed in the second sheet material W2 along the direction in which the second sheet material W2 is conveyed.

[0145] However, the process is not limited to this, and in step C3, perforations may be formed on the second sheet material W2 along the direction in which the second sheet material W2 is transported, instead of slits. In this case, the second sheet material W2 is not separated. Therefore, steps C4 to C10 in Figure 12 are performed on a single sheet material (second sheet material W2). In this case, the second right sheet material W2a and the second left sheet material W2b are not superimposed on the first sheet material W1 in two separate steps as in steps A9 and A10 in Figure 10, but rather the second sheet material W2 is superimposed on the first sheet material W1 in a single step. In this case, the garment 1 manufactured will not have the configuration in which the right rear member 20R and the left rear member 20L overlap, as in the above embodiment. When wearing garment 1 (see Figure 16), which has perforations 23 instead of slits, an assistant or other person assisting with putting on garment 1 will cut out the perforated portion 23 and then position the rear member 20 on the back side of the wearer.

[0146] Furthermore, step C3 may be omitted. In this case, when putting on garment 1, an assistant or other person assisting with putting on garment 1 will cut the rear member 20 at a predetermined location along the vertical direction (for example, by cutting the rear member 20 along the cutting lines drawn on the rear member 20) and position the rear member 20 on the back side of the wearer.

[0147] (4-3) Modification C In the above embodiment, the first sheet material W1 and the sleeve member 30 are superimposed, and then the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 are superimposed. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the second sheet material W2 and the sleeve member 30 may be superimposed, and then the second sheet material W2 and the first sheet material W1 may be superimposed.

[0148] (4-4) Modification D In the garment 1 manufactured by the manufacturing method of the above embodiment, the dimensions of the opening of the cuff 32 of the sleeve member 30 are smaller than the dimensions of the opening of the armhole 34 of the sleeve member 30. However, it is not limited to this, and the dimensions of the opening of the cuff 32 of the sleeve member 30 and the dimensions of the opening of the armhole 34 of the sleeve member 30 may be the same. In other words, the thickness of the sleeve member 30 may be uniform.

[0149] (4-5) Modification E In the manufacturing method of the above embodiment, a sleeve member 30 for the right sleeve and a sleeve member 30 for the left sleeve are manufactured from a third sheet material W3 and a fourth sheet material W4. However, the method is not limited to this, and the sleeve member 30 for the right sleeve may be manufactured from a pair of sheet materials, while the sleeve member 30 for the left sleeve may be manufactured from a different pair of sheet materials. In other words, the sleeve member 30 for the right sleeve and the sleeve member 30 for the left sleeve may be manufactured using different equipment. However, in this case, separate manufacturing equipment for the right sleeve and manufacturing equipment for the left sleeve would be required, which could lead to an increase in the cost of the garment manufacturing system.

[0150] (4-6) Modification F In the manufacturing method of the above embodiment, the joining of the first sheet material W1 and the sleeve member 30 and the joining of the second sheet material W2 and the sleeve member 30 are completed in steps A7, A8, A9, and A10.

[0151] However, this is not limited to the above, and in steps A7, A8, A9, and A10, temporary fastening of the first sheet material W1 to the sleeve member 30 and temporary fastening of the second sheet material W2 to the sleeve member 30 may be performed. Then, in step A11, when the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 are joined, the first sheet material W1 and the sleeve member 30 and the second sheet material W2 and the sleeve member 30 may also be joined. Even when heat welding or ultrasonic welding is selected as the joining means, by adjusting the output, it is possible to join the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 to the sleeve member 30 while avoiding welding of the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4.

[0152] (4-7) Modification G The method for manufacturing garment 1 described in the above embodiment is merely one example of the present invention and can be modified as appropriate.

[0153] For example, in the above embodiment, the expansion material E is attached to the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, but this step may be omitted.

[0154] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, the garment 1 is separated from the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2 after the folding device 195 has folded the garment 1, but conversely, the garment 1 may be folded after it has been separated from the first sheet material W1 and the second sheet material W2.

[0155] (4-8) Modification H The garment 1 described in the above embodiment has shoulder portions 16 and 26 that have inclined portions 16a and 26a, but is not limited to this. The shoulder portions 16 and 26 may be entirely composed of horizontal portions 16b and 26b.

[0156] (4-9) Modification I In the garment manufacturing method of the above embodiment, by cutting the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4 that are conveyed in the first direction D1 (solely by joining and cutting the two sheets), sleeve members 30 with a cuff 32 positioned on one end in the second direction D2 which is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and sleeve members 30 with a cuff 32 positioned on the other end in the second direction D2 are alternately formed.

[0157] However, the garment manufacturing method of this disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in the garment manufacturing method of this disclosure, the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, which are conveyed in the first direction D1, may be cut (through joining and cutting of both sheets) to initially form only the sleeve member 30, on one end side in the second direction D2 which is perpendicular to the first direction D1. After forming the sleeve member 30, the conveying orientation of the sleeve member 30 may be changed while conveying the sleeve member 30 so that sleeve member 30 with a cuff 32 on one end side in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and sleeve member 30 with a cuff 32 on the other end side in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction are arranged alternately along the conveying direction.

[0158] Even with this configuration, as a result, both a sleeve member used as the right sleeve and a sleeve member 30 used as the left sleeve are manufactured from the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4.

[0159] (4-10) Modification J In the manufacturing method of the above embodiment, the sleeve edge cutting device 240 cuts each of the joints between the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4 made by the sleeve edge joining device 230, along the direction in which the joint extends, at the center of the joint. At the end of this process, as shown in Figure 17, the joint J (the hatched portion) between the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4 protrudes outward from the sleeve member 30.

[0160] If the garment 1 is manufactured with the joint J between the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4 protruding outwards in the sleeve member 30 (i.e., the garment 1 is manufactured in such a way that the joint J is positioned on the outside when worn), then when the garment 1 is used, the joint J may get caught on or come into contact with the patient's organs, for example during surgery, potentially causing inadvertent injury to the patient's organs. Furthermore, such a garment 1 may also have a reduced appearance.

[0161] From this perspective, the manufacturing method of garment 1 may include a turning-in-the-inside step. The turning-in-the-inside step is performed before the sleeve member 30 formed in the first forming step is superimposed on the first sheet material in the first superimposing step. The turning-inside step is performed by turning the sleeve member 30 inside out so that the surface of the sleeve member 30 that was positioned on the outside during the first forming step is positioned on the inside.

[0162] The inversion process specifically involves, for example, in a sleeve member formed in the first forming process, with the first surface F1 (the side where the joint J is exposed) facing outward as shown in Figure 17, grasping the cuff 32 side and moving the cuff 32 so that it passes through the opening formed between the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4 on the armhole 34 side, thereby positioning the first surface F1 inside the cylindrical sleeve member 30.

[0163] An example of the process for forming the sleeve member 30, including the reversal process, will be explained with reference to Figure 18. Here, as in Modification I, the example will be described in which only the sleeve member 30, in which the cuff 32 is positioned on one end in the second direction D2, is formed by joining and cutting the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4 that are conveyed in the first direction D1.

[0164] The process for forming the sleeve member 30 described here is the same as that for the sleeve member 30 forming process of the above embodiment, except that steps B2 and B4 differ slightly from steps B1 to B6 in Figure 18. Therefore, only the differences will be explained here.

[0165] Here, by joining and cutting the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, only the sleeve member 30, on which the cuff 32 is positioned at one end in the second direction D2, is formed. Therefore, in steps B2 and B4, it is not necessary to place the expansion material E at both ends of the second direction D2; the expansion material E only needs to be placed on the side of the second direction D2 that will become the cuff 32. In addition, in the manufacturing flow of Figure 18, since the expansion material E is not placed on the armhole 34 side, the step of cutting the expansion material E on the armhole 34 side is also unnecessary.

[0166] In step B7a, similar to the embodiment described above, the sleeve edge cutting device 240 cuts each of the joints made by the sleeve edge joining device 230 of the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, which are transported in the first direction D1 in an overlapping state, at the center of the joint along the direction in which the joint extends. However, preferably, the sleeve edge cutting device 240 does not cut the entire third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4 in the second direction D2. Therefore, at the end of step B7a, the sleeve member 30 formed through the configuration of step B7a is connected to the adjacent sleeve member 30 in the first direction D1 on the armhole 34 side in the second direction D2 (see Figure 18).

[0167] Next, at the position indicated by reference numeral R1 in Figure 18, the sleeve member 30 is turned inside out by a turning device (blower, suction device, robot arm, etc.). The method of turning it inside out is as described above.

[0168] Subsequently, at the position indicated by reference numeral B7b in Figure 18, adjacent sleeve members 30 in the first direction D1 are separated by the cutting device, and the sleeve members 30 become independent of each other.

[0169] After step B7b is completed, the sleeve member 30 is transported to the next process by the position adjustment devices 245, 250 in the same manner as in step B8 of the above embodiment (step B8a). However, in the flow shown in Figure 18, by joining and cutting the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4 (through the processes of step B6 and step B7a), only sleeve member 30 with a cuff 32 positioned on one end in the second direction D2 is formed. Therefore, in step B8a, the position adjustment devices 245, 250 also perform the process of changing the transport posture of the sleeve member 30 so that sleeve member 30 with a cuff 32 positioned on one end in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction and sleeve member 30 with a cuff 32 positioned on the other end in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction are alternately arranged along the transport direction of the sleeve member 30, as described in Modification I.

[0170] Note that the process for forming the sleeve member 30, as described with reference to Figure 18, is merely an example and may be modified as appropriate.

[0171] For example, the reversal process R1 may be performed after the sleeve members 30 have become independent members.

[0172] Furthermore, the reversal process R1 may also be employed when, as described in the above embodiment, the third sheet material W3 and the fourth sheet material W4, which are conveyed in the first direction D1, are cut (by joining and cutting both sheets alone) to alternately form a sleeve member 30 with a cuff 32 positioned on one end in the second direction D2, which is perpendicular to the first direction D1, and a sleeve member 30 with a cuff 32 positioned on the other end in the second direction D2.

[0173] <Note> Finally, the technical concepts that can be understood from the above embodiments and alternative examples (modifications) are added below.

[0174] A method for manufacturing a garment according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a first conveying step, a second conveying step, a first forming step, a first overlapping step, a second overlapping step, a second forming step, and a separation step. In the first conveying step, a first sheet material for forming a first member is conveyed. In the second conveying step, a second sheet material for forming a second member is conveyed. The first member is one of the front body and the back body, and the second member is the other of the front body and the back body. In the first forming step, a conveyed third sheet material and a conveyed fourth sheet material are overlapped, the third sheet material and the fourth sheet material, which are conveyed in an overlapped state, are partially joined, and a tubular sleeve member is formed by cutting at a predetermined position. In the first overlapping step, the conveyed first sheet material and the sleeve member are overlapped. In the second overlapping step, the first and second sheets being transported are overlapped so that the sleeve member, which is overlapped with the first sheet, is positioned between the first and second sheets. In the second forming step, the first and second sheets, which are being transported in an overlapping state, are partially joined to match the shape of the outer edge of the garment. Also in the second forming step, the first and second sheets, which are being transported in an overlapping state, are partially cut to match the shape of the outer edge of the garment. In the separation step, the garment formed in the second forming step is separated from the first and second sheets.

[0175] In the first aspect of garment manufacturing, garments can be manufactured using relatively simple processes, and garments can be manufactured efficiently.

[0176] Furthermore, in the garment manufacturing method according to the first aspect, since the sleeve member is positioned between the first sheet material for forming the first member and the second sheet material for forming the second member, the outer surface (front) of the front body and the sleeve member can be covered by the back body. As a result, the garment manufacturing method according to the first aspect makes it possible to manufacture a hygienically superior garment that can suppress the occurrence of situations in which the outer surface of the front body or the sleeve member of the manufactured garment is contaminated by human hands or other objects coming into contact with it.

[0177] A method for manufacturing clothing according to a second aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing clothing according to a first aspect, further comprising a third forming step. In the third forming step, slits or perforations are formed in a first sheet material along the direction in which the first sheet material is transported. Alternatively, in the third forming step, slits or perforations are formed in a second sheet material along the direction in which the second sheet material is transported.

[0178] In the garment manufacturing method relating to the second aspect, slits or perforations can be formed in the back panel component. As a result, before wearing the garment, contamination of the back panel with the outer surface of the front panel and the sleeve components can be suppressed, while when wearing the garment, the back panel can be easily positioned on the back side of the body. In short, the garment manufacturing method relating to the second aspect makes it possible to manufacture garments that are hygienic and easy to wear.

[0179] A method for manufacturing a garment according to a third aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a garment according to the first or second aspect, wherein in the garment manufactured by the manufacturing method, the dimensions of the opening of the cuff of the sleeve member are smaller than the dimensions of the opening of the armhole of the sleeve member. In the sleeve member formation step, a first sleeve member and a second sleeve member are alternately formed from a third sheet material and a fourth sheet material that are conveyed in a first direction while overlapping. The first sleeve member is a sleeve member in which the cuff is located on one end side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in the third sheet material and the fourth sheet material that are conveyed in a first direction while overlapping. The second sleeve member is a sleeve member in which the cuff is located on the other end side (opposite side from the first sleeve member) in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in the third sheet material and the fourth sheet material that are conveyed in a first direction while overlapping.

[0180] The sleeve components of garments manufactured using the garment manufacturing method according to the third perspective have a small opening at the cuff and a large opening at the armhole. Therefore, the garment manufacturing method according to the third perspective makes it possible to manufacture garments that allow for easy arm movement when worn and whose cuffs do not interfere with work.

[0181] In the first sleeve member, the third and fourth sheet materials, which are transported in an overlapping state, have a cuff at one end in the second direction (referred to as the first end) that can use a small amount of sheet material, and an armhole at the other end in the second direction (referred to as the second end) that requires a large amount of sheet material. On the other hand, in the second sleeve member, the third and fourth sheet materials, which are transported in an overlapping state, have a cuff at the second end in the second direction that can use a small amount of sheet material, and an armhole at the first end in the second direction that requires a large amount of sheet material. Therefore, by using the garment manufacturing method relating to the third viewpoint, the generation of scrap material in the manufacture of sleeve members can be suppressed compared to the case where only sleeve members corresponding to the first or second sleeve member are continuously manufactured from the third and fourth sheet materials.

[0182] A method for manufacturing clothing according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing clothing according to a third aspect, further comprising a first arrangement step and a second arrangement step. In the first arrangement step, expandable material is placed at both ends of a third sheet material being transported in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the third sheet material is transported. In the second arrangement step, expandable material is placed at both ends of a fourth sheet material being transported in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fourth sheet material is transported.

[0183] In the garment manufacturing method relating to the fourth aspect, since elastic material is placed at both ends of the third and fourth sheets in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the third and fourth sheets, elastic material can be provided at the cuff of the sleeve member. Therefore, in garments manufactured by the manufacturing method relating to the fourth aspect, the cuff can be tightened with the elastic material, the cuff is less likely to interfere with work, and foreign objects are less likely to enter the garment from the cuff.

[0184] A method for manufacturing a garment according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a garment according to the fourth aspect, wherein the elastic material is placed in both the portion that becomes the cuff of the sleeve member and the portion that becomes the armhole of the sleeve member. The method for manufacturing a garment further comprises a cutting step of cutting the elastic material that is attached to the portion that becomes the armhole of the sleeve member.

[0185] If elastic material is present in the armhole portion of the sleeve, wrinkles may form in the sheet forming the sleeve, or in the first or second sheet material to which the sleeve is attached, during garment manufacturing, potentially preventing the garment from being manufactured properly. Furthermore, the presence of elastic material in the armhole portion of the sleeve may interfere with wearing the garment.

[0186] In contrast, in the garment manufacturing method relating to the fifth perspective, the elastic material attached to the armhole portion of the sleeve member is cut, thus preventing situations where the elastic material interferes with garment manufacturing or with wearing the garment.

[0187] A garment manufacturing method according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is a garment manufacturing method according to any of the first or fifth aspects, further comprising a joining step. The joining step is performed before joining the first sheet material and the second sheet material. In the joining step, the first sheet material and the sleeve member are joined, and the second sheet material and the sleeve member are joined.

[0188] In the garment manufacturing method relating to the sixth aspect, positional displacement of the sleeve member relative to the first and second sheet materials during the manufacturing process can be suppressed.

[0189] A method for manufacturing a garment according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a garment according to any of the first or sixth aspects, wherein the end of the shoulder portion of the garment on the sleeve side of the garment is positioned closer to the hem of the garment than the end of the shoulder portion of the garment on the neckline side of the garment. In the second forming step, the first sheet material and the second sheet material are cut to match the shape of at least a portion of the shoulder portion of the outer edge of the garment.

[0190] The shoulder portion of garments manufactured using the manufacturing method described in the seventh aspect has a shape that slopes downward from the neckline towards the sleeve. Therefore, garments manufactured using the manufacturing method described in the seventh aspect tend to fit the body well.

[0191] A method for manufacturing garments according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing garments according to any of the first or seventh aspects of the present invention, further comprising a folding step. The folding step is performed on the first sheet material and the second sheet material, which are transported in a superimposed state in a third direction after the second forming step and before the separation step. In the folding step, both ends of the first sheet material and the second sheet material in a direction perpendicular to the third direction are folded inward along the third direction.

[0192] The garment manufacturing method related to the eighth perspective allows for the garment to be made more compact.

[0193] A method for manufacturing a garment according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a garment according to any of the first or eighth aspects, further comprising a turning step. The turning step is performed before the sleeve member formed in the first forming step is superimposed on the first sheet material in the first overlapping step. In the turning step, the sleeve member is turned inside out so that the surface of the sleeve member that was positioned on the outside during the first forming step is positioned on the inside.

[0194] In the garment manufacturing method according to the ninth perspective, the joint between the third and fourth sheet materials of the sleeve member can be positioned inside the sleeve member, thus preventing the joint from protruding outwards and interfering with the wearer's work. Furthermore, in the garment manufacturing method according to the ninth perspective, the joint between the third and fourth sheet materials of the sleeve member can be positioned inside the sleeve member, resulting in a better appearance for the manufactured garment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0195] 1 clothing 10 Front member (first member) 14 Neckline 16 Shoulder area 16a Slope 16b Horizontal section 20 Rear member (second member) 23 perforations 24 Neckline 26 Shoulder area 26a Slope 26b Horizontal part 30 Sleeve component 30R First sleeve member 30L Second sleeve component 32 Cuffs 34 armholes E Elastic material W1 First Sheet Material W2 Second Sheet Material W3 Third Sheet Material W4 4th Sheet Material

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing clothing, A first conveying step for conveying a first sheet material for forming a first component which is one of the front and back panels, A second conveying step for conveying a second sheet material for forming a second member which is the other half of the front body and the back body, A first forming step involves overlapping a third sheet material and a fourth sheet material being transported, partially joining the third and fourth sheet materials while they are overlapped, and cutting them at a predetermined position to form a cylindrical sleeve member. A first overlapping step involves overlapping the first sheet material and the sleeve member that are being transported, A second overlapping step involves overlapping the conveyed first sheet material and the conveyed second sheet material so that the sleeve member, which is superimposed on the first sheet material, is positioned between the first sheet material and the second sheet material. A second forming step involves partially joining the first and second sheet materials, which are transported in an overlapping state, to match the shape of the outer edge of the garment, and partially cutting the first and second sheet materials, which are transported in an overlapping state, to match the shape of the outer edge of the garment. A separation step is to separate the garment formed in the second forming step from the first sheet material and the second sheet material, Equipped with, The dimensions of the opening at the cuff of the sleeve member are smaller than the dimensions of the opening at the armhole of the sleeve member. In the first forming step, the third and fourth sheet materials, which are transported in a stacked state in a first direction, alternately form a first sleeve member, in which the cuff is positioned at one end in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a second sleeve member, in which the cuff is positioned at the other end in the second direction. The method for manufacturing the aforementioned garment is: A first arrangement step involves placing expansion materials at both ends of the third sheet material being transported in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the third sheet material is transported, A second arrangement step involves placing expansion materials at both ends of the fourth sheet material being transported in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fourth sheet material is transported, Furthermore, The aforementioned expandable material is arranged in both the portion of the sleeve member that becomes the cuff and the portion of the sleeve member that becomes the armhole. The method for manufacturing the garment further comprises a cutting step of cutting the elastic material that is attached to the armhole portion of the sleeve member. A method for manufacturing clothing.

2. The invention further comprises a step of forming slits or perforations in the first sheet material along the direction in which the first sheet material is transported, or a third forming step of forming slits or perforations in the second sheet material along the direction in which the second sheet material is transported. A method for manufacturing clothing according to claim 1.

3. The method further includes a joining step of joining the first sheet material and the sleeve member, and joining the second sheet material and the sleeve member, before joining the first sheet material and the second sheet material. A method for manufacturing clothing according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The end of the shoulder portion of the garment on the sleeve side is positioned closer to the hem of the garment than the end of the shoulder portion of the garment on the neckline side of the garment. In the second forming step, the first sheet material and the second sheet material are cut to match the shape of at least a portion of the shoulder portion of the outer edge of the garment. A method for manufacturing clothing according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The method further comprises a folding step performed on the first and second sheet materials, which are transported in a third direction in an overlapping state after the second forming step and before the separation step, in which both ends of the first and second sheet materials in a direction perpendicular to the third direction are folded inward along the third direction. A method for manufacturing clothing according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The invention further comprises a reversal step, which is performed before the sleeve member formed in the first forming step is superimposed on the first sheet material in the first superimposing step, in which the sleeve member is turned inside out so that the surface of the sleeve member that was positioned on the outside during the first forming step is positioned on the inside, A method for manufacturing clothing according to claim 1 or 2.

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