Pucker free garment side seam and method for production

• US 6,079,343 A
• Filed: 01/06/1997
• Issued: 06/27/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 05/17/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Taltech Limited
• Original Assignee: Taltech Limited
• Inventors: Wong, John
• Primary Examiner(s): Izaguirre, Ismael
• Application Number:
  US08/782,002
• Time in Patent Office: 1,268 Days
• Field of Search: 112/441, 112/475.09, 112/426, 112/423, 2/275, 2/247, 2/115, 2/122, 2/248, 2/125, 156/93
• US Class Current: 112/475.09
• CPC Class Codes: A41B 1/08 Details
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 27/10 Sleeves; Armholes
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 27/20 Pockets; Making or setting-in pockets
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 27/24 Hems; Seams
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/18 using heated tools
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/4815 Hot melt adhesives, e.g. thermoplastic adhesives
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/5007 characterised by the structure of said adhesive tape, threads or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/5057 positioned between the surfaces to be joined B29C65/5035 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/62 Stitching
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/72 by combined operations or combined techniques, e.g. welding and stitching
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/1122 Single lap to lap joints, i.e. overlap joints B29C66/45, B29C66/472, B29C66/52272 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/1352 Single hem to hem joints
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/43 Joining a relatively small portion of the surface of said articles B29C66/45 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/729 Textile or other fibrous material made from plastics
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/485 Jackets

Abstract

A pucker free garment seam providing a garment with a tailored and wrinkle free appearance. The pucker free seam and method for production utilizes a bonding strip which contains at least a thermal adhesive component which is inserted between first and second garment components sewn together along the seam. A sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the seam which causes the adhesive of the bonding strip to flow onto the surfaces of the garment components and into interstices thereby creating a seam and permanently bonding the first and second garment components together along the seam to eliminate puckering associated with shrinkage of the sewing thread.

Claims

1. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment component and a second garment component, said method comprising the steps:

(a) placing the first garment component having a first and a second surface in an adjacent relationship to a second garment component having a first surface and a second surface so as to define a seam;

(b) reverse folding an edge portion of the first garment component over an edge portion of the second garment component along the seam wherein the first surface of the first garment component overlaps and abuts the first surface of the second garment component;

(c) placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive having a first surface and a second surface along the seam such that the second surface of the bonding strip abuts the reverse folded edge portion of the second surface of the first garment component;

(d) sewing the first and second garment components and the bonding strip together by a set stitch running along the seam;

(e) reverse folding the second garment component over the bonding strip such that the first surface of the second garment component is folded over and abuts against the first surface of the bonding strip while maintaining the bonding strip in a substantially planar condition;

(f) sewing at least one top stitch through the reverse folded second garment component, the bonding strip, the reverse folded edge portion of the first garment component, an edge portion of the second garment component and the first garment component along the seam; and

(g) applying sufficient heat and pressure to said bonding strip to cause the thermal adhesive to melt such that said adhesive flows onto the reverse folded portion of the second surface of the first garment component along the second surface of the bonding strip and concomitantly onto the reverse folded portion of the first surface of the second garment component along the first surface of the bonding strip to provide a bond along the seam and around the top stitch such that the bonded components will effectively reduce a tendency of the seam to exhibit pucker following laundering operations.

2. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive comprises placing a bonding strip composed of a thermoplastic material.

3. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive comprises placing a bonding strip composed of a thermoplastic material selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, olefinic, polyurethane, and ethylene vinylacetate copolymer materials.

4. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive comprises placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive having a melting point ranging from approximately 60 to 160 degrees Celsius.

5. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive comprises placing a bonding strip comprised of a thermal adhesive net having a density of approximately 8 to 80 grams per square meter.

6. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said step of placing the first garment component comprises placing a front panel of a dress shirt in an adjacent relationship to the second garment component comprising a back panel of a dress shirt such that said seam comprises a side seam of a dress shirt.

7. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said step of placing the first garment component comprises placing said garment component such that said seam comprises a seam of a dress shirt.

8. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 1 wherein:

the step of applying heat and pressure comprises ironing and pressing.

9. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 8 wherein:

the step of ironing and pressing comprises carrying out the process at a temperature of from 60 to 160 degrees Celsius for 5 to 10 seconds.

10. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip comprises placing between the reverse folded second surface of the first garment component and the reverse folded first surface of the second garment component a thermal adhesive web composed of a thermal adhesive.

11. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 10 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive comprises placing a bonding strip comprised of a thermal adhesive web composed of a plurality of adhesive filaments having a diameter ranging from approximately between 20 to 80 microns.

12. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 10 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive comprises placing a bonding strip comprised of a thermal adhesive web having a density of approximately 10 to 100 grams per square meter.

13. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said step of applying heat and pressure comprises applying said heat and pressure for at least 5 seconds.

14. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 1 wherein said step of sewing at least one top stitch comprises:

sewing a first top stitch and a substantially parallel second top stitch through the reverse folded over portion of the second garment component, the bonding strip, the reverse folded portion of the first garment component, the unfolded portion of the first garment component, and the unfolded portion of the second garment component.

15. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip comprises placing a generally rectangular strip positioned between the reverse folded second surface of the first garment component and the reverse folded first surface of the second garment component without forming a fold in the bonding strip.

16. A method for producing a pucker free, side seam, joining a first garment component forming a front panel of a shirt and a second garment component forming a back panel of a shirt, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a first garment component forming a front panel of the shirt and having a first and second surface;

(b) providing a second garment component, forming a back panel of the shirt and having a first and a second surface, in a juxtaposed relationship with respect to the first garment component to be joined at a side seam of a shirt to the first garment component;

(c) providing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive having a first and a second surface;

(d) reverse folding an edge of the first garment component such that a portion of the first surface of the first garment component abuts the first surface of the second garment component;

(e) placing the bonding strip along the side seam such that the second surface of the bonding strip contacts the second surface of the reverse folded portion of the first garment component;

(f) sewing the first and second garment components and the bonding strip together by a set stitch running along the side seam;

(g) reverse folding the second garment component over the bonding strip such that the first surface of the second garment component is folded over and abuts against the first surface of the bonding strip while maintaining the bonding strip in a substantially planar condition along the side seam;

(h) sewing at least one top stitch through the reverse folded second garment component, the bonding strip, the reverse folded edge portion of the first garment component, an edge portion of the second garment component and the first garment component along the side seam; and

(i) applying sufficient heat and pressure to the bonding strip to cause the thermal adhesive to melt such that the adhesive flows onto the reverse folded second surface of the first garment component along the second surface of the bonding strip and concomitantly onto the first surface of the second garment component along the first surface of the bonding strip and said at least one top stitch to provide a bond along the side seam and around said at least one top stitch such that bonded components will effectively reduce a tendency of the seam to exhibit pucker following laundering operations.

17. A method for producing a pucker free, side seam, joining a first garment component forming a front panel of a shirt and a second garment component forming a back panel of a shirt, as defined in claim 16 wherein said step of sewing at least one top stitch comprises:

sewing a first and a second parallel stitch such that the stitches transverse through at least the reverse folded portion of the first garment component, the bonding strip, the reverse folded portion of the second garment component, the second garment component, and the first garment component.

18. A method for producing a pucker free, side seam, joining a first garment component forming a front panel of a shirt and a second garment component forming a back panel of a shirt as defined in claim 16 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive comprises placing a bonding strip composed of a thermoplastic material.

19. A method for producing a pucker free, side seam, joining a first garment component forming a front panel of a shirt and a second garment component forming a back panel of a shirt as defined in claim 16 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive comprises placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive having a melting point ranging from approximately 60 to 160 degrees Celsius.

20. A method for producing a pucker free, side seam, joining a first garment component forming a front panel of a shirt and a second garment component forming a back panel of a shirt as defined in claim 16 wherein:

said step of placing the bonding strip of thermal adhesive comprises placing a bonding strip comprised of a thermal adhesive net having a density of approximately 8 to 80 grams per square meter.

21. A method for producing a pucker free, side seam, joining a first garment component forming a front panel of a shirt and a second garment component forming a back panel of a shirt as defined in claim 17 wherein:

the step of applying heat and pressure comprises the step of ironing and pressing at a temperature between 60 to 160 degrees Celsius for 5 to 10 seconds.

22. A method for producing a pucker free, side seam, joining a first garment component forming a front panel of a shirt and a second garment component forming a back panel of a shirt as defined in claim 16 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip comprises placing between the reverse folded second surface of the first garment component and the reverse folded first surface of the second garment component a thermal adhesive web or net composed entirely of a thermal adhesive.

23. A method for producing a pucker free, side seam, joining a first garment component forming a front panel of a shirt and a second garment component forming a back panel of a shirt as defined in claim 16 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive comprises placing a bonding strip comprised of a thermal adhesive web composed of a plurality of adhesive filaments having a diameter ranging approximately between 20 to 80 microns.

24. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam connecting the two garment components comprising:

a first garment component having a first surface and a second surface;

a second garment component having a first surface and a second surface;

a bonding strip of thermal adhesive having a first and a second surface;

the first garment component being reverse folded along an edge such that a portion of the first surface of the first garment component abuts an edge of the first surface of the second garment component;

the bonding strip extending such that the second surface of the bonding strip abuts the second surface of the reverse folded portion of the first garment component;

a set stitch running along the seam sewing the first and second garment components and the bonding strip together;

the second garment component being reverse folded around the bonding strip such that a portion of the first surface of the second garment component is bonded to the first surface of the bonding strip in the unfolded portion of said first surface of the first garment component abuts the second surface of the reverse folded portion of the second garment component; and

at least one top stitch sewn through the reverse folded second garment component, the bonding strip, the reverse folded edge portion of the first garment component, an edge portion of the second garment component and the first garment component along the seam and wherein bonding the seam comprises subjecting the seam to a sufficient amount of heat and pressure to cause the thermal adhesive to bond the reverse folded portion of the second garment component along the first surface thereof and concomitantly to bond the first surface of the second garment component and at least a portion of said at least one top stitch such that a bond is formed by the bonding strip along the seam and around the at least one top stitch to reduce the tendency of the seam to pucker following laundering operations.

25. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 24 wherein:

said bonding strip of thermal adhesive is composed of a thermoplastic material.

26. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 24 wherein:

said bonding strip of thermal adhesive is composed of a thermoplastic material selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, olefinic, polyurethane, and ethylene file vinylacetate copolymer materials.

27. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 24 wherein:

said bonding strip of thermal adhesive has a melting point ranging from approximately 60 to 160 degrees Celsius.

28. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 24 wherein:

said bonding strip of thermal adhesive is comprised of a thermal adhesive net having a density of approximately 8 to 80 grams per square meter.

29. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 24 wherein:

said first garment component comprises a front panel of dress shirt;

said second garment component comprises a back panel of a dress shirt; and

said seam comprises a side seam of the dress shirt.

30. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 24 wherein:

said heat and pressure are provided by an ironing and pressing process carried out at a temperature of between 60 and 160 degrees Celsius for 5 to 10 seconds.

31. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 24 wherein:

said bonding strip is a thermal adhesive web composed entirely of a thermal adhesive.

32. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 31 wherein:

said thermal adhesive web is composed of a plurality of adhesive filaments having a diameter ranging approximately between 20 to 80 microns.

33. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 31 wherein:

said thermal adhesive web has a density of approximately 10 to 100 grams per square meter.

34. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 24 wherein:

said bonding strip is a generally rectangular strip positioned between the reverse folded second surface of the first garment component and the reverse folded first surface of the second garment component without forming a fold in the rectangular bonding strip.

35. In a shirt having a first component, forming a front panel of the shirt, and a second component, forming a back panel of the shirt, joined together with a pucker free, side seam, said pucker free, side seam comprising:

a first garment component forming a front panel of a shirt and having a first and second surface;

a second garment component forming a back panel of the shirt and having a first and second surface;

a bonding strip of thermal adhesive having a first surface and a second surface;

the first garment component being reverse folded along an edge such that a portion of the first surface of first garment component abuts at least a portion of the first surface of the second garment component along the side seam;

the bonding strip extending such that the second surface of the bonding strip abuts the second surface of the reverse folded portion of the first garment component;

a set stitch running along the side seam sewing the first and second garment components and the bonding strip together;

the second garment component being reverse folded over the bonding strip such that a portion of the first surface of the second garment component is bonded to the first surface of the bonding strip and the unfolded portion of the first surface of the first garment component abuts the second surface of the reverse folded portion of the second garment component; and

at least one top stitch sewn through the reverse folded second garment component, the bonding strip, the reverse folded edge portion of the first garment component, an edge portion of the second garment component and the first garment component along the side seam and wherein bonding the side seam comprises subjecting the side seam to a sufficient amount of heat and pressure to cause the bonding strip to bond at its second surface to the second surface of the reverse folded portion of the first garment component and concomitantly at the first surface of the bonding strip to the first surface of the reverse folded portion of the second garment component and to at least a portion of said at least one top stitch to provide a bond along the side seam and around at least a portion of the at least one top stitch such that the bonded components will effectively reduce a tendency of the side seam to exhibit pucker following laundering operations.

36. In a shirt having a first component, forming a front panel of the shirt, and a second component, forming a back panel of the shirt, joined together with a pucker free, side seam as defined in claim 35 wherein:

said bonding strip of thermal adhesive is composed of a thermoplastic material.

37. In a shirt having a first component, forming a front panel of the shirt, and a second component, forming a back panel of the shirt, joined together with a pucker free, side seam as defined in claim 35 wherein:

said bonding strip of thermal adhesive has a melting point ranging from approximately 60 to 160 degrees Celsius.

38. In a shirt having a first component, forming a front panel of the shirt, and a second component, forming a back panel of the shirt, joined together with a pucker free, side seam as defined in claim 35 wherein:

said bonding strip of thermal adhesive is a thermal adhesive net having a density of approximately 8 to 80 grams per square meter.

39. In a shirt having a first component, forming a front panel of the shirt, and a second component, forming a back panel of the shirt, joined together with a pucker free, side seam as defined in claim 35 wherein:

the heat and pressure process is carried out by ironing and pressing at a temperature of between 60 to 160 degrees Celsius for 5 to 10 seconds.

40. In a shirt having a first component, forming a front panel of the shirt, and a second component, forming a back panel of the shirt, joined together with a pucker free, side seam as defined in claim 35 wherein:

said bonding strip is a thermal adhesive web composed entirely of a thermal adhesive.

41. In a shirt having a first component, forming a front panel of the shirt, and a second component, forming a back panel of the shirt, joined together with a pucker free, side seam as defined in claim 40 wherein:

said thermal adhesive web is composed of a plurality of adhesive filaments having a diameter ranging approximately between 20 to 80 microns.

42. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment component and a second garment component, said method comprising the steps:

(a) placing the first garment component having a first and a second surface in an adjacent relationship to the second garment component having a first surface and a second surface so as to define a seam;

(b) reverse folding an edge portion of the first garment component over an edge portion of the second garment component along the seam wherein the first surface of the first garment component overlaps and abuts the first surface of the second garment component;

(c) placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive having a first surface and a second surface in a substantially planar condition along the seam such that the second surface of the bonding strip abuts the reverse folded edge portion of the second surface of the first garment component;

(d) reverse folding the second garment component over the bonding strip such that the first surface of the second garment component is folded over and abuts against the first surface of the bonding strip;

(e) sewing the first and second garment components and the bonding strip together by a first and a second top stitch extending in a substantially parallel path along the edge of the seam and each of said first and said second top stitches extending through said reverse folded second garment component, the substantially planar bonding strip, the reverse folded edge portion of the first garment component, an edge portion of the second garment component and the first garment component along the seam; and

(f) applying sufficient heat and pressure to said bonding strip to cause the thermal adhesive to melt such that said adhesive flows onto the reverse folded portion of the second surface of the first garment component along the second surface of the bonding strip and concomitantly onto the reverse folded portion of the first surface of the second garment component along the first surface of the bonding strip to provide a bond along the seam and around the first and second top stitches such that the bonded components will effectively reduce a tendency of the seam to exhibit pucker following laundering operations.

43. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 42 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive comprises placing a bonding strip composed of a thermoplastic material.

44. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 43 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive comprises placing a bonding strip composed of a thermoplastic material selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, olefinic, polyurethane, and ethylene vinylacetate copolymer materials.

45. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 42 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive comprises placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive having a melting point ranging from approximately 60 to 160 degrees Celsius.

46. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 42 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive comprises placing a bonding strip comprised of a thermal adhesive net having a density of approximately 8 to 80 grams per square meter.

47. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 42 wherein:

said step of placing the first garment component comprises placing a front panel of a dress shirt in an adjacent relationship to the second garment component comprising a back panel of a dress shirt such that said seam comprises a side seam of a dress shirt.

48. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 42 wherein:

said step of placing the first garment component comprises placing said garment component such that said seam comprises a seam of a dress shirt.

49. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 42 wherein:

the step of applying heat and pressure comprises ironing and pressing.

50. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 49 wherein:

the step of ironing and pressing comprises carrying out the process at a temperature of from 60 to 160 degrees Celsius for 5 to 10 seconds.

51. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 42 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip comprises placing between the reverse folded second surface of the first garment component and the reverse folded first surface of the second garment component a thermal adhesive web composed of a thermal adhesive.

52. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 51 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive comprises placing a bonding strip comprised of a thermal adhesive web composed of a plurality of adhesive filaments having a diameter ranging from approximately between 20 to 80 microns.

53. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 51 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip of thermal adhesive comprises placing a bonding strip comprised of a thermal adhesive web having a density of approximately 10 to 100 grams per square meter.

54. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 42 wherein:

said step of applying heat and pressure comprises applying said heat and pressure for at least 5 seconds.

55. A method for producing a smooth garment seam between a first garment and a second garment component as defined in claim 42 wherein:

said step of placing a bonding strip comprises placing a generally rectangular strip positioned between the reverse folded second surface of the first garment component and the reverse folded first surface of the second garment component without forming a fold in the bonding strip.

56. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam connecting the two garment components comprising:

a first garment component having a first surface and a second surface;

a second garment component having a first surface and a second surface;

a bonding strip of thermal adhesive having a first and a second surface in a substantially planar condition;

the first garment component being reverse folded along an edge such that a portion of the first surface of the first garment component abuts an edge of the first surface of the second garment component;

the bonding strip extending such that the second surface of the bonding strip abuts the second surface of the reverse folded portion of the first garment component;

the second garment component being reverse folded around the bonding strip such that a portion of the first surface of the second garment component is bonded to the first surface of the bonding strip in the unfolded portion of said first surface of the first garment component abuts the second surface of the reverse folded portion of the second garment component; and

a first and second top stitch sewing the first and second garment components and the bonding strip together and extending in a substantially parallel path along the edge of the seam and each of said first and second top stitches extending through said reverse folded second garment component, the substantially planar bonding strip, the reverse folded edge portion of the first garment component, an edge portion of the second garment component and the first garment component along the seam and wherein bonding the seam comprises subjecting the seam to a sufficient amount of heat and pressure to cause the thermal adhesive to bond the reverse folded portion of the second garment component along the first surface thereof and concomitantly to bond the first surface of the second garment component such that a bond is formed by the bonding strip along the seam and around the first and second top stitches to reduce the tendency to pucker following laundering operations.

57. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 56 wherein:

said bonding strip of thermal adhesive is composed of a thermoplastic material.

58. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 56 wherein:

said bonding strip of thermal adhesive is composed of a thermoplastic material selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, olefinic, polyurethane, and ethylene file vinylacetate copolymer materials.

59. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 56 wherein:

said bonding strip of thermal adhesive has a melting point ranging from approximately 60 to 160 degrees Celsius.

60. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 56 wherein:

said bonding strip of thermal adhesive is a thermal adhesive net having a density of approximately 8 to 80 grams per square meter.

61. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 56 wherein:

said first garment component comprises a front panel of dress shirt;

said second garment component comprises a back panel of a dress shirt; and

said smooth seam comprises a side seam of a dress shirt.

62. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 56 wherein:

said heat and pressure are provided by an ironing and pressing process carried out at a temperature of between 60 and 160 degrees Celsius for 5 to 10 seconds.

63. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 56 wherein:

said bonding strip of thermal adhesive is comprised of a thermal adhesive web composed entirely of a thermal adhesive.

64. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 63 wherein:

said thermal adhesive web is composed of a plurality of adhesive filaments having a diameter ranging approximately between 20 to 80 microns.

65. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 63 wherein:

said thermal adhesive web has a density of approximately 10 to 100 grams per square meter.

66. In a clothing garment having a first garment component and a second garment component, a smooth seam as defined in claim 56 wherein:

said bonding strip is a generally rectangular strip positioned between the reverse folded second surface of the first garment component and the reverse folded first surface of the second garment component without forming a fold in the generally rectangular bonding strip.