Cutting – With control means responsive to replaceable or selectable... – Arithmetically determined program
Reexamination Certificate
1997-09-08
2001-10-30
Rada, Rinaldi I. (Department: 3724)
Cutting
With control means responsive to replaceable or selectable...
Arithmetically determined program
C083S100000, C083S227000, C083S276000, C083S282000, C083S422000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06308602
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to an apparatus for cutting an array of pattern pieces defined by a marker from single ply sheet materials, such as fabric. More particularly, the invention is concerned with a compact, low cost, fully automated apparatus for cutting pattern pieces for made to order garments from successive bites or segments of sheet material.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well-known in the art of apparel manufacturing to cut individual garment parts or pattern pieces from a strip of fabric according to a marker which defines both the contours of the individual pattern pieces and the arrangement of the individual pattern pieces relative to one another as they are to be cut from the fabric. The marker is generated automatically by, for example, a computer aided design system, and the marker information is converted into machine command signals which direct a cutting tool along a cutting path corresponding to the contours of the pattern pieces.
Typically, successive segments of the fabric are delivered to the cutting tool by a conveyor table which has an in-feed portion for receiving the fabric from one or more supply rolls, a cutting station where successive segments of the fabrics are cut by the cutting tool according to the marker instructions, and a discharge end where the cut pattern pieces are separated from the remainder of the fabric. Such tables also typically include a vacuum system for holding the fabric or other sheet material firmly against the surface of the table during the cutting operation.
Conveyorized cutting tables are large, complicated and expensive devices widely utilized in the mass production of garments where a large number of pattern pieces must be cut within a relatively short period of time. However, in cases where one or only a few copies of a particular garment are being produced, such as in the made to order production of garments, the use of such a large and expensive conveyorized cutting table is impracticable. As used herein the term “made to order garment” means a standard-sized garment manufactured for a specific individual, a custom fitted garment manufactured for a specific individual based on the individual's physical measurements, or a garment manufactured from a prototype design. Moreover, where production is limited to one or only a few copies of a single garment, there may not be a sufficient number of individual pattern pieces to arrange them according to the marker instructions in a manner which utilizes the available fabric efficiently.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive cutting apparatus of simplified construction for use in the manufacture of made to order garments.
It is a further object of the invention to provide such an apparatus wherein pattern pieces are arranged by marker in a manner which makes efficient use of each segment of a sheet material from which the pattern pieces are cut.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a method of cutting pattern pieces for use in the made to order manufacture of garments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the present invention resides in an apparatus for segment-by-segment or bite cutting of pattern pieces from limp sheet material such as fabric. The apparatus includes means for receiving data representing made to order garments, and means for generating a continuous marker based on the data. As used herein, the term “continuous marker” refers to a marker that continuously defines pattern pieces comprising made to order garments or groups of garments as data defining such garments are received. The marker arranges the pattern pieces on one or more bites of the sheet material and controls the size of each bite so as to achieve optimum use of the material.
The apparatus further includes a carriage for precisely controlling the movement of a cutting tool according to the marker instructions over a stationary work surface on which the limp sheet of material is spread. The carriage includes means for releasably coupling the sheet material to the carriage for movement therewith and relative to the table to deliver successive bites of the sheet material to the work surface. Labeling means are also provided for labeling each pattern piece in order to identify the particular garment to which it belongs. A vacuum source together with means communicating with the vacuum source and with the work surface are provided for applying vacuum to the sheet material spread thereon.
In a second aspect, the invention resides in a method for bite cutting pattern pieces comprising made to order garments. The method includes the steps of receiving data representing plurality of made to order garments; generating a continuous marker from the data, wherein the marker provides a set of instructions defining the contours of the pattern pieces, the arrangement of the pattern pieces relative to one another for cutting from successive bites of limp sheet material, and the size of each bite of sheet material; supporting the sheet material in a spread condition on a work surface; precisely controlling the movement of a cutting tool over the work surface according to the marker instructions to cut the pattern pieces from the sheet of material; and labeling each pattern piece to identify the custom fitted garment to which it belongs.
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Preliminary Search Report.
“Découpe de costumes: laser et temps réel” Mesures Regulation Automatisme. vol. 52, No. 14, Nov. 23, 1987, Paris.
Gerber Scientific Inc.
Goodman Charles
McCormick Paulding & Huber LLP
Rada Rinaldi I.
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