Sewing – Method of sewing – Stitch forming
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-30
2001-06-26
Izaguirre, Ismael (Department: 3765)
Sewing
Method of sewing
Stitch forming
C112S103000, C112S217100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06250239
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This application relates generally to sewing machines, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for supporting heavy or bulky fabric materials for embroidery by an embroidery attachment to a sewing machine.
Programmable embroidery machines or attachments for sewing machines are known to the art. In general, the seamstress programs a design into the device, either on a floppy disc or a card or the like and the program drives a fabric frame relative to a stationary embroidery needle in the pattern dictated by the program. The machine can be used to embroider any type of design on any type of fabric. In many cases, the devices are used to embroider decorative or information designs on clothing. For example, a company logo or name can be stitched on a shirt or jacket. The devices generally work well for their intended purposes. However, if the fabric is particularly heavy, like a denim jacket or work jacket, the weight of the fabric can bend or distort the frame and/or impede the movement of the frame, resulting in a poor embroidery job.
It would be advantageous, therefore, to have an apparatus that can support the weight of heavy fabric but still allow the fabric frame to freely move relative to the sewing needle. The apparatus must support the fabric yet allow the fabric to move with the frame.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is among the several objects of the present invention to provide an apparatus for supporting fabric during embroidery on the fabric.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus that supports the fabric while allowing the embroidery machine to operate normally.
It still another object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus that supports fabric during embroidery and prevents stress on the embroidery frame.
Another object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus that supports fabric during embroidery in a slidable manner which allows the embroidery frame to move unimpeded.
Yet It still another object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus that supports fabric during embroidery that is lightweight and easy to use with any embroidery machine, economical to construct and well suited for its intended purposes.
In accordance with the invention, generally stated, an apparatus is provided for supporting fabric placed in a frame attached to an embroidery machine. The apparatus relieves the weight of the fabric and allows the embroidery frame to move unimpeded under the embroidery needle. The apparatus includes a pair of lightweight, free floating or sliding supports, one of each being positioned under each end of the fabric secured in the embroidery frame so as to slightly elevate the fabric above the plane of the embroidery frame. The supports preferably are hollow and round having a top fabric support surface and a bottom, table engaging surface. Each top surface also can include a strap or lace to secure fabric to the support. The bottom, table engaging surface generally is smooth and flat and slides easily on a table top. In the preferred embodiment, the top surface of the support is removable, allowing the support to be used for storage of very light weight materials.
In use, the section of the fabric to be embroidered is secured in the embroidery frame. The fabric which extends out of the embroidery frame, if particularly expansive, can be rolled or folded and each end of the fabric placed on one of the free float supports and secured in place with the strap. As the embroidery machine drives the embroidery frame relative to the stationary embroidery needle, the ends fabric outside the embroidery frame, supported by the free floating supports, moves without binding or impinging upon the movement of the frame and without adding excess weight to the embroidery frame. It will be appreciated that for small pieces of fabric or if the fabric is secured in the frame off center, one support may suffice.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1216945 (1917-02-01), Christie
patent: 2642022 (1953-06-01), Johnson
patent: 5251556 (1993-10-01), Ravenelle et al.
patent: 5287640 (1994-02-01), Morgan
patent: 5676074 (1997-10-01), Bengal
Christ Lisa R.
Clayton Loretta
Izaguirre Ismael
Polster Lieder Woodruff & Lucchesi
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