Sewing – Method of sewing – Stitch forming
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-09
2001-06-05
Izaguirre, Ismael (Department: 3765)
Sewing
Method of sewing
Stitch forming
C112S103000, C038S102200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240863
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
This invention relates generally to automatic computerized embroidery machines, and more particularly to apparatus employed to secure and support backing material fabric in position within the embroidery machine during the embroidery operation.
Apparatus directed to secure and support backing material fabric in position within an embroidery machine for the embroidery operation is known in the art. Typically, embroidering is imparted on a workpiece by automated embroidery machines of the type that have a hoop guide or carriage. In the prior art, a workpiece is mounted on any number of hoops, each hoop in turn being mounted on an automatically controlled hoop guide or carriage. The hoop guide moves the hoop relative to the needle of the embroidery machine as the needle introduces stitching to the workpiece. To ensure an accurate embroidery design, especially during mass production, the hoop must hold the backing fabric and attach securely and precisely to the hoop guide/carriage. One such device, that operates in this way, and is provided for this purpose is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,828 issued to Rowley in 1996. The '828 patent is a hoop attachment assembly for mounting an embroidery hoop frame to an automatically controlled hoop guide/carriage of an embroidery machine. Like most hoop based systems, changing the backing fabric for each workpiece is cumbersome and time consuming. In addition, such systems generate substantial quantities of wasted backing material.
Accordingly, a need remains for an apparatus designed to quickly and securely position backing material within a common computerized embroidery machine, wherein the apparatus is adapted to engage the embroidery machine's automatically controlled hoop guide or carriage, for the embroidery operation.
SUMMARY
One object of the present invention is to minimize the amount of wasted backing material in the embroidery operation.
A second object is to reduce the time spent setting up the workpiece for an embroidery operation.
Another object is to increase the production realized in repetitive embroidery operations.
Yet another object is to increase the precision with which embroidery is placed upon a workpiece.
A further object is to simplify the embroidery process.
Still another object is to increase the productivity of embroidery machines.
The invention is a one-piece mounting frame arranged and configured to replace the prior art hoop system typically employed to maintain backing material along with a workpiece in position during the embroidery operation in modern computerized embroidery machines. Modern embroidery machines commonly include a support carriage for supporting such two-piece hoop frames in correct position within the embroidery machine. The present invention mounting frame is provided to replace the prior art hoop frame system and is constructed to secure and support, within an embroidery machine, during the embroidery operation, adhesive backing material that includes at least one adhesive side. Further, the mounting frame supports a workpiece disposed adjacent to, i.e., on the adhesive side of the adhesive backing material.
In the preferred embodiment, the mounting frame is formed from sheet metal to include an upper surface having an aperture that extends downward through the mounting frame to define an open primary sewing field where the needles from the machine perform the embroidery operation. Likewise, a similarly shaped, mirror image, opposing lower surface is formed. Accordingly, the aperture extends downward to the lower surface such that an endless sidewall surface is defined by the aperture between the upper surface and the lower surface. With this configuration, the lower surface is adapted to receive thereon adhesive backing material oriented so that the adhesive side is facing upward to adhere to the lower surface to cover the primary sewing field. Wherein the workpiece is placed within the primary sewing field on the upward facing adhesive side of the adhesive backing material such that the adhesive backing material forms the required backing material for the embroidery operation on the workpiece. Additionally, the mounting frame includes opposing support arms disposed to engage the support carriage such that the mounting frame is secured thereto during the embroidery operation.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the mounting frame comprises a second aperture that extends from the upper surface, through the mounting frame to the lower surface thereby defining a secondary sewing field.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, at least one support arm defines a tooling point for locating the mounting frame in proper position in relation to a tooling pin disposed on the support carriage.
The foregoing and additional objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4993333 (1991-02-01), Moore, III
patent: 5546877 (1996-08-01), Moore
patent: 5555828 (1996-09-01), Rowley
patent: 5915315 (1999-06-01), Bentz
patent: 6109194 (2000-08-01), Farb
Informational Brochure regarding “Hoop Station” by E-Z-Hoop.
Informational Brochure regarding “E-Z Hat” by E-Z-Hoop.
Informational Brochure regarding Instructions for E-Z Hat.
Information by Hoop-It-All, Inc. regarding News Release; Press Release; price list; and product review, Oct. 1997.
Drost David
Vickroy Bryan K.
Forster William G.
Izaguirre Ismael
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