Sewing – With tables or stands
Reexamination Certificate
2000-12-20
2001-12-25
Falik, Andy (Department: 3765)
Sewing
With tables or stands
C112S260000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06332415
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to sewing machines, and in particular to commercial machines used for sewing large sails, tarps or the like. The invention relates more particularly to the bed portion of a sewing machine wherein the bed is modified to facilitate use of the machine with large sheets of fabric. The invention also relates to methods of sewing large fabric work pieces.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Sewing machines, and in particular industrial or commercial sewing machines, are often used in the sewing of large pieces of fabric, such as sails, large tarps, swimming pool covers, and the like. For such uses, a sewing machine may be provided with an extended arm to accommodate a large amount of fabric inboard of the machine underneath the sewing arm. In some cases, the sewing arm can be six feet or more, to accommodate large sections of fabric bunched or folded in the space under the arm. In the prior art conventional machines (see FIG.
1
), the sewing machine bed is flat, and may be formed by a heavy polished steel plate. It will be apparent that the longer the length of the sewing arm, the more fabric may be retained under the sewing arm, between the sewing head and the support pillar. By way of an example of a typical use for such a machine, a large tarp or cover may require supporting straps sewn onto the cover at regular intervals. After each strap is sewn onto the cover, the cover is drawn inwardly such that the finished portion is pulled under the sewing arm. The cover must be folded as it is drawn under the arm in order for material to be drawn under the arm for the sewing head to gain access to the location of the next strap. This can require that the fabric be folded a number of times which is time-consuming. The alternative of providing a longer sewing arm, results in a sewing machine of increasing cost, weight and size. There are also functional limitations as to the length of the sewing arm. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an arrangement for a sewing machine wherein large pieces of fabric may be held between the sewing head and the sewing arm support pillar without requiring careful folding of the fabric.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sewing machine, specifically adapted for retaining fabric underneath the sewing arm and inboard of the sewing machine, such that the fabric inboard of the machine does not have to be folded. More specifically, it is an object to provide a sewing machine having a base portion, which permits fabric to be easily rolled or bunched underneath the sewing arm. It is also an object to provide a method for sewing fabric, which permits large work pieces to be sewn with a reduced amount of labour when drawing the fabric under the sewing head.
According to one aspect, the invention comprises a sewing machine characterized by a base, a sewing arm support extending upwards from the base, a generally horizontal sewing arm above the base, and a sewing head at a terminal end of the arm. A conventional motor drives the sewing head. The base comprises a support structure and a sewing bed which comprises a flat work surface in the region under the sewing head. The region of the bed between the work surface and the arm support is characterized by a deep trough, the elongate axis of which is perpendicular to the elongate axis of the sewing arm for retaining loose fabric in a rolled, bunched or folded form. The trough may take on any convenient cross-sectional configuration, including a V-shaped or U-shaped cross-sectional shape. Conveniently, the width of the trough extends substantially the full distance between the sewing arm support and the work surface.
In a further aspect, the trough may be selectively covered by a removable flat plate, to selectively achieve a flat sewing bed extending substantially the full length and width of the base. When the plate is in place, it is flush with the work surface.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for sewing a large piece of fabric, comprising the steps of:
providing a sewing machine having a base, a sewing arm support supported by the base, an elongate sewing arm extending above the base and generally the length of the base, terminating in a sewing head, the base being characterized by a trough-shaped depressed region for receiving excess fabric;
positioning fabric between said sewing head and said base, for stitching by the sewing head, and
moving said fabric towards said arm support, whereby the fabric between the sewing head and arm support is retained in bunched, folded or rolled form substantially within the trough during the sewing process.
Fabric may be either fed into the trough or drawn out from the trough during the sewing process.
While the present invention is specifically intended for use with commercial sewing machines, it will be seen that with suitable adaptations, the invention is suitable also for home sewing machines.
The term “fabric” used herein refers to any material which is capable of being stitched, sewn or otherwise processed by a sewing machine. “Sewing” or “stitching” refers to any means for joining fabric, including conventional stitching, serging, heat sealing or otherwise.
Having thus generally characterized the invention, the invention will be further described by reference to a detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, and by reference to the accompanying drawings.
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Fitchett James
Hinsperger Peter
Falik Andy
Hinpergers Poly Industries Ltd.
McFadden Fincham
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