Sewing – Special machines – Embroidering
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-21
2001-02-20
Izaguirre, Ismael (Department: 3765)
Sewing
Special machines
Embroidering
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189468
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of automated embroidery processes, and, more particularly to fixtures for properly positioning caps on an embroidery frame in preparation for the embroidery operation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the conventional manufacture of caps (e.g., baseball caps) bearing embroidered logos on the front of the cap crown, each finished cap is mounted on a frame and the frame is mounted on or in an embroidery machine. The frame is intended to hold the front crown in place with minimal movement, stretch, or distortion during the embroidery operation.
Known cap frames include the Tajima/Melco available from Tajima of Japan. Mounting a cap on this frame can be time consuming for embroidery machine operators because the frames are awkward to handle. It has been observed that some of the efficiencies provided by large scale automated embroidery equipment are lost because an excessive amount of time is tied up mounting caps on the cap frames. Essentially, the embroidery machines can sometimes complete their work faster than workers can mount caps properly on the frames. The resulting lost time can lead to a significant cost disadvantage for the preparation of a large order of embroidered caps.
The industry has responded to these problems with a device called a cap “framing gauge” which is designed to provide a temporary mount for a cap embroidery frame so that both hands of a worker are available to properly position a cap on the frame. The framing gauge, as used herein and as known in the art, is a support device that simulates the mounting apparatus of an embroidery machine and thus simplifies mounting a cap on a cap frame. The framing gauge will include frame mounting elements similar to those on the actual automated embroidery equipment. Experience has shown that while the framing gauges do address the problem described above, it can still be difficult to properly position a cap on a cap frame that is mounted on a framing gauge. This is because it is difficult to stretch and maintain the front of the cap in a taut condition as it is mounted on the frame. While both the worker's hands are engaged in mounting the cap and manipulating the frame, the remaining portion of the cap is relaxed. This condition can lead to the cap being improperly positioned on the cap frame.
There exists a need for an improved cap framing device that addresses the above-mentioned problems. These and other needs are addressed by the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention makes embroidery cap frames easier to use by providing the framing gauge with a means to tension the cap as it is mounted on the cap frame. The invention permits an automated embroidery equipment operator to use both his/her hands to insure that a cap to be embroidered is mounted on the frame properly while at the same time maintaining a certain amount of tension on the cap. The cap is held in a taut position as it is mounted. The cap is thus more likely to be positioned corrected on the cap frame, increasing the chances that the cap will be embroidered properly.
The present invention overcomes the problems in the prior art by providing a tensioning member on the framing gauge for holding cap embroidery frames while caps are properly positioned and tensioned on the frames in preparation for a subsequent embroidery operation. The gauge includes one or more bases, each with a cap frame mounting fixture at one end and a cap tensioning member pivotally attached to the opposite end. The tensioning member is biased in a direction away from the embroidered portion of the cap being held on the frame so as to engage the rear portion of the cap and hold the cap front in a taut position until the frame is closed.
In a preferred embodiment, the base includes an arcuate front portion. A plurality of cap frame engagement members are secured to the base adjacent the arcuate portion. The cap frame engagement members are sized and shaped to engage at least some of the cap frame mounting apertures. A cap tensioning member is pivotally attached at or adjacent the other end of said base, and is biased in a direction away from the one end.
The support may further include a curved support surface secured to the one end of the base. The support surface has a radius of curvature less than that of said base arcuate top portion. This embodiment may also include a plurality of cap frame stops secured to the base, the cap frame stops including a leg extending across said curved support surface in parallel spaced apart relationship thereto and a substantially resilient protuberance attached to the second side of the base. The protuberance is positioned so as to engage a cap frame circular support member.
The present invention further relates to a method of holding a cap securely as it is mounted on an embroidering cap frame held in place by a cap framing gauge. The method includes the steps of engaging the rear portion of the cap with a cap tensioning member pivotally attached to the cap framing gauge. The tensioning member is biased rearwardly in a direction away from the embroidered portion of the cap so as to engage and hold the cap in a taut position when released.
These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the drawings. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
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Izaguirre Ismael
Rhodes & Mason P.L.L.C.
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