Horizontally supported planar surfaces – Horizontally adjustable – Mounted on slide-and-guide
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-01
2001-01-09
Chen, Jose V. (Department: 3624)
Horizontally supported planar surfaces
Horizontally adjustable
Mounted on slide-and-guide
C108S050110
Reexamination Certificate
active
06170409
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to tables for machine units and in particular but not exclusively to, support tables for multi head embroidery machines.
Machine units such as multi head embroidery machines typically have between six to eighteen heads for sewing flat pieces of material supported on a table attached to the machine unit. In order for the machine unit to sew, for example, tubular work pieces it is necessary to lower the table in order to allow the work piece to hang more freely from the respective head.
In a conventional six head embroidery machine the support table typically weights 200 kg and is provided in four separate sections each of which is mounted on support brackets bolted to the machine unit. In order to move each section of the table to the lower position each section must be manually unfastened from its support mounting, respective spacing bracket removed and each section physically lifted upwards to disconnect from its mounting and then physically lowered to its lower position where it is once again fastened to the machine unit.
In a typical day it may be necessary to adjust the position of the table two or three times to allow for different production runs. This has the drawback that moving the table is a time consuming process resulting in downtime for the production line. Also, the lifting of the table is physically demanding due to the size and weight of each table section leading to operator fatigue and increased risk of operator injury whilst handling the table.
In larger machine units, for example having eighteen heads, it is known to move the table between its upper and lower position by expensive powered lifting means. This type of system still has the drawback that the table provides a large surface area for support of a flat work piece when the table is in the upper position, therefore when the table is moved to the lower position the operator must lean across this support area to place a tubular style work piece over a respective hoop at a head. This makes it difficult or the operator to correctly position the work piece and can lead to increased operator fatigue and strain. This drawback is also present in machine units in which the position of the table is manually adjusted.
SUMMARY AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to overcome or alleviate the above described drawbacks. Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a table forming a support for a substantially flat work piece to be sewn at a work area of a machine unit, the table having a supporting structure with means to vertically adjust the height of the table and to horizontally retract the table at least partially away from said work area. This has the advantage that the table can be lowered from the work area to allow tubular work pieces to be sewn and that the table can be retracted to provide more room for the operator to place the tubular work pieces in the work area.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a table forming a support for a substantially flat work piece at a sewing head of a machine unit, the table having a supporting structure with means to horizontally retract the table at least partially from the work area. This has the advantage that the support surface for the work piece can be reduced in size when smaller items are to be sewn whilst allowing the operator easier access to the work area. The table can also be retracted fully from the work area to allow tubular items to be attached at the work area.
Preferably, the means to retract is a slide unit. This allows the table to be retracted simply by pushing on the table. The slide unit could be fitted with linear ball slides.
Preferably, means are provided to selectively lock the table in a desired position. This prevents accidental movement of the table. The locking means could be a slide bolt mounted to the machine unit and engageable with a recess in the table.
Preferably the means to adjust the height of the table is a handle operated hydraulic lifting system. This is a cheap and convenient means for raising and lowering the heavy table structure.
Preferably, the table is mounted on a sub frame which is raised and lowered by the means for adjusting the height of the table and the means for retracting the table is mounted on the sub frame. In a preferred embodiment, the table is at least partially retractable into the machine unit when the table is in a lower position. This has the advantage that the table can be firstly lowered to allow tubular work pieces to be sewn and retracted to allow the operator easier access.
Preferably the table is mounted on the machine unit.
In a preferred embodiment, the machine unit is a six head embroidery machine
In a further preferred embodiment the table comprises several panels and the means for retracting can be selectively operated to independently move one or more panels. Preferably, the means for vertically adjusting the height can be selectively operated to independently move one or more panels. This allows a single machine unit having several heads to simultaneously sew flat or tubular pieces depending on position of the various panels.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2991138 (1961-07-01), Freeman
patent: 3397411 (1968-08-01), Rossi
patent: 5363774 (1994-11-01), Anada et al.
patent: 5468101 (1995-11-01), Shoda
patent: 5533844 (1996-07-01), Ekleberry
patent: 5697686 (1997-12-01), Miller et al.
patent: 1259414 (1961-03-01), None
Barlow Josephs & Holmes, Ltd.
Brother Industries Ltd.
Chen José V.
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