Abstract: A cap frame drive assembly and method provides for a quick and easy setup for embroidering, sewing or stitching on curved articles such as baseball caps. The preferred form of the cap frame drive assembly utilizes a pair of cam mechanisms to affix the drive frame to the pantograph while a conventional belt attached to a rotational drive platform affixed to the pantograph rotates the drive cylinder during sewing.

Abstract: A headgear frame for an embroidering machine comprises: a receiving frame inserted into a cap portion of a headgear having a visor for receiving a peripheral portion of an embroidery range of said cap portion; and a holding band wound around said cap portion for holding said peripheral portion between itself and said receiving frame and including a band member for holding the peripheral portion of said embroidery range on the visor side over the headgear peripheral direction. The band member is provided at its edge portion on the visor side with a positioning member for biting into a stitched portion between said cap portion and said visor, and at its edge portion on the side opposed to said visor side with a holding member for holding the peripheral portion of said embroidery range on the visor side over the headgear peripheral direction.

Abstract: A sewing material holding device 2 in a sewing machine includes a first arm device 3R and a second arm device 3L and makes it possible to hold a sewing material 1 temporarily. At least one of the first arm device 3R and the second arm device 3L has a main arm 32 protruding in a direction, a sub arm 33 protruding along the main arm 32 and capable of cooperating with the main arm 32 to hold the material, a pressure contact device 90 for establishing a pressure contact between a part of a protrusion edge 33f of the sub arm 33 with a protrusion edge 32f of the main arm 32 while defining a clearance 92 between a base end portion 32r of the main arm 32 and a base end portion 33r of the sub arm 33, the pressure contact between making it possible to hold the material temporarily, and a clearance reduction device 91 for enhancing a degree of holding the material by engaging one of the main arm 32 and the sub arm 33 to the other.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an embroidery sewing machine and a drive device thereof, wherein a cover means is provided to close an opening of a box through which a means for holding an embroidering frame may be protruded out and may be moved for embroidery stitching operation, the holding means being connected to one of a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism of the drive device arranged within the box, the first drive mechanism being provided to move the holding means in a first direction and the second drive mechanism being provided to move the holding means in a second direction that is normal to the first direction.

Abstract: A headgear frame apparatus adapted to be removably attached to a drive frame adapted to be driven transversely and longitudinally of a sewing machine and extending transversely. The headgear frame apparatus comprises: a mounting base frame attached removably to the front side of the drive frame and adapted to be driven transversely and longitudinally together with the drive frame; a support frame connected to the mounting base frame such that it is driven with the mounting base frame longitudinally but not transversely; a rotary frame supported rotatably on the support frame; a headgear frame fitted removably on the rotary frame for clamping a headgear; and a rotation converting member interposed between the mounting base frame and the rotary frame for converting the transverse motions of the mounting base frame into rotations of the rotary frame. The mounting base frame includes a guide face confronting a drive frame front face of the drive frame from the front and extending transversely.

Abstract: An interchangeable and manually operable embroidery frame for holding an article to be embroidered using automated embroidery equipment having a base plate, and upper clamping member pivotally connected to the base plate, a clamping mechanism for biasing the upper clamping member in closed contact with the base, mounting arms extending outwardly from the base plate, and selectively removable adapters attached to each mounting arm, whereby the adapters enable the clamping frame to be mounted on a selected automated embroidery machine.

Abstract: A embroidery machine 2 has a first arm 3R in which a part of an embroidery frame 1 may be held, and a second arm 3L projecting in the same direction as the first arm, and in which another part of the embroidery frame 1 may be held. A long guide holding part 5 as extends in a direction to intersect with the direction by which the first arm 3R and the second arm 3L project. At least one of the first arm 3R and the second arm 3L can slide on the long guide holding part 5 such that a spacing M between the first arm 3R and the second arm 3L may be varied. A releasable fixing device is mounted to releasably fix at least one of the first arm and the second arm in at least one desired position on the guide holding part.

Abstract: A device for holding fabric during embroidering in an embroidery machine is comprised of a clamp, preferably a clamp comprised of mating rings, mounted on a clamp arm. Indicia, such as an orthogonal grid, in the form of visible fixed features, are present on the clamp arm or clamp and enable a user to easily orient and position the fabric being captured in the clamp of the device. Preferably, the clamp arm cantilevers inwardly within a generally rectangular space defined by a C shape frame which is adapted for mounting on the pantograph of an embroidery machine. The embroidering of garment pockets is particularly facilitated. Indicia are also placed around the upper surface periphery and bore of the ring of a clamp. Apparatus for facilitating the insertion of a combination of fabric and embroidery backing paper into a ring clamp is comprised structure for holding the clamp and spaced apart spring tines which hold the backing paper while the user closes the clamp.

Abstract: A sewing machine with an embroidery stitching function is disclosed, wherein a needle is vertically reciprocated to form stitches on a work held by an embroidering frame (19) which is moved in X-Y directions by a frame moving device relative to the needle on a working surface (2a) of a working bed (2), the frame moving device being composed of composed of a first mechanism (A) for moving said embroidering frame in the Y direction and a second mechanism (B) for moving the embroidering frame in the X direction, the first mechanism (A) being located on the working surface and connected to the embroidering frame (19) and the second mechanism (B) being housed in the sewing machine, the first mechanism (A) being moved by the second mechanism (B) to one end of the working bed (2) where the first mechanism (A) is rotated to a retreated position at the time of carrying out the ordinary stitching operation.

Abstract: A headgear frame apparatus comprises: a headgear frame for clamping a headgear; and a rotary drive frame for fitting the headgear frame replaceably thereon on the side of a sewing machine. The headgear frame is provided at its outer circumference with a brim which is further projected outward. On the outer circumference of the rotary drive frame, there are tiltably hinged levers which have hook pawls projected toward the rotary drive frame and which are biased by springs in the direction where the hook pawls approach the rotary drive frame. When the headgear frame is fitted on the rotary drive frame, the brim once raises the hook pawls in the direction away from the rotary drive frame, and after the hook pawls rode over the brim, the hook pawls are hooked on the brim by the biasing forces of the springs.

Abstract: A headgear frame comprises: a cylindrical receiving frame adapted to be fitted in a headgear; and a holding band adapted to be wound on the outer side of the headgear for clamping the headgear between itself and the receiving frame. At least one of one end and the other end of the holding band is hinged or hooked at a position apart from the receiving frame to the outer circumference. Push members projected toward the receiving frame are provided in at least one of the vicinities of the one end and the other end, as apart from the receiving frame, of the band edge of the holding band. Corresponding portions of the headgear when clamped are pushed and tensed by the push members so that they may not float from the receiving frame.

Abstract: A headgear frame apparatus comprises: a headgear frame for clamping a headgear; a rotary drive frame for fitting the headgear frame replaceably thereon on the side of a sewing machine; a horizontal drive frame for applying a rotation and a longitudinal drive to the rotary drive frame through a medium including a wire; and a support frame engaging in a relative displacement with the horizontal drive frame for supporting the rotary drive frame rotatably. The support frame is constructed to include a front side member positioned on the front side of the horizontal drive frame and a back side member positioned on the back side of the horizontal drive frame. The front side member and back side member are jointed such that the horizontal drive frame is clamped between one or more front side bearing roller mounted rotatably on the front side member and one or more back side bearing roller mounted rotatably on the back side member.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supporting fabric placed in a frame attached to an embroidery machine to relieve the weight of the fabric and allow the embroidery frame to move under the embroidery needle, the apparatus including a pair of lightweight, slidable supports, one of each being positioned under each end of the fabric secured in the embroidery frame so as to slightly elevate and support the fabric above the plane of the embroidery frame. The supports preferably are hollow and round having a flat top wall and a bottom wall. Each top wall includes a strap to secure fabric to the support. The bottom wall is smooth and flat and slides easily on a support surface. In one preferred embodiment, the top wall of the support is removable, allowing the inner chamber of the support to be used for storage of lightweight materials. The device also can employ only one support if appropriate.

Abstract: The invention is a mounting frame 20 configured and arranged for positioning a workpiece 22 in an automated computerized embroidery machine 24. The mounting frame 20 is provided to replace the prior art hoop frame system. The mounting frame 24 supports a workpiece 22 disposed on the adhesive side 34 of the adhesive backing material 32. The mounting frame 24 is formed from sheet metal to include an upper surface 36 having an aperture 38 that extends downward through the mounting frame 24 to a mirror image, opposing lower surface 42 to define an open primary sewing field 40. With this configuration, the lower surface 42 is adapted to receive thereon adhesive backing material 32 oriented so that the adhesive side 34 is facing upward to adhere to the lower surface 42 to cover the primary sewing field 40.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided including a sheet formed of a transparent material. The sheet defines a template capable of having a pattern printed thereon. During use, the template is adapted for being removed from the sheet. Also included is at least a pair of alignment designators that are positioned on the template of the sheet for marking the material. The markings facilitate alignment of the material in a support frame that is adapted for use when embroidering the pattern on the material.

Abstract: An adapter plate for a computer-controlled embroidering machine which allows the use of the embroidering machine for both embroidering flat and tubular goods and caps without removing the cap driver. The adapter plate is attached to the X-axis drive system of the embroidering machine and includes a base plate which is provided with a cloth spreading frame for holding a workpiece. The cloth spreading frame is mounted to the base plate in a position which holds the workpiece over a cut out formed in one edge of the base plate, the cut out allowing access to a workpiece which is secured to the cap driver when the cloth spreading frame is not being used to hold a flat or tubular workpiece.

Abstract: A mounting system for placement of an embroidery hoop having inner and outer rings includes a flat base having orthogonally related columns and rows of apertures therethrough, mounting brackets and eccentrics. The brackets and eccentrics are mounted to the base in positions to locate and confine the hoop. The base includes index marks for aligning the article to be embroidered relative to the base and to the hoop. When the article is aligned on the base, the inner ring of the hoop is applied to engage portions of the material of the article between the outer and inner rings with the material spanning the inner ring being maintained taut. Different sized bases are provided for embroidering various sizes of different articles.

Abstract: A headgear frame comprises: a cylindrical receiving frame adapted to be fitted in a headgear; and a holding band adapted to be wound on the outer side of the headgear for clamping the headgear between itself and the receiving frame. The holding band is hinged at its one end to a hinging portion in the vicinity of the receiving frame and is removably hooked at its other end by a hooking portion in the vicinity of the receiving frame. The hooking portion in the vicinity of the receiving frame and the other end of the holding band are relatively provided with a combination of a hooking member and a pair of regulating members forming a V-shaped angled side face with the hooking member on both sides of the hooking member, and a ring adapted to be hooked by the hooking member. When the ring is hooked by the hooking member, it bites into the V-shaped angled side face so that it is not dislocated with respect to the hooking member.

Abstract: A headgear frame apparatus comprises auxiliary rollers for rotating in abutment against a boundary corner portion between a circumferential portion and a crest portion of a headgear. The headgear is clamped by a headgear frame. The auxiliary rollers are rotatably disposed sideways of a cylindrical bed of a sewing machine.

Abstract: A cap framing gauge for supporting a cap as the cap is mounted on an embroidering cap frame wherein the frame is subsequently mounted on automated embroidery equipment. The cap framing gauge includes a cap tensioning member pivotally attached to the cap framing gauge. The member is biased rearwardly in a direction away from the embroidered portion of the cap held on the frame so as to engage and hold the cap in a taut position.

Abstract: The invention discloses an embroidering apparatus and a sewing machine used in combination with the embroidering apparatus which may be reduced in size for the convenience of being housed, wherein the embroidering apparatus comprises a fixedly positioned X-arm 1 and a Y-arm 4 operatively connected to the X-arm 1 which is operated to move the Y-arm 4 in the X-direction while the Y-arm 4 holds an embroidery frame 7 and is operated to move the embroidery frame 7 in the Y-direction, the Y-arm 4 being turnable relative to the X-arm 1 between a first position where the Y-arm 4 is extended normal to the X-arm 1 and a second means where the Y-arm 4 is extended in parallel with the X-arm 1, in which the size of the embroidering apparatus is reduced to the minimum.

Abstract: A device for supporting semi-rigid workpieces to be embroidered. Hoop ties are mounted to a hoop frame to provide a support surface for one side of the workpiece, while a backbone further comprising at least two knurled fingers provide a frictional supporting surface for an opposing side of the workpiece. Rubber tubing can be stretched around the hoop ties for easily mounting each of the ties to the hoop frame, and which provides another frictional supporting surface that is less abrasive than the knurled hoop fingers. The angle and the height of the backbone can be adjusted to accommodate workpieces of varying rigidity and thickness.

Abstract: A work-sheet feed apparatus in which an X carriage is coupled integrally with a coupling member. A rear end portion of a holder support is coupled to the coupling merber via a coupling mechanism that supports the holder support pivotally about an axis parallel to the X direction, while a work-sheet holding frame that holds a work sheet is attached only at one side thereof to a frame holder secured to the holder support.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for tensioning embroidering fabric between frames has an outer frame half template mounted to a frame assembly so as to maintain alignment with an inner frame half template when the table assembly holding the fabric is repositioned. The inner frame half template holds different sized inner frame halves which can be aligned with corresponding outer frame halves by adjusting the position of locator pins in the inner frame half template. The outer frame half template is adjustable to accommodate circular outer frame halves of different sizes while maintaining a common center point.

Abstract: A headgear holding apparatus including a base structure attached to a sewing machine such that the base structure is movable in a first direction, a rotatable structure supported by the base structure such that the rotatable structure is rotatable about a first axis line parallel to the first direction, a headgear holder which has a part-cylindrical outer surface for holding an inner surface of a headgear, the holder being detachably attached to the rotatable structure such that the part-cylindrical outer surface thereof is rotated when the rotatable structure is rotated, a headgear support member which is attached to the base structure, has a curved outer surface, and extends near a sewing position where a sewing needle of the sewing machine is reciprocated, the curved outer surface supporting the inner surface of the headgear when the holder is rotated, and two or more guide rollers attached to the base structure such that the rollers are provided on both sides of the headgear support member in a second dir

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for and a method of framing fabrics in hoops comprising a board, a jig, grooves, apertures, and pins. The jig, while holding a hoop, is located off of one or more of the grooves and then held in position by pegs. The fabric to hooped is placed over the hoop and then constrained in the hoop by an inner hoop. The hoops with the fabric are then removed from the jig for the intended embroidery work. The board is also useful for positioning a fabric prior to assembly in a garment. The board is also applicable for positioning appliques.

Abstract: An embroidery panels holding mechanism and an embroidery panels changing system for an automated embroidery machine are provided. The holding mechanism holds a plurality of panels at predetermined positions corresponding to the positions of the ganged embroidery stations of the embroidery machine. The holding mechanism includes an elongate base plate having an upper face, a plurality of elongate clamp bars extending axially and spaced along the upper face, a mounting device for mounting each the clamp bar for movement toward and away from the upper face, and a spring for biasing each clamp bar against the upper face. A changing table remote from the embroidery machine includes a changing station at which embroidery panels already embroidered are individually exchanged for embroidery panels to be embroidered. This table includes an elongate track on which the base plate is received for movement therealong.

Abstract: An embroidery machine is provided with an attachment for fitting on the bottom of its movable hoop to provide a secure mounting surface for a sheet of "stickum" paper extending across the hoop and providing on its upper "stickum" surface a mounting and securing place for a fabric placed across the top of the hoop.

Abstract: An embroidery frame includes of an outer frame attached to a driving unit of a frame drive mechanism, and an inner frame that cooperates with the outer frame to hold a work cloth therebetween. An engaging recess is provided on at least one of the outer frame segments of the outer frame other than that including a split portion, and an engaging protrusion capable of engaging with the engaging recess is formed in at least one of inner frame segments of the inner frame. Thus, the user is able to easily determine the front and rear sides of the outer frame. Even if the user places the inner frame upside down by mistake, the inner frame cannot be uniformly fitted in the outer frame due to the presence of the engaging protrusion, thus notifying the user of the mistake in the orientation of the outer frame and inner frame.

Abstract: A hooping apparatus and method for accurately orienting and hooping material to be embroidered. The apparatus preferably includes two plates connected in facing relationship by at least one U-shaped connector, and at least one support leg adjustable to support the apparatus in at least two positions. Both plates are preferably provided with a grid of fastener holes for attaching hoops and/or hoop brackets via fasteners to either plate. One plate is preferably rectangular and has a shoulder form which can be removable to change its orientation upon the first plate. The other plate is preferably U-shaped with two substantially flat elongated legs. The apparatus can preferably be placed in at least four positions: a first position in which the support leg is not used and in which the plates are only slightly reclined for draping garments such as jackets, shirts, vests, etc.

Abstract: A headgear holder mounted on an embroidering machine includes a guide shaft secured to the body of the embroidering machine and extending along a sewing-bed arm, a base frame supported on the guide shaft so as to be moved front-to-back with respect to the body, an annular rotating frame supported on the base frame so as to be rotated, a headgear holding member detachably attached to the rotating frame to hold the headgear, and a pair of headgear support plates provided ahead of the rotating frame so as to be spaced from each other right and left with respect to the rotating frame so that positions of the headgear support plates are vertically adjustable independently of each other.

Abstract: A pressing portion is formed at one end portion of a horizontal wall portion of a cloth feeding unit, a bed portion is installed with a moving member pressed by the pressing portion and a slide member pressed to move by the moving member, a pivoting lever is pivoted by moving the slide member, a switch lever is switched to a drop position by the pivoting lever and a follower of the switch lever is switched to a position in correspondence with an escape driving cam. At such a time, a contact portion of the moving member is exposed to outside of a machine cover and can be visually observed and an operating portion of the slide member can be observed visually by being exposed to the outside via a notched window.

Abstract: A curved workpiece fabric holder device which holds a cup-shaped or cylindrical workpiece at a position around a cylinder bed. The cylinder bed contain therein a loop taker which co-operates with a sewing needle. The holder device includes a base frame movable in an extending direction of the cylinder bed, a rotary frame rotatably supported by the base frame and positioned around the cylinder bed, a retainer retaining therein the workpiece and detachably installed over the rotary frame. The holder device also include a translation mechanism for translating the movement of a fabric feed frame in an X-direction into a rotational movement of the rotary frame. The translation mechanism includes a wire looping around the rotary frame, and having one end fixed to a first wire attaching portion and having another end fixed to a second wire attaching portion.

Abstract: Aligning apparatus for use with a tubular hooping device for capturing a garment to be embroidered on an embroidery machine between two hoop portions. A first apparatus includes a disc sized to fit within the male hoop portion. Registration marks are inscribed on the disk for alignment with the garment. A second apparatus is affixed to the tubular hooping device and provides a guide for alignment with an edge of the garment to be embroidered. Methods for using each aligning device are also disclosed.

Abstract: The flat hooping device for use with embroidery machines disclosed herein is comprised of a base plate having a recess sized to receive a female hoop member and a backing material locator for securing a piece of backing material over the female hoop member. The base plate may be used by itself or with a hooping rack. The hooping rack has a plurality of aligning holes formed in its surface that are arranged to receive aligning pins extending from the bottom of the base plate. The hooping rack also has a plurality of aligning indices and garment locating markings. The aligning indices indicate the position of the recess of the base plate when the base plate is mounted upon the hooping rack. The garment location indices indicate the position of a garment on the hooping rack.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing embroidery hoops to a hooping work surface without requiring substantial movement of the hoops with respect to the work surface during attachment and detachment operations. The apparatus preferably includes a body having a ledge defined by a recessed lower surface beneath the ledge, a lip running along the upper edge of the ledge, and a groove running alongside the lip on the upper edge of the ledge. Preferably, the recessed lower surface has an abutment surface which is in the form of a step. The ledge preferably fits in a conventional hoop attachment device between a wedge and a flat lower surface (facing the wedge) of the hoop attachment device. The wedge of the conventional hoop attachment device preferably fits within the groove of the body, while the flat lower surface of the conventional hoop attachment device preferably fits within and abuts against the abutment surface of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a work-sheet holder which holds a work sheet, to a feed member which is fed by a feeding device of a sewing machine, so that a stitch-forming device of the sewing machine forms stitches on the work sheet held by the work-sheet holder, the apparatus including a position adjusting device which adjusts at least one of a position of the work-sheet holder relative to the feed member in a first direction, a position of the work-sheet holder relative to the feed member in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and an angular position of the work-sheet holder relative to the feed member about an axis line parallel to a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and a holder fixing device which fixes the work-sheet holder at the adjusted one position thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for promoting embroidery work on fabric such as clothing, comprising a board frame for receiving the fabric to be embroidered through the mounting of hoops on the board to prepare an area of the fabric for embroidery, and to boards being constructed to fit different sizes of fabric material.

Abstract: A sewing frame and drive system is provided for use generally on commercial sewing/embroidery machines. The invention provides a sewing frame which is releasably attached to the sewing machine through a drive system for use with curved articles such as baseball caps. The drive system allows the sewing frame to laterally move and to rotate approximately 300.degree. whereby substantial embroidering can be conducted on the sides as well as the front of the cap. The sewing frame includes clips which tension the soft fabric of the hats against a biasly mounted clip base.

Abstract: An embroidery frame is provided for use with an embroidery machine of the type which includes a stitching head with a reciprocal needle and which includes drives for moving an embroidery frame in coordinate directions below the needle where one of the drives includes a first positioning and holding device for receiving and holding a complementary positioning device on an embroidery frame and where the extent of movement of the drives defines a field of stitch below the needle. The frame is a generally rectangular flat, one piece member defining a generally rectangular opening. A plurality of complementary positioning devices are mounted on at least one long side of the frame for positioning the frame with respect to the first positioning and holding device.

Abstract: An embroidering device includes a frame from which extends a motor driven and horizontally arranged splined shaft. A moving body in the form of a sleeve is mounted on the splined shaft. The sleeve is adapted to move axially along the shaft while being rotatable in unison with the shaft. A first holding body is fixed to the sleeve and is connected to a horizontally movable bracket. The bracket is connected to a driving mechanism so that upon operation of the driving mechanism the bracket and the first holding body move horizontally. A second holding body, which holds the work piece to be embroidered, is adapted to be mounted on the first holding body. The work piece to be embroidered is rotated by rotating the shaft and is moved horizontally by horizontally moving the bracket.

Abstract: A sewing machine cover 2 includes a cover main body 7 and an extension cover portion 8. The cover main body 7 houses a left-right embroidery-frame drive mechanism 60 for driving an embroidery frame 50 in leftward and rightward directions. The extension cover portion 8 houses a front-rear embroidery-frame drive mechanism 80 for driving the embroidery frame 50 in front and rear directions. An opening 35 for engaging with an engagement portion 11 of a bed portion 3 is formed in a wall 31 of the cover main portion 7. When the sewing machine cover 2 is used as a cover of a sewing machine M, a bed surface 12 and an upper surface of the wall 31 form a substantially continuous work surface.

Abstract: A hoop for embroidery sewing comprises an outer frame (11) connected to a movable bracket (14), and an inner frame (10) adapted to be inserted into said outer frame for clamping a fabric to be embroidered therebetween. According to the invention, the outer frame has a guide device for slidably connecting the outer frame to the bracket, and the bracket has a latch device (16) for latching the outer frame in two or more predetermined positions relative to the bracket.

Abstract: A puff quilt square maker and method for fabricating a puff quilt square for use in fabricating a quilt or other similar article, such as a child's book, clothing, or decorative article. The puff quilt square maker is used to fabricate puffs in quitting of various shapes and sizes, including the size of the design and the height of the puff, in order to fabricate virtually any design in soft sculpture. A gathering guide is used to gauge each gathered edge of a piece of fabric. The gathering guide is provided with a first slit for receiving and holding one end of the thread used to gather the fabric and a plurality of second slits for receiving and holding a further portion of the thread. The puff quilt square maker includes a core and a guide ring for fabricating a puff. The fabric is placed over the core, with a reference mark positioned over the center of the core. After the fabric has been aligned with the core, the guide ring is slipped over the fabric to the bottom extent of the core.

Abstract: A frame for holding a cap of the type having a bill and a front crown. The frame includes an inner subframe having an inner band and an outer subframe having an outer band. The inner and outer bands are hingedly joined on one end so that the outer band may be selectively folded between an open position wherein the outer band is spaced from the inner band and a closed position wherein the outer band is disposed adjacent the inner band. Latch mechanisms are provided for selectively securing the outer band in the closed position. Spaced apart support arms extend upwardly from the inner band. Spaced apart clamp arms extend upwardly from the outer band. When the outer band is in the closed position, an outer opening defined between the clamp arms is disposed adjacent an inner opening defined by the support arms, and the clamp arms are disposed adjacent respective support arms for clamping portions of the crown of the cap therebetween. Each of the support arms includes a reinforcing rib integrally formed therein.

Abstract: A curved workpiece fabric holder device which holds a cup-shaped or cylindrical workpiece at a position around a cylinder bed. The cylinder bed contains therein a loop taker which co-operates with a sewing needle. The holder device includes a base frame movable in an extending direction of the cylinder bed, a rotary frame rotatably supported by the base frame and positioned around the cylinder bed, a retainer retaining therein the workpiece and detachably installed over the rotary frame. Normally, the rotary frame is rotated in accordance with a movement of a fabric feed frame. A fixed segment is fixed to the fabric feed frame, and a movable segment is movably and position-fixably supported to the fixed segment. A wire is looped around the rotary frame and each end of the wire is fixed to each end of the movable segment. By unfastening the movable segment from the fixed segment, the movable segment is disconnected from the fabric feed frame.

Abstract: A machine embroidery hoop assembly which retains a fabric workpiece securely in place throughout the machine embroidery cycle without the use of tapes or structures that may cause harm to the fabric. The assembly fit easily within the machine and allows the operator to easily insert and remove the workpiece. The embroidery hoop includes two securing members, a main clamp to hold the wide end of the workpiece and an elastic restraint to hold the free end. The main clamp has a wide, spring loaded bar cooperating with a fixed support to keep the fabric taut over its width, while the elastic restraint keeps the fabric pulled flat, so that the embroidery can be properly applied. The main clamp can easily be manually raised and lowered so the workpiece can be quickly and easily positioned in the hoop and then removed after embroidery. The whole assembly is of low height and fits easily into embroidery machine.

Abstract: A sewing data processor including input unit for inputting a sewing pattern to be sewn on a cloth using a sewing machine; sewing data preparation unit for preparing sewing data to be used in the sewing machine for sewing the sewing pattern, the sewing data preparation unit preparing the sewing data based on a predetermined point within a sewing reference frame encompassing the sewing pattern; and sewing reference frame setting unit capable of setting a sewable region of the sewing machine as the sewing reference frame.

Abstract: An embroidery machine has an attachment for stitching hats and caps. The attachment fits over a saddle of the embroidery machine. A cap driver is carried on the saddle. The base of the cap driver moves parallel to the axis of the saddle in unison with a carriage member. The cap driver has an arcuate member which will rotate pivotally relative to the base. A cap retainer releasably fastens to the arcuate member. A guide bar located between the base of the cap driver and the sides of the saddle engages bearings for resisting upward and downward movement of the cap driver relative to the saddle during stitching of the cap.

Abstract: The invention provides a mechanical hooping press for framing sections of fabric for embroidery machines. The press includes one or more cylindrical assemblies. The preferred embodiment provides at least two pneumatically-operated cylindrical assemblies being operable either in tandem or independently. The device provides a base having a recess, and with a cylindrical assembly positioned directly above the recess. A first ring of an embroidery hoop is placed in the recess and a fabric section is placed upon the first ring. The cylindrical assembly is provided with a hoop disk for detachably retaining the second ring of the embroidery hoop. The second ring is attached to the hoop disk and the hoop disk is then driven toward the recess, eventually driving the second ring into engagement with the first ring, and capturing the fabric section therebetween. The invention also provides a nested hoop disk, and an embroidery hoop especially adapted for use with the mechanical hooper.