Abstract: An embroidery hoop that doubles as a frame. The frame has a groove for holding a spline to hold embroidery material inside the frame.

Abstract: An improved embroidery hoop is provided. The hoop includes a closed outer loop having a receiving groove in an inner perimeter surface. The receiving groove cooperates with and receives a retaining loop according to a predetermined fit appropriate for holding a fabric workpiece. The outer loop is rigid while the inner retaining loop is sufficiently flexible to be fitted by hand in the receiving groove. The embroidery hoop may optionally include a pull tab for assisting a user in removing the retaining loop from the receiving groove. Moreover, the outer perimeter of the outer loop has a geometry that is arbitrary and independent of the geometry of the receiving groove and retaining loop. Accordingly, the outer loop may comprise fanciful designs.

Abstract: Tissue holders that can be used for gripping natural or synthetic heart valves are described. The tissue holder can include a clamping mechanism and a spring and can be self-adjusting with regard to pressure applied to the tissue gripped in the holder. The tissue holder can be removably attached to systems for processing the tissues and can provide completely hands-free processing of a tissue from development or excisement to implantation and/or completion of testing.

Abstract: Tissue holders that can be used for gripping natural or synthetic heart valves are described. The tissue holder can include a clamping mechanism and a spring and can be self-adjusting with regard to pressure applied to the tissue gripped in the holder. The tissue holder can be removably attached to systems for processing the tissues and can provide completely hands-free processing of a tissue from development or excisement to implantation and/or completion of testing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for storing and displaying memorabilia include a base tray/enclosure for holding display modules which are to be mounted in the enclosure. Each display module includes a “display mount”, designed to have an item to be displayed mounted thereon, and a securing device to secure the item to be displayed to the display mount. The securing device is designed to secure the display item to the display mount without the need for any external tools. This enables the item to be displayed to be easily attached to the display mount, or to be detached from the display mount.

Abstract: Embroidering apparatus comprises an inner hoop and a circumscribing outer hoop which captures and holds fabric firmly in place. An outer hoop has a closure at the gap/split location. Closures variously comprise springs that urge the split-ends of the hoop toward one another. Sleeves around gap-adjusting rods and gauge bars provide visual indicators display the amount of gap or spring compression, to enable quick adjustment and pre-setting of the outer hoop dimension. A fixture for holding an element that is small than the bore of the hoop is mounted on an inner hoop by means of magnetic or spring-tabs. One fixture comprises two spaced apart rail assemblies, each having a hinged and slotted cover.

Abstract: A system for using freezing, storing and thawing biopharmaceutical materials which includes a holder and a container for holding biopharmaceutical materials therein. The holder has a cavity and the container is received in the cavity. The holder includes a first portion and second portion. The container is received between the first portion and the second portion to connect the container to the holder. The holder includes an interior cradle having a bottom and edges extending from the bottom. The cradle bounds the cavity. An outer rim is connected to the cradle and separated from the cavity. The bottom includes an inner surface facing the cavity receiving the container and an outer surface. The outer surface of the bottom is recessed relative to an outer surface of the outer rim.

Abstract: A frame assembly for displaying a shirt includes a blocking member, a frame, and a backing member. The blocking member can receive a shirt such that the shirt is positioned on the front surface of the blocking member and folded about the blocking member to position a neckline of the shirt onto the rear surface of the blocking member. The blocking member is inserted within the frame to display the shirt through the front surface of the frame. The backing member is coupled with the rear surface of the frame to releasably secure the blocking member within the frame.

Abstract: A system for attaching mesh to a frame and applying tension to the mesh is described. The system includes a locking strip slot in a movable frame member that permits mesh and an attached locking strip to be inserted into the slot from the top. The locking strip may be asymmetric. The system further includes a rigid frame that can hold the movable frame member under tension. The system also includes gripping the movable frame member at the locking strip slot to apply tension to the mesh. A simple hand tool may be used for engaging the locking strip slot and leveraging against the rigid portion of the frame to apply the tension. A simple hand tool may be used for separating the movable frame member from the rigid frame to remove the mesh.

Abstract: An embroidery hoop includes a first frame, a second frame and a resilient member. The first frame includes an inner surface and an outer surface. A second frame includes an inner surface, an outer surface and a split portion. The split portion of the second frame includes a pair of separate end portions. One of the first and second frames is positionable in circumscribing alignment with the other of the first and second frames. The resilient member spans the end portions of the second frame split portion and is operable to provide a biasing force for abutting the inner surface of one of the first and second frames against the outer surface of the other of the first and second frames when the first and second frames are in circumscribing alignment.

Abstract: A system for attaching mesh to a frame and applying tension to the mesh is described. The system includes a locking strip slot in a movable frame member that permits mesh and an attached locking strip to be inserted into the slot from the top. The locking strip may be asymmetric. The system further includes a rigid frame that can hold the movable frame member under tension. The system also includes gripping the movable frame member at the locking strip slot to apply tension to the mesh. A simple hand tool may be used for engaging the locking strip slot and leveraging against the rigid portion of the frame to apply the tension. A simple hand tool may be used for separating the movable frame member from the rigid frame to remove the mesh.

Abstract: A vertical quilt basting frame (100) enables an improved quilting experience. The frame (100) includes four frame members (105, 110, 115, 120) defining a rectangle. At least one leg member (125) extends from at least one of the frame members (105, 110, 115, 120). A plurality of fabric side panels (150, 155, 160, 165) are attached to each of the four frame members (105, 110, 115, 120), wherein the fabric side panels (150, 155, 160, 165) define a workspace window (170) inside of the rectangle.

Abstract: The invention is a watercolor paper stretcher and holder device that holds watercolor paper taut against a board by means of strips of channel edging that are slid onto the edges of the board that is overlain with a piece of wet watercolor paper wrapped around the board edges and onto the board back. Friction of the channel edging strips against the paper and the wrapping of the paper around the board keep the paper from buckling and moving during initial drying on the board and during rewetting with aqueous media in the process of painting.

Abstract: A handicraft assisting tool (1) includes a plate-like holding member (3) and a supporting member (2) on which the holding member is placed. The supporting member (2) includes a main plate having a shape corresponding to the holding member (3) and a side plate (22) standing from the periphery of the main plate in the thickness direction of the main plate. The main plate is formed with a plurality of elongated holes (23) arranged adjacent to the periphery of the main plate and spaced from each other along the periphery. The holding member (3) includes a periphery formed with a plurality of recesses (33). Each of the elongated holes (23) includes opposite ends configured to communicate with the recesses (33) when the holding member (3) is placed on the supporting member (2).

Abstract: A device for use with an embroidery machine to hold an item or material to be embroidered between upper and lower hooping members, with the hooping members being secured to one another by use of a magnetic force, preferably with rare earth magnets, is disclosed. The magnets provide a solid, secure mating arrangement between the upper and lower hooping members as well as providing proper alignment of the hooping members. A ridge may be formed in at least one hooping member to securely retain the item or material to be embroidered. One hooping member has interchangeable arms for attaching the mating hooping members to different brands of embroidery machines.

Abstract: A stand includes a horizontal beam supported at two opposite ends by two respective footed legs. The legs and beam are sized to straddle a chair or bed while a human user is sitting in the chair or bed. A top surface of the beam is at a vertical level such that the user may comfortably quilt with a quilting hoop supported by the top surface of the beam. Two lateral supports are attached to the beam in spaced apart relationship and extend above the top surface of the beam. The supports are spaced apart by a distance less than a width of a quilting hoop such that the quilting hoop may be partially inserted between and abut against the supports while being supported by the beam. The supports limit movement of the hoop in lateral directions and in a direction away from the user while the hoop is being supported by the beam.

Abstract: An attachment structure for a load bearing fabric. The attachment structure includes interfitted inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes a fabric leg 74 carrying a load bearing fabric. The inner ring defines a channel receiving the fabric leg 74. The inner ring and outer ring are configured to stretch the fabric upon insertion of the fabric leg 74 into the channel. The present invention also provides a method for securing a load bearing fabric to a support structure, generally including the steps of (a) providing an outer ring having fabric leg 74, (b) attaching a section of load bearing fabric to the fabric leg 74, (c) providing an inner ring having a channel adapted to receive the leg of the outer ring and (d) installing the outer ring to the inner ring by inserting the leg into the channel, the insertion forcing the fabric down into the channel and stretching the fabric to the desired tension.

Abstract: An embroidery sewing machine hooping device has an attachment bracket attached to a base formed to suit each size and shape of machine embroidery hoop. The base provides a stable platform while hooping material and is equipped with a non-skid or non-slip material limiting side-to-side slippage when hooping materials.

Abstract: A placement holder for an embroiderable. The placement holder comprises a metallic hoop for use in an embroidery machine. The metallic hoop contains a quantity of metal sufficient for a magnet to be attracted to the metallic hoop. An embroiderable is placed on top of the metallic hoop for embroidery. An adapter is attached to the metallic hoop. One end of the adapter is attached to the metallic hoop, and the other end of the adapter attaches to an attachment mechanism on a pantograph on the embroidery machine.

Abstract: A tensioning device (11) is arranged on an embroidery hoop (1), which allows the tensioning of the outer frame (3) with a turning knob (33). For protection from damage, a ratchet (37) is inserted in the turning knob (33) and for simple opening after the end of the embroidery process, a free wheel (45) is inserted.

Abstract: A handicraft assisting tool (1) includes a plate-like holding member (3) and a supporting member (2) on which the holding member is placed. The supporting member (2) includes a main plate having a shape corresponding to the holding member (3) and a side plate (22) standing from the periphery of the main plate in the thickness direction of the main plate. The main plate is formed with a plurality of elongated holes (23) arranged adjacent to the periphery of the main plate and spaced from each other along the periphery. The holding member (3) includes a periphery formed with a plurality of recesses (33). Each of the elongated holes (23) includes opposite ends configured to communicate with the recesses (33) when the holding member (3) is placed on the supporting member (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides an embroidery holder assembly for use in embroidery machines. The invention includes an embroidery hoop with two attachment points on opposite sides for attaching removable mounting tabs that secure the hoop to a locking mechanism in an embroidery machine. The tabs are specifically shaped for the model of machine used and can be replaced with different tabs for use with other models. A metal frame fits within the hoop and has tongue tabs that fold over and rest on the upper surface of the hoop ensuring the hoop supports the weight of the frame. A holder plate fits over the metal frame within the hoop and holds fabric between itself and the frame. The plate has a cutout section that defines an embroidering area in which the machine stitches a pattern. Magnets are placed in side slots in the plate that overlie the metal frame to secure the holder plate in place.

Abstract: A cloth holding device including a support frame (11) made of magnetic material and a presser frame (12), clamping a workpiece cloth therebetween, including an attachment unit (13, 14) that attaches the presser frame (12) to the support frame (11) by magnetic attraction; and a positioning unit (12c) that positions the attachment unit (13, 14) to the presser frame (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to an embroidery frame and a frame cover configured to mate with the fabric frame and align a fabric frame opening with a frame cover opening to provide a single embroidery frame opening, where the frame cover has a plurality of engagement members adapted to releasably engage the fabric frame and cover the gripper strips.

Abstract: A tensioning device (11) is arranged on an embroidery hoop (1), which allows the tensioning of the outer frame (3) with a turning knob (33). For protection from damage, a ratchet (37) is inserted in the turning knob (33) and for simple opening after the end of the embroidery process, a free wheel (45) is inserted.

Abstract: A clip for clamping a cloth according to the invention is mounted on an embroidery frame including an outer frame, and an inner frame which is internally engaged with the outer frame thereby to hold a cloth to be worked between the outer frame and the inner frame. The clip includes a leaf spring member which can be detachably mounted on the outer frame, and an urging member which is fitted to this leaf spring member and adapted to press the cloth to be worked onto the inner frame. The leaf spring member has a first engaging portion adapted to be engaged with a lower part of the outer frame from outside, a first plate portion extending upwardly from the first engaging portion, a second plate portion formed in an upper part of this first plate portion by way of a bent portion and downwardly inclined along an inner face of the outer frame, and a second engaging portion formed in this second plate portion and adapted to be engaged with an upper part of the outer frame from inside.

Abstract: A lap stand for supporting a craft frame or hoop upon a user's lap such that the hoop may be swiveled upon a universal joint in a variety of orientations to allow improved user access to the work piece held by the hoop.

Abstract: An attachment 52 comprises: a carriage connecting section 74 connected to a carriage 12 of an embroidery frame transfer device 4; and a metal fastener fixed to an attaching block 32 at the right-hand end portion of the carriage connecting section 74 and having a connecting section of a nonstandard embroidery frame 51 connected thereto. By connecting a connecting section 66 of the nonstandard embroidery frame 51 to the metal fastener 75 of the attachment 52 and by connecting the carriage connecting section 74 of the attachment 52 to the carriage 12, the nonstandard embroidery frame 51 can be mounted indirectly on the carriage 12. Thus, the nonstandard embroidery frame 51 of the type different in construction for attachment to the carriage 12 can be connected to the carriage 12.

Abstract: The present invention provides a placement holder for embroidering patches. The placement holder fits inside an embroidery hoop for use in an automated embroidery machine and contains a cutout section in the shape of the patch. The patch is placed inside the cutout section of the holder, which aligns the patch with the needles of the embroidery machine. The placement holder allows the patch to be properly aligned without the need for making a running stitch and securing the patch within the bounds of the running stitch with adhesives.

Abstract: An embroidery frame is disclosed which is detachably attached to an embroidery unit and provided with outer and inner frames that clamp therebetween an embroidery cloth extending across an underside of the inner frame. The embroidery frame includes a first inclined surface which is provided at least on a part of a cloth-clamping surface of the outer frame that holds the cloth between the inner and outer frames, and which is upwardly inclined toward an inside of the outer frame. The embroidery frame further includes a second inclined surface which is provided in a portion of the cloth-clamping surface of the inner frame corresponding to the first inclined surface, the inner frame holding the cloth between the outer and inner frames, and which is upwardly inclined toward an inside of the inner frame.

Abstract: An embroidery frame for a cap includes a cap support having a pair of side walls capable of being disposed at both sides of a cylinder bed so that the side walls are parallel to a direction of extension of the cylinder bed, a pair of body supports mounted on the upper ends of the respective side walls for supporting a cap, body, the side walls including a pair of visor supports mounted on upper ends of the proximal ends of the side walls, respectively. The visor supports receive a visor of the cap from below at a position located higher than the body supports, and a pair of visor escapes on the side walls for escaping the visor of the cap, respectively. A cap pressing frame mounted to be contacting with and departing from the cap support.

Abstract: Provided is an embroidery frame clip which can effectively prevent itself, without marring operability of fitting it to an embroidery frame, from slipping off the frame, when the tension of an embroidering cloth is increased as stitching goes on. The embroidery frame clip is designed to hold an embroidering cloth a in tension over a rectangular embroidery frame 1 by clipping the cloth a between a rail 2 formed on an upper surface of the embroidery frame circumferentially along the inner rim thereof and the clip fitted on the rail 2. The clip has a clip main body 6 to be fitted on the rail 2 and auxiliary members 7 attached to the clip main body 6, for preventing the clip main body 6 from deforming to open as stitching of the embroidering cloth goes on.

Abstract: An embroidery frame includes an outer subframe with a section that breaks continuity, an inner subframe that is snapped inside of the outer subframe to hold a cloth with the outer subframe, a clamp mechanism for clamping the outer subframe against the inner subframe.

Abstract: A device for fixing the position of home embroidery machine hoops to facilitate placement of a design on the fabric or garment to be embroidered.

Abstract: The present patent application relates to an embroidery frame for a sewing machine and a method for clamping and tensioning a textile material. The embroidery frame comprises an inner frame, an outer frame and a hose arranged between the inner frame and the outer frame, which hose is expandable through pressurization. After manual assembly of the inner frame and the outer frame, a textile material intended for embroidering can be clamped between the hose and the outer frame and tensioned over an area of the textile material intended for embroidering through pressurization of the hose. The hose expands through initial pressurization in an upper part and clamps thereby the textile material between the upper part of the hose and the outer frame. Upon continued pressurization the hose expands in a lower part in a direction towards the outer frame and tensions thereby the textile material.

Abstract: A quilting frame apparatus is disclosed, which provides a user with a more efficient work area than is provided with traditional quilting frames. The quilting frame apparatus comprises concentric rectangular outer and inner frames. The outer frame is constructed from four elongate members attached in a mortise-and-tenon arrangement at each of its four corners and secured by wingnuts. The quilting frame may be adjusted at different angles to suit the user. The apparatus may also be folded for convenient storage.

Abstract: The head apparel embroidery hoop and alignment device is a frame defining an opening adapted for placement on a cap driver, the frame having an outer perimeter adapted for securing the hoop to a containment hoop of an embroidery machine. A removable hat bill retaining plate secures the hat bill portion of a hat between the retaining plate and the frame. A centered rear groove, disposed in the rear of the frame, facilitates proper alignment of the hat within the. embroidery hoop. The clamping force acting upon the retaining plate is provided by threaded knobs receiving threaded posts molded in the frame and passing through apertures cut in the retaining plate, thereby cooperatively engaging the hat bill between the retaining plate and the frame.

Abstract: A craft hoop assembly including a split hoop having a first end and a second end and a clamping mechanism connected to the first end, the clamping mechanism having a first pivot point and a second pivot point, the first pivot point associated with the first end, the second pivot point associated with the second end.

Abstract: A craft hoop assembly including a split hoop having a first end and a second end and a clamping mechanism connected to the first end, the clamping mechanism having a first pivot point and a second pivot point, the first pivot point associated with the first end, the second pivot point associated with the second end.

Abstract: A crewel work stand for supporting needlecraft work and supplies used to work on the needlecraft. The crewel work stand includes a base member including side walls and cross members interconnecting the side walls; and also includes elongate upright support members being attached to the side walls of the base member; and further includes shelf units being mounted to the elongate upright support members; and also includes a workplace assembly including a platform being pivotally attached to the elongate upright support members, and also including needlecraft support hoop members being detachably attached to the platform; and further includes a light-emitting assembly being mounted to the elongate upright support members above the platform; and also includes a magnifying unit being pivotally mounted to the elongate upright support members above the platform.

Abstract: Provided is an embroidery frame clip which can effectively prevent itself, without marring operability of fitting it to an embroidery frame, from slipping off the frame, when the tension of an embroidering cloth is increased as stitching goes on. The embroidery frame clip is designed to hold an embroidering cloth a in tension over a rectangular embroidery frame 1 by clipping the cloth a between a rail 2 formed on an upper surface of the embroidery frame circumferentially along the inner rim thereof and the clip fitted on the rail 2. The clip has a clip main body 6 to be fitted on the rail 2 and auxiliary members 7 attached to the clip main body 6, for preventing the clip main body 6 from deforming to open as stitching of the embroidering cloth goes on.

Abstract: A holder for material to be sewn in the form of a buttonhole frame has a frame plate (18) and a movable clamping element (24) with passages (20, 30). The holder (10) for material to be sewn can be fixed in place on a displacement mechanism of a sewing machine, and the material to be sewn can be clamped between the frame plate (18) and the clamping element (24) with the aid of a pressure element (34). To make possible space-saving and assured clamping, a wedge surface (38) is provided which, in the course of the movement of the pressing element (34) into the position in which the material to be sewn is clamped, builds up a pressing force in the clamping element (24) against the frame plate.

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: 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: The present invention provides an apparatus for positionally retaining flexible material. The apparatus is a substantially rectangular footed stand with an elongated cantilever member adjustably disposed along the footed stand's rectangular portion. A flexible material retaining mechanism is connected along the cantilever member's longitudinal length via a clamping mechanism. The retaining mechanism is selectively positionable about the clamping mechanism 360° in both the vertical and horizontal plane.