Frames Patents (Class 112/119)
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Patent number: 11180878Abstract: A quilting machine includes a frame sized and configured to support a sheet of fabric and a tilting sewing assembly. The tilting sewing assembly includes a needle beam defining a needle beam longitudinal axis, and a needle head attached to the needle that translates along the needle beam longitudinal axis. The assembly includes a hook beam defining a hook beam longitudinal axis disposed separate from and parallel to the needle beam longitudinal axis, and an axis of rotation parallel to the needle beam and the hook beam with the hook beam disposed between the needle beam and the hook beam. The needle head is between the needle beam and the hook beam. The tilting sewing assembly is configured to pivot about the axis of rotation with the needle beam and the hook beam translating laterally about the axis of rotation to move the needle head relative to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2021Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Inventors: Mark S. Meier, Karen A. Brow-Meier
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Patent number: 10975505Abstract: Fabric suspension frame pole ratchet mechanism. In some embodiments, an example fabric suspension frame may include a pole support side arm, a pole configured to have fabric spooled thereon, and a pole ratchet mechanism. The pole may be configured to be manually rotated in a first rotational direction and a second opposite rotational direction. The pole ratchet mechanism may include a ratchet sleeve attached to the pole, a ratchet slider configured to be positioned in a receiving slot of the pole support side arm, and a ratchet shifter attached to the pole. The ratchet sleeve may define a first set of teeth, and the ratchet slider may define a second set of teeth configured to selectively engage with the first set of teeth. The ratchet shifter may be configured to be manually shifted between an engaged position and a disengaged position.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: HANDI QUILTER, INC.Inventor: Bryan K. Ruggles
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Patent number: 10781546Abstract: A shift mechanism for a tufting machine for controlling the transverse, lateral shifting movement of a series of needles of the tufting machine across a backing material for forming a series of cut and/or loop pile tufts of yarns in the backing in accordance with a pattern. The shift mechanism will include a motor controlled rack and pinion shift control assembly having one or more pinions, each driven by a motor, that engage and drive a rack coupled to at least one needle bar of the tufting machine, for controlling the transverse shifting movement of the needles.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2018Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: Card-Monroe Corp.Inventor: Ricky E. Mathews
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Patent number: 10337131Abstract: Reconfigurable fabric frame for a maneuverable sewing machine. In one example embodiment, an example reconfigurable fabric frame may include a take-up pole, an idler pole, a backing pole, a quilt-top pole, and side rails. The side rails may include take-up pole attachment locations, idler pole attachment locations, backing pole attachment locations, and quilt-top pole attachment locations. The side rails may be reconfigurable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the backing pole attachment locations may be higher than the quilt-top pole attachment locations. In the second configuration, the backing pole attachment locations may be lower than the quilt-top pole attachment locations.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2017Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: HANDI QUILTER, INC.Inventors: Gary James Konzak, Gordon Hudson
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Patent number: 10082776Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated assisted generation, by a user, of a digitized border pattern for a border zone of a fabric article, and automated assisted sewing of the digitized border pattern, the border pattern incorporating a plurality of border pattern segments having one or more pattern lines, the actuator displaying the border zone to the user, presenting available digitized border pattern segments to the user for selection, positioning, orienting, scaling, and selective interconnecting, by the user through interaction with the actuator, for integration of the selected border pattern segments into the digitized border pattern.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2016Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: Gracewood Management, Inc.Inventor: Bradley B. Critchfield
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Patent number: 9963812Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for quilting are provided. In an illustrative embodiment, a quilt support includes a platform adapted to support an embroidery machine capable of quilting a quilt sandwich. A first support arm is coupled to the platform. The first support arm is adapted to support a portion of the quilt sandwich. A second support arm is coupled to the platform. The second support arm is offset from the first support arm and adapted to support a portion of the quilt sandwich. Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Great Notions News CompanyInventor: Eileen Katherine Roche
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Patent number: 9951449Abstract: Disclosed herein is a household type sewing machine that includes a transmitter configured to connect to a local device such as a Wi-Fi device, and an image capture device configured to capture a video of a workpiece being sewn by the household type sewing machine. The transmitter is configured to send the video captured by the image capture device to the local device. Further disclosed is a method that includes capturing, by the image capture device, a video of a workpiece being sewn by the household type sewing machine and sending the video captured by the image capture device to a mobile device. A sewing system is further disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: UNIVERSAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATIONInventors: Koenraad Alexander Gieskes, Hermanna Elisabeth Gieskes
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Patent number: 9833867Abstract: A lathe or other rotating machine includes a tool rest on a carriage that is movable along the work piece. The carriage includes a post that is movable with the tool rest. The post supports a guard that is disposed between the user and the work piece. The guard may include a frame surrounding a transparent portion. The frame may support a plurality of light emitting elements directed onto the work piece. An extendable/retractable transparent portion may be extended from the guard between the user and the work piece. The extendable/retractable portion and/or the transparent portion may be a magnifier.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: JPW Industries Inc.Inventors: Martin Gardner, Charles Weber, Benjamin Carlson
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Patent number: 9267222Abstract: A method and apparatus for stitching a workpiece, such as a quilt, is disclosed. The method comprises displaying a predetermined pattern on a display and manipulating the predetermined pattern on the display. The display includes an indicator corresponding to a position of a sewing head relative to the workpiece. The method further includes moving a control handle operably connected to the sewing head to move the indicator relative to the pattern on the display and move the sewing head relative to the workpiece. Devices to practice the method include sewing machines having a sewing head moveable relative to a workpiece and a control handle operably connected to the sewing head to move the sewing head relative to the workpiece, wherein the display showing a pattern to be sewn is mounted relative to the control handle for movement with the control handle.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2012Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignees: ABM International, Inc., Industrial Indexing Systems, Inc.Inventors: William E. Schnaufer, Neal A. Schwarzberger
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Patent number: 9145630Abstract: A retractable quilt clamp apparatus is disclosed having a clamp attached to a strap, and a strap retraction mechanism attached to the strap. The strap retraction mechanism is configured to retract and retain at least part of the strap. The strap retraction mechanism includes a case, a spool, a spiral spring, and a brake. The case at least partially houses and retains the spool. The case and the spool retain the spiral spring. The strap is attached to the spiral spring, which biases the strap to be wound about the spool. The case includes a brake region for retaining and guiding movement of the brake. The brake is configured to press against the strap when in a locked position, and to allow clearance for the strap to move relative to the case when in an unlocked position. A bracket is used to attach the apparatus to a quilting frame, such as a quilting frame of a longarm quilting system.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2013Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: Quilter's Gear, LLCInventors: Catherine Mae McCoy, Richard Thomas McCoy, Donna C. Watford
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Publication number: 20150114272Abstract: A hoop frame unit having a frame support structure, a hoop frame assembly, and a machine carriage assembly. The hoop frame assembly has a front fabric retainer, a rear fabric retainer, a first end retainer, and a second end retainer. Retainer clips mate with retainer seats on each of the retainers to secure fabric zones of quilt cores in place for machine sewing. The machine carriage assembly is supported by a front carriage track and a rear carriage track which are affixed on opposing ends to the frame support structure. The machine carriage assembly incorporates a lateral carriage element for carriage lateral movement, and a pair of longitudinal tracks on the lateral carriage element to provide for machine longitudinal movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventor: Jim Matthews Bagley
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Publication number: 20150101520Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for quilting are provided. In an illustrative embodiment, a quilt support includes a platform adapted to support an embroidery machine capable of quilting a quilt sandwich. A first support arm is coupled to the platform. The first support arm is adapted to support a portion of the quilt sandwich. A second support arm is coupled to the platform. The second support arm is offset from the first support arm and adapted to support a portion of the quilt sandwich. Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: GREAT NOTIONS NEWS INC. D/B/A DESIGNS MAGAZINEInventor: Eileen Katherine Roche
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Patent number: 8656849Abstract: An embroidery frame comprises an inner frame, wherein the inner frame is a circular form. The embroidery frame comprises a middle frame which is configured to be detachably attachable to a radial outside of the inner frame. The middle frame is a circular form. The embroidery frame comprises an outer frame which is configured to rotatably hold the middle frame, wherein the outer frame is a circular form, and the outer frame is configured to be detachably attachable to a radial outside of the middle frame. The embroidery frame comprises a grip portion which is provided to the middle frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Midori Magara, Katsuhisa Hasegawa, Harumi Kato
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Patent number: 8210113Abstract: A sewing system is disclosed for facilitating the sewing together with a sewing machine ends of at least two webs that are held by a spooling machine. A substantially horizontal carriage rail is supported by a support mounting means in fixed relationship with the spooling machine and itself slidably supports a sewing carriage adapted to hold the sewing machine. A trimming carriage is also slidably supported on the carriage rail and supports a conventional trimming machine that trims the ends of each web ahead of the sewing machine. The trimming carriage is selectively and mechanically fixed with the sewing carriage with a mechanical fastener, so that as the sewing carriage is moved along the carriage rail, the trimming carriage is also moved along thereby. A substantially horizontal support platform is fixed with the carriage rail and adapted to hold each web fixed with respect thereto with a plurality of vertically-movable pins that traverse each web in a raised position.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Inventor: Michael A. Ellis
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Patent number: 8166897Abstract: An adjustment device for use with a quilting frame having end portions and roller supports height adjustably connected thereto via nut and bolt securing mechanism includes a pair of base members connectable to predetermined sides of such roller supports and having threaded apertures disposed therethrough running from top to bottom. A securing mechanism secures such base members to such roller supports. Elongated threaded rod members are rotatably disposed within such threaded apertures. A mechanism for rotating such rod members is operably connected to each top end thereof for gripping by a user and rotating when such nut and bolt are loosened such that such bases and such roller supports are raised and lowered. Protective members are connected to at least one of bottom ends of such rod members, predetermined locations on end portions of such quilting frame, and a combination thereof for protecting such quilting frame from being damaged.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Inventors: Kathryn L. Bowers, James E. Bowers
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Patent number: 7302898Abstract: A quilt holding clamp for securing a quilt and finishing bias to eliminate the need for pining when attaching the finishing bias to the unfinished edge of the quilt. The clamp includes a top clamp member having a “J”-shaped forward end for elevating a folded end of the finishing bias above the quilt. A bottom clamp member is provided with a “L”-shaped forward end. A “U”-shaped spring biases the “J”-shaped forward end and the “L”-shaped forward end together. The “L”-shaped forward end provides a recess for recessing multiple layers of the folded finishing bias.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2003Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Inventor: John D. Martelli
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Patent number: 7011031Abstract: An improved quilting machine includes a table having a carriage for supporting a sewing machine on the table and translating the sewing machine in two axes, a quilting rack for supporting one or more layers of fabric in a substantially planer orientation relative to the sewing machine, and foldable legs. The quilting rack is suspended above the table on a rotatable vertical support, and is easily adjustable without tools for positioning the fabric in a convenient orientation for machine quilting, hand sewing, or access to the table. A lamp is attached through a flexible assembly to the carriage for directing illumination to the sewing machine. The lamp moves with the carriage so that illumination tracks the sewing machine. The quilting rack and legs are foldable and, combined with the rotatable vertical support, provide for convenient transportation and storage of the quilting machine.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Inventor: James Bradley
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Patent number: 6990914Abstract: An improved quilting apparatus and method for automatically providing a variable sewing area (VSA) independent of the throat depth of the sewing machine used and X/Y carriages on which the sewing machine is mounted, comprising a rotatably-powered take-up roller mounted on laterally movable carriages, a tension system for continuous tension on fabric and batting, arm-mounted or sewing machine-mounted sensors that detect proximity or engage fabric on the take-up roller and cause rotation of the take-up roller so that it is out of the way of the advancing or returning sewing machine. The inventive VSA system includes a microprocessor-based controller for automatic operation, which controller interfaces with PC operated quilting programs that drive powered X/Y carriage systems to allow sewing of quilting patterns much larger than the throat depth of conventional sewing machines.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: McMuffin & Snuffles, Inc.Inventor: Timothy G. Canan
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Patent number: 6823595Abstract: A low profile, single platform carriage (40) for use with a quilting frame that is capable of simultaneous motion in two orthogonal axes, capable of motion along the length of a table without the need for guidance systems such as tracks or channels, for enhanced portability with a simple means of adjustment (20) for the length of the carriage in the y-axis for the purpose of accommodating slight variations in standard table width.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Inventor: Ronald C Bellavich
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Publication number: 20040182295Abstract: A quilting table (20) includes a frame (22) having box channel rails (50, 52), a first carriage (212), moveable relative to a longitudinal dimension (30) of the frame (22), having wheels (224) engaged with the box channel rails (50, 52), and a second carriage (214), moveable relative to a transverse dimension (32) of the frame (22), supporting a sewing machine (34). A fabric support system (24) includes three fabric payout bars (128, 130, 132) and a take-up bar (134). Compressive force is utilized between the bars (128, 130, 132, 134) and their supports (120, 122) for fabric tensioning. The bars have a rectangular cross-sectional shape and indicia (190) for facilitating fabric placement. An overhead shelf (28) extends across dimension (30) of the frame (22) so that an operator on a needle side (51) of the quilting table (20) can currently view a quilting guide (268) and the fabric (206).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventor: Thomas A. Pfeifer
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Patent number: 6792884Abstract: A quilting apparatus and method for guiding a sewing machine relative to at least one layer of fabric is disclosed. The apparatus may include an adjustable quilting frame and a carriage assembly that supports the sewing machine. The quilting frame is mounted relative to a working surface and retains one or more fabric layers in a substantially planar orientation. The carriage assembly includes lower and upper carriage components that cooperate to transport the sewing machine in lateral and longitudinal directions with respect to the quilting frame. The quilting frame includes support members acting as spools to retain the fabric layers and having locking mechanisms for maintaining tension in the fabric layers. The support members have an adjustable length to accommodate various fabric sizes and to accommodate the arbitrary dimensions of the working surface. The height of the quilting frame may also be adjusted by a height adjustment assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Handi Quilter Company, Inc.Inventor: Laurel W. Barrus
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Patent number: 6688247Abstract: A device for compactly holding a large quilt during the sewing phase of the quilt-making operation including a three-sided frame having spaced-apart side members, each the side member of terminal length and attached to a single, common cross-member, the frame adapted to enter into close juxtaposition or nesting arrangement with the free arm of a portable sewing machine, a quilt-holding fitting extending from each terminal end of each side member for holding opposed, curled portions of the quilt apart from each other to create a wrinkle-free, planar work area of the quilt therebetween, and a plurality of wheels for moving the frame over a small support surface, such as a card table, to allow machineType: GrantFiled: September 16, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Inventor: Lawerence Henry Danielson
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Patent number: 6615756Abstract: A quilting apparatus and method for guiding a sewing machine relative to at least one layer of fabric is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment including an adjustable quilting frame and a carriage assembly configured to mountably support the sewing machine having an arbitrary throat depth. Preferably, the quilting frame is mounted relative to a working surface and supportably retains one or more fabric layers in a substantially planar orientation to accommodate the sewing and stitching of patterns and/or designs into at least a portion of the fabric layers forming the quilt. The carriage assembly may be configured to transport the sewing machine in both lateral and longitudinal directions with respect to the quilting frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Inventor: Laurel W. Barrus
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Patent number: 5913275Abstract: A quilting frame which can be used in hand quilting or machine sewing quilting. The multiple use frame includes three parallel, spaced rods rotatably supported by a pair of parallel frame ends with the rods being individually rotated and individually locked in rotated position by interengaging splines on the ends of the rods and on the frame ends by the use of a screw threaded knob type wing nut. The top and bottom layers of the quilt are attached to certain of the rods, the batting inserted between the top and bottom layers and the three layers of the quilt are attached to and wound on a third rod. The rods are manipulated in a manner to effectively provide a quilting area for hand stitching or machine sewing with the rods maintaining the quilt components in a taut condition when stitching or sewing.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Inventor: John F. Flynn
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Patent number: 5899160Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1997Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Inventor: Barbara Jones Hoag
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Patent number: 5826526Abstract: A sewing machine includes a feed dog disposed in a bed of a main body to be displaced between positions above and below a top face of the bed in a normal state to feed a workpiece cloth, and a control device. When a presser foot is vertically moved during sewing, the control device judges that the feed dog is in the drop feed state. The vertical movement of the presser foot is detected on the basis of an output of a cloth thickness sensor which detects the height of the presser foot. When the feed dog is in the drop feed state, the control device judges whether a stitch pattern selected by a user is suitable for formation of stitches in the drop feed state of the feed dog. When the stitch pattern is unsuitable, information to that effect is provided, and the sewing is stopped.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1997Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shintaro Tomita
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Patent number: 5706747Abstract: A sewing machine includes a sewing head having a sewing needle to be vertically reciprocally driven, and a shuttle base having a shuttle to be rotatably driven in synchronism with the vertical movement of the sewing needle for forming stitches. A machine frame includes a pair of support posts spaced laterally from each other, an upper frame having greater rigidness for mounting the sewing head thereon, and a lower frame having greater rigidness and disposed below the upper frame for mounting the shuttle base thereon. Each of the upper frame and the lower frame extends between the pair of support posts and is fixed thereto.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1996Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Assignee: Tokai Kogyo Mishin Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ikuo Tajima, Minao Fukuoka
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Patent number: 5685250Abstract: Quilts (120) are made from unquilted comforter bags (206) without premounting the panel on a rectangular frame (11,11a). A leading edge clamp (50,250) is preattached along the leading edge of a panel and fed from an operator station (15) onto a shuttle (20) movably mounted on the frame of a programmed single needle quilting machine (10,10a). Opposed belt conveyors (61,62) on opposite sides of the shuttle (20) advance the clamp (50,250) and pull the panel onto the shuttle (20), gripping the side edges of the panel as it is pulled. A trailing edge clamp bar (48) frictionally engages the panel as the panel is pulled onto the shuttle (20). The shuttle (20) reciprocates longitudinally under a sewing head (18) that moves transversely on the frame (11,11a) to stitch a pattern in the panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1996Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventors: Jeff Kaetterhenry, Glenn E. Leavis, James T. Frazer, David B. Scott, Andrew K. Schnaufer
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Patent number: 5095835Abstract: An automatic quilting machine for use in stitching individual selected patterns into a large fabric such as a bedspread or quilt. The bedspread or quilt is stretched on a large metal frame which is mounted on a table which can be moved in the X-direction, the Y-direction, or any X-Y combination direction through a process controller. The precise location of a sewing machine needle and fabric is illuminated and a color video camera which is mounted on a cross beam holding a sewing machine head is also focused on this location. The color video camera is connected through a preprocessor and a frame grabber to a process controller. A pattern creation means is also connected to the preprocessor and through the frame grabber to the process controller. The process controller includes a Machine Vision - R program which takes the pattern created by the pattern creation means and converts it into a pixel. The pixel is then mapped on a grid to determine the locations where the pattern is to duplicated.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1990Date of Patent: March 17, 1992Assignee: TD Quilting MachineryInventors: Thomas K. Jernigan, David Brower
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Patent number: 4993333Abstract: Framing hoop apparatus for use in sewing and embroidering includes a pair of engagable hoops. The inner hoop includes opposingly, outwardly extending flanges having ramp portions and ports for engaging spring-loaded plunger spheres of a hoop receiver. The hoop receiver includes a divider which is "T-shaped" and forms two compartments. The spring-loaded plunger spheres of the receiver are adjustably urged downwardly whereby the spheres will engage the receiving ports of inserted framing hoops to releasably hold them within the receiver during sewing.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1990Date of Patent: February 19, 1991Inventor: Edgar F. Moore, III
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Patent number: 4953485Abstract: An automatic quilting machine for use in stitching individual selected patterns into a large fabric such as a bedspread or quilt. The bedspread or quilt is stretched on a large metal frame which is mounted on a table which can be moved in the X-direction, the Y-direction, or any X-Y combination direction. The sewing machine head is mounted on a cross beam which is aligned at the approximate center point of the metal frame on which the fabric is stretched. The needle of the sewing machine head can stitch a pattern into any location in the fabric and the metal frame is moved in any direction relative to the fixed sewing machine head in order to bring the desired stitch location on the fabric into alignment with the sewing machine head. The pattern can be created through reading by a scanner which then converts the pattern into machine readable language which is stored in a process controller.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1989Date of Patent: September 4, 1990Assignee: TD Quilting MachineryInventors: David Brower, Thomas K. Jernigan
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Patent number: 4953483Abstract: An automatic quilting machine for use in stitching individual selected patterns into a large fabric such as a bedspread or quilt. The bedspread or quilt is stretched on a large metal frame which is mounted on a table which can be moved in the X-direction, the Y-direction, or any X-Y combination direction, either through a manually operated automatic joystick or mouse or through an automatic remote control directed by a computer. The sewing machine function is controlled by one computer connected to the sewing machine head and the quilting table motion in the X-direction, Y-direction, and X-Y direction is controlled by a separate computer. When it is desired to change a sewing machine computer function such as a stitch or accessory functions such as trim, the sewing machine computer can be independently reprogrammed. When it is desired to change the pattern, the separate computer controlling the X-Y table movement direction can be independently reprogrammed.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1989Date of Patent: September 4, 1990Assignee: TD Quilting MachineryInventors: David Brower, Thomas K. Jernigan
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Patent number: 4876976Abstract: An automatic quilting machine for use in stitching individual selected patterns into a large fabric such as a bedspread or quilt. The bedspread or quilt is stretched on a large metal frame which is mounted on a table which can be moved in the X-direction, the Y-direction, or any X-Y combination direction through an automatic joystick. The sewing machine head is mounted on a cross beam which is aligned at the approximate center point of the metal frame on which the fabric is stretched. The needle of the sewing machine head can stitch a pattern into any location in the fabric and the metal frame is moved in any direction relative to the fixed sewing machine head in order to bring the desired stitch location on the fabric into alignment with the sewing machine head. The precise location of the sewing machine needle and fabric is illuminated and a color video camera which is mounted on the cross beam holding the sewing machine head is also focused on this location.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1988Date of Patent: October 31, 1989Assignee: TD Quilting MachineryInventors: David Brower, Thomas K. Jernigan
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Patent number: 4860675Abstract: A automatic quilting machine for use in stitching individual selected patterns into a large fabric such as a bedspread or quilt. The bedspread or quilt is stretched on a large metal frame which is mounted on a table which can be moved in the X-direction, the Y-direction, or any X-Y combination direction through an automatic joy stick. The sewing machine head is mounted on a cross beam which is aligned at the approximate center point of the metal frame on which the fabric is stretched. The needle of the sewing machine head can stitch a pattern into any location in the fabric and the metal frame is moved in any direction relative to the fixed sewing machine head in order to bring the desired stitch location on the fabric into alignment with the sewing machine head. The precise location of the sewing machine needle and fabric is illuminated and a color video camera which is mounted on the cross beam holding the sewing machine head is also focused on this location.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1988Date of Patent: August 29, 1989Assignee: TD Quilting MachineryInventors: David Brower, Thomas K. Jernigan
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Patent number: 4858540Abstract: The quilting machine includes a cloth-holder cylinder supported rotatable about a horizontal axis and provided with means for fastening the cloth along a cylindrical path. Externally to the cloth, along a generatrix of the cylinder, there moves a sewing head the motion whereof is coordinated with that of the cylinder so that the sewing line follows a predetermined trajectory.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1988Date of Patent: August 22, 1989Assignee: Resta Commerciale S.r.l.Inventors: Rodolfo Resta, Mario Resta, Roberto Resta
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Patent number: 4831946Abstract: The apparatus includes a pair of hoops constituting said cylinder and provided with hooking elements for fastening the lateral edges of the cloth and mutually connected by longitudinal bars provided with hooking elements for fastening the initial and terminal edges of the cloth. The apparatus further includes a framework guided perpendicularly to the cylinder tangent plane and whereon is slideable a cutting assembly below which are arranged means for elastic retention of the initial flap of the cloth, means being furthermore provided to actuate the framework between a lowered position in which the initial and terminal flaps of the cloth couple to the longitudinal bars and the cloth is cut defining the initial and terminal flaps, and a raised position whereat the cloth-holder cylinder rotates.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1988Date of Patent: May 23, 1989Assignee: Resta Commerciale S.R.L.Inventors: Rodolfo Resta, Mario Resta, Roberto Resta
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Patent number: 4748920Abstract: Difficulties are met with when contour-stitching patterns deposited on two-dimensional elastic fabrics because the originally printed or woven-in pattern is significantly warped already during printing or weaving and then during the clamping of the fabric in a clamping frame because of the fabric's elasticity. To make possible automatic contour-stitching, the invention proposes to feed the theroretical dimensional data of the pattern contours together with at least a few prominent sites into a memory of an electronic control for the automatic stitching machine and the actual dimensional data of at least those prominent sites are inputted by means of a computer in such a manner that the theoretical dimensional data are corrected relative to the actual positions of the pattern contours.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1986Date of Patent: June 7, 1988Assignee: Nahmaschinenfabrik Emil Stutznacker GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Klaus Stutznacker
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Patent number: 4703705Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for feeding and securing a fabric tape enclosing a wire to a sheet of fabric, such as a mattress pad, along a predetermined circuitous path. The pad is supported in a generally planar configuration and is movable through a plane under the needle of a sewing head so that the needle traverses the circuitous path on the pad. The tape and enclosed wire are supplied to a guide rotatably mounted on the sewing head for guiding the tape and enclosed wire onto the pad towards the needle from locations circumferentially disposed about a vertical axis of the needle. Provision is made for moving the guide about the sewing head as the pad moves in the circuitous path under the needle so that the tape and enclosed wire move towards the needle generally along the circuitous path.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1986Date of Patent: November 3, 1987Assignee: Tex-nology Systems, Inc.Inventor: Robert T. Wiley
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Patent number: 4669405Abstract: A quilting machine for quilting mattress, bedspreads, comforters, and the like comprises a carriage on which an article to be quilted is held stretched. The carriage is guided by horizontal rails along which it is moved back-and-forth by a drive unit. Said carriage is overlaid by another carriage which is guided in an orthogonal direction to that of said first-mentioned carriage and carries one or more sewing heads. The latter carriage is driven by a unit which determines, in cooperation with the drive unit of said first-mentioned carriage, the relative movement of the sewing heads and cloth in accordance with a preset pattern for the seam line.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1984Date of Patent: June 2, 1987Assignee: Antonia Resta Meccanica S.d.f. di Resta Mario e BerardiInventors: Rodolfo Resta, Mario Resta, Roberto Resta
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Patent number: 4497269Abstract: Method and apparatus for making aesthetically pleasing and novel quilting including intricate artistic stitching-patterns. The quilting results from a preferably tri-laminar layup having a resiliently-compressible foam layer sandwiched between relatively thin facing and base fabric sheets. The method utilizes a tabletop for supporting the layup, at least one sewing machine head overlying and associated with the tabletop, and gripper means for frictionally engaging non-peripheral areas of the layup for shifting same along the tabletop relative to the sewing head according to successive command means.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1983Date of Patent: February 5, 1985Inventors: Charles Schneider, Bruce H. Schneider, Jerry S. Schneider
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Patent number: 4408552Abstract: In this apparatus for automatically producing comforters, the feeding of the comforter materials through the apparatus in a longitudinal direction and the shifting of the frame structure which carries a plurality of sewing machines in a transverse direction are conducted by servo motors which are accurately controllable by a suitable control device such as a numerical control device. Due to such construction, the apparatus can accurately and readily stitch a desired and complicated pattern on the surface of the comforter.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 1980Date of Patent: October 11, 1983Inventors: Atsushige Kondo, Masakazu Kondo
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Patent number: 4372237Abstract: A monogram sewing system comprising a monogram sewing machine capable of needle feeding as well as underbed feed dog feeding of the work piece, an articulated presser foot, and a work holding frame for constraining feeding motion of the work piece to translatory motion.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1981Date of Patent: February 8, 1983Assignee: The Singer CompanyInventors: Peter J. Totino, Donald R. Davidson
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Patent number: 4192241Abstract: Apparatus for quilting layered fabrics by a sewing machine. The fabric and liner are unrolled from parallel fabric and liner shafts onto a winding shaft for the quilted fabric and disposed beneath the carrier arm of the sewing machine carriage. A hand control for free-hand quilting may be extensible from the sewing machine head and retracted during pattern quilting. The sewing machine carriage is mounted on parallel rails extending transversely of the pattern on linear anti-friction bearings. Other parallel rails and anti-friction linear bearings extending longitudinally of the pattern also mount the linear bearings and carriage for movement longitudinally of the fabric to be quilted. A follower depends from the sewing machine carriage to engage and follow the pattern and controls movement of the carriage to conform to the pattern selected for quilting.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1978Date of Patent: March 11, 1980Inventors: Donald K. Reed, Shere R. Reed
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Patent number: 4130935Abstract: In a quilting machine adapted to drive two mating parts of a quilting button through a work piece and engage these parts, an improved button part holder has spring-loaded pivotally-mounted retainers for holding a male button part and evenly releasing same as the part is very rapidly driven from the holder by the machine.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1977Date of Patent: December 26, 1978Assignee: Tuftamatic, Inc.Inventor: Arthur J. Randolph
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Patent number: 4106417Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the movement of a fabric-supporting carriage in a quilting machine includes a slider integral with the carriage. The slider is housed within a rotatable member and provided with an element slidably inserted in a shaped groove. The groove is formed in a perforated wall fixed in the frame below a guide in which the slider is positioned. The perforation in the wall is coaxial with a shaft which is fixed to a gear, the shaft being integral with the rotatable member.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1976Date of Patent: August 15, 1978Assignee: MECA S.n.c.Inventor: Giannino Landoni