Abstract: Described is a cotton surface nursing pad having both a proximal side and distal side. The proximal side is formed of a surface layer made of certified organic cotton, while the distal side is formed of a leakproof film later. Sandwiched between the surface layer and leakproof film layer are a first tissue layer, an absorbent core layer, and a second tissue layer. Notably, the absorbent core layer is formed of a combination of super absorbent polymer and fluff pulp, while the certified organic cotton is woven together using a half-cross pattern to form the surface layer.

Abstract: Exemplary methods of making an applique are disclosed. An exemplary method includes forming a graphic and at least one registration mark on a display side of a fabric layer. An adhesive may be applied to a non-display side of the fabric layer, and a backing carrier may be applied to the adhesive. The methods may further include cutting through the fabric layer and the adhesive, but not the backing carrier, using a cutting tool that is responsive to the at least one registration mark. Exemplary methods may also include applying a topside carrier to the display side of the fabric layer. A bond between the topside carrier and the fabric layer may be stronger than a bond between the backing carrier and the fabric layer.

Abstract: A digitizer is operably coupled to a quilting machine controller, wherein an operator can input free hand or traced patterns for regulating operation of a sewing head. The digitizer can be an X-Y encoder wherein the encoder includes a transparent or translucent sensing zone which provides for the operator to input a pattern while simultaneously viewing a portion of a textile, which can itself include a pattern.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods of utilizing a custom embroidery system. A custom embroidery frame is comprised of a custom receiving cavity sized and shaped to receive a composite piece for embroidery. The size and the shape of the custom receiving cavity correspond with a size and a shape of the portion of the composite piece onto which an embroidery device will embroider. Additionally, a gasket with a size and a shape adapted to be inserted into the receiving cavity and around the portion of the composite piece may optionally be utilized.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a sewing device, a processor, and a memory. The sewing device is configured to form stitches on a sewing workpiece. The memory is to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, instruct the processor to perform processes including acquiring embroidery data, generating stitched marker data, causing the sewing device to sew the at least one stitched marker, causing the sewing device to start sewing an embroidery pattern, identifying a pattern to be sewn when the sewing of the embroidery pattern is stopped, detecting at least one of a second sewing position and a second sewing angle when the sewing of the embroidery pattern is stopped, setting at least one of a third sewing position and a third sewing angle, correcting data to be used to sew the pattern to be sewn, and causing the sewing device to restart sewing the embroidery pattern.

Abstract: A colored embroidered pattern is formed on a fabric by positioning a stabilizer prior to the embroidery process on the top surface of the fabric. The stabilizer extends beyond at least a portion of the embroidered pattern such that it blocks sublimating dyes from binding to the fabric during the sublimation process. Excess stabilizer is then removed.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component including a decorative covering includes a seam formed therein. The seam is formed in a single sheet of covering material while having the appearance of being formed by sewing two separate pieces of covering material together. The seam includes lines of functional stitching and decorative stitching and can simulate the appearance of a French seam. Sewing the decorative stitching into the single sheet of covering material can allow symmetric thread patterns to be more readily formed as part of the finished seam, and a seam can be located anywhere along the surface of a sheet of covering material to achieve a cut-and-sew appearance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital garment using embroidery technology. In the digital garment, a digital embroidery pattern is formed on a common garment to provide a communication path, an antenna pattern, etc. The digital garment comprises a garment made of a textile and having one side and the other side opposite to each other, a digital embroidery pattern formed along the inner or outer surface of the garment using embroidery technology to provide a communication path to the garment, a sensor attached to the garment and electrically connected to the digital embroidery pattern to convert physical signals to electrical signals, an arithmetic unit attached to the garment and electrically connected to the digital embroidery pattern to process the electrical signals inputted from the sensor, and a communication module attached to the garment and electrically connected to the digital embroidery pattern to perform wireless communication.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle includes a flexible material and an embroidered pattern. The embroidered pattern is formed by at least one yarn in the flexible material. The embroidered pattern contrasts from the flexible material to provide an aesthetic feature to the flexible material. In a second embodiment, a method of decorating a convertible top includes providing a convertible top connected to a vehicle. The convertible top has latches, a window, a frame and a layer of fabric. The method includes removing the convertible top from the vehicle and removing the latches, the window, and the frame from the layer of fabric. The method further includes introducing the layer of fabric to a sewing and embroidery machine and selecting a pattern. The method further includes providing a yarn operatively coupled to the sewing and embroidery machine and stitching the yarn into the layer of fabric, wherein the yarn forms an embroidered pattern that approximates the pattern.

Abstract: Exemplary methods of making an applique are disclosed. Exemplary methods may include providing a fabric layer, and transferring a graphic onto the fabric layer, the graphic having a plurality of registration marks configured to align an embroidery contour. The methods may further include creating an adjusted embroidery contour using at least the registration marks, and applying an embroidery along the adjusted embroidery contour.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods of utilizing a custom embroidery system. A custom embroidery frame is comprised of a custom receiving cavity sized and shaped to receive a composite piece for embroidery. The size and the shape of the custom receiving cavity correspond with a size and a shape of the portion of the composite piece onto which an embroidery device will embroider. Additionally, a gasket with a size and a shape adapted to be inserted into the receiving cavity and around the portion of the composite piece may optionally be utilized.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite part is provided that includes the steps of obtaining a fibrous mat having an outer surface; stitching an ornamental feature over the outer surface of the fibrous mat; and encapsulating the fibrous mat with the ornamental feature stitched therein in a transparent matrix with the ornamental feature outwardly visible through the matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrically conductive metal composite embroidery yarn and embroidered circuit using thereof which may be applicable to smart textiles. More particularly, this invention relates to an electrically conductive metal composite embroidery yarn and embroidered circuit for smart textiles which can be used as power supply and signal transmission lines. The present invention provides an embroidered circuit which consists of a metal composite embroidery yarn and a dielectric fabric substrate, wherein the electrically conductive metal composite embroidery yarn is embroidered on the dielectric fabric substrate to form a circuit.

Abstract: A single- or multiple-head embroidery machine has stitch-forming tools which are formed in each case by a thread-guiding needle that interacts with a double-lock-stitch gripper to form stitches, and also has a feed device for obtaining relative movements between the embroidery material and the stitch-forming tools. The relative movements occur depending on the movements of the needle. In order to avoid a temporal overlap between the stitch-forming phase and the feed movement of the embroidery material, the double-lock-stitch gripper rotates at a rotational speed which corresponds to n times the rotational speed of the machine main shaft, wherein “n” is an integer greater than the number “2”.

Abstract: An embroidery sewing machine includes a machine body carrying a needle, a shuttle and a bobbin. A cutter is disposed in proximity to the needle to cut a thread end portion of an upper thread that extends out of an eye of the needle so that the thread end portion has an adjusted length after being cut by the cutter. The needle, shuttle and bobbin are controlled to perform an initial stitching operation that pulls the thread end portion from an upper side of a fabric to an under side thereof and that produces a fixing stitch beneath the fabric to prevent the upper thread from being loosened. An embroidering method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tufting machine is configured with yarn drives having two spaced apart yarn bearing surfaces each substantially wrapped with a yarn and may have only half the needles and yarn drives customarily employed, with the needles being shifted to cover two gauge positions, thereby providing single and yarn control with reduced capital cost.

Abstract: Decorative elements are sewn, with a first-type sewing thread, to a base member in accordance with a first pattern. One surface of the base member is covered with a see-through cover member, and an embroidery sewing operation is performed on the superposed base member and cover member. Then, the sewing thread, sewing the decorative elements on the base member, is removed from the base member. The embroidery sewing operation is performed in accordance with a second pattern surrounding the decorative elements sewn on the base member in accordance with the first pattern. Thus, the decorative elements are freely movably accommodated in a space defined between the base member and the cover member, so that they can freely move within the space in response to movement of the base member. Such a decorative design with the movable decorative elements can be made on the base member easily and efficiently.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for engaging a frame to a frame driving mechanism in a sewing machine. The mating alignment feature allows engagement of the embroidery frame to the apparatus where the frame engagement mechanism is at least partially obscured.

Abstract: A sewing apparatus and method therefor includes a drive mechanism, a thread feed mechanism, and a needle engagement mechanism for engaging the thread feed mechanism. The drive mechanism comprises a drive motor configured to transmit power from the drive motor to the needle engagement mechanism such that it drives a needle within a cartridge without moving the entire cartridge. A method and sewing apparatus includes a plurality of thread feed mechanisms and a needle engagement mechanism for selecting and engaging each of the thread feed mechanisms.

Abstract: An example printer driver system and method disclosed herein includes determining a set of line segments corresponding to received image information, determining a first polygon from a first subset of the set of line segments, determining a second polygon from a second subset of the set of line segments, determining that a first line segment in the first subset and a second line segment in the second subset are collinear, removing the first line segment from the set of line segments, subtracting the first line segment from the second line segment to form a third line segment, replacing the second line segment in the set of line segments with the third line segment, determining a path corresponding to the set of line segments, determining a set of coordinates corresponding to the path, and instructing an embroidery machine to stitch the path in a substrate using the set of coordinates.

Abstract: A series of pattern indicia are detachably affixable to multiple blocks of fabric in accordance with a formatting sequence that encodes an overall decorative pattern of a patchwork quilt top. A method of piecing the blocks to form the quilt top uses the pattern indicia to keep track of the position of each block in the decorative pattern, so that the pattern layout may be disassembled to facilitate sewing the blocks together.

Abstract: A manufacturing process and resultant medical devices and components thereof wherein one or more individual laces (12) is placed within an embroidered structure (10) using an automated process allowing for the manufacture of embroidered surgical implants containing laces to be mass produced repeatably and cost effectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for attaching a flat electronic component (2, 2a; 12; 22; 32; 42), in particular a photovoltaic cell, onto a flexible surface structure (1; 11; 21; 31), to the use of a programmable embroidering machine, to a flexible surface structure (1; 11; 21; 31; 41) comprising at least one electronic component (2, 2a; 12; 22; 32; 42) and to a solar module. At least one conduction path (4, 5; 14, 15; 24, 25; 34, 35; 44, 45) is embroidered onto the flexible surface structure, wherein a first conduction path (4; 14; 24; 34; 44) only contacts a first surface segment, in particular the bottom side (16; 36; 46), of the component (2, 2a; 12; 22; 32; 42) and a second conduction path (5; 15; 25; 35; 45) only contacts a second surface segment, in particular the top side (7; 17), of the same component (2, 2a; 12; 22; 32; 42).

Abstract: An automated quilting and tufting system for application of tufts at selected locations along a web of material, including a sewing head receiving a series of tufts or rosettes from a supply. The tufts are removed from their supply and are placed at selected locations on the web of material for attachment to the web of material by the sewing head. Thereafter, the web of material can be cut to form a panel of a desired size.

Abstract: An embroidery process allowing for extra lengths of stitched thread pairs to be laid down in a zigzag pattern while embroidering on a dissolvable substrate such that when the substrate is removed, the extra length allows the two-dimensional embroidered structure to relax into a three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: An embroidery process allowing for a three-dimensional shape to be embroidered in two dimensions, allowing for the cost effective and repeatable manufacturing required for use in surgically implanted medical devices.

Abstract: A stitch pattern for a word or other design is created using known methods of forming a stitch pattern for the word to be stitched. The horizontal and vertical dimensions of the stitch pattern are then compared to the dimensions of the sewing area. This comparison is expressed as a ratio which may be used to adjust the size of the stitch pattern to optimally fit the sewing area. The ratio may be applied to individual stitch patterns for letter characters that are combined to form a word or may be applied to a stitch pattern for an entire word or design.

Abstract: The Color Pin Counting System allows needle workers who stitch by hand, and are working on a large design (with 32 to 40 threads per inch) to start and maintain a method of keeping track of threads. The method utilizes 10 pins with jeweled or colored tops. Each pin represents ten linen or canvas threads. After outlining the design area with basting stitches or a marking pen or pencil, one can easily count the threads in the design to find a starting point for stitching. The Color Pin Counting System solves the dilemma of losing place. The primary advantage of the invention is to allow a needle worker to complete a large design while keeping track of the many threads.

Abstract: An emblem having a design for securing to an article by the application of at least one of heat and pressure comprises a base having a front surface and a rear surface, the base being comprised of a woven fabric. The emblem design is comprised of two portions, a first portion of the emblem design being woven into the fabric base when the fabric base is made and a second portion of the emblem design being embroidered into the fabric base. A layer of thermoplastic adhesive material is bonded to the rear surface of the fabric base for securing the emblem to the article.

Abstract: A planar substrate has a moisture activated shrinking filament applied thereon. When wetted, the shrinking filament shrinks and causes the planar substrate to gather and pucker. The planar substrate with the filament thereon may be compressed into a compact shape when in a dry state.

Abstract: A manufacturing process and resultant medical devices and components thereof wherein one or more individual laces (12) is placed within an embroidered structure (10) using an automated process allowing for the manufacture of embroidered surgical implants containing laces to be mass produced repeatably and cost effectively.

Abstract: A series of pattern indicia are detachably affixable to multiple blocks of fabric in accordance with a formatting sequence that encodes an overall decorative pattern of a patchwork quilt top. A method of piecing the blocks to form the quilt top uses the pattern indicia to keep track of the position of each block in the decorative pattern, so that the pattern layout may be disassembled to facilitate sewing the blocks together.

Abstract: A device for cutting textile and non-textile sheet materials with a sewing machine having a turning device (9) that can be mounted on the lower end of the needle bar (5). A cutting needle (23) is inserted from below into the turning device (9) instead of a sewing needle and can be brought into the desired cutting position, for example, by a fin (17) that projects from the turning device (9).

Abstract: A method for making, through a circular machine for making socks with alternate motion, an item of clothing like an ankle sock in “continuum” stitched without seams to form a single piece made up of a front end elongated in the shape of a pocket, that can be associated with the toe of the foot and comprising a first and a second front portion, a rear end, also pocket-shaped, able to be associated with the heel of the foot and comprising a first and a second rear portion, and a connecting part between the front and rear ends, comprising a sole portion and two side portions, having an opening in which to insert the foot, all of the portions of the ankle sock being made with stitching steps, in which such a method foresees many simultaneous independent yarn-feeders during all of the quoted stitching steps to obtain a single ankle sock.

Abstract: Rotary hook drive device for a sewing machine includes: a rotary hook rotatably provided on a rotary hook support; a cylindrical grooved cam provided on a drive shaft drivable to rotate in one direction; a cam follower engaged in a cam groove of the cylindrical grooved cam and capable of making reciprocative movement about a support shaft in response to rotation of the cylindrical grooved cam; and a transmission mechanism that transmits the reciprocative movement of the cam follower to the rotary hook to cause the rotary hook to make reciprocative pivoting movement. Such arrangements can prevent deviation in driving timing of the rotary hook and simplify the construction of the rotary hook drive device.

Abstract: There is provided a data processing device, which includes a data providing unit that provides print data and embroidery data to be subjected to printing and embroidering, respectively. A print region of the print data and an embroidery region of the embroidery data have a predetermined positional relationship. The data processing device further includes a data correction unit that corrects at least one of the embroidery data and the print data so that the predetermined positional relationship between the embroidery region defined in the embroidery data and the print region defined in the print data is maintained on fabric after the embroidering in accordance with the embroidery data and the printing in accordance with the print data are performed on the fabric, considering shrinkage of the fabric caused by the embroidering in accordance with the embroidery data.

Abstract: A complex data processing device that processes embroidery data representing an embroidery pattern to be formed on fabric by a sewing machine capable of embroidering and print data representing print pattern to be printed on the fabric by a printer. The complex data processing device includes a data acquiring unit that acquires the embroidery data and the print data, an overlapped region detecting unit that detects an overlapped region at which an embroidery region represented by the embroidery data and a printing region represented by the print data overlap based on the embroidery data and the print data acquired by the data acquiring unit, and a data modifying unit that deletes data corresponding to the overlapped region detected by the overlapped region detecting unit from at least one of the embroidery data and the print data.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper that is at least partially formed from a base layer and thread sections that lie adjacent a surface of the base layer. The thread sections are positioned to provide structural elements that, for example, restrain stretch in directions corresponding with longitudinal axes of the thread sections. In some configurations of the footwear, a first portion of the thread sections may extend between forefoot and heel regions of the footwear, and a second portion of the thread sections may extend vertically. An embroidering process may be utilized to position the thread sections on the base layer.

Abstract: A fabric garment comprises a design or logo sewn onto the fabric using thread and a radio frequency identification tag secured to the fabric by the thread. In one embodiment, the tag comprises a first insulating layer, a chip, an antenna connected to the chip and formed by a conductive track on the first insulating layer, and a second insulating layer. The first and second insulating layers form insulating areas between portions of the conductive track. The tag is secured to the garment by said thread, and the thread that passes through said tag passes only through the insulating areas of said tag. In another embodiment, the tag comprises a chip and an antenna comprising at least one conductive strand having a first end conductively connected to the chip, and at least part of the logo is embroidered using the first conductive strand.

Abstract: Reversible sweatshirt has a pair of contiguous configurations, each of which may have distinct coloration and distinct embroidery and a secure pocket slot, the application of such embroidery is facilitated through a secure pocket slot having a secure interior pocket pouch, accessible from one or more of the contiguous configurations, for safely securing items and for facilitating the embroidery process of both contiguous configurations. A wearer may select which side of the reversible sweatshirt to wars outside and/or inside, to expose the secure pocket slot and display the distinct coloration and distinct embroidery of the exposed configuration.

Abstract: An embroidered emblem for securing to a first fabric is comprised of a fabric base having a front surface and a rear surface. The fabric base is made of the same or substantially the same material as the first fabric and has the same or substantially the same weave pattern and color as the first fabric. A design is embroidered into the fabric base, the design including a stitched border extending around the outer periphery of the front surface of the fabric base. The border is made utilizing a relatively small sized needle and a relatively thin, dull yarn which is the same or substantially the same color as the color of fabric base. In this manner, when the embroidered emblem is secured to the first fabric the border as well as the fabric base fades into the first fabric so as to be nearly invisible.

Abstract: A personalized article associated with a child includes a panel bearing an embroidered image based on a hand or foot print and autographed name impression of the child that is digitized and enhanced for use in creating a replicated stitched image on the panel using a digitally controlled embroidery machine.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper that is at least partially formed from a base layer and thread sections that lie adjacent a surface of the base layer. The thread sections are positioned to provide structural elements that, for example, restrain stretch in directions corresponding with longitudinal axes of the thread sections. In some configurations of the footwear, a first portion of the thread sections may extend between forefoot and heel regions of the footwear, and a second portion of the thread sections may extend vertically. An embroidering process may be utilized to position the thread sections on the base layer.

Abstract: Automatic multi-function multi-needle sewing machine comprising upper sewing members (14) and lower sewing members (15) cooperating with each other so as to achieve stitches (18) on a simple or padded fabric (11), with or without lining. The machine comprises at least an auxiliary supporting bar (19) cooperating with the sewing members (14, 15) and a plurality of accessory elements (28, 28a, 30, 37, 47, 51, 70) able to be selectively associated with said supporting bar (19) by means of attachment means (50, 60) of a standardized type, said accessory elements (28, 28a, 30, 37, 47, 51, 70) being interchangeable with each other so as to achieve one or the other of at least the operations of multiple sewing, application of accessories, such as ribbons, trimmings, paillettes or strass, tapes, longitudinally or transversely to said fabric (11), or crimping.

Abstract: A method of treating an article of clothing can include the steps of disposing a portion of embroidery on the article of clothing and abrading the portion of embroidery. The article of clothing itself can also be abraded. The portion of embroidery can be abraded before and/or after the embroidery portion is disposed on the article of clothing. The portion of embroidery can be disposed on the article of clothing by way of one or more needles to directly embroider on the article of clothing, or a patch can be directly embroidered, and then the patch can be attached to the article of clothing, or a fabric can be embroidered and attached to the garment, or the fabric itself can be made directly into a garment. The abrading can be accomplished by rubbing with a brush, rubbing with sandpaper, sand blasting, and/or chemical means.

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 hoping 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: An embroidery process allowing for extra lengths of stitched thread pairs to be laid down in a zigzag pattern while embroidering on a dissolvable substrate such that when the substrate is removed, the extra length allows the two-dimensional embroidered structure to relax into a three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: An embroidered emblem for securing to a first fabric by the application of at least one of heat and pressure is comprised of a fabric base having a front surface and a rear surface. The fabric base is made of the same or substantially the same material as the first fabric and has the same or substantially the same weave pattern and color as the first fabric. A design is embroidered into the fabric base, the design including a stitched border extending around the outer periphery of the front surface of the fabric base. The border is made utilizing a relatively small sized needle and a relatively thin, dull yarn which is the same or substantially the same color as the color of fabric base. In this manner, when the embroidered emblem is secured to the first fabric the border as well as the fabric base fades into the first fabric so as to be nearly invisible. A layer of thermoplastic adhesive material is bonded to the rear surface of the fabric base for securing the emblem to the first fabric.

Abstract: An embroidery process allowing for a three-dimensional shape to be embroidered in two dimensions, allowing for the cost effective and repeatable manufacturing required for use in surgically implanted medical devices.

Abstract: Coordinates and a pen-stroke strength are input from a stylus. A section between the input coordinates is interpolated and needle fall points are determined such that the stitch width varies in accordance with the pen-stroke strength. Moreover, the stitch angle and the stitch density with respect to the stylus trace are input as parameters and used to determine the needle fall points. The determined stitch is displayed in real time.