DEVICE FOR POSITIONING A PIECE OF FABRIC ONTO A HOOP AND METHOD THEREOF

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hoop also known as embroidery hoop for securing fabrics onto the hoop while positioning the hoop to the desirable place with respect to a fabric for positioning an embroidery thereon. In particular, the present invention refers to a device and a method for positioning a piece of fabric onto a hoop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embroidery hoops are needed to keep at least one area of a fabric or other embroidery material in tension to make the embroidery process optimal.

In U.S. Pat. No. 7,357,088B1 an embroidery holder assembly includes a metal frame that fits within an embroidery hoop used in an embroidery machine. Magnets are used to hold fabric to the metal frame in the embroidery hoop. The magnets are moved and placed according to the needs of the user.

In U.S. Pat. No. 8,245,654B2 an embroidery holder assembly utilizes hinges in the form of cylindrical rods present in a lower hoop part, which are able to clamp with a complementary element present at the upper hoop part. The user has to apply a specific amount in force in a specific way to be able to clamp both sides of the device.

US2019017204A1 discloses a hoop with a receiving groove defined by a closed-loop recess in the inner perimeter surface. The hoop may further include an inner retaining loop dimensioned to mate with the receiving groove of the outer loop in a predetermined fit. According to the disclosure, this design increases the contact area between the embroidery article and the workpiece, thereby providing a more secure grip on the workpiece.

It would be desirable to provide an embroidery hoop that is easy to handle. It would also be desirable to provide an embroidery hoop that can be produced economically. It would also be desirable to provide an embroidery hoop that can secure a piece of fabric, even a delicate one such as silk, without creating any marks on it, while providing a secure grip and position the fabric to the appropriate place with respect to the embroidery design. It would also be desirable to provide a device and a method for positioning a piece of fabric on a hoop, with which a secure grip and a desired position of the fabric on the hoop can be achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be understood through its presentation by the drawings and numbering.

FIG. 1 shows an embroidery hoop (1) with groove (2) and elastic string (3)

FIG. 2A shows a holder having an upper part (61), a lower part (62) with elements (41) that are movable, i.e. movable elements (41) and moving means (51) before activation

FIG. 2B shows a holder having an upper part (61), a lower part (62) with elements (41) that are movable, i.e. movable elements (41) and moving means (51) after activation

FIG. 2C is an enlarged depiction of a movable element (41)

FIG. 3A shows a holder having an upper part (61), a lower part (62) and equipped with movable elements (42), stable elements (8) and working surface area (52)

FIG. 3B shows an application of the elastic string (3) onto the holder having an upper part (61) and a lower part (62) and positioning of the hoop (1) over the holder, ready for applying gentle pressure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

It is noted that the term “hoop” is used to describe the element that withholds the fabric or other material either secured onto the hoop or onto the rest of the device, yet the term “frame” is also used extensively in the art. Both terms are acceptable within the spirit of the invention, however for the sake of clarity, only the term “hoop” will be used hereinafter.

The term “fabric” is used throughout the description. However, the present invention encompasses any other material which may be used in embroidery.

It is further noted that any feature of the invention defined by using the term “may” is considered as an optional/advantageous feature.

In an embodiment the present invention discloses a device for positioning a piece of fabric onto a hoop (1), said hoop comprising a groove (2) across its peripheral surface, configured to receive an elastic string (3), comprising:

- a) a holder having an upper part (61) and a lower part (62),
- b) a plurality of elements (4) onto the upper part (61) of the holder, for holding an elastic string (3), said elements (4) and upper part (61) being movable relative to each other;
- c) moving means (5) configured to move the elements (4), when the elements (4) are movable, or configured to move the upper part (61), when the upper part (61) is movable;

wherein

- the elements (4) are configured to simultaneously release the elastic string (3) upon activation of the moving means (5), such that when the hoop (1) is placed inside the space defined by the stretched elastic string (3), the elastic string (3) will collapse into the groove (2) of the hoop (1).

The hoop (1) used in the present invention is equipped with a groove (2) along its perimeter (FIG. 1). The hoop may be made by any kind of material, as long as it can be fabricated with a groove. The hoop may for example be made from plastic. The hoop may define a closed loop and may have an inner perimeter surface and an outer perimeter surface. The hoop may also have a front face and a rear face, and may be rigid. The hoop may also include a groove (2) defined by a closed-loop recess in the outer perimeter surface. The groove (2) may have a cross-sectional shape of predetermined depth and width. Accordingly, the groove (2) establishes a groove outer perimeter surface defined by its width and depth. It further establishes a two-dimensional surface defined by the groove's perimeter and its width, the groove two-dimensional surface. The groove (2) is configured to receive an elastic string (3). Accordingly, the width and depth of the groove are chosen to be complementary to the elastic string (3) with which it is intended to be used. The skilled person will also appreciate that the dimensions of the groove (2) are further arranged in accordance with the size of the hoop (1), which is suitable for use into griping fabrics. It follows that the hoop (1) should have a perimeter greater than the perimeter of the elastic string (3) in its non-deformed state, so that a fabric can be griped and secured between the hoop (1) and the elastic string (3). The elastic string (3) may be made of any kind of resilient material and preferably has the form of a closed loop. The elastic string establishes its own external and internal surface. The elastic string is configured to grasp a fabric inside the groove (2) of hoop (1).

In a preferred embodiment the hoop (1) is configured to be attached to an embroidery-sewing machine or sewing machine.

The holder comprises an upper part (61) and a lower part (62). The upper part (61) is particularly understood as the part of the device wherein the hoop and/or the fabric is placed onto. The lower part (62) is non-movable and is particularly understood as the part of the device which serves as its basis, The upper part (61) and the lower part (62) may belong to the same main body, or they may be connected to each other by further elements. That is not important within the framework of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the upper part (61) is movable, in relation to the lower part (62) and/or an external coordinate system. In still another preferred embodiment the upper part (61) is movable either upwards or downwards in relation to the lower part (62) and/or an external coordinate system. For example, the device depicted in FIG. 3A could function according to this embodiment, by making the upper part (61) movable instead of the elements (42).

In an embodiment, the upper part (61) comprises a frame (7) defined by the inner limits of the surface of the upper part (61) (FIG. 3A, 3B).

In another preferred embodiment the upper part (61) and the lower part (62) are one piece, provided that the upper part (61) is not movable.

The holder further comprises a plurality of elements (4) placed onto the upper part (61) of the holder, advantageously to elastically deform, particularly stretch, the elastic string (3). The perimeter defined by the elements (4) is greater than the perimeter of the elastic string (3) in its non-deformed state. The manner in which the elements are placed onto the upper part (61) is not important with respect to the spirit of the invention, so long as the elements (4) are placed in a manner that defines a perimeter greater that the perimeter of the elastic string (3) in its non-deformed state and greater than the perimeter of the hoop (1) and as long as the resilient nature of the elastic string, its elasticity, is enough to force it to collapse into the groove (2).

In a preferred embodiment, the elements (4) are placed along a perimeter of the upper part (61). Within the framework of the present invention, the perimeter of the upper part (61) is understood to be a large perimetrical surface extending from the outer limits of the surface of the upper part (61) and inwards with direction to its center, in other words it is defined by an inner and an outer radius in terms of width and by the shape of the upper part (61) in terms of length. The skilled person will appreciate that the perimeter's outer and/or inner radius may be for example 2 cm from the outer limits of the surface of the upper part (61), but it may also be 5 cm. This will depend on the size of the device, its shape etc Within the framework of the present invention, it is understood that the term “perimeter” includes the corners of the holder's upper part (61), provided that its geometrical shape has corners.

In a preferred embodiment the elements (4) are at least four. Even more preferably the elements (4) are four, five, six, seven or eight. Alternatively, the elements (4) may be placed with the aim to be combined with two or more different hoops of different sizes within the same device, for example they may be six, defining either a square or a rectangle, or eight, defining a smaller and a larger square.

In a preferred embodiment the elements (4) are movable in relation to the upper part (61) and/or an external coordinate system. In other words, the holder further comprises a plurality of movable elements (4) placed onto the upper part (61) of the holder. The elements (4) are movable when the upper part (61) is not moving and vice versa.

The moving means (5) are configured to move either the elements (4) or the upper part (61). The upper part (61) is movable either upwards or downwards in relation to the lower part (62) and/or an external coordinate system. In the deactivated state of the moving means (5) the elements (4) are in a position able to hold the elastic string (3) in a stretched status, or a deformed status. When the elements (4) are movable, the activation of the moving means (5) results in a displacement of the elements (4) such that the elastic string (3) is released simultaneously by the elements (4). When the upper part (61) is movable, the activation of the moving means (5) results in a displacement of the upper part (61) and the elements (4) in a tandem manner, such that the elastic string (3) is released simultaneously by the elements (4).

In a preferred embodiment the moving means (5) comprise a mechanical apparatus and/or an electromagnetic apparatus, e.g. an electromagnetic actuator and/or an electromechanical apparatus. The apparatus may comprise one or more elements.

The nature of the moving means (5) is not constrained by any means, so long as it provides for simultaneous release of the elastic string (3).

In a preferred embodiment, the moving means (5) comprise an actuator which may be either connected directly to the elements (4), or with a common platform connected to all elements (4). The actuator thus moves either the elements (4) in a direct manner, or indirectly via the platform. In the latter case the actuator and the platform together form the moving means (5).

In still another preferred embodiment the moving means (5) comprise an electromagnetic apparatus comprising electromagnets. For example, the electromagnets may be connected with pins (41) used as elements (4). The electromagnets keep the pins in the position which allows the elastic string (3) to be placed on the hoop (1) and stretched, when there is electric current, while the pins are released when there is no electric current. The electric current allows for simultaneous release of the elastic string (3), by being applied or not to the electromagnets.

In still another preferred embodiment the moving means (51) comprise a platform connected to the elements (41) and a lever connected to the platform (FIG. 2A, 2B). In other words, the mechanical apparatus can comprise a platform connected to the elements (4) which in this preferred embodiment are hook-pins (41). The lever functions as an actuator which pushes the platform upwards, thereby forcing the hook-pins (41) to move upwards as well. The hinge of the hook-pin (41) allows the upper part of it to bend (FIG. 2C), thereby releasing the elastic string (3) simultaneously.

The simultaneous movement of elements (4) may be realized in many ways, for example by having a lever connected with each element (4), and all levers interconnected to each other, either mechanically or via a motor.

In still another preferred embodiment the platform may be in the form of a working surface area (52) (FIG. 3A, 3B). In this embodiment the working surface area (52) is activated by pressing downwards by hand, as will be explained further below. Additionally, in this preferred embodiment the elements (4) are pins (42).

In a preferred embodiment, the holder comprises stable elements (8) which connect the upper part (61), the lower part (62) and a working surface area (52) (FIG. 3A, 3B). The stable elements (8) also guide and limit the move of the working surface area (52) upon its displacement. The working surface area (52) is configured to lower from an initial level towards the direction from the upper part (61) to the lower part (62) of the holder, when the hoop (1) is pressed onto the working surface area (52). In a preferred embodiment the stable elements (8) are equipped with springs configured to bring the working surface area (52) at its initial level after its displacement. In a preferred embodiment the holder comprises four stable elements (8) placed on its corners.

In still another preferred embodiment, the holder further comprises a plurality of movable elements (42) mounted onto the working surface area (52) and placed along the perimeter of the upper part (61) of the holder (FIG. 3A, 3B).

In a preferred embodiment the movable elements (4) are pins (42). The pins may be placed vertically with respect to the surface of the upper part (61), or within a certain angle from the vertical position.

In another preferred embodiment the movable elements (4) are hooks.

In another preferred embodiment the movable elements (4) are blinds which may either be vertical, when holding the elastic string (3) around them or horizontal for releasing it.

In another preferred embodiment the movable elements (4) are hook pins (41) comprising two straight parts and a hinge which is configured to allow the two straight parts of the hook-pin to rotate one with respect to the other (FIG. 2C).

In a preferred embodiment the elements (4) are pins (41), springs, hooks or hook-pins (42), as described above.

In a preferred embodiment the holder comprises four elements (4) placed on the corners of the upper part (61) of the holder.

In a preferred embodiment the holder comprises four movable elements (4) placed on the corners of the upper part (61) of the holder.

In a preferred embodiment the holder comprises at least four elements (4) placed along the perimeter and/or the corners of the upper part (61).

In a preferred embodiment the device as defined in the above embodiments further comprises a hoop (1) comprising a groove (2).

In an embodiment the elastic string (3) is placed around the elements (4) by the user. The elements (4) prevent the elastic string from collapsing to its natural shape. The fabric is placed onto the device, particularly onto the upper part (61) and extending over the surface defined by the elements (4) and the stretched string (3). The hoop (1) is placed above the fabric and within the surface defined by the elements (4). It may be moved as desirable to achieve positioning of the hoop onto the fabric, and inevitably of the fabric into the hoop, for example in relation to a fabric design or desirable position. The skilled person will appreciate that while using the method of the present invention, the hoop is positioned onto the fabric, the result after completing the hooping is that the fabric is hooped and positioned onto the hoop. Furthermore, its position is such that the level of the groove of the hoop matches the level of the string. Within the framework of the invention this means a position wherein there is partial or complete overlap between the groove two-dimensional surface and the external surface of the elastic string (3) from a cross-sectional view or, in other words, when the groove (2) faces the elastic string (3).

The fabric should extend beyond the boundaries of the hoop (1), at least partially. The user then activates the moving means (5) which leads to either of the following embodiments: a) when the elements (4) are movable, this activation results in a displacement of the elements (4) such that the elastic string (3) is released simultaneously by the elements (4), thereby collapsing into the groove (2) of the hoop (1) and b) when the upper part (61) is movable, this activation results in a displacement of the upper part (61) such that the elastic string (3) is released simultaneously by the elements (4), thereby collapsing into the groove (2) of the hoop (1). The elastic string (3), driven by its resilient nature, changes shape until it meets the next obstacle that prevents it from fully collapsing into its natural shape, the hoop (1). The groove (2) present across and around its peripheral surface receives the elastic string (3), which is now secured within the groove (2). The elastic string (3) has now secured the fabric peripherally around the hoop in a stretched manner and without any wrinkles along its surface. Advantageously the fabric does not move during the grip of the device.

In a preferred embodiment (FIG. 2A, 2B, 2C) the elements (4) are hook-pins (41) which are movable. The moving means (51) comprise a platform and a lever. The user, after placing the fabric as described above, activates the platform by pushing the lever. The hook-pins (41) are all simultaneously pushed upwards and once the hinges protrude from their confined space the upper parts of the hook-pins rotate, thereby releasing the elastic string (3), which collapses into the groove (2) of the hoop (1) along with the fabric.

In a preferred embodiment (FIG. 3A, 3B) the elastic string (3) is placed around the movable elements (42) by the user. The movable elements (42) prevent the elastic string from collapsing to its natural shape. The working surface area (52) is movable towards the direction from the upper part (61) to the lower part (62) of the holder, guided by the stable elements (8). The movable elements (42) are configured to lower along with the move of the working surface area (52) and to release the elastic string (3) when the level of the groove (2) of hoop (1) matches the level of the elastic string (3) thereby allowing it to collapse into the groove (2) of the hoop (1), when the hoop (1) is pressed onto the working surface area (52) thereby lowering it towards the direction from the upper part (61) to the lower part (62) of the holder. The fabric is placed onto the device, preferably in a manner which covers an area greater than the working surface area (52). The hoop (1) is placed above the fabric and within the working surface area (52) (FIG. 3B). The user gently presses the hoop (1) onto the fabric, thus applying force onto the fabric and the working surface area (52). The pressure brings the groove (2) of the hoop (1) to the same level as the elastic string (3), while at the same time the movable elements (42) are lowered following the move of the working surface area (52) towards the direction from the upper part (61) to the lower part (62) of the holder, and thus release the elastic string (3). The elastic string (3), driven by its resilient nature, changes shape until it meets the next obstacle that prevents it from fully collapsing into its natural shape, namely the hoop (1). The groove (2) present across and around its peripheral surface receives the elastic string (3), which is now secured within the groove (2). The elastic string (3) has now secured the fabric peripherally around the hoop in a stretched manner and without any wrinkles along its surface. Advantageously the fabric does not move during the grip of the device.

In a preferred embodiment, there are elements along the frame (7) of the holder which develop friction against the move of the fabric into the frame (7), upon pressure of the hoop (1). Those elements ensure that the fabric is even more stretched prior to it being secured around the hoop (1). Those elements may for example be sponges.

In another preferred embodiment the device may further comprise fabric holder elements. For example, the upper part (61) may be made at least partially by a magnetic material, such that magnet bars may be immobilized onto the upper part (61) upon placement. This may provide for immobilizing of the fabric as well, by placing the magnets onto the fabric before using the device. Alternatively, the fabric holders may also be heavy elements, which are able to withhold the fabric in its position due to their weight combined with friction.

After positioning and hooping the fabric is ready for use either in a sewing-embroidery machine or by hand. The skilled person will appreciate that by the term “positioning” it is implied that the fabric not only is secured on the hoop but also immobilized in it, in other words it is attached.

The device is advantageous as it provides a very quick and simple way to stabilize a piece of fabric or other material onto a hoop (1), for being used in a sewing-embroidery machine or by hand embroidery, as it does not require any adjustments of screws, hinges, magnets, or other mechanical parts. The use of the device is practically as simple as placing the elastic string (3) around the elements (4), placing the fabric onto the upper part (61) and activating the moving means (5), while the fabric is hooped in an accurate position in relation to the upcoming design.

In a preferred embodiment the use of it is limited in placing the elastic string (3) around the movable elements (42), placing the fabric/material onto the working surface area (52) and apply pressure via the hoop (1).

The device is further advantageous as it does not lead to generation of marks onto the fabric. Furthermore, the device requires use of only one hoop part, contrary to prior art embroidery hoop assemblies requiring use of two hoop parts complementary to each other. If desired, however, a second hoop, complementary externally to the hoop (1) may be used, for example for assembling onto a sewing-embroidery machine. The hoop itself is not constrained by any other feature than the presence of a groove (2) configured to receive the elastic string (3). Another advantageous feature is that the hoop (1) is placed and positioned onto the fabric and not the other way round, therefore it is possible and easy to achieve accurate placement of the fabric after hooping, even according to an preexisting embroidery design or external pattern. More accurate placement of the fabric means more accurate place of stitching with respect to an embroidery or printing design, which is important for correctly stitching the design either in use by hand or for example for use on an embroidery-sewing machine.

While the above description covers an embroidery holder plate with a rectangular cutout section, the present invention may be used with a variety of embroidery holder plate having cutout sections of various sizes and shapes.

The invention comprises the following non-limiting embodiments:

Embodiment 1: A device for positioning a piece of fabric onto a hoop (1), said hoop 10 comprising a groove (2) across its peripheral surface, configured to receive an elastic string (3), comprising:

- a) a holder having an upper part (61) and a lower part (62),
- b) a plurality of elements (4), onto the upper part (61) of the holder, for holding an elastic string (3), said elements (4) and upper part (61) being movable relative to each other;
- c) moving means (5) configured to move the elements (4), when the elements (4) are movable, or configured to move the upper part (61), when the upper part (61) is movable;

wherein

- the elements (4) are configured to simultaneously release the elastic string (3) upon activation of the moving means (5), such that when the hoop (1) is placed inside the space defined by the stretched elastic string (3), the elastic string (3) will collapse into the groove (2) of the hoop (1).

Embodiment 2: The device according to embodiment 1, wherein the moving means (5) 25 comprise a mechanical apparatus and/or an electromagnetic apparatus and/or electromechanical apparatus.

Embodiment 3: The device according to embodiment 2, wherein the mechanical apparatus comprises a platform (51) connected to the elements (41).

Embodiment 4: The device according to any of the precedent embodiments, wherein the moving means (5) are connected to the elements (4) such that each element is also connected to each other.

Embodiment 5: The device according to embodiment 2, wherein the electromagnetic apparatus comprises electromagnets.

Embodiment 6: The device according to embodiments 1,2 or 5, wherein the moving means (5) are connected to the upper part (61) such that the upper part (61) is movable either upwards or downwards with respect to the lower part (62), thereby allowing the elements (4) to release the elastic string (3).

Embodiment 7: The device according to embodiments 1-5, wherein the elements (4) are movable.

Embodiment 8: The device according to embodiment 4, wherein the platform (52) is a working surface area (52) mounted onto the elements (42) and further secured onto the holder via stable elements (8), configured to lower from an initial level towards the direction from the upper part (61) to the lower part (62) of the holder, when the hoop (1) is pressed onto the working surface area (52).

Embodiment 9: A device for positioning a piece of fabric onto a hoop (1) comprising a groove (2) across its peripheral surface, configured to receive an elastic string (3), comprising:

- a) a holder having an upper part (61), a lower part (62) and a frame (7),
- b) a plurality of movable elements (42), for holding an elastic string (3) along the perimeter of the upper part (61) of the holder,
- c) a working surface area (52) mounted onto the movable elements (42) and further secured onto the holder via stable elements (8),

wherein the movable elements (42) are placed along the perimeter of the upper part (61) of the holder and configured to release the elastic string (3) when the level of the groove (2) matches the level of the elastic string (3) thereby allowing it to collapse into the groove (2) of the hoop (1), when the hoop (1) is pressed onto the working surface area (52) thereby lowering it towards the direction from the upper part (61) to the lower part (62) of the holder.

Embodiment 10: The device according to embodiments 8 or 9, wherein the stable elements (8) are equipped with springs configured to bring the working surface area (52) at its initial level.

Embodiment 11: The device according to any of the embodiments 1-10, further comprising a hoop (1) comprising a groove (2) across its peripheral surface and configured to receive the elastic string (3).

Embodiment 12: The device, according to any of the precedent embodiments, wherein the shape of the holder is rectangular, square, circular or oval.

Embodiment 13: The device, according to any of the precedent embodiments, wherein the shape of the hoop (1) is rectangular, square, circular or oval.

Embodiment 14: The device, according to any of the precedent embodiments, wherein the elements (4) are placed along a perimeter of the upper part (61).

Embodiment 15: The device, according to any of the precedent embodiments, wherein the elements (4) are pins (42) or hook-pins (41).

Embodiment 16: The device according to any of the precedent embodiments, wherein the elements (4) are at least four.

Embodiment 17: A method for securing a fabric onto a hoop (1) by using the device of any of the precedent claims, said method comprising the steps of:

- a) placing the elastic string (3) around the perimeter defined by the elements (4),
- b) placing a piece of fabric onto the upper part (61), and
- c) activating the moving means (5) thereby forcing the elements (4) to release the elastic string (3) and allowing it to collapse along with the fabric into the groove (2) of the hoop (1).

Embodiment 18: A method for securing a fabric onto a hoop (1) by using the device of embodiments 8-16, said method comprising the steps of:

- a) Placing the elastic string (3) around the perimeter of the upper part (61) of the holder,
- b) placing a piece of fabric onto the working surface area (52),
- c) pressing the hoop (1) onto the fabric and the working surface area (52), thereby lowering the level of the latter towards the direction from the upper part (61) to the lower part (62) of the holder, forcing the movable elements (42) to release the elastic string (3) when the level of the groove (2) of hoop (1) matches the level of the elastic string (3) and allowing it to collapse along with the fabric into the groove (2) of the hoop (1).

DEVICE FOR POSITIONING A PIECE OF FABRIC ONTO A HOOP AND METHOD THEREOF

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