U.S. patent application number 10/354504 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-12 for top feed belt apparatus for a sewing machine.
Invention is credited to Block, Paul, Lydick, Michael.
Application Number | 20040154508 10/354504 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32823751 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040154508 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Block, Paul ; et
al. |
August 12, 2004 |
Top feed belt apparatus for a sewing machine
Abstract
There is provided in a sewing machine, a top feed belt apparatus
for pulling material in a direction of sewing. The top feed belt
apparatus includes a top feed belt for contacting the material, and
a tool-less, manual adjustment device for providing a tool-less,
indexed, manual adjustment to a motion of the top feed belt based
on an operator input.
Inventors: |
Block, Paul; (Nesconset,
NY) ; Lydick, Michael; (Medford, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KEUSEY, TUTUNJIAN & BITETTO, P.C.
14 VANDERVENTER AVENUE, SUITE 128
PORT WASHINGTON
NY
11050
US
|
Family ID: |
32823751 |
Appl. No.: |
10/354504 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
112/304 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D05B 27/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
112/304 |
International
Class: |
D05B 027/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. In a sewing machine, a top feed belt apparatus for pulling
material in a direction of sewing, the top feed belt apparatus
comprising: a top feed belt for contacting the material; and a
tool-less, manual adjustment device for providing a tool-less,
indexed, manual adjustment to a motion of the top feed belt based
on an operator input.
2. The top feed belt apparatus of claim 1, wherein said tool-less
manual adjustment device comprises a stepper motor for adjusting
the motion of the top feed belt in response to the operator
input.
3. The top feed belt apparatus of claim 1, wherein said tool-less
manual adjustment device comprises a servomotor for adjusting the
motion of the top feed belt in response to the operator input.
4. The top feed belt apparatus of claim 1, wherein said tool-less
manual adjustment device comprises a mechanical linkage for
adjusting the motion of the top feed belt in response to the
operator input.
5. The top feed belt apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sewing
machine comprises a feeding mechanism for feeding the material into
a sewing area of the sewing machine in conjunction with said top
feed belt, and said tool-less manual adjustment device is capable
of synchronizing the top feed belt with the feeding mechanism of
the sewing machine based on the operator input.
6. The top feed belt apparatus of claim 5, wherein the feeding
mechanism comprises at least one of a feed dog and a belt.
7. The top feed belt apparatus of claim 1, wherein said tool-less
manual adjustment device is capable of accounting for
characteristics of the material to be sewed in adjusting the motion
of the top feed belt based on the operator input.
8. The top feed belt apparatus of claim 1, wherein said tool-less
manual adjustment device, in adjusting the motion of the top feed
belt based on the operator input, is capable of accounting for at
least one of a number of layers of the material to be sewed, a
pattern to be sewed on the material, an elasticity of at least one
of the layers of the material, and a coefficient of friction of at
least one of the layers of the material.
9. The top feed belt apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top feed
belt is capable of pulling the material having a minimum thickness
of at least one inch.
10. The top feed belt apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sewing
machine comprises a needle penetration area, and said top feed belt
is adapted to contact the material directly in line with the needle
penetration area, to pull the material in the direction of sewing
and allow turning of the material at the needle penetration
area.
11. In a sewing machine, a method for adjusting a top feed belt,
the top feed belt for pulling material in a direction of sewing,
the method comprising the steps of: providing a capability for
tool-less, indexed, and manual adjustment of a motion of the top
feed belt based on an operator input.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said providing step comprises
the step of providing a capability to control a stepper motor to
adjust the motion of the top feed belt in response to the operator
input.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein said providing step comprises
the step of providing a capability to control a servomotor to
adjust the motion of the top feed belt in response to the operator
input.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein said providing step comprises
the step of providing a capability to control a mechanical linkage
to adjust the motion of the top feed belt in response to the
operator input.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the sewing machine comprises a
feeding mechanism for feeding the material into a sewing area of
the sewing machine in conjunction with said top feed belt, and said
providing step comprises the step of providing a capability to
synchronize the top feed belt with the feeding mechanism of the
sewing machine based on the operator input.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein said providing step comprises
the step of providing a capability to account for characteristics
of the material to be sewed in adjusting the motion of the top feed
belt based on the operator input.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein said providing step, in
providing the capability for tool-less, indexed, and manual
adjustment of the motion of the top feed belt based on the operator
input, comprises the step of providing the capability to account
for at least one of a number of layers of the material to be sewed,
a pattern to be sewed on the material, an elasticity of at least
one of the layers of the material, and a coefficient of friction of
at least one of the layers of the material.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to sewing machines
and, more particularly, to a top feed belt apparatus for a sewing
machine. The top feed belt apparatus provides auxiliary pulling in
the direction of sewing for thick and lofty materials, while
allowing for tool-less, on-the-fly adjustments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] An eccentric driven top feed belt has been employed in prior
art sewing machines to provide auxiliary pulling in the direction
of sewing for thick and lofty materials. The use of the eccentric
driven top feed belt requires the production of indexed rotary
motion to drive the eccentric driven top feed belt. Eccentric
motion is supplied by an eccentric assembly, which converts
straight rotary motion from the sewing machine drive shaft into
eccentric motion. This motion is then transferred to a ratcheting
clutch arm that indexes a timing pulley and consequently, the
eccentric driven top feed belt.
[0003] There is an inherent problem in the above prior art
eccentric driven top feed belt system, in so far as adjustability
is concerned. It becomes necessary from time to time to adjust the
eccentricity of the motion, and change the range of index motion.
This operation required hand tools, and an increased knowledge of
the mechanism's operating principles. Adjustments often require one
half hour or more of time to implement, during which time the
sewing machine is not running in production.
[0004] Accordingly, it would be desirable and highly advantageous
to have a top feed belt apparatus capable of allowing an operator
to make tool-less, on-the-fly adjustments to the motion of the top
feed belt.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The problems stated above, as well as other related problems
of the prior art, are solved by the present invention, a top feed
belt apparatus for a sewing machine. The top feed belt apparatus
provides auxiliary pulling in the direction of sewing for thick and
lofty materials, while allowing for on-the-fly adjustments with
hand tools.
[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided in a sewing machine, a top feed belt apparatus for pulling
material in a direction of sewing. The top feed belt apparatus
includes a top feed belt for contacting the material, and a
tool-less, manual adjustment device for providing a tool-less,
indexed, manual adjustment to a motion of the top feed belt based
on an operator input.
[0007] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments, which is to be read in
connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a top feed belt apparatus
for a sewing machine, according to an illustrative embodiment of
the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a locking assembly of the
top feed belt apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an illustrative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a front view of the top
feed belt apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an illustrative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a groove that a top feed
belt follows as it turns under a material clamp, according to an
illustrative embodiment of the present invention; and
[0012] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a top feed belt apparatus,
according to another illustrative embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is directed to a top feed belt
apparatus for a sewing machine. The top feed belt apparatus
provides auxiliary pulling in the direction of sewing for thick and
lofty materials, while allowing for tool-less, on-the-fly
adjustments. For example, the present invention may be readily
employed to pull materials having a minimum thickness of at least
one inch. Of course, thinner materials may also be used.
[0014] The top feed belt apparatus of the present invention
achieves at least the same desired results as the prior art
eccentric driven top feed belt with respect to auxiliary puling,
but with two main advantages. First, adjustments can be made on the
fly with no loss in production speed. Secondly, the unit can be
adjusted by operators with no mechanical skill, eliminating the
need for hand tool/mechanic adjustments.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a top feed belt apparatus
500, according to an illustrative embodiment of the present
invention. The top feed belt apparatus 500 includes a top feed belt
510. Moreover, the top feed belt apparatus 500 advantageously
includes a tool-less, manual adjustment device 520 for providing a
tool-less, indexed manual adjustment to the motion of the top feed
belt 510 based on an operator input. The tool-less, manual
adjustment device 520 may include, but is not limited to, at least
one of, for example, a stepper motor 532, a servomotor 534, and a
mechanical linkage 536. Any of the stepper motor 532, the
servomotor 534, and the mechanical linkage 536 may be employed by
the present invention for adjusting the motion of the top feed belt
510 in response to the operator input. For illustrative purposes,
the stepper motor 532, the servomotor 534, and the mechanical
linkage 536 are all shown as included in the tool-less, manual
adjustment device 520. However, it is to be appreciated in other
embodiments of the present, only one (or any number more than one)
of the preceding elements may be included in the tool-less, manual
adjustment device 520 while maintaining the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0016] A sewing machine in which the top feed belt apparatus 500 of
the present invention is employed may include a feeding mechanism
590, separate from the top feed belt apparatus 500, for feeding
material 550 into a sewing area of the sewing machine in
conjunction with the top feed belt apparatus 500. The feeding
mechanism may include at least one of, for example, a feed dog and
a belt. The tool-less, manual adjustment device 520 allows an
operator to synchronize the top feed belt 510 with the feeding
mechanism 590 of the sewing machine based on the operator
input.
[0017] The tool-less, manual adjustment device 520 allows for
adjustments to be made to the top feed belt 510 that take into
account characteristics of the material 550 to be sewed. Such
characteristics include, but are not limited to, for example, the
number of layers of the material to be sewed, the pattern to be
sewed on the material, the elasticity of one or more layers of the
material, and the coefficient of friction of one or more layers of
the material.
[0018] For illustrative purposes, the present invention will be
described below with respect to the mechanical linkage 536.
However, as noted above, other devices may be employed in place of,
or in addition to, part or all of the mechanical linkage 536. Such
other devices include, but are not limited to, stepper motors and
servomotors as noted above.
[0019] In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the
top feed belt apparatus of the present invention can be considered
an eccentric-to-rotary motion assembly for providing indexed rotary
motion from eccentric motion, to pull material in a direction of
sewing. The eccentric-to-rotary motion assembly can be considered
to include an eccentric motion generator for generating eccentric
motion from rotary motion, an indexed rotary motion generator for
generating indexed rotary motion from the eccentric motion, and a
multi-bar linkage for providing on-the-fly adjustments to the
eccentric motion to maintain a pre-determined range for the indexed
rotary motion.
[0020] In general, the multi-bar linkage can be considered to
include a plurality of adjustable pivot points having an adjustable
geometry, an adjustment assembly for adjusting the geometry of the
plurality of adjustable pivot points, and a locking assembly for
locking and unlocking the adjustment assembly.
[0021] A further description will now be given of various aspects
of the present invention with respect to FIGS. 1-4 below.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a top feed belt apparatus
100 for a sewing machine, according to an illustrative embodiment
of the present invention.
[0023] Eccentricity is generated by an offset cam 105, which takes
power off of a main sewing machine drive shaft 110. The eccentric
motion is then transferred to a connecting arm 115 thru a driven
shaft 120. The connecting arm 115 then drives a ratchet clutch
assembly 125, producing indexed rotary motion that is then
transferred to a timing belt pulley drive shaft 130 and
consequently, a top feed belt 510 (shown in FIG. 4) that is
operatively coupled to timing belt pulley drive shaft 130.
[0024] There is a four bar linkage formed between ratchet clutch
assembly 125, connecting arm 115, a pivot yoke 140, and dog bone
connecting links 145. The four pivot points include driven shaft
120, a ratchet shaft 122 (that connects connecting arm 115 to
ratchet clutch assembly 125), a secondary shaft 155 and timing belt
pulley drive shaft 130. If these points were all grounded and
permanent, the resultant motion would be fixed. However, when a
degree of freedom is added, the four bar linkage can be manipulated
to produce a range of indexed rotary motion (OUTPUT) based on a
fixed eccentric motion (INPUT).
[0025] The pivot yoke 140 is allowed to rotate within a fixed
range, and is locked when a desired range of indexed rotary motion
is achieved. The pivot yoke 140 is normally locked and fixed in
position by a locking assembly 170 that includes, among other
parts, a split clamp assembly 180. The locking assembly 170 is
described in further detail below with respect to FIG. 2.
[0026] It is to be appreciated that dog bone connecting links 145,
which are coupled to secondary shaft 155, act to transfer indexed
rotary motion to connecting arm 115. A first assembly wall 198, a
second assembly wall 199, and an oil seal 197 are shown in FIG.
1.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating locking assembly 170 of top
feed belt apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, according to an illustrative
embodiment of the present invention. A pneumatic actuator 210
(hereinafter interchangeably referred to as" actuator locking
cylinder") normally applies air pressure to a locking arm 215 that
drives a locking stud 220. The locking stud 220 applies clamp
pressure to an upper split clamp 225 and a lower split clamp 230.
The upper split clamp 225 and lower split clamp 230 form split
clamp assembly 180. When clamped together, upper split clamp 225
and lower split clamp 230 apply locking pressure to a locking disc
235. The locking disc 235 is locked to a pivot shaft 160, which is
also locked to pivot yoke 140. When the operator depresses a lock
release push button 165, a pneumatic valve (solenoid actuated)
reverses pneumatic actuator 210, which opens split clamp assembly
270 (that includes the upper split clamp 225 and the lower split
clamp 230), releasing pivot shaft 160 from ground and allowing the
operator to rock a power shift knob 175 within the constraints of
its range of motion. When the operator releases lock release push
button 165, the pneumatic actuator valve returns to its
de-energized state and re-clamps upper split clamp 225 and lower
split clamp 230.
[0028] When pivot yoke 140 is rotated, the X-Y coordinate of
secondary shaft 155 is changed, transforming the geometry of the
four-bar linkage described above. By manipulating this position, a
desired result is achieved in the output of the system via the
resultant indexed rotary motions. The system was designed to
duplicate what a mechanic could achieve in the field with respect
to the prior art systems within the constraints of the mechanical
adjustments available on the older style system.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a front view of top feed
belt apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, according to an illustrative
embodiment of the present invention. A main drive pulley 310 is
coupled to the main sewing machine drive shaft 110. The power shift
knob 175 moves along a sliding indicator assembly 320 having a
relative indicator 350 adjacent thereto. The relative indicator 350
provides a relative indication of a maximum and minimum position
for operator reference.
[0030] The contact point of the top feed belt 510 is also unique,
in its point of line contact relative to the position of the sewing
machine needles.
[0031] In previous versions of the machines design, the eccentric
driven top feed belt was laced in such a way as to contact the
material upwards of an inch or more in front of the needle
penetration area. This design impeded operators efforts to turn
corners easily, as this 1"+ of lone contact resisted the turn,
holding the material in place and biasing its ability to pivot.
[0032] According to the present invention, the top feed belt 510
wraps in such a way as to contact the material directly in line
with the needle penetration area, enhancing the ability to turn on
that precise pivot point. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the
groove that top feed belt 510 follows as it turns under a material
clamp 470, according to an illustrative embodiment of the present
invention. The point of tangent contact 499 is established directly
between the two needle slots 482 and 483 and not out in front as in
previous models.
[0033] With the present invention, the top feed belt 510 retains
its advantage of helping the material track straight as the long
sides of a quilted panel are sewn, by maintaining its linear
geometry. By changing the point of "tangent" contact however, to
line up directly with the needles (and consequently the pivot
point) the unit gains a tremendous advantage when the operator
turns.
[0034] Although the illustrative embodiments have been described
herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be
understood that the present invention is not limited to those
precise embodiments, and that various other changes and
modifications may be affected therein by one of ordinary skill in
the related art without departing from the scope or spirit of the
invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
* * * * *