Movable guide for a sewing machine

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016289877-A1
Application number	US-201514674091-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Mar 31, 2015
Priority date	Mar 31, 2015
Publication date	Oct 6, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

A sewing machine according to the present disclosure includes a base and a support member that is movable with respect to the base between multiple use positions. The support member is configured to support multiple tools such that a selected one of the tools is useable when the support member is positioned in each of the use positions.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . A sewing machine comprising:
a base; and a support member that is movable with respect to the base between multiple use positions, the support member being configured to support multiple different tools such that a selected one of the tools is useable when the support member is positioned in each of the use positions.

2 . The sewing machine of claim 1 wherein the support member is rotatably mounted on the base.

3 . The sewing machine of claim 2 further comprising a locking device for locking the support member in each of the use positions.

4 . The sewing machine of claim 3 wherein the base includes multiple lock features, and the locking device includes a lock pin that is extendable through the support member and cooperable with one of the lock features when the support member is in each of the use positions.

5 . The sewing machine of claim 4 wherein each lock feature comprises a tapered opening.

6 . The sewing machine of claim 4 wherein the support member is rotatably mounted on a spindle that is connected to the base, and the locking device further includes a lever that is associated with the spindle and connected to the lock pin, and wherein the lever is operable to move the lock pin from a locked position, in which the lock pin is engaged with one of the lock features, to a unlocked position, in which the lock pin is disengaged from the lock features.

7 . The sewing machine of claim 6 wherein the lever is pivotable with respect to the spindle.

8 . The sewing machine of claim 7 wherein the lever defines an opening that receives the spindle.

9 . The sewing machine of claim 8 wherein the lever is pivotally connected to the spindle and pivotally connected to the lock pin.

10 . The sewing machine of claim 1 further comprising a sewing head for performing sewing operations, a control system associated with the sewing head and a sensor associated with the control system for detecting which of the multiple tools is positioned proximate the sewing head when the support member is in a particular use position.

11 . The sewing machine of claim 10 further comprising multiple lockable bins associated with the control system and configured to store parts that are useable in different sewing operations, wherein the control system is operable to unlock a particular one of the bins based on the tool detected by the sensor.

12 . A sewing machine comprising:
a base; a support member that is movable with respect to the base between multiple use positions, the support member being configured to support multiple tools such that a selected one of the tools is useable in a sewing operation when the support member is positioned in each of the use positions; and a motor connected to the support member for moving the support member between the use positions.

13 . The sewing machine of claim 12 further comprising a control system associated with the motor for controlling position of the support member based on a desired sewing operation.

14 . The sewing machine of claim 13 further comprising multiple lockable bins associated with the control system and configured to store parts that are useable in different sewing operations, wherein the control system is operable to unlock a particular one of the bins associated with a particular one of the use positions.

15 . The sewing machine of claim 12 further comprising a control system for controlling operation of the motor, and multiple lockable bins associated with the control system and configured to store parts that are useable in different sewing operations, wherein the control system is operable to unlock a particular one of the bins associated with a particular one of the sewing operations when the support member is positioned in a particular one of the use positions.

16 . The sewing machine of claim 12 wherein the support member is rotatable with respect to the base, and the motor is operable to rotate the support member between the use positions.

17 . The sewing machine of claim 16 wherein the motor includes a drive unit positioned above the support member, and a drive shaft that is configured to be driven by the drive unit, wherein the drive shaft is connected to the support member and extends into the base such that the drive shaft is rotatable with respect to the base.

18 . The sewing machine of claim 16 further comprising a control system for controlling operation of the motor, and multiple lockable bins associated with the control system and configured to store parts that are useable in different sewing operations, wherein the control system is operable to unlock a particular one of the bins associated with a particular one of the sewing operations when the support member is positioned in a particular one of the use positions.

19 . A movable support assembly for use with a sewing machine and configured to support multiple tools for sewing operations, the support assembly including:
a support member that is movably attachable to the sewing machine such that the support member is movable between multiple use positions; and multiple attachment members that are attachable to the support member and configured to support multiple tools such that a selected one of the tools is useable when the support member is positioned in each of the use positions.

Assignees

• Lear Corp

Inventors

• Jáuregui Alejandro
• Dominguez Oscar Fernando
• Arteaga Efren
• Rodriguez Jose
• Navarro Barraza Hector Arturo

Classifications

• D05B35/00 Primary

  Work-feeding or -handling elements not otherwise provided for · CPC title

• D05B23/00 Primary

  Sewing apparatus or machines not otherwise provided for (for making zip closures A44B19/00) · CPC title

• D05B81/00

  Sewing machines incorporating devices serving purposes other than sewing, e.g. for blowing air, for grinding · CPC title

• D05B43/00

  Spool-pin assemblies incorporated in sewing machines · CPC title