Device for positioning a piece of fabric onto a hoop and method thereof

Abstract

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.

1 . 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 ). 
   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the moving means ( 5 ) comprise a mechanical apparatus and/or an electromagnetic apparatus and/or electromechanical apparatus. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the mechanical apparatus comprises a platform ( 51 ) connected to the elements ( 41 ). 
     
     
         4 . The device according to any of the precedent claims, wherein the moving means ( 5 ) are connected to the elements ( 4 ) such that the elements are also connected to each other. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the electromagnetic apparatus comprises electromagnets. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 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 ). 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 4 , wherein the platform 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 ). 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 7 , wherein the stable elements ( 8 ) are equipped with springs configured to bring the working surface area ( 52 ) at its initial level. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to any of the  claims 1 - 8 , further comprising a hoop ( 1 ) comprising a groove ( 2 ) across its peripheral surface and configured to receive the elastic string ( 3 ). 
     
     
         10 . The device, according to any of the precedent claims, wherein the shape of the holder is rectangular, square, circular or oval. 
     
     
         11 . The device, according to any of the precedent claims, wherein the shape of the hoop ( 1 ) is rectangular, square, circular or oval. 
     
     
         12 . The device, according to any of the precedent claims, wherein the elements ( 4 ) are placed along a perimeter of the upper part ( 61 ). 
     
     
         13 . The device, according to any of the precedent claims, wherein the elements ( 4 ) are pins ( 42 ) or hook-pins ( 41 ). 
     
     
         14 . The device according to any of the precedent claims, wherein the elements ( 4 ) are at least four. 
     
     
         15 . 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 ).