ADAPTABLE FABRIC-HOLDING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

An adaptable fabric-holding assistive device, comprising a rectangular frame 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface in proximity to a stitching machinery, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 integrated in the frame 1 to determine dimensions of the fabric sheet, a pair of robotic grippers 3 arranged on the frame 1 to grip ends of the fabric sheet for stretching the fabric sheet, a touch interactive display panel 4 installed on the frame 1 accessed by the user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired pattern, plurality of motorized pop out balls 5 arranged underneath the frame 1 to move the frame 1 over the machinery’s surface, plurality of telescopically operated rods 6 arranged on the frame 1 to lift the fabric sheet and plurality of suction cups 7 arranged on the frame 1 for adhering to the fabric sheet.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable fabric-holding assistive device that is capable of securely accommodating a user-desired fabric sheet as per their detected dimensions and further evaluates particular distances from which the fabric sheet is to be stitched to perform stitching operation on the fabric sheet in a precise and efficient manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Fabric-holding sheets are commonly used by users to apply unique patterns, colors, and styles to their clothing, home textiles, and other fabric-based products. These sheets allow users to customize fabrics according to their preferences, creating personalized garments, accessories, and interior decor items. Additionally, fabric-holding sheets enable users to keep up with the latest fashion and interior design trends, as designs in the fabric market are quickly updated and modified. Moreover, fabric-holding sheets allow for the creation of intricate patterns and detailed graphics that may be challenging to achieve through other means. Overall, fabric-holding sheets empower users to express their creativity and enhance their products.

[0003] Traditionally, fabric design printing using fabric-holding sheets was a manual process, demanding substantial manual effort and often leading to inefficiencies. Nowadays, various devices such as rotary screen printing machines, flatbed screen printing machines, and textile printer devices are utilized for fabric design printing. However, these methods and devices are not particularly user-friendly and demand a significant amount of labor. Moreover, they struggle to achieve high-speed production rates or handle intricate design requirements with precision without skilled labor.

[0004] WO2005093148A1 includes an invention that is a kind of a fabric holding device provided with a support frame made of magnetic material to hold a treated fabric, and a presser frame for pressing the treated fabric against the support frame , wherein the fabric holding device is further provided with attraction means for magnetic attraction from the presser frame toward the support frame and a positioning means for positioning the attraction means on the presser frame with respect to the support frame.

[0005] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for assisting in holding fabric. However these devices are unable to securely accommodate a user-desired fabric sheet based on the detected dimensions. In addition, these existing device fails to evaluate specific distances from which the fabric sheet is to be stitched, thereby fails in precise and efficient stitching operation on the fabric sheet.

[0006] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that securely accommodate a user-desired fabric sheet as per their detected dimensions. Additionally, the device evaluate the specific distances from which the fabric sheet is to be stitched thus enabling precise and efficient stitching operation on the fabric sheet.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that securely accommodate a user-desired fabric sheet as per their detected dimensions and further evaluates particular distances from which the fabric sheet is to be stitched to perform stitching operation on the fabric sheet in a precise and efficient manner.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that grips the evaluated portions of the fabric sheet in order to create creases on the fabric sheet, thereby assisting the user in stitching the fabric sheet in the user-specified pattern.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable, user-friendly and easy-to-operate.

[0011] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention relates to an adaptable fabric-holding assistive device that securely accommodate a user-desired fabric sheet as per their detected dimensions and further evaluates particular distances from which the fabric sheet is to be stitched to perform stitching operation on the fabric sheet in a precise and efficient manner.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable fabric-holding assistive device comprises of a rectangular frame positioned on a fixed surface in proximity to a stitching machinery, a user is required to accommodate a user-desired fabric sheet on the frame, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated in the frame to determine dimensions of the fabric sheet, a drawer arrangement integrated in the frame to increase/decrease dimensions of the frame for properly arranging the sheet, a pair of robotic grippers arranged on lateral ends of the frame to acquire a grip of ends of the fabric sheet for stretching the fabric sheet and a touch interactive display panel is associated with the device to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired pattern.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of plurality of motorized pop out balls arranged underneath the frame to move the frame over the machinery's surface in view of positioning the evaluated distances underneath a needle associated with the machinery to allow the needle to stitch the fabric sheet from the evaluated distances, a pair of plates arranged on inner periphery of the frame by means of multiple telescopically operated links for deploying the plates underneath the fabric sheet, plurality of telescopically operated rods arranged on inner periphery of one side of the frame to extend/retract for getting positioned underneath the fabric sheet at the evaluated portions, plurality of suction cups are arranged on the frame for adhering to the fabric sheet in view of securing sheet on the frame and a battery is configured with the device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[0015] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an adaptable fabric-holding assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0020] The present invention relates to an adaptable fabric-holding assistive device that is capable of securely accommodating a user-desired fabric sheet as per their detected dimensions and further evaluates particular distances from which the fabric sheet is to be stitched to perform stitching operation on the fabric sheet in a precise and efficient manner.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of an adaptable fabric-holding assistive device is illustrated, comprising a rectangular frame 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface in proximity to a stitching machinery, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 integrated in the frame 1, a pair of robotic grippers 3 arranged on the frame 1, a touch interactive display panel 4 installed on the frame 1, plurality of motorized pop out balls 5 arranged underneath the frame 1, plurality of telescopically operated rods 6 arranged on the frame 1 and plurality of suction cups 7 arranged on the frame 1.

[0022] The proposed device herein comprises of a rectangular frame 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface in proximity to a stitching machinery, wherein a user is required to accommodate a user-desired fabric sheet on the frame 1. The frame 1 is constructed from durable and lightweight materials such as aluminum or reinforced plastic, ensuring stability and ease of handling during fabric manipulation. Its robust design allows it to withstand the rigors of industrial or domestic sewing environments while remaining portable for convenient relocation. Further, plurality of suction cups 7 are arranged on the frame 1 for adhering to the fabric sheet in view of securing sheet on the frame 1. The suction cups 7 are made of elastic, flexible material and has a curved surface that creates a negative pressure inside with respect to ambient pressure which facilitates the ability to affix and provides stability to the sheet on the frame 1.

[0023] An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 is integrated in the frame 1 to determine dimensions of the fabric sheet. The imaging unit 2 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the fabric sheet, and the captured images are stored within a memory of the imaging unit 2 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 2 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device. The microcontroller processes the received data and determines dimensions of the fabric sheet.

[0024] Based on which the microcontroller actuates a drawer arrangement integrated in the frame 1 to increase/decrease dimensions of the frame 1 for properly arranging the sheet. The drawer arrangement includes sliding racks and rails, such that the frame 1 is mounted over the racks that are electronically operated by the microcontroller for moving over the rails. Such that the microcontroller actuates the drawer arrangement. The drawer arrangement is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller by providing required electric current to the motor. The motor comprises of a coil that converts the received electric current into mechanical force by generating magnetic field, thus the mechanical force provides the required power to the racks to provide sliding movement to the frame 1 as required for increasing/decreasing dimensions of the frame 1 for properly arranging the sheet.

[0025] A pair of robotic grippers 3 are arranged on lateral ends of the frame 1 to acquire a grip of ends of the fabric sheet for stretching the fabric sheet. the robotic grippers 3 are able to perform the designated task with high efficiency and accuracy, wherein the microcontroller actuates the grippers 3 for acquiring grip of ends of the fabric sheet for stretching the fabric sheet.

[0026] A touch interactive display panel 4 is associated with the device and linked with the machinery that is accessed by the user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired pattern. The display panel 4 consists of tiny wires that complete a circuit when connected by the touch of the user while providing the input data. The input data is registered within a database of the microcontroller for processing the input data given by the user and based on which the microcontroller evaluates particular distances from which the fabric sheet is to be stitched.

[0027] Plurality of motorized pop out balls 5 are arranged underneath the frame 1 to move the frame 1 over the machinery's surface in view of positioning the evaluated distances underneath a needle associated with the machinery to allow the needle to stitch the fabric sheet from the evaluated distances. Further, a pair of plates are arranged on inner periphery of the frame 1 by means of multiple telescopically operated links for deploying the plates underneath the fabric sheet, in view of providing a base to the fabric sheet while the needle stitches the fabric sheet.

[0028] Plurality of telescopically operated rods 6 are arranged on inner periphery of one side of the frame 1, wherein in case the user-desired pattern corresponds to a creased pattern, the microcontroller evaluates particular portions that are to be folded, based on which the microcontroller actuates the rods to extend/retract for getting positioned underneath the fabric sheet at the evaluated portions. The telescopically operated rod is linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the rod. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller. Such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the rod and due to applied pressure the rod extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the rod by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the rod for getting positioned underneath the fabric sheet at the evaluated portions in a manner that the fabric sheet is lifted for enabling the arms to grab the evaluated portions to create the creases on the fabric sheet, thereby assisting the user in stitching the fabric sheet in the user-specified pattern.

[0029] The device is associated with a battery for providing the required power to the electronically and electrically operated components including the microcontroller, electrically powered sensors, motorized components and alike of the device. The battery within the device is preferably a lithium-ion-battery which is a rechargeable battery and recharges by deriving the required power from an external power source. The derived power is further stored in form of chemical energy within the battery, which when required by the components of the device derive the required energy in the form of electric current for ensuring smooth and proper functioning of the device.

[0030] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the rectangular frame 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface in proximity to a stitching machinery, wherein the imaging unit 2 is integrated in the frame 1 to determine dimensions of the fabric sheet. The display panel 4 is accessed by the user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired pattern. Plurality of motorized pop out balls 5 are arranged underneath the frame 1 to move the frame 1 over the machinery's surface in view of positioning the evaluated distances underneath a needle associated with the machinery to allow the needle to stitch the fabric sheet from the evaluated distances. Plurality of telescopically operated rods 6 are arranged on inner periphery of one side of the frame 1, wherein in case the user-desired pattern corresponds to a creased pattern, the microcontroller evaluates particular portions that are to be folded, based on which the microcontroller actuates the rods to extend/retract for getting positioned underneath the fabric sheet at the evaluated portions in a manner that the fabric sheet is lifted for enabling the arms to grab the evaluated portions to create the creases on the fabric sheet, thereby assisting the user in stitching the fabric sheet in the user-specified pattern.

[0031] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An adaptable fabric-holding assistive device, comprising:

i) a rectangular frame 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface in proximity to a stitching machinery, wherein a user is required to accommodate a user-desired fabric sheet on said frame 1;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 integrated in said frame 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of said frame 1, respectively to determine dimensions of said fabric sheet, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a drawer arrangement integrated in said frame 1 to increase/decrease dimensions of said frame 1 for properly arranging said sheet;
iii) a pair of robotic grippers 3 arranged on lateral ends of said frame 1 to acquire a grip of ends of said fabric sheet for stretching said fabric sheet, wherein a touch interactive display panel 4 is associated with said device and linked with said machinery that is accessed by said user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired pattern, based on which said microcontroller evaluates particular distances from which said fabric sheet is to be stitched;
iv) plurality of motorized pop out balls 5 arranged underneath said frame 1 to move said frame 1 over said machinery's surface in view of positioning said evaluated distances underneath a needle associated with said machinery to allow said needle to stitch said fabric sheet from said evaluated distances, wherein a pair of plates arranged on inner periphery of said frame 1 by means of multiple telescopically operated links for deploying said plates underneath said fabric sheet, in view of providing a base to said fabric sheet while said needle stitches said fabric sheet; and
v) plurality of telescopically operated rods 6 arranged on inner periphery of one side of said frame 1, wherein in case said user-desired pattern corresponds to a creased pattern, said microcontroller evaluates particular portions that are to be folded, based on which said microcontroller actuates said rods to extend/retract for getting positioned underneath said fabric sheet at said evaluated portions, in a manner that said fabric sheet is lifted for enabling said arms to grab said evaluated portions to create said creases on said fabric sheet, thereby assisting said user in stitching said fabric sheet in said user-specified pattern.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of suction cups 7 are arranged on said frame 1 for adhering to said fabric sheet in view of securing sheet on said frame 1.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.

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