Patent Publication Number: US-2013247806-A1

Title: Hoop Docking Apparatuses And Methods

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The illustrative embodiments relate generally to hoop docking apparatuses and methods, and more particularly, to hoop docking apparatuses and methods usable in embroidery or other sewing applications. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Embroidery hoops are often used to secure one or more embroiderables, such as stabilizer and/or fabric, to prepare the embroiderables for an embroidery operation. For example, after securing the embroiderables in an embroidery hoop, the embroidery hoop may be coupled to an embroidery machine so that the embroiderables can be embroidered by the machine. Current embroidery docking systems and methods may fail to adequately support embroiderables while they are being secured to an embroidery hoop, resulting in misplaced or misaligned materials. Current embroidery docking systems and methods may also be inconvenient or present operational challenges to a user when he or she is securing embroiderables in an embroidery hoop. Indeed, current embroidery docking systems and methods may suffer from other issues or drawbacks as well. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a substantially planar hoop dock having a first side and a second, opposite side. The first side of the hoop dock forms a docking recess shaped to approximately contour a portion of an embroidery hoop. The docking recess is operable to receive at least a portion of the embroidery hoop. 
     According to another illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a substantially planar hoop dock having a first side and a second, opposite side. The first side of the hoop dock forms a first docking recess shaped to approximately contour a portion of a first embroidery hoop. The second side of the hoop dock forms a second docking recess shaped to approximately contour a portion of a second embroidery hoop. The first docking recess is shaped differently than the second docking recess. The first docking recess is operable to receive at least a portion of the first embroidery hoop. The second docking recess is operable to receive at least a portion of the second embroidery hoop. 
     According to another illustrative embodiment, a method to secure an embroiderable in an embroidery hoop includes providing a substantially planar hoop dock having a first side and a second, opposite side. The first side of the hoop dock forms a docking recess shaped to approximately contour a portion of an embroidery hoop. The method also includes inserting a first portion of the embroidery hoop at least partially is the docking recess, covering at least a portion of the first portion of the embroidery hoop with one or more embroiderables, interfacing a second portion of the embroidery hoop with the first portion of the embroidery hoop such that the one or more embroiderables are secured between the first and second portions of the embroidery hoop, and removing the embroidery hoop and the one or more embroiderables from the hoop dock. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a schematic, perspective view of a first side of a hoop dock according to an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 1B  is a schematic, perspective view of the second, opposite side of the hoop dock shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  is a schematic, perspective view of an example embroidery hoop that may be used with the illustrative embodiments; 
         FIG. 1D  is a schematic, perspective view of an insert that is insertable into the docking recess shown in  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 1E  is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the hoop dock shown in  FIG. 1B  taken along line  1 E- 1 E; 
         FIG. 2A  is a schematic, perspective view of a hoop dock according to an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 2B  is a schematic, perspective view of a portion of an embroidery hoop being placed on the hoop dock shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2C  is a schematic, perspective view of an embroiderable placed on the hoop dock and embroidery hoop shown in  FIG. 2B ; 
         FIG. 2D  is a schematic, perspective view of a top, or second portion of an embroidery hoop placed on the hoop, dock, embroidery hoop, and embroiderable shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C ; and 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart of a process for securing one or more embroiderables in an embroidery hoop according to an illustrative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled, in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in limiting sense, and the scope of the illustrative embodiments are defined only by the appended claims. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A through 1E , an illustrative embodiment of a hoop dock  100  includes a first side  102  that forms a first docking recess  104 , and a second, opposite side  106  that forms a second docking recess  108 . Using the hoop dock  100 , an embroiderable may be secured between a first, bottom portion and a second, top portion of an embroidery hoop, such as the embroidery hoop  110  shown in  FIG. 1C , so that the embroiderable may be subsequently embroidered. In one embodiment, the hoop dock  100  may be used to ease, facilitate, or improve the process of securing an embroiderable to an embroidery hoop. Unless otherwise indicated, as used herein, “or” does not require mutual exclusivity. 
     An embroiderable includes any material capable of being sewn, embroidered, or otherwise threaded in any fashion, including, but not limited to fabric, stabilizer, paper, etc. A fabric may be composed of any type of material or substance capable of being sewn, embroidered, or otherwise threaded in any fashion, including, but not limited to, cloth, cotton, polyester, leather, synthetic material, vinyl, plastics, etc. 
     The first docking recess  104  on the first site  102  of the hoop dock  100  has a different shape than the second docking recess  108  on the second side  106  of the hoop dock  100 . Each of the first and second docking recesses  104 ,  108  are shaped to approximately contour a portion (e.g., a bottom portion) of an embroidery hoop. Because the shapes of the docking recesses  104 ,  108  on either side  102 ,  106  of the hoop dock  100  are different shapes, each of the docking recesses  104 ,  108  may accommodate or contour embroidery hoops having different shapes, thus enabling the hoop dock  100  to be used with a larger variety of embroidery hoops. 
     For purposes of illustration only, the second docking recess  108  on the second side  106  of the hoop dock  100  is shaped and sized to contour or receive a first or bottom portion of the embroidery hoop  110  shown in  FIG. 1C . To better secure or more accurately contour or receive the embroidery hoop  110 , the second docking recess  108  may also include appendage recesses  112  and  114  to approximately contour the appendages  116 ,  118  of the embroidery hoop  110 , respectively. More specifically, the appendage recess  112  may be shaped and sized to receive the docking appendage  116  of the embroidery hoop  110 ; the docking appendage  116  may be used to dock the embroidery hoop  110  to an embroidery machine. The appendage recess  114  may be shaped and sized to contour or receive a sizing appendage  118  of the embroidery hoop  110 ; the sizing appendage  118  may be used to adjust the size or aperture of the embroidery hoop  110 . Indeed, either of the docking recesses  104 ,  108  may include any number of appendage recesses to contour or receive any number or variety of appendages that may be part of or coupled to an embroidery hoop  110 . In yet another embodiment, either or both of the docking recesses  104 ,  108  may have no appendage recesses at all. In the example of  FIG. 1A , the first docking recess  104  is also shown to have appendage recesses  120 , which may be used to receive any type of appendage of an embroidery hoop. 
     As used herein, the term “coupled” may include coupling via a separate object and may also include direct coupling. The term “coupled” may also encompass two or more components that are continuous with one another by virtue of each of the components being formed from the same piece of material. Also, the term “coupled” may include chemical, such as via a chemical bond, mechanical, thermal, magnetic, or electrical coupling. 
     The hoop dock  100  may be made from any type of material that is suitable for providing a dock for an embroidery hoop. For example, the hoop dock  100  may be formed from a foam-like material having any foam density, including both flexible and rigid foams. Other examples of materials from which the hoop dock  100  may be formed include plastic, metal, wood, etc. The depth of each of the docking recesses  104 ,  108  may also vary depending on usage; one example factor that may affect the depth of each of the docking recesses  104 ,  108  is the type of embroidery hoop for which the respective docking recess  104 ,  108  is adapted to receive. Also, the hoop dock  100  is shown to have a substantially rectangular shape in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ; however, the hoop dock  100  may have any shape that is suitable for any of the functions of the illustrative embodiments described herein. 
     The first side  102  of the hoop dock  100 , and more specifically the first docking recess  104 , includes a first set of light sources  122  and a second set of light, sources  124 . As explained in more detail below, the light sources  122 ,  124  may be used to help a user guide embroiderables into proper placement or alignment in an embroidery hoop being used with the hoop dock  100  by illuminating through one or more embroiderables being placed in an embroidery hoop using the hoop dock  100 . As used herein, including in the claims, the term “set” encompasses a quantity of one or more. 
     The light sources  122  and  124  may be embedded in the hoop dock  100 , and more specifically within a surface bounding the first docking recess  104  into which an embroidery hoop is received, as shown in  FIG. 1A . In another embodiment, the light sources  122 ,  124  may overlay or cover a portion of the hoop dock  100 , as opposed to being embedded therein. Also each of the light sources  122 ,  124  may be a light emitting diode (LED), an incandescent bulb, or any other type of light source. 
     In one embodiment, the first plurality of light sources  122  may form a first line at least partially across the docking recess  104 . Likewise, the second plurality of light sources  124  may form a second line at least partially across the docking recess  104 . The first line formed by the first plurality of light sources  122  may be substantially perpendicular to lee second line formed by the second plurality of light sources  124 , as shown in  FIG. 1A . The first line and second line may intersect at an intersection point  126  that is located substantially at the center of the docking recess  104 . 
     While a generally orthogonal configuration of the first and second pluralities of light sources  122 ,  124  is shown by  FIG. 1A , the light sources may be arranged in any configuration that is suitable or useful for the application of embroiderables into an embroidery hoop. Also, the intersection point  126  is not limited to being located in the center of the docking recess  104 , as the intersection point  126  may be located in another suitable or useful position. Furthermore, any number of light sources may be used within the docking recess  104  (e.g., 1, 4, 12, 100, etc.). While the second docking recess  108  is not shown as having one or more light sources, the second docking recess  108  may also contain light sources. Indeed, either, both, or neither of the first or second docking recesses  104 ,  108  may contain one or more light sources. 
     The light sources  122 ,  124  may be powered in any manner. For example, the light sources  122 ,  124  may be powered by a battery that may be either internal or external, to the hoop dock  100 . In yet another embodiment, the hoop dock  100  is pluggable into an outlet to porovide power to the light, sources  122 ,  124 . Alternative forms of energy to power light sources  122 ,  124  may also be used. It will be appreciated that, although.  FIGS. 1A and 1F  show the hoop dock  100  to have a docking recess  104  and  108  on each side thereon, the hoop dock  100  may also contain lust one docking recess on a single side of the hoop dock  100 . 
     In one embodiment, the hoop dock  100  is formed by two or more layers. An example of this embodiment is shown in  FIG. 1E , which is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 1F  taken along line  1 E- 1 E. The hoop clock  100  may include a first, outer layer  128  that forms the first docking recess  104 . The hoop dock  100  may also include a second, outer layer  130  that forms the second docking recess  108 . The hoop dock may also include a third, backing layer  132  disposed between the first layer  128  and the second layer  130  to support the first layer  128  and the second layer  130 . In one embodiment, each of the layers  128 ,  130 ,  132  may be formed from a same or similar material (e.g., a foam-like materal). In yet another embodiment, each of the three layers  128 ,  130 ,  132  may be formed from different materials. In one embodiment, the backing layer  132  may be formed from a harder, or more rigid, material than the first and second layers  128 ,  130  to provide additional support to the first and second layers  128 , for example, the backing layer  132  may be formed from a higher density foam than the foam from which the first and second layers  128 ,  130  is composed. 
     Additional or fewer layers than those shown in  FIG. 1E  may be used in a hoop dock  100 , or, alternatively, the hoop dock  100  may formed from a single layer or material. For example, if the hoop dock  100  were to include only the first docking recess  104  but not the second docking recess  108 , the hoop dock  100  may then include only layers  128  and  132 , and exclude the second layer  130 . 
     In embodiment, the hoop dock  100  may also include an insertable and/or removable insert  134 , as shown in  FIG. 1D . The insert  134  may be inserted into the second docking recess  108  to fill the docking recess  108  and provide structural support for the first docking recess  104  on the first side  102  of the hoop dock  100 . The insert  134  is shaped and sized to fit within, the second docking recess  108  so that the second docking recess  108  is substantially filled. The insert  134  may be made from a same or similar material as the remainder of the second side  106  of the hoop dock  100 , or may be formed from a different material altogether. The hoop dock  100  may also include an insert (not shown) that fits into and substantially fills the first docking recess  104  on the first side  102  of the hoop dock  100  to provide structural support for when the second side  106  of the hoop dock  100  is being used to load an embroidery hoop with an embroiderable. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A through 2D , an illustrative embodiment of the hoop dock  200  is shown to include a docking recess  204  into which a portion of an embroidery hoop  210  may be received. Elements of  FIGS. 2A-D  that are analogous to elements in  FIGS. 1A-E  have been shown by indexing the reference numerals by  100 . The docking recess  204  has a different shape than the docking recesses  104 ,  108  shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1F  to accommodate the embroidery hoop  210  having a particular shape. In addition, the hoop dock  200  includes a raised plateau  236  that is substantially centrally located within the docking recess  204 , and which forms a channel  238  into which a portion of the embroidery hoop  210  may be placed or secured. As will be described below, the raised plateau  236  may be shaped, positioned, or otherwise adapted to provide support to one or more embroiderables secured to the embroidery hoop  210  using the hoop dock  200 . 
     The hoop dock  200  also includes a plurality of light sources  222 , which may be linked together by an electrically conductive strip  240 . The light sources  222  are located on the raised plateau  236 , in this embodiment. As in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A through 1E , the light sources  222  may comprise a first and second plurality of light sources that form orthogonal lines used to center an embroiderable. 
     In operation, a first, or bottom, portion  242  of the embroidery hoop  210  may be inserted, at least partially, into the docking recess  204 , and more specifically into the channel  238  formed between the raised plateau  236  and an outer rim of the hoop dock  200 . As seen in  FIG. 2B , the raised plateau  236  is sized and shaped to at least partially enter the aperture  244  of the first portion  242  of the embroidery hoop  210  when the docking recess  204  receives the first portion  242  of the embroidery hoop  210 . 
     Next, at least a portion of the first portion  242  of the embroidery hoop  210  may be covered, with one or more embroiderables  246 . For example, the first portion  242  of the embroidery hoop  210  may be covered with a stabilizer and an embroiderable material, such as fabric, onto which an embroidery pattern may be embroidered. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 20 , light  248  from the light sources  222  passes through the embroiderable  246  so that a user is exposed to, and can use, the light  248  to guide the placement of or center the embroiderable  246  on the first portion  242  of the embroidery hoop  210 . For example, the user may use the light  248  shining through the embroiderable  246  to properly center a portion of the embroiderable  246  at the center of the aperture  244  of the embroidery hoop  210 . The raised plateau  236  may also act to support the embroiderable  246  prevent or reduce sagging into the aperture  244  of the first portion  242  of the embroidery hoop  210 . 
     A second, or top, portion  250  of the embroidery hoop  210  may be interfaced with the first portion  242  of the embroidery hoop  210  such that the embroiderable  246  is secured between the first and second portions  242 ,  250  of the embroidery hoop  210 , as shown in  FIG. 2D . In the examples of  FIGS. 2A through 2D , the second portion  250  of the embroidery hoop  210  is magnetically attracted to magnets  252  in the first portion  242  of the embroidery hoop  210 . The second portion  250  of the embroidery hoop  210  may contain, some metal for this purpose. The one or more magnets  252  and the metal may be in either or both portions  242 ,  250  of the embroidery hoop  210 , and in any configuration, to facilitate coupling between the first and second portions  242 ,  250 . The magnetic attraction between the first and second portions  242 ,  250  of the embroidery hoop  210  acts to secure the embroiderable  246  between the first and second portions  242 ,  250  of the embroidery hoop  210  so that the embroiderable  246  may be embroidered. It will be appreciated that the first and second portions  242 ,  250  of the embroidery hoop  210  may interface, couple, or otherwise interact in any manner, including by being snappable to one another while the embroiderable  246  is present therebetween. Indeed, the hoop dock  200  is adaptable to any type of embroidery hoop, and any type of interfacing between portions thereof to secure the embroiderable (s)  246 . 
     After placing the second portion  250  of the embroidery hoop  210  on the embroiderable  246 , as shown in  FIG. 2D , the embroidery hoop  210  and the embroiderable  246  secured therein may be removed from the hoop dock  200 , at which point it may embroidered in any fashion, including by an embroidery machine. It will be appreciated that, although the illustrative embodiments are described with respect to embroidery applications, the hoop dock  200  may also be used for other applications. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , an illustrative embodiment of a process for securing an embroiderable in an embroidery hoop includes providing a substantially planar hoop dock having a first side and a second, opposite side. The first side of the hoop dock may form a docking recess shaped to approximately contour a portion of an embroidery hoop (step  301 ). The process may include inserting a first portion of the embroidery hoop at least partially in the docking recess (step  303 ). The process may further include covering at least a portion of the first portion of the embroidery hoop with one or more embroiderables, such as a stabilizer and/or fabric (step  305 ). 
     The process may include interfacing a second portion of the embroidery hoop with the first portion of the embroidery hoop such that the one or more embroiderables are secured between the first and second portions of the embroidery hoop (step  307 ). The process may include removing the embroidery hoop and the one or more embroiderables from the hoop dock (step  309 ). The embroiderable may then be embroidered in any fashion. 
     The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted embodiments illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of some possible implementations of apparatus, methods and computer program products. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified function or functions. In some alternative implementations, the function or functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending upon the functionalty involved. 
     As used herein, including in the claims, the terms first, second, third, etc. . . . used in relation to an element first portion, second portion, etc.) are for reference or identification purposes only, and these terms, unless otherwise indicated, are not intended to describe or suggest a number, order, source, purpose, or substantive quality for any element for which such a term is used. 
     Although the illustrative embodiments described herein have been disclosed in the context of certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, permutations, and alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It will be appreciated that any feature that is described in a connection to any one embodiment may also be applicable to any other embodiment.