Limp material segment transport apparatus for sewing machines

Abstract

The invention is an apparatus for transporting a limp material segment, such as cloth, along a reference axis parallel to a planar work surface. The apparatus includes a base member positioned above a work surface. A four-bar linkage assembly couples a segment coupling assembly to the base member. The four-bar linkage assembly includes first and second elongated bar assemblies, each being pivotally coupled to the base member. The length of the second bar assembly is controllable within a predetermined range. A third elongated bar assembly is pivotally coupled at a first end to the segment coupling assembly, at a second end to the second bar assembly, and at an intermediate point to the first bar assembly. In addition, the apparatus includes a rotary actuator for selectively rotating the second bar assembly about a pivot axis extending through its point of connection to the base member. When the second bar assembly is in its retracted state, as that assembly is rotated by the rotary actuator, the segment coupling assembly travels along a substantially straight path substantially parallel and adjacent to the reference axis. Furthermore, when the second bar assembly is in its extended state, as the second bar assembly is rotated by the actuator, the coupling member travels in a non-straight path.