A reading apparatus and a method for designating target features in a textile

Abstract

The invention relates to a reading device for textiles. The textile has a plurality of structural features including one or more target features. One or more of the structural features have a position retainer extending therethrough that engages at least one anchoring member such that the position retainer extends through a target feature or a structural feature proximate the target feature and the anchoring member to mark the target feature. The device includes a needle assembly having one or more needle tips. Each needle tip is configured to move through a respective target feature, or to move an intermediate needle tip through a respective target feature of the one or more structural features. The device also includes a feed system configured to engage the anchoring member and advance the textile within the device. Related methods are also described herein.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202480047421.1 (22) Application Date 2024.07.10 (30) Priority Data 63 / 525933 2023.07.10 US (85) PCT International Application Entering National Phase Date 2026.01.15 (86) PCT International Application Application Data PCT / US2024 / 037352 2024.07.10 (87) PCT International Application Publication Data WO2025 / 015028 EN 2025.01.16 (71) Applicant Topology Technology Co., Ltd. Address: Massachusetts, USA (72) Inventors: A.P. Zimmer, S.M. Felton (74) Patent Agency: China Patent Agency (Hong Kong) Ltd. 72001 Patent Attorneys Li Chen and Zou Longhui (51) Int.Cl. D05B 7 / 00 (2006.01) (54) Title of Invention Reading Device and Method for Designating Target Features in Textiles (57) Abstract This disclosure relates to a reading device for textiles. The textile has a plurality of structural features, the plurality of structural features including one or more target features. One or more of the structural features have a position retainer extending therethrough, the position retainer engaging with at least one anchoring member such that the position retainer extends through or near the target feature and the anchoring member to mark the target feature. The device includes a needle assembly having one or more needle tips. Each needle tip is configured to move through a corresponding target feature, or is configured to move an intermediate needle tip through a corresponding target feature among the one or more structural features. The device also includes a feeding system configured to engage the anchoring member and advance the textile within the device. Related methods are also described herein. Claims 3 pages, Description 14 pages, Drawings 65 pages, CN 121605225 A 2026.03.03 CN 1 21 60 52 25 A 1. A reading device for textiles, wherein the textiles include a plurality of structural features, the plurality of structural features including one or more target features, one or more of the structural features having a position retainer extending therethrough, the position retainer engaging at least one anchoring member such that the position retainer extends through or near the target feature or the structural feature and the anchoring member to mark the target feature, the reading device comprising: a needle assembly including one or more needle tips, each needle tip configured to move through a corresponding target feature among the one or more structural features, or configured to cause an intermediate needle tip to move through the one or more structural features.The reading device of claim 1 further comprises: a corresponding target feature in the target feature; a feeding system configured to engage the at least one anchoring member and advance the textile within the reading device; and a position holding member actuation unit configured to facilitate movement of each needle tip or each intermediate needle tip through the target feature. 2. The reading device of claim 1, further comprising a tensioning unit configured to generate tension on a selected position holding member extending through or near the target feature. 3. The reading device of claim 1 or any one of claim 2, further comprising a separation unit configured to engage the selected position holding member and provide space for a corresponding needle tip to be received through the target feature. 4. The reading device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a blade assembly configured to cut the selected position holding member after the corresponding needle tip has been received through the target feature. 5. The reading device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the needle assembly includes a base, the one or more needle tips are positioned around the periphery of the base and configured to extend outward from the base. 6. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the needle assembly further comprises at least one needle tip actuator configured to move each of the one or more needle tips through a corresponding target feature in the one or more structural features. 7. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the needle assembly further comprises at least one needle tip actuator configured to move each intermediate needle tip of the one or more needle tips through a corresponding target feature in the one or more structural features before moving each needle tip through the corresponding target feature. 8. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feeding system comprises at least one feed feeding member, at least one collector feeding member, and a plurality of alignment feeding members. 9. The reading device according to claim 8, wherein the at least one feed feeding member is configured to engage and advance the textile without interfering with a position holding member engaged with the at least one anchoring member. 10. The reading device according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the at least one collector feeding member is configured to engage the at least one anchoring member and pull it through the reading device. 11. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of feeding members includes at least two aligned feeding members configured to guide the at least one anchoring member within the reading device.12. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tensioning unit is configured to engage the at least one anchoring member to apply a force thereon and generate tension on a selected position retainer extending through the target feature. Claims 1 / 3 page 2 CN 121605225 A 13. The reading device according to any one of claims 2-12, wherein the tensioning unit is configured to pull the position retainer to apply a force thereon and generate tension on a selected position retainer extending through the target feature. 14. The reading device according to any one of claims 2-13, wherein each position retainer engages a first anchoring member and a second anchoring member, and wherein the tensioning unit includes a first tensioning member and a second tensioning member, the end of each tensioning member being configured to be received by the selected position retainer to engage a surface of the corresponding anchoring member. 15. The reading device according to claim 14, wherein the tensioning unit further includes a pair of arm members, and wherein the first anchoring member and the second anchoring member are rotatably coupled to the corresponding arm members. 16. The reading device of any one of claims 3-15, wherein the separating unit includes a position retainer fixing member configured to engage the selected position retainer and create space for a corresponding tip to be received through the target feature or to constrain the target feature in a space. 17. The reading device of claim 16, wherein the position retainer fixing member includes two channels and an engagement section therebetween, each channel configured to receive a corresponding portion of the selected position retainer, and the engagement section configured to separate the corresponding portion of the selected position retainer to create space for a corresponding tip to be received through the target feature. 18. The reading device of any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein the separating unit includes a pair of position retainer fixing members, each position retainer fixing member configured to engage a selected position retainer on an opposite side of the target feature. 19. The reading device of any one of claims 17 or 18, wherein the engagement section includes a recess configured to receive a corresponding tip passing therethrough, thereby allowing the corresponding tip to be received through the target feature. 20. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor assembly configured to detect the position of a portion of the selected position holder or the at least one anchor, and to initiate actuation of the tensioning unit. 21. The reading device according to claim 20, wherein the sensor assembly is configured to...The device reads encoded information from one or more of the components, the at least one anchoring member, and / or the tag attached to the one or more position holding members or the at least one anchoring member. 22. The reading device according to any one of claims 20 or 21, wherein the sensor assembly includes a camera, an optical sensor, an NFC sensor, an RFID sensor, a barcode reader, a QR code reader, and / or a magnetic sensor. 23. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the textile is a knitted fabric, and the plurality of structural features are a plurality of loops, the plurality of loops including one or more target loops. 24. The reading device according to any one of claims 1-19, wherein the textile is a woven fabric, a warp-knitted fabric, a nonwoven fabric, leather, a crocheted fabric, a cast, extruded, pressed, rolled, or 3D-printed plastic fabric, or a mesh fabric. 25. The reading device according to any one of claims 1-24, wherein the needle assembly forms part of a sewing machine for knitted garments. Claims 2 / 3 Page 3 CN 121605225 A 26. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one anchoring member comprises an elongated piece. 27. The reading device according to any one of claims 1-25, wherein the at least one anchoring member comprises one or more orifices. 28. The reading device according to any one of claims 1-25, wherein the at least one anchoring member comprises a trapezoidal structure having an elongated parallel member and a plurality of crossbars extending therebetween. 29. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one anchoring member is flexible. 30. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more structural features of the textile include a topological feature of the textile configured to hold a position retainer on or in the topological feature. 31. A method for designating a target feature in a textile, wherein the textile includes a plurality of structural features having a series of position retainers extending through a respective target feature, the position retainers being connected by at least one anchoring member, the method comprising: identifying a selected position retainer corresponding to the target feature; and inserting a needle tip through the target feature. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein after identifying the selected position retainer, the method further comprises applying a force to generate tension on the selected position retainer extending through the target feature. 33. The method of claim 31 or any one of claim 32, further comprising causing the selected position retainer to...The position retainer is disconnected from the at least one anchoring member, thereby allowing the selected position retainer to be removed from the target feature. 34. The method of any one of claims 31-33, further comprising repeating each step for each of the series of position retainers. 35. The method of any one of claims 32-34, wherein a force is applied to the at least one anchoring member to generate tension on the selected position retainer extending through the target feature. 36. The method of any one of claims 32-35, wherein the force is applied to pull the position retainer and generate tension on the selected position retainer extending through the target feature. 37. The method of any one of claims 32-36, wherein the force is applied to expand the selected position retainer and widen the corresponding target feature. 38. The method of any one of claims 32-36, wherein after positioning, tensioning, and / or expansion, the target feature is physically constrained in a space by pushing the feature against the target feature from one or more directions. 39. The method of any one of claims 31-38, wherein the textile is a knitted fabric, and the plurality of structural features are a plurality of loops, the plurality of loops including one or more target loops. 40. The method of any one of claims 31-38, wherein the textile is a woven fabric, warp-knitted fabric, nonwoven fabric, leather, crocheted fabric, cast, extruded, pressed, rolled, or 3D printed plastic fabric, or mesh fabric. 41. The method of any one of claims 31-40, wherein the needle tip and / or intermediate needle tip are inserted from a needle assembly of a sewing machine for knitted garments. Claims 3 / 3 Page 4 CN 121605225 A Reading apparatus and method for designating target features in textiles

[0001] Related Applications This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 525,933, filed July 10, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a reading device for reading placeholders in textiles, and a method for designating target features in textiles. Background Art

[0003] Linking is a sewing machine technology specifically used for constructing garments from knitted components. A linking machine is a chain stitch sewing machine reinforced by a needle plate (sometimes a needle crown) at the needle tip (e.g., the needle). The sewing mechanism mechanically adapts to the needle tip.The angular spacing ensures that exactly one stitch is formed on each needle tip. The sewing machine operator's task is to pin the workpieces to be joined, one on top of the other. The sewing head is then activated, and the stitch is automatically formed using the needle tip that holds the position where each stitch will arrive. As in other sewing processes, stitch formation is highly automated, fast, accurate, and generally technically mature.

[0004] Straight needle transfer is discussed in German Patent No. 685,505. US Patent No. 6089049 discusses loading the facing knitted at the first knitting station directly onto the transfer bar and onto the unloading station, so that the knitted facing loaded on the transfer bar can be directly transferred to the knitting head at the second knitting station. Various techniques for stitching are discussed in the following patents: U.S. Patents Nos. 3,340,834, 4,846,085, 5,619,940, and 5,730,075; Japanese Patent Publications Nos. JPH03258287A, JPS52125052A, JPH063160692A, JPH05305191A, JPH05305192A, and JPH05305195A; and Japanese Patent Publications CN110685073A, CN113026220B, CN113026219A, CN109457398, CN113026219A, and CN201176508Y.

[0005] However, problems remain in automating many sewing or stitching processes used in a variety of textile fabrics due to the difficulty in introducing soft workpieces into the machine and positioning them accurately. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to some embodiments, the present invention relates to a reading device for textiles. The textile has a plurality of structural features, the plurality of structural features including one or more target features. One or more of the structural features have a position holding member extending through it, the position holding member engaging with at least one anchoring member such that the position holding member extends through or near the target feature and the anchoring member to mark the target feature. The device includes a needle assembly having one or more needle tips. Each needle tip is configured to move through a corresponding target feature, or is configured to cause an intermediate needle tip to move through a corresponding target feature among the one or more structural features. The device also includes a feeding system configured to engage the anchoring member and advance the textile within the device.

[0007] According to another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for designating target features in a textile. The textile includes multiple structural features having a series of position-holding elements extending through corresponding target features, wherein the position-holding elements are connected by at least one anchoring member. The method includes: identifying selected locations corresponding to the target features. (Instruction manual 1 / 14 page 5 CN)121605225 A Retainer; and the insertion of a needle tip through the target feature. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0009] FIG1 is a perspective view of a prior art knitting machine.

[0010] FIG2A-2B are perspective views of a position retainer positioning assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0011] FIG3A-3B are front perspective views and enlarged front perspective views of the position retainer positioning assembly of FIG2A-2B mounted on a knitting machine (e.g., as shown in FIG1A-1E) according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] FIG4A-4B are enlarged views of the assembly of FIG3A-3B, illustrating an anchoring member for joining textiles (e.g., knitted fabrics) according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0013] FIG5A illustrates an exemplary textile having multiple structural features (e.g., loops) that can be marked using a position retainer positioning assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG5B is a partial perspective view of an anchoring member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG5C is a partial perspective view of an alternative anchoring member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG6A is a side view of a position retainer positioning assembly illustrating the starting position of the assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG6B is a side view of a position retainer positioning assembly illustrating the position where the retainer extends between the anchoring members and above the target feature (e.g., a loop) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG6C is an enlarged view illustrating the retainer in the extended position between the anchoring members as shown in FIG6B.

[0019] FIG6D-6F are enlarged views illustrating the operation of the needle tip (e.g., a needle) of a knitting machine and the transfer of the target feature to the retainer of the position retainer positioning assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG7 is an enlarged view illustrating the retainer extending the target feature of the textile according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG8A-8B are enlarged views illustrating the movement of the anchoring member relative to the target feature to the appropriate position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figures 9A-9B are side perspective views illustrating the operation of inserting a position retainer positioning unit through a target feature according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Figure 9C is an enlarged view showing a position retainer positioning unit inserted through a target feature and an anchoring member according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Figure 9D illustrates a position retainer (e.g., a suture) being picked up and engaged by a position retainer positioning unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Figure 10 is an enlarged view illustrating a position retainer being engaged by a position retainer positioning unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Figures 11A-11B illustrate the position retainer positioning unit pulling the position retainer back through the target feature and anchoring member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 12 illustrates the anchoring member moving vertically to a position for receiving the second insertion of the position retainer positioning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figures 13A-13B illustrate the operation of inserting the position retainer positioning unit with the position retainer for the second time through the target feature and anchoring member according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specification 2 / 14 pages 6 CN 121605225 A

[0029] Figures 14A-14B are side views illustrating the positioning of the end of the position retainer in the position retainer closing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figures 14C-14I illustrate alternative configurations of the insertion of the position retainer positioning unit and the position retainer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figures 15A-15C illustrate the operation of the position retainer closing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figures 16A-16C illustrate the operation of cutting the position retainer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figures 17A-17B illustrate an embodiment of the invention where the anchoring member moves vertically to lower the position holder to a suitable position on the textile.

[0034] Figures 18A-18B illustrate an embodiment of the invention where the holder returns to the starting position to engage the next target feature.

[0035] Figures 19A-19D illustrate an exemplary textile with multiple position holders according to an embodiment of the invention. Figures 19A-19B show position holders loosely held between the anchoring members. Figures 19C-19D show position holders taut between the anchoring members.

[0036] Figure 20A is a top perspective view of a reading device for textiles according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0037] Figure 20B is a side view of the reading device shown in Figure 20A.

[0038] Figures 21A-21B are further side and perspective views of the reading device shown in Figures 20A-20B.

[0039] Figures 22A-22B are further side and top perspective views of the feeding system of the reading device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0040] FIG22C is an enlarged view of the feed member of the feeding system shown in FIG22A-22B according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG22D illustrates a reading device during operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG23 illustrates the tensioning unit of the reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention moving to the appropriate position.

[0043] FIG24A-24B illustrate the tensioning unit moving to provide tension on the target position holder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG24C illustrates an alternative configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which two position holders are tensioned within the target feature.

[0045] Figure 25A illustrates the separation unit of the reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention moved to the appropriate position.

[0046] Figures 25B-25C are enlarged views of the position holding member fixing member of the separation unit of Figure 25A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 26A illustrates the position holding member fixing member moving to the opposite side of a target feature (e.g., a loop).

[0048] Figure 26B is a top view illustrating the position holding member fixing member positioned on the opposite side of a target feature.

[0049] Figures 27A-27B illustrate the insertion of a needle tip (e.g., a needle) through a target feature according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figures 28A-28C illustrate the operation of a blade assembly for a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 29 illustrates a feeding system for advancing textile panels within a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figures 30A-30C illustrate an alternative tensioning unit for a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figures 31A-31C illustrate the operation of an alternative tensioning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figures 32A-32B are enlarged views of an alternative tensioning unit engaged with a position retainer according to an embodiment of the invention. Specification 3 / 14 pages 7 CN 121605225 A

[0055] Figure 33 is a perspective view illustrating the insertion of a needle tip by means of an alternative tensioning unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0056] Figure 34 illustrates the operation of the blade assembly after needle tip insertion according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description

[0057] In some embodiments, the position retainer positioning assembly may be configured to mark the position of a structural feature of a textile by means of the position retainer. As described herein, the position retainer may be used to place the textile on, for example, a sewing machine, or otherwise manipulate the textile for subsequent production and processing.

[0058] As used herein, a “structural feature” of a textile is any textile feature capable of holding a position retainer on or within that structural feature. For example, a “structural feature” may include a topological feature of the textile configured to hold a position retainer on or in that topological feature, such as loops or tangles or crosses between yarns in a woven fabric. Structural features in nonwoven fabrics can be positions within the textile, such as coordinate (x-y) positions within the textile.

[0059] As used herein, the term "loop" in textiles includes needle loops or sinker loops.

[0060] As used herein, "textile" includes any suitable textile configured to engage position retainers, including plain weft knitted textiles, plain warp knitted textiles, crocheted textiles, circular weft knitted textiles, and circular warp knitted textiles.Knitted textiles, straight-bar weft-knitted textiles, or cotton frame textiles. “Textiles” can be configured as cut pieces or can have a three-dimensional shape.

[0061] As used herein, a “position holder” is a structure that can be positioned in or on a structural feature of the textile, such as a loop. The position holder can pass through the structural feature, be positioned around the structural feature, or otherwise engage with a structural feature of the textile. In some embodiments, the position holder is held in place by means of an anchoring member.

[0062] As used herein, an “anchoring member” is a structure configured to connect to a position holder and is typically elongated. In some embodiments, one or more anchoring members can connect to multiple position holders. In this configuration, (one or more) anchoring members can hold a series of position holders, for example, for subsequent placement on a sewing machine or sewing transfer machine.

[0063] Position Holder Positioning Assembly FIG. 1 is a prior art knitting machine 10, which includes a base 20 and needles 30 for forming or manufacturing textiles. As illustrated in Figures 2A-2B, a position retainer positioning assembly 100 is shown, configured to mark the position of one or more structural features in the textile during or after the textile is manufactured by the knitting machine 10 of Figure 1 using one or more position retainers 500.

[0064] The position retainer positioning assembly 100 includes a position retainer positioning unit 110 having a position retainer positioner 112 and an actuator 114. The position retainer positioning assembly 100 also includes a retainer 120 configured to retain structural features in the textile, an anchor feeder 130 having two anchor arms 132, a position retainer application device 140, and a position retainer closing unit 150. The position retainer positioning assembly 100 is configured to cooperate with a textile processing machine (such as the textile production machine or knitting machine 10 of Figure 1) and engage one or more structural features in the textile with the position retainer 500. As illustrated, retainer 120 is configured to engage structural features in the textile, such that position retainer positioning assembly 100 cooperates with retainer 120 to engage and position position retainer 500 at the structural feature to mark the position of the structural feature in the textile.

[0065] As shown in Figures 3A-3B, position retainer positioning assembly 100 is mounted on knitting machine 10, which has base 20 and needles 30 for knitting fabric. However, it should be understood that position retainer positioning assembly 100 may be positioned by a robot, operator's manual 4 / 14 page 8 CN 121605225 A, or frame to adjacent textile processing machine (such as knitting machine 10) to operate together with knitting machine 10 to position position retainer 500 in the formed textile.

[0066] The position holding member positioning assembly 100 can be mounted on a textile processing machine or removably positioned adjacent to a textile processing machine, and can be configured to operate before, during, or after the production of textiles on a textile production machine, which may include, for example, a flat weft knitting machine, a flat warp knitting machine, a crochet machine, a circular weft knitting machine, a circular warp knitting machine, a straight bar weft knitting machine, or a cotton spinning frame.

[0067] Referring to Figures 4A-4B, anchor arms 132 can each hold anchor members 700, thereby feeding the anchor members into the position holding member positioning assembly 100. Anchor arms 132 include an end 134 with a feed pin 136 configured to hold the anchor members 700 in a flat configuration to the needles 30 of an adjacent knitting machine 10. In this configuration, the anchoring arm 132 is configured to position the respective anchoring member 700 to a structural feature of the adjacent textile 600 (FIG. 4B), and the position holding member positioning assembly 100 is also configured to engage the anchoring member 700 and the structural feature of the textile 600 with the position holding member 500 (not shown).

[0068] An example of a knitted textile 600 having a structural feature 610 is shown in FIG. 5A. The structural feature 610 includes loops and is illustrated as an example of a structural feature of the textile 600. Example anchoring members 700A and 700B are illustrated in FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C, respectively. Anchoring members 700, 700A, and 700B can be configured to engage with the position holding member 500, thereby connecting the structural feature 610 to one of the anchoring members 700, 700A, and 700B (see, for example, FIG. 19A-19D). Anchoring members 700, 700A, and 700B may be flat or elongated to be fed along textile 600. As shown in FIG. 5C, anchoring member 700B includes an aperture 710B. It should be understood that aperture 710B may be configured to receive position retainer 500 or as an engagement mechanism for engagement with additional automated equipment. Aperture 710B is illustrated as square or rectangular; however, the aperture may be any suitable shape, including circular or annular shapes. In some embodiments, the anchoring member may be a trapezoidal structure having elongated parallel members and crossbars extending therebetween, with apertures between the crossbars. The anchoring member may also be flexible.

[0069] Example operation for positioning position retainer 500 and anchoring member 700 (optionally) in textile 600 will now be described. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, position retainer positioner 112 includes needle 112A. It should be understood that needle 112A may be any suitable structure for positioning position retainer. The retainer 120 includes an end 122 for engaging structural feature 610 of the textile 600. In Figures 6A and 6C, the retainer 120 is movable above the anchoring arm 132.

[0070] Figures 6D-6F illustrate alternative operations for retaining structural features using the needle tip (e.g., needle) of a knitting machine. As illustrated, a needle 220A with a groove S lifts the textile structural feature 610 (Figure 6D). A retainer needle 220B descends through the groove of the needle 220A to engage the structural feature 610 (Figure 6E). The needle 220A can be released and removed from the structural feature 610, after which the structural feature is held in a position away from the textile 600, as illustrated in Figure 6F. Thus, the retainer needle 220B functions in a manner similar to that of the retainer 120 and retainer end 122 as described herein.

[0071] As shown in Figures 6D-6F and Figure 7, the structural feature 610 on the knitting tool 220A located on the needle bed Q can be transferred to the retainer needle 220B, and then the needle 220A can be retracted into the needle bed Q, thereby creating a gap between the needle bed Q and the constructed textile. In some embodiments, while the structural feature is held on the retainer needle 220B, the anchoring arm 132Q can move along the needle bed. In some embodiments, after the structural feature is moved onto the retainer needle 220B and the anchoring arm 132Q is moved, the anchoring member 700 is thereby applied below the edge of the knitting machine, i.e., below the interface between the needle in the needle bed Q and the constructed textile 600. The structural feature 610 can then be placed onto the return needle 220A, or onto another knitting tool on the machine. In some embodiments, other knitting tools may be present on the knitting machine, such as needles on the needle bed Q opposite the origin bed of the structural feature, configured to occupy the structural feature 610 such that the needle 220A can be retracted. In such embodiments, a transfer of the structural feature 610 can occur, allowing the arm 132 to move. In some embodiments, the structural feature 610 can then be transferred back onto the needle 220A by the specification page 5 / 14 9 CN 121605225 A. As shown in Figures 7 and 8A-8B, the retainer 120 includes two elongated retainer arms 122A, each retainer arm 122A having a hook 122B extending substantially perpendicularly to the retainer arm 122A. The hook 122B is configured to engage structural feature 610 of the textile 600 and to displace structural feature 610 away from the textile 600, so that the position retainer 500 can be positioned therein. Thus, position retainer insertion, normal knitting, or movement of structural feature 510 can be implemented.

[0072] As shown in Figure 9A, the position retainer positioning unit 110 and the retainer 120 are aligned such that structural feature 610 is engaged by the retainer 120 and positioned adjacent anchoring members 700 or between anchoring members 700. As shown in Figures 9B and 9C, a needle 112A extends through both anchoring members 700 and through structural feature 610. As shown in Figure 9D, the needle 112A extends...The position retainer 500 is engaged in the position retainer applicator 140. As shown, the position retainer 500 is a suture or yarn or other elongated structure that can be held on a spool (not shown) by the position retainer applicator 140, for example.

[0073] As illustrated in FIG11A, the needle 112A pulls the position retainer 500 through the structural feature 610 and through the two anchor members 700. As shown in FIG12, the needle 112A moves the position retainer 500 laterally and upward along the nearest anchor member 700, or the retainer 120 and the anchor arm 132 move the structural feature 610 and the anchor member 700 relative to the needle 112A to different positions. As shown in FIG13A and FIG13B, the needle 112A passes through the structural feature 610 again at a different lateral position than shown in FIG11A and through the position retainer 500. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the position retainer 500 may extend beyond the structural feature 610, thereby forming a loop shape around the structural feature 610. As shown in FIG14A, the needle 112A passes through the structural feature 610 and the anchoring member toward the position retainer applicator 140, such that the position retainer 500 generally forms a loop shape.

[0074] As illustrated in FIG14B, the position retainer closure unit 150 includes a welder 152 and a position retainer hook 154 with a pin 156 for holding the position retainer 500 in place relative to the position retainer closure unit 150. The anchoring member 700 may be held in an orientation such that the main surface of the anchoring member 700 faces the structural feature 610. As illustrated in FIG15A-15C, the twin strands of the position retainer 500 are positioned between the two thermal elements 152A and 152B of the welder 152, which are initially in the open position (FIG15A). In Figure 15B, heating elements 152A and 152B are closed to weld the twin wires of the position retainer 500 together, and then heating elements 152A and 152B are opened to release the position retainer 500, which is now in a closed or continuous loop configuration.

[0075] Thus, the position retainer closing unit 150 is configured to connect a first portion of the position retainer 500 to a second portion of the position retainer, thereby forming a closed shape of the position retainer 500.

[0076] Although the position retainer closure unit 150 is illustrated as a thermal device configured to weld a first portion of the position retainer 500 to a second portion, any suitable closure mechanism may be used, such as an ultrasonic device configured to bond the first portion to the second portion, a knotting unit configured to form a knot between the first and second portions, an adhesive unit configured to apply or activate an adhesive to bond the first and second portions, a joining unit configured to permanently connect the locking features of the first and second portions, or a twisting or pressing mechanism configured to twist or press the first and second portions together.Crimping / pressing unit. Additionally, although the position retainer closure unit 150 is illustrated as a device configured to close a first portion of the position retainer 500 to a second portion, in some embodiments, the position retainer closure unit 150 may alternatively connect the position retainer 500 to one or more of the anchoring members 700. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the position retainer closure unit 150 may alternatively connect a first portion of one or more of the anchoring members 700 to a second portion of the same or different anchoring members 700, such that the position retainer 500 is captured and secured.

[0077] Although the position retainer 500 is illustrated as being connected to the anchoring member 700, one or more position retainers may be inserted by other suitable configurations without anchoring members 700. Figure 14C illustrates the position retainer 500 after it has been placed by the pin 112A or other position retainer positioning device. Alternative embodiments of the position retainer are illustrated in Figures 14D and 14E, which illustrate an open configuration rivet position retainer 500A (Figure 14D) and a closed configuration rivet position retainer 500B (Figure 14E). In some embodiments, the retainer 120 may be omitted, and a transfer clip TC may be used to insert the position retainer, as those skilled in the art will understand. As shown in Figure 14F, the transfer clip TC engages structural feature 610 with pin 112A (or other position retainer positioning device). Pin 112 passes through structural feature 610 in Figure 14G and pulls the position retainer 500 back through structural feature 610 in Figures 14H and 14I.

[0078] As shown in Figures 16A-16C, the blade 146 on the position retainer applicator 140 is positioned against the downstream portion of the position retainer 500 in the closed shape (Figure 16A) and cuts the position retainer 500 to disengage the position retainer 500 from the position retainer applicator 140 (Figure 16B). As shown in Figure 16C, the position retainer 500 is released from the position retainer hook 154, and is released as shown in Figure 17A. Figures 17A-17B illustrate the vertical movement of the anchoring member 700 to lower the position retainer 500 to the appropriate position on the textile 600.

[0079] Figures 18A-18B illustrate the retainer end 122 returning to the starting position to engage the next target structural feature 610. In some embodiments, the retainer end 122 may replace the structural feature 610 with the position retainer 500 on the insertion pin 220A (see, for example, Figures 6D-6F described above). In some embodiments, the retainer end 122 can place the structural feature on a different knitting tool. Thus, another position retainer 500 can be positioned at the next structural feature in the textile 600.In 610, the above placement steps can be repeated for multiple structural features 610.

[0080] Figures 19A-19D illustrate an exemplary textile 600 having a position retainer 500 and anchoring members 700 for securing the position retainer 500. As shown in Figures 19A-19B, the position retainer 500 can be loosely held between the anchoring members 700. As shown in Figures 19C-19D, the position retainer 500 can be taut between the anchoring members 700. In this configuration, the position retainer 500 and / or the anchoring members 700 can be used to identify and manipulate structural features 610 in the textile 600.

[0081] While some embodiments described herein involve engaging the position retainer 500 with two anchoring members 700 such that the position retainer 500 extends between the structural feature 610 and each of the two anchoring members 700 to mark the position of the structural feature 610, it should be understood that other configurations may be used. For example, in some embodiments, one or two anchoring members 700 are omitted, and a position retainer 500 is used to mark the position of one or more structural features 610.

[0082] As illustrated, the position retainer 500 is illustrated as a yarn or thread; however, other configurations of the position retainer may be used. For example, the position retainer may be an elongated piece with anchoring or expansion sections to hold the position retainer within the structural feature of the textile. Furthermore, the position retainer 500 is illustrated as extending through the structural feature 610; however, the position retainer may alternatively extend around to surround the structural feature 610. The position retainer may be formed from: elastomeric materials, thermoplastic materials, multifilament yarns, braids, woven tapes, crocheted or warp-knitted tapes, weft-knitted tapes, cylindrical knitted ropes, flat plastic tapes, rigid element chains, monofilament yarns, twisted yarns, embossed sheets, flexible non-plastic sheets or tapes, or combinations thereof. Although the position retainer 500 is illustrated as passing through structural feature 610 once or twice (see, for example, Figures 24B-24C), the position retainer 500 may pass through structural feature 610 three, four, five, six, or more times.

[0083] Various configurations of the anchoring member 700 may also be used. The anchoring member may be formed of: a strip, a woven structure, a braided structure, a flat extrusion with holes and attachment features, or a mesh. The holes in the anchoring member may be round, or flat-sided holes with 3, 4, 5, 6, or more sides, or some combination of round and flat-sided holes. The attachment features may include loops, hooks, or rods, and the anchor may be made of plastic, metal, or natural materials. In some embodiments, the width of the anchoring member is between about 1 mm and about 25 mm, and the thickness is between about 0.05 mm and about 1 mm. In some embodiments, the length and width of the holes and attachment features are between about 0.1 mm and about 2 mm.

[0084] The position retainer positioning unit 110, as described above, includes a needle 112A. An actuator 114 moves the needle 112A, thereby shaping the position retainer 500 such that it extends through the structural feature 610 and is secured by the anchoring member 700. However, any suitable structure for positioning the position retainer can be used. For example, a gripper, pusher, or tubular feeder can be used. In some embodiments, the needle width is between about 0.05 mm and about 5 mm. The needle 112A is illustrated as having an open eye; however, in some embodiments, the eye of the needle 112A may alternatively be a closed latch, or include a sliding cap or composite closure member, as known in the art.

[0085] While the position retainer applicator 140 is described as holding a spool of material to applicate the position retainer 500, it should be understood that the position retainer can be applicated from various structures. For example, in some embodiments, the anchoring member 700 may be connected to a plurality of position retainers 500, which may be pulled through structural features 610 in the textile 600. In some embodiments, the position retainer applicator 140 may include pre-cut and pre-formed strands, rivets, or other similar structures such as hoppers or tines that may serve as position retainers 500.

[0086] Example materials that may be used for the anchoring member(s) or position retainers(s) include natural materials (animal-based, plant-based, fungal-based natural materials, including wool, silk, cotton, down, leather, plant fibers, wood, or hemp), thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic polymers, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane (thermoplastic polyurethane), fluoropolymers (ethylene-trifluorochloroethylene), viscose polymers, TPX (polymethylpentene), ECTFE, Vectran™ Dyneema™, and metals (including ferrous and non-ferrous metals).

[0087] Example structures that may be suitable for anchoring members or position retainers include monofilament fibers (extruded or drawn), multifilament fibers (yarns, twisted fibers, braided fibers, woven fibers, rivet-based, irregularly shaped links, strips or bands (extruded, woven, knitted (crocheted, warp-knitted, weft-knitted) or covered molding), and meshes (extruded or linked monofilaments or multifilaments, woven, knotted, interwoven "knotless", chemically bonded, welded). Additionally, anchoring members or position retainers may be molded, stamped, embossed, or include inlay features, knotted features, covered molding features, or chemically bonded features.

[0088] The geometry and dimensions of anchoring members or position retainers may include...Circular cross-section, tubular, rectangular cross-section, hollow channel incorporated therein, orifice (circular, rectangular, brick-shaped (alternating rectangles), rhomboid, triangular, or any suitable shape). Additional features may include loops, hooks, rods, or protrusions, including generally spherical attachments. Such features may be about 0.1 to 10 mm. The cross-sectional length, width, or diameter of (one or more) anchoring members or (one or more) position retainers may be 0.01 to 0.5 mm thick and 0.1 to 25 mm wide.

[0089] Although an embodiment is illustrated with a textile 600 in the shape of a cut piece (having terry loop structural features at the edge portion of the cut piece), it should be understood that structural features may be located anywhere within the cut piece, and position retainers may be positioned at such structural features during or after the formation of the textile.

[0090] Anchor arms 132 are illustrated as a pair of anchor arms; however, it should be understood that any number of anchor arms and / or anchoring members may be used. For example, more than two anchor arms may be used to position two or more series of position retainers at several locations in the textile.

[0091] Referring now to Figures 20A-20B, 21A-21B, and 22A-22C, a reading device 1000 for textile 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In some embodiments, as discussed above, textile 600 may include a plurality of structural features 610. For example, in some embodiments, textile 600 may be a knitted fabric, and the plurality of structural features 610 may be loops in the knitted fabric. In other embodiments, textile 600 may be a woven fabric, and the plurality of structural features 610 may be intersections between warp and weft yarns in the woven fabric. In other embodiments, textile 600 may be a warp-knitted fabric, a nonwoven fabric, leather, a crocheted fabric, a cast, extruded, pressed, rolled, or 3D-printed plastic fabric, or a mesh fabric. In some embodiments, the plurality of structural features 610 may be a predetermined area or a set of coordinates (e.g., X, Y, Z) on textile 600. Specification 8 / 14 pages 12 CN 121605225 A

[0092] In some embodiments, the plurality of structural features 610 include one or more target features 610t (e.g., target loops, target intersections, or predetermined areas or coordinates in textile 600). As described herein, in some embodiments, each target feature 610t may have a position retainer 500 extending through it. In some embodiments, the target feature 610t may reside near the structural feature 610 having a position retainer 500 extending through it. As described herein, the position retainer 500 may be an elastomeric material, thermoplastic material, multifilament yarn, braid, woven tape, crocheted tape, warpKnitted tape, weft-knitted tape, cylindrical knitted rope, flat plastic tape, rigid element chain, monofilament yarn, twisted yarn, embossed sheet, or flexible non-plastic sheet or tape, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the position retainer 500 may engage with at least one anchoring member 700 such that the position retainer 500 extends between the target feature 610t or adjacent structural feature 610 and the anchoring member 700, thereby marking the corresponding target feature 610t of the textile 600. In some embodiments, more than one position retainer 5001, 5002 may extend through the target feature 610t or adjacent structural feature 610 and engage with the anchoring member 700 (see, for example, FIG. 24C).

[0093] According to an embodiment of the invention, and further described in detail below, the reading device 1000 is configured to identify the corresponding position of the position retainer 500 (and the corresponding target feature 610t) in the textile 600 to help further mark the position of the corresponding target feature 610t. In some embodiments, the position of the target feature 610t can be marked by means of the needle tip 1006 from the needle assembly 1002, so that the textile 600 can be subsequently sewn together with another textile 600, for example, sewing the sleeve of a sweater together with the body of a sweater. When joined with the textile 600, the anchoring member 700 and the position holding member 500 provide a means for the marked textile 600 to be roughly handled and manipulated by a person or machine (i.e., marking the target feature 610t by means of the corresponding position holding member 500), and can allow for easier sewing together with another textile 600 and / or attachment to another machine (e.g., a sewing machine).

[0094] As shown in Figures 20A-20B, in some embodiments, the reading device 1000 includes a needle assembly 1002. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 1002 may be a needle plate assembly. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 1002 may be part of an existing sewing machine (not shown), such as a sewing machine for knitted garments. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 1002 has a base 1004, with one or more needle tips 1006 (e.g., needles) positioned around the periphery of the base 1004. The needle tips 1006 are positioned such that each needle tip 1006 is configured to extend outward from the base 1004. In other words, each needle tip 1006 is configured to move axially relative to the base 1004 such that each needle tip 1006 can be received through a corresponding target feature 610t on the textile 600. For example, in some embodiments, the needle assembly 1002 includes at least one needle tip actuator (not shown) configured to move each needle tip 1006 to extend through the corresponding target feature 610t (see, for example, Figures 27A-27B).

[0095] In some embodiments, the reading device 1000 includes a reading subassembly 1100. In some embodiments, the reading subassembly...Component 1100 is configured to engage with needle assembly 1002. As shown in Figures 21A-21B and 22A-22B, in some embodiments, the reading sub-assembly 1100 includes a feed system 1150. The feed system 1150 is configured to engage with anchoring member 700 and advance textile 600 through reading device 1000. In some embodiments, the feed system 1150 may include a pulley system. In some embodiments, the feed system 1150 includes at least one feed member 1152, at least one collector feed member 1154, and a plurality of alignment feed members 1156. As shown, in some embodiments, for example, when textile 600 is engaged with two anchoring members 700, the feed system 1150 may include two feed members 1152, two collector feed members 1154, and at least two alignment feed members 1156 (i.e., each of the feed members 1152, 154, 1156 engaged with the respective anchoring member 700).

[0096] As shown in Figures 22A-22D, the anchoring member 700 can be positioned to enter the reading subassembly 1100 via the feed member 1152. The feed member 1152 is configured to engage with the textile 600 and advance the textile 600 into the reading device 1000 (i.e., each anchoring member 700 engages with a corresponding feed member 1152). The feed member 1152, as described in the manual (page 9 / 14, CN 121605225 A), positions the textile 600 as it enters the reading device 1000. In some embodiments, the feed member 1152 is configured to grip the anchoring member 700 such that the anchoring member 700 does not slip off the feed member 1152 as the textile 600 is advanced (fed) into the device 1000. For example, in some embodiments, the feed member 1152 may be formed of a rubber material, the outer surface of which generates friction with the anchor member 700 to grip the anchor member 700. As shown in FIG22C, in some embodiments, each feed member 1152 may include a plurality of bristles or similar protrusions 1152p extending outward therefrom. In some embodiments, the protrusions 1152p are configured to allow the feed member 1152 to assist in advancing the anchor member 700 (and the textile 600 engaged therewith) into the reading device 1000 without interfering with the position holding member 500 engaged with the anchor member 700.

[0097] In some embodiments, to secure the textile 600 to the reading device 1000, excess length of the anchor member 700 may be routed through the feed member 1152 and alignment feed member 1156 of the feeding system 1150, wherein the end of each anchor member 700 is secured to a corresponding collector feed member 1154. In some embodiments, the collector feeding component 1154The reader is configured to engage the corresponding anchor member 700 and pull it through the reader 1000. For example, in some embodiments, the collector feed member 1154 is configured to rotate and pull the corresponding anchor member 700. As described in further detail below, when the anchor member 700 (and the position retainer 500) is removed from the target feature 610t of the textile 600, the collector feed member 1154 collects the anchor member 700 (i.e., after the position retainer 500 is disconnected, the anchor member 700 wraps around the collector feed member 1154). As the anchor member 700 wraps around the collector feed member 1154, the textile 600 engaged with the anchor member 700 is pulled through the reader 1000 (and guided into and through the reader 1000 by the feed feed member 1152 and the alignment feed member 1156, respectively).

[0098] As mentioned above, the alignment feed member 1156 is configured to help guide the anchor member 700 through the reading device 1000. In some embodiments, the feed system 1150 may include two, three, four, five, six or more alignment feed members 1156. In some embodiments, the alignment feed member 1156 may help provide tension on the anchor member 700 to allow the reading device 1000 to more easily identify the target feature 610t on the textile 600. As described in further detail below, in some embodiments, the alignment feed member 1156 may also help position the anchor member 700 (and the corresponding position retainer 500) within the reading subassembly 1100 so that the position of the target feature 610t can be marked (i.e., by means of the corresponding needle tip 1006 from the needle assembly 1002).

[0099] Referring to Figures 23, 24A-24C, and 25A-25C, in some embodiments, the sub-component 1100 of the reading device 1000 may further include a tensioning unit 1160. In some embodiments, the tensioning unit 1160 is configured to generate tension on a target feature 610t extending through the textile 600 or on a selected position retainer 500 extending through an adjacent structural feature 610 into which the needle tip 1006 will be inserted. For example, in some embodiments, the tensioning unit 1160 is configured to engage anchoring members 700 to apply force to each anchoring member 700, thereby generating tension on the target feature 610t extending through the textile 600 or on the selected position retainer 500 of the adjacent structural feature 610.

[0100] As shown in Figures 24A-24B, in some embodiments, the tensioning unit 1160 includes two tensioning members 1162. In some embodiments, the end 1163 of each tensioning member 1162 is configured to be received by the selected position retainer 500 (or received between adjacent portions) and engages the inner surface of the corresponding anchoring member 700. In some embodiments, the tensioning member1162 is configured to apply an outward force to the respective anchoring member 700. In some embodiments, the tensioning member 1162 applies an outward force to the respective anchoring member 700 in opposite directions, thereby pulling opposite ends of the selected position retainer 500 in opposite directions to generate tension in the position retainer 500.

[0101] In some embodiments, the tensioning unit 1160 may also include a pair of arm members 1164. Each tensioning member 1162 may be coupled to the respective arm member 1164. In some embodiments, each tensioning member 1162 is rotatably or pivotally coupled to the respective arm member 1164. As shown in Figures 24A-24B, in some embodiments, the tensioning member 1162 is configured to move relative to the arm member 1164 to engage the respective anchoring member 700 and apply an outward force to the anchoring member 700. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, more than one position retainer 5001, 5002 may extend through or near the target feature 610t and engage with (one or more) anchoring members 700. As shown in FIG24C, in some embodiments, the tensioning unit 1160 may function in a similar manner when more than one position retainer 5001, 5002 extends through or near the target feature 610t and the structural feature 610. In other words, the tensioning member 1162 may be received through (or between) multiple position retainers 5001, 5002 to engage the corresponding anchoring member 700 and apply an outward force to the anchoring member 700 to generate tension in the multiple position retainers 5001, 5002.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 25A-25C and 26A-26B, in some embodiments, the reading subassembly 1100 of the reading device 1000 may also include a separation unit 1170. As described in further detail below, in some embodiments, the separating unit 1170 is configured to engage the selected position retainer 500 to provide additional space between several portions of the position retainer 500 and to position the position retainer 500 in a fixed position. In some embodiments, each needle tip 1006 already has sufficient space to be received through the target feature 610t. However, in some embodiments, the separating unit 1170 is configured to provide additional space D for the corresponding needle tip 1006 of the needle assembly 1002 to be received through the target feature 610t of the textile 600 (see, for example, FIG. 26B). Providing additional space along the selected position retainer 500 can help avoid interference from the position retainer 500 during the insertion of the needle tip 1006 through the target feature 610t.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 25A-25C, in some embodiments, the separating unit 1170 may include at least one position retainerPosition retainer retainer 1172. Position retainer retainer 1172 is configured to engage selected position retainer 500 to create additional space D, such that the needle tip 1006 (e.g., needle) of needle assembly 1002 can be inserted through target feature 610t (see, for example, Figures 27A-27B). In some embodiments, separation unit 1170 may include two position retainer retainers 1172.

[0104] As shown in Figures 25B and 25C, in some embodiments, one or more position retainer retainers 1172 include two channels 1173 and an engagement segment 1174 residing therebetween. In some embodiments, engagement segment 1174 has a beveled edge. For example, in some embodiments, the beveled engagement segment 1174 has a triangular shape or other shape with a beveled edge. In some embodiments, engagement segment 1174 includes a recess 1175. In some embodiments, the recess 1175 is configured to receive a corresponding needle tip 1006 of the needle assembly 1002 passing through it, thereby allowing the corresponding needle tip 1006 to be inserted through the target feature 610t (see, for example, Figures 27A-27B). As shown in Figures 25B-25C, in some embodiments, each channel 1173 is configured to receive a corresponding portion of the selected position retainer 500. As further shown, the triangular engagement segment 1174 is configured to separate the corresponding portion of the selected position retainer 500 to create additional space D, such that the corresponding needle tip 1006 can be received by the target feature 610t without being disturbed by the position retainer 500.

[0105] The channels 1173 and the engagement segment 1174 are configured such that the position retainer fixing member 1172 is allowed to slide along the selected position retainer 500 while maintaining close contact with the selected position retainer 500. For example, as shown in Figures 25A and 26A-25B, and as mentioned above, in some embodiments, the separating unit 1170 includes a pair of position retainer fixing members 1172. Each position retainer fixing member 1172 is positioned within the reading subassembly 1100 to engage a selected position retainer 500 on an opposite side of the target feature 610t. The position retainer fixing members 1172 are configured to move toward each other (i.e., toward the target feature 610t of the textile 600) (e.g., slide along the selected position retainer 500).

[0106] As shown in Figures 26A-26B, each position retainer fixing member 1172 has moved along the selected position retainer 500 and is positioned adjacent to the target feature 610t of the textile 600 (and on its opposite side). As shown in Figure 26B, the engagement section 1174 of the position retainer fixing member 1172 is configured to press the engagement portion of the selected position retainer 500 in an outward direction, causing the engagement portion of the selected position retainer 500 to separate by a distance D2. (See page 11 / 14 for instructions on separating the engagement portion.)15 CN 121605225 A The distance D2 is greater than the distance D1 of the adjacent portion of the selected position retainer 500 that does not engage with the position retainer fixing member 1172 (i.e., D2>D1). This distance difference creates an additional space D near the target feature 610t, which helps prevent interference from the selected position retainer 500 when the needle tip 1006 is inserted through the target feature 610t (see, for example, Figures 27A-27B).

[0107] Figures 27A-27B illustrate the insertion of the needle tip 1006 of the needle assembly 1002 through the target feature 610t corresponding to the selected position retainer 500. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the needle tip 1006 may be received through the recess 1175 in each position retainer fixing member 1172. The additional space D created by the position retainer fixing member 1172 helps prevent the selected position retainer 500 from interfering with the insertion of the needle tip 1006 through the target feature 610t. In some embodiments, the intermediate needle tip may be inserted into the recess 1175 of the position retainer fixing member 1172 and through the target feature 610t. In some embodiments, the intermediate needle tip may then be removed and the needle tip 1006 inserted into the target feature 610t. In some embodiments, each needle assembly 1002 may have one or more intermediate needle tips.

[0108] Referring to Figures 28A-28C, in some embodiments, the reading subassembly 1100 may further include a blade assembly 1180. In some embodiments, the blade assembly 1180 is configured to cut the selected position retainer 500 after the needle tip 1006 has been inserted through the target feature 610t. In some embodiments, the blade assembly 1180 includes a pair of scissor-shaped blades 1182; however, other types of cutting tools may be incorporated into the blade assembly 1180. After the selected position retainer 500 has been cut, as discussed above, the anchoring member 700 is pulled and (via rotation of the collector feed member 1154) wrapped around the collector feed member 1154, and the textile 600 is advanced in the reading device 1000. As the collector feed member 1154 pulls the anchoring member 700, the position retainer 500 is removed (e.g., pulled) from the target feature 610t; thus leaving the needle tip 1006 extending through the target feature 610t.

[0109] FIG29 illustrates that when the reading sub-assembly 1100 returns to the default starting position, a plurality of needle tips 1006 have been inserted through the target feature 610t of the corresponding textile 600; ready to engage another selected position retainer 500 corresponding to the next target feature 610t of the textile 600.

[0110] FIG30A-30C, FIG31A-31C, FIG32A-32B and FIG33 illustrate reading according to an embodiment of the invention.Alternate tensioning unit 1160' of device 1000. As shown in the figures, in some embodiments, tensioning unit 1160' may be configured to engage directly with selected position retainer 500, rather than applying force to anchor member 700 as described herein. In some embodiments, tensioning unit 1160' is configured to pull selected position retainer 500 to generate tension on selected position retainer 500 extending through or near structural feature 610. In some embodiments, alternative tensioning unit 1160' may be used when anchor member 700B includes a cut-out portion (see, for example, FIG. 5C).

[0111] As shown in FIG. 30A-30C and FIG. 31A-31C, in some embodiments, alternative tensioning unit 1160' may include alternative tensioning member 1162' (e.g., hook) configured to engage an end of selected position retainer 500. As shown in Figures 32A-32B, once engaged with the position retainer 500, segment 700Be of the anchoring member 700 can be removed. As shown in Figure 32C, an alternative tensioning member 1162' is configured to pull the selected position retainer 500 from one end to generate tension, while a needle tip 1006 is inserted from the opposite end of the selected position retainer 500 through the target feature 610t. In some embodiments, the target feature 610t can move along the selected position retainer 500 toward and above the tensioning device 1162'. In some embodiments, the needle tip 1006 may have a recess 1006a configured to receive (or engage) the opposite end of the position retainer 500 (see, for example, Figure 32B). As shown in Figure 34, after the needle tip 1006 has been inserted through the target feature 610t of the textile 600, the blade assembly 1180 can cut the position retainer 500, as previously described herein.

[0112] Additionally, in some embodiments, the reading device 1000 of the present invention may further include one or more sensor assemblies 1200, 1210. In some embodiments, at least one of the sensor assemblies 1200 may be configured to detect the position of the selected position holder 500 (see, for example, Figures 22D, 23 and 24A). For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the sensor assemblies 1200 may include a whisker sensor. After detecting the position of the selected position holder 500, the sensor assembly 1200 may also be configured to initiate actuation of the tensioning unit 1160, as described herein. In some embodiments, at least one of the sensor assemblies 1210 may be configured to detect the position of the selected position holder 500, at least one of the anchoring member 700, and / or attachedEncoded information is read from one or more of the tags 1250 attached to the textile 600, one or more position retainers, or at least one anchoring member (see, for example, FIG. 22A). In some embodiments, at least one of the sensor assemblies 1210 includes a camera, an optical sensor, an NFC sensor, an RFID sensor, a barcode reader, a QR code reader, and / or a magnetic sensor.

[0113] According to embodiments of the invention, methods for designating one or more target features 610t in the textile 600 have been described herein. The textile 600 may include a plurality of structural features 610. Structural features 610 may have a series of position retainers 500 extending through the respective target feature 610t. In some embodiments, the target feature 610t may reside in the vicinity of the structural feature 610 having position retainers 500 extending through it. In some embodiments, the position retainers 500 may be connected by at least one anchoring member 700. In some embodiments, the method for designating a target feature 610t in the textile 600 may include: identifying a selected position retainer 500 corresponding to the target feature 610t; and inserting a needle tip 1006 through the target feature 610t. In some embodiments, the method further includes applying a force to generate tension on a selected position retainer 500 extending through or near the target feature 610t or structural feature 610t. In some embodiments, each of these steps is repeated for each series of position retainers 500 having extensions through the target feature 610t.

[0114] In some embodiments, the method may further include disconnecting the position retainer 500 from at least one anchoring member 700, thereby allowing the selected position retainer 500 to be removed from the target feature 610t. In some embodiments, the disconnection step may further include cutting the selected position retainer 500 to allow removal (e.g., pulling) of the position retainer 500 from the target feature 610t (or near the structural feature 610t); thereby leaving the needle tip 1006 extending through the target feature 610t.

[0115] The inventive concept is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples in which embodiments are shown. Additional embodiments may take many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art.

[0116] Throughout, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements. In the drawings, the thickness of certain lines, layers, parts, elements, or features may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0117] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.It will be further understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used herein refer to the presence of the described features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about X and Y” should be interpreted as including both X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between about X and Y” mean “between about X and about Y”. As used herein, phrases such as “from about X to Y” mean “from about X to about Y”. The term “about” should be understood to include up to 20% variation.

[0118] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It will be further understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and related art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or over-formal sense unless explicitly defined herein. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail. Specification 13 / 14 pages 17 CN 121605225 A

[0119] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as “on another element,” “attached” to another element, “connected” to another element, “joined” with another element, “in contact” with another element, etc., the element may be directly on the other element, directly attached to the other element, directly connected to the other element, directly joined to the other element, and / or directly in contact with the other element, or there may also be intermediate elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as (for example) “directly on another element,” “directly attached” to another element, “directly connected” to another element, “directly joined” to the other element, or “in contact” with the other element, there are no intermediate elements. Those skilled in the art will also understand that references to a structure or feature “adjacent” to another feature may have overlapping portions of the adjacent feature or portions below the adjacent feature.

[0120] For ease of description herein, spatially relative terms (such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “above,” “upper,” etc.) may be used to describe the relationship between one element or feature illustrated in the figures and another element(s) or feature(s). It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations illustrated in the figures, spatially relative terms are also intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, an element described as “below other elements or features” or “below other elements or features” would be oriented “below other elements or features”."Or above the feature." Therefore, the exemplary term "below" can include orientations of "above" and "below." The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein shall be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms "upward," "downward," "vertical," "horizontal," etc., are used herein for illustrative purposes only, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0121] It will be understood that while the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, a "first" element discussed below may also be referred to as a "second" element without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. The order of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or drawings, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0122] The foregoing is illustrative of the inventive concept and is not intended to limit it. While some exemplary embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that many modifications are feasible in the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the novel teachings of the inventive concept. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the inventive concept as defined in the claims. It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the inventive concept and is not intended to be limited to the disclosed specific embodiments, and modifications to the disclosed embodiments and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. (The remaining text appears to be a list of references and related information, which is not translated as it is not part of the main text.) 121605225 A Figure 4A Instruction Manual Appendix 6 / 65 Page 24 CN 121605225 A Figure 4B Instruction Manual Appendix 7 / 65 Page 25 CN 121605225 A Figure 5A Figure 5B Figure 5C Instruction Manual Appendix 8 / 65 Page 26 CN 121605225 A Figure 6A Figure 6B Instruction Manual Appendix 9 / 65 Page 27 CN 121605225 A Figure 6C Figure 6D Instruction Manual Appendix 10 / 65 Page 28 CN 121605225 A Figure 6E Figure 6F Instruction Manual Appendix 11 / 65 Page29 CN 121605225 A Figure 7 Figure 8A Instruction Manual Drawings 12 / 65 pages 30 CN 121605225 A Figure 8B Instruction Manual Drawings 13 / 65 pages 31 CN 121605225 A Figure 9A Instruction Manual Drawings 14 / 65 pages 32 CN 121605225 A Figure 9B Instruction Manual Drawings 15 / 65 pages 33 CN 121605225 A Figure 9C Instruction Manual Drawings 16 / 65 pages 34 CN 121605225 A Figure 9D Instruction Manual Drawings 17 / 65 pages 35 CN 121605225 A Figure 10 Instruction Manual Drawings 18 / 65 pages 36 CN 121605225 A Figure 11A Instruction Manual Drawings 19 / 65 pages 37 CN 121605225 A Figure 11B Figure 12 Instruction Manual Drawings 20 / 65 pages 38 CN 121605225 A Figure 13A Figure 13B Instruction Manual Drawings 21 / 65 Page 39 CN 121605225 A Figure 14A Figure 14B Instruction Manual Drawings 22 / 65 Page 40 CN 121605225 A Figure 14C Instruction Manual Drawings 23 / 65 Page 41 CN 121605225 A Figure 14D Figure 14E Instruction Manual Drawings 24 / 65 Page 42 CN 121605225 A Figure 14F Figure 14G Instruction Manual Drawings 25 / 65 Page 43 CN 121605225 A Figure 14H Figure 14I Instruction Manual Drawings 26 / 65 Page 44 CN 121605225 A Figure 15A Figure 15B Instruction Manual Drawings 27 / 65 Page 45 CN 121605225 A Figure 15C Figure 16A Instruction Manual Drawings 28 / 65 Page 46 CN 121605225 A Figure 16B Figure 16C Instruction Manual Drawings 29 / 65 Page 47 CN 121605225 A Figure 17A Instruction Manual Drawings 30 / 65 Page 48 CN 121605225 A Figure 17B Instruction Manual Drawings 31 / 65 Page 49 CN 121605225 A Figure 18A Instruction Manual Drawings 32 / 65 Page 50 CN 121605225 A Figure 18B Instruction Manual Drawings 33 / 65 Page 51 CN 121605225 A Figure 19A DescriptionIllustrations: Pages 34 / 65, Figure 52, CN 121605225 A, Figure 19B; Pages 35 / 65, Figure 53, CN 121605225 A, Figure 19C; Pages 36 / 65, Figure 54, CN 121605225 A, Figure 19D; Pages 37 / 65, Figure 55, CN 121605225 A, Figure 20A; Pages 38 / 65, Figure 56, CN 121605225 A, Figure 20B; Pages 39 / 65, Figure 57, CN 121605225 A, Figure 21A; Pages 40 / 65, Figure 58, CN 121605225 A, Figure 21B; Pages 41 / 65, Figure 59, CN 121605225 A, Figure 22A; Pages 42 / 65, Figure 60, CN 121605225 A, Figure 22B. The following are figures from the instruction manual: Figure 43 / 65, page 61, CN 121605225 A, Figure 22C; Figure 44 / 65, page 62, CN 121605225 A, Figure 22D; Figure 45 / 65, page 63, CN 121605225 A, Figure 23; Figure 46 / 65, page 64, CN 121605225 A, Figure 24A; Figure 47 / 65, page 65, CN 121605225 A, Figure 24B, Figure 24C; Figure 48 / 65, page 66, CN 121605225 A, Figure 25A; Figure 49 / 65, page 67, CN 121605225 A, Figure 25B, Figure 25C; Figure 50 / 65, page 68, CN 121605225 A, Figure 26A; Figure 51 / 65, page 69, CN 121605225 A. Figure 26B: Instruction manual drawing, page 52 / 65, 70 CN 121605225 A Figure 27A: Instruction manual drawing, page 53 / 65, 71 CN 121605225 A Figure 27B: Instruction manual drawing, page 54 / 65, 72 CN 121605225 A Figure 28A: Instruction manual drawing, page 55 / 65, 73 CN 121605225 A Figure 28B: Instruction manual drawing, page 56 / 65, 74 CN 121605225 A Figure 28C: Instruction manual drawing, page 57 / 65, 75 CN121605225 A Figure 29 Instruction Manual Drawings Page 58 / 65 76 CN 121605225 A Figure 30A Instruction Manual Drawings Page 59 / 65 77 CN 121605225 A Figure 30B Figure 30C Instruction Manual Drawings Page 60 / 65 78 CN 121605225 A Figure 31A Figure 31B Figure 31C Instruction Manual Drawings Page 61 / 65 79 CN 121605225 A Figure 32A Instruction Manual Drawings Page 62 / 65 80 CN 121605225 A Figure 32B Instruction Manual Drawings Page 63 / 65 81 CN 121605225 A Figure 33 Instruction Manual Drawings Page 64 / 65 82 CN 121605225 A Figure 34 Instruction Manual Drawings Page 65 / 65 83 CN 121605225 A

Claims

1. A reading device for textiles, wherein the textiles include a plurality of structural features, the plurality of structural features including one or more target features, one or more of the structural features having a position retainer extending therethrough, the position retainer engaging at least one anchoring member such that the position retainer extends through or near the structural feature of the target feature and the anchoring member to mark the target feature, the reading device comprising: A needle assembly comprising one or more needle tips, each needle tip being configured to move through a corresponding target feature in the one or more structural features, or being configured to cause an intermediate needle tip to move through a corresponding target feature in the one or more structural features; A feeding system configured to engage the at least one anchoring member and advance the textile within the reading device; as well as A position holding actuation unit configured to facilitate movement of each needle tip or each intermediate needle tip through the target feature.

2. The reading device of claim 1, further comprising a tensioning unit configured to generate tension on a selected positional retainer extending through or near the target feature.

3. The reading device according to claim 1 or any one of claim 2, further comprising a separation unit configured to engage the selected position holder and provide space for a corresponding needle tip to be received through the target feature.

4. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a blade assembly configured to cut a selected position retainer after the respective needle tip has been received through the target feature.

5. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the needle assembly includes a base, and the one or more needle tips are positioned around the periphery of the base and configured to extend outward from the base.

6. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the needle assembly further comprises at least one needle tip actuator configured to move each of the one or more needle tips through a corresponding target feature in the one or more structural features.

7. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the needle assembly further comprises at least one needle tip actuator, the at least one needle tip actuator being configured to move each of the one or more needle tips through the corresponding target feature in the one or more structural features before moving each needle tip through the corresponding target feature.

8. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feeding system comprises at least one feed feeding member, at least one collector feeding member, and a plurality of alignment feeding members.

9. The reading device of claim 8, wherein the at least one feed member is configured to engage with and advance the textile without interfering with the position holding member engaged with the at least one anchoring member.

10. The reading device according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the at least one collector supply member is configured to engage the at least one anchoring member and pull it through the reading device.

11. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of feeding members includes at least two aligned feeding members configured to guide the at least one anchoring member within the reading device.

12. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tensioning unit is configured to engage the at least one anchoring member to apply force thereon and generate tension on a selected position retainer extending through the target feature.

13. The reading device according to any one of claims 2-12, wherein the tensioning unit is configured to pull the position retainer to apply a force thereon and generate tension on the selected position retainer extending through the target feature.

14. The reading device according to any one of claims 2-13, wherein each position retainer engages a first anchoring member and a second anchoring member, and wherein the tensioning unit includes a first tensioning member and a second tensioning member, the end of each tensioning member being configured to be received by the selected position retainer to engage the surface of the corresponding anchoring member.

15. The reading device of claim 14, wherein the tensioning unit further comprises a pair of arm members, and wherein the first anchoring member and the second anchoring member are rotatably connected to the respective arm members.

16. The reading device according to any one of claims 3-15, wherein the separation unit includes a position retainer fixing member configured to engage the selected position retainer and create space for a corresponding tip to be received through the target feature or to constrain the target feature in a space.

17. The reading device of claim 16, wherein the position retainer fixing member comprises two channels and an engagement section therebetween, each channel being configured to receive a corresponding portion of the selected position retainer, and the engagement section being configured to separate the corresponding portion of the selected position retainer to create space for a corresponding tip to be received through the target feature.

18. The reading device according to any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein the separation unit comprises a pair of position retainer fixing members, each position retainer fixing member being configured to engage a selected position retainer on an opposite side of the target feature.

19. The reading device according to any one of claims 17 or 18, wherein the engagement segment includes a recess configured to receive a corresponding tip passing therethrough, thereby allowing the corresponding tip to be received through the target feature.

20. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor assembly configured to detect the position of a portion of the selected position holder or the at least one anchor, and to initiate actuation of the tensioning unit.

21. The reading device of claim 20, wherein the sensor assembly is configured to read coded information from one or more of the position retainer, the at least one anchoring member, and / or a tag attached to the one or more position retainers or the at least one anchoring member.

22. The reading device according to any one of claims 20 or 21, wherein the sensor assembly includes a camera, an optical sensor, an NFC sensor, an RFID sensor, a barcode reader, a QR code reader, and / or a magnetic sensor.

23. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the textile is a knitted fabric, and the plurality of structural features are a plurality of loops, the plurality of loops including one or more target loops.

24. The reading device according to any one of claims 1-19, wherein the textile is a woven fabric, a warp-knitted fabric, a nonwoven fabric, leather, a crocheted fabric, a cast, extruded, pressed, rolled or 3D printed plastic fabric, or a mesh fabric.

25. The reading device according to any one of claims 1-24, wherein the needle assembly forms part of a sewing machine for knitted garments.

26. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one anchoring member comprises an elongated piece.

27. The reading device according to any one of claims 1-25, wherein the at least one anchoring member comprises one or more orifices.

28. The reading device according to any one of claims 1-25, wherein the at least one anchoring member comprises a trapezoidal structure having an elongated parallel member and a plurality of crossbars extending therebetween.

29. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one anchoring member is flexible.

30. The reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more structural features of the textile include a topological feature of the textile, the topological feature being configured to hold a position retainer on or in the topological feature.

31. A method for designating a target feature in a textile, wherein the textile includes a plurality of structural features having a series of position retainers extending through a respective target feature, the position retainers being connected by at least one anchoring member, the method comprising: Identify the selected position holding element corresponding to the target feature; as well as Insert the needle tip through the target feature.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein after identifying the selected position retainer, the method further comprises applying a force to generate tension on the selected position retainer extending through the target feature.

33. The method of any one of claims 31 or 32, further comprising disconnecting the position retainer from the at least one anchoring member, thereby allowing the selected position retainer to be removed from the target feature.

34. The method according to any one of claims 31-33, further comprising repeating each step for each of the series of position holders.

35. The method according to any one of claims 32-34, wherein a force is applied to the at least one anchoring member to generate tension on a selected position retainer extending through the target feature.

36. The method according to any one of claims 32-35, wherein the force is applied to pull the position retainer and to generate tension on the selected position retainer extending through the target feature.

37. The method according to any one of claims 32-36, wherein the force is applied to expand the selected position retainer and widen the corresponding target feature.

38. The method according to any one of claims 32-36, wherein after positioning, tensioning and / or expansion, the target feature is physically constrained in a space by pushing the feature against the target feature from one or more directions.

39. The method according to any one of claims 31-38, wherein the textile is a knitted fabric, and the plurality of structural features are a plurality of loops, the plurality of loops including one or more target loops.

40. The method according to any one of claims 31-38, wherein the textile is a woven fabric, a warp-knitted fabric, a nonwoven fabric, leather, a crocheted fabric, a cast, extruded, pressed, rolled or 3D printed plastic fabric, or a mesh fabric.

41. The method according to any one of claims 31-40, wherein the needle tip and / or intermediate needle tip are inserted from the needle assembly of a sewing machine for knitted garments.

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