System and Method for Creating Custom-Fit Apparel Designs

Abstract

An automated system for the production of a personalized custom-fit garment comprises a scanner for obtaining a three-dimensional model of a customer's body shape; a computer having non-transitory computer algorithms for scaling a digital design to the customer's body shape, customizing the digital pattern with the customer's fit and style preferences, and visualizing the drape and fit of the garment; a database comprising a set of digital design patterns; and an automated garment manufacturing system networked to a central controller. A method for creating a personalized custom-fit garment comprises obtaining three-dimensional body measurements of a customer, having the customer select and customize a particular garment design, and manufacturing the personalized garment using an automated manufacturing process. The system and method can be used to prepare any kind of garments without substantive manual intervention or touch labor.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent applications serial nos. 61 / 792,506 and 61 / 792,743, both filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This application also incorporates by reference in its entirety Applicants' U.S. non-provisional patent application entitled “System and Method for Automated Manufacturing of Custom Apparel”, filed on even date and having the same inventors as the instant application.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Ready-to-wear apparel is typically manufactured in factories which produce large numbers of garments at a time. Bolts of fabric, typically laid out many layers at a time, are cut into pattern pieces, which are then sewn together in an assembly line fashion to produce garments. Although the garments are cut and sewn with the assistance of machines, the process is nevertheless labor-intensive, and includes manual movement of patterns, sewn garments, an...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0086]An object of the present invention is to enable the fabrication of apparel tailored to particular customer preferences with a high level of flexibility and customization, comparable to that of conventional hand tailoring, with the ability to utilize a wide range of digitally-represented clothing patterns to manufacture the personalized custom-fit garments on significantly shorter timelines.

[0087]A further object of the invention is to improve upon the level of automation that is customarily present in high-volume production facilities by automating material handling among manufacturing work steps and by providing a centralized control system for the manufacturing and material handling equipment. The invention is aimed principally at low- to medium-volume production and consequently is geared toward maximizing the flexibility and range of customization rather than production rate.

[0088]The automated manufacturing of apparel in accordance with the principles of the present inven...

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent applications serial nos. 61 / 792,506 and 61 / 792,743, both filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This application also incorporates by reference in its entirety Applicants' U.S. non-provisional patent application entitled “System and Method for Automated Manufacturing of Custom Apparel”, filed on even date and having the same inventors as the instant application.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Ready-to-wear apparel is typically manufactured in factories which produce large numbers of garments at a time. Bolts of fabric, typically laid out many layers at a time, are cut into pattern pieces, which are then sewn together in an assembly line fashion to produce garments. Although the garments are cut and sewn with the assistance of machines, the process is nevertheless labor-intensive, and includes manual movement of patterns, sewn garments, an...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0086]An object of the present invention is to enable the fabrication of apparel tailored to particular customer preferences with a high level of flexibility and customization, comparable to that of conventional hand tailoring, with the ability to utilize a wide range of digitally-represented clothing patterns to manufacture the personalized custom-fit garments on significantly shorter timelines.

[0087]A further object of the invention is to improve upon the level of automation that is customarily present in high-volume production facilities by automating material handling among manufacturing work steps and by providing a centralized control system for the manufacturing and material handling equipment. The invention is aimed principally at low- to medium-volume production and consequently is geared toward maximizing the flexibility and range of customization rather than production rate.

[0088]The automated manufacturing of apparel in accordance with the principles of the present inven...

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