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

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a reading apparatus for a textile. The textile has a plurality of structural features including one or more target features. One or more of the structural features have a placeholder extending therethrough that engages with at least one anchor member such that the placeholder extends through a target feature, or a structural feature proximate to the target feature, and the anchor member to mark the target feature. The apparatus includes a needle assembly having one or more points. Each point is configured to be moved through a respective target feature or configured to move an intermediate point through the respective target feature of the one or more structural features. The apparatus further includes a feed system configured to engage the anchor member and advance the textile within the apparatus. Related methods are also described herein.

Description

Attorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 A READING APPARATUS AND A METHOD FOR DESIGNATING TARGET FEATURES IN A TEXTILE RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 525,933, filed July 10, 2023, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to reading apparatus for reading placeholders in a textile and methods for designating target features in a textile. BACKGROUND

[0003] Linking is a sewing machine technique that is specialized for the construction of garments from knitted components. A linking machine is a kind of chainstitch sewing machine, augmented with a dial (sometimes crown) of points (e.g., needles). The sewing mechanism is mechanically geared to the angular spacing of the points, so that exactly one stitch is formed on each point. The linking machine operator is tasked with impaling the workpieces to be joined, one on top of another. Then the sewing head is activated, and the stitch is automatically formed, taking advantage of the point that is holding the place of each stitch to come. As in other sewing processes, the stitch formation is highly automated, fast, accurate, and generally technologically mature.

[0004] Straight bar needle transfers are discussed in German Patent No 685,505. U.S. Patent No.6089049 discusses directly loading a welt knitted at a first knitting station onto a transfer bar, and to an unloading station such that a knitted welt loaded on the transfer bar can be directly transferred to a knitting head at a second knitting station. Various techniques for linking are discussed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,340,834, 4846085, 5619940 and 5730075; Japanese Patent Publication No. JPH03258287A, JPS52125052A, JPH063160692A, JPH05305191A, JPH05305192A, and JPH05305195A, and Japanese Patent Publications CN110685073A, CN113026220B, CN113026219A, CN109457398, CN113026219A, and CN201176508Y.Attorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2

[0005] However, there are still problems in automating many sewing or linking processes for a variety of textile fabrics due to the problem of introducing and accurately locating the workpieces, which are soft, to the machine. SUMMARY

[0006] According to some embodiments, the present inventive concept is directed to a reading apparatus for a textile. The textile has a plurality of structural features including one or more target features. One or more of the structural features have a placeholder extending therethrough that engages with at least one anchor member such that the placeholder extends through a target feature, or a structural feature proximate to the target feature, and the anchor member to mark the target feature. The apparatus includes a needle assembly having one or more points. Each point is configured to be moved through a respective target feature or configured to move an intermediate point through the respective target feature of the one or more structural features. The apparatus further includes a feed system configured to engage the anchor member and advance the textile within the apparatus.

[0007] According to further embodiments, the present inventive concept is directed to a method of designating target features in a textile. The textile includes a plurality of structural features having a series of placeholders extending through respective target features, with the placeholders being connected by at least one anchor member. The method includes identifying a selected placeholder corresponding to a target feature; and inserting a point through the target feature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0009] FIG.1 is a perspective view of a prior art knitting machine.

[0010] FIGS. 2A-2B are perspective views of a placeholder positioning assembly according to embodiments of the present invention.Attorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2

[0011] FIGS.3A-3B is a front perspective view and an enlarged front perspective view of the placeholder positioning assembly of FIGS.2A-2B installed on a knitting machine (e.g., as shown in FIGS.1A-1E) according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] FIGS.4A-4B are enlarged views of the assembly of FIGS.3A-3B illustrating anchor members engaging a textile (e.g., a knitted fabric) according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] FIG.5A illustrates an exemplary textile having a plurality of structural features (e.g., loops) that may be marked using the placeholder positioning assembly according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] FIG.5B is a partial perspective view of an anchor member according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 5C is a partial perspective view of an alternative anchor member according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 6A is a side view the placeholder positioning assembly illustrating a starting position for the assembly according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] FIG.6B is a side view the placeholder positioning assembly illustrating extension of the holder into position between the anchor members and above a target feature (e.g., loop) according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 6C is an enlarged view illustrating the holder in the extended position between the anchor members as shown in FIG.6B.

[0019] FIGS.6D-6F are enlarged views illustrating operation of a point (e.g., a needle) of a knitting machine and transfer of the target feature to the holder of the placeholder positioning assembly according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view illustrating the holder spreading the target feature of the textile according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] FIGS. 8A-8B are enlarged views illustrating movement of the anchor members into position relative to the target feature according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] FIGS. 9A-9B are side perspective views illustrating the operation of the placeholder positioning unit being inserted through the target feature according to embodiments of the present invention.Attorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2

[0023] FIG.9C is an enlarged view showing the placeholder positioning unit inserted through the target feature and the anchor members according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 9D illustrates retrieval and engagement of a placeholder (e.g., a suture) by the placeholder positioning unit according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view illustrating the engagement of the placeholder by the placeholder positioning unit according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] FIGS.11A-11B illustrate the placeholder positioning unit pulling the placeholder back through the target feature and anchor members according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] FIG.12 illustrates vertical movement of the anchor members into a position to receive a second insertion of the placeholder position unit according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] FIGS.13A-13B illustrate the operation of inserting the placeholder position unit with placeholder through the target feature and anchor members a second time according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] FIGS.14A-14B are side views illustrating positioning of an end of the placeholder in a placeholder closing unit according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] FIGS. 14C-14I illustrate alternative configurations for the placeholder position unit and insertion of the placeholder according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate the operation of the placeholder closing unit according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate the operation of cutting the placeholder according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] FIGS. 17A-17B illustrate vertical movement of the anchor members to lower the placeholder into position on the textile according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] FIGS. 18A-18B illustrate the holder returning to the starting position to engage the next target feature according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] FIGS. 19A-19D illustrate an exemplary textile with a plurality of placeholders according to embodiments of the present invention. FIGS. 19A-19B show the placeholders loosely held between the anchor members. FIGS. 19C-19D show the placeholders pulled taut between the anchor members.Attorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2

[0036] FIG. 20A is a top perspective view of a reading apparatus for a textile according to embodiments of the present invention.

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

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

[0039] FIGS.22A-22B are further side and top perspective views illustrating the feed system of the reading apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 22C is an enlarged view of intake feed members of the feed system shown in FIGS.22A-22B according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] FIG.22D illustrates the reading apparatus during operation according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] FIG.23 illustrates movement of a tensioning unit of the reading apparatus into position according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] FIGS. 24A-24B illustrate movement of the tensioning unit to provide tension on the target placeholder according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 24C illustrates an alternative configuration in which two placeholders are tensioned within a target feature according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 25A illustrates movement of the separating unit of the reading apparatus into position according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] FIGS.25B-25C are enlarged views of the placeholder fixing members of the separating unit of FIG.25A according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] FIG.26A illustrate movement of the placeholder fixing members to opposing sides of a target feature (e.g., loop) according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 26B is a top view illustrating the placeholder fixing members positioned on opposing sides of the target feature.

[0049] FIGS.27A-27B illustrate insertion of a point (e.g., needle) through the target feature according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] FIGS. 28A-28C illustrate operation of a blade assembly for the reading apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 29 illustrates the feed system advancing the textile panel within the reading apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.Attorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2

[0052] FIGS. 30A-30C illustrate an alternative tensioning unit for the reading apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0053] FIGS. 31A-31C illustrate operation of the alternative tensioning unit according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] FIGS.32A-32B are enlarged views of the alternative tensioning unit engaged with the placeholder according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustrating insertion of the point with the alternative tensioning unit according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0056] FIG.34 illustrates operation of the blade assembly after insertion of the point according to embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0058] As used herein, a “structural feature” of a textile is any textile feature that is capable of having a placeholder held on the structural feature or in the structural feature. For example, a “structural feature” may include a topological feature of a textile that is configured to hold a placeholder on or in the topological feature, such as a loop or tangle or intersecting points between yarns in a woven fabric. A structural feature in a nonwoven fabric may be location in the textile, such as a coordinate (x-y) location in the textile.

[0059] As used herein, a “loop” of a textile includes needle loops or sinker loops.

[0060] As used herein, a “textile” includes any suitable textile that is configured to engage a placeholder, including a flat weft knit textile, a flat warp knit textile, a crochet textile, a circular weft knit textile, a circular warp knit textile, a straight bar weft knit textile, or a cotton frame textile. A “textile” may be configured as panel or may have a three dimensional shape.

[0061] As used herein, a “placeholder” is a structure that may be positioned in or on a structural feature of a textile, such as a loop. A placeholder may be passed through a structural feature, positioned around a structural feature, or otherwise engage with a structural feature of a textile. In some embodiments, a placeholder is held in position with an anchor member.Attorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2

[0062] As used herein, an “anchor member” is a structure that is configured to connect to a placeholder and is typically elongated. In some embodiments, one or more anchor members may be connected to a plurality of placeholders. In this configuration, the anchor member(s) may hold a sequence of placeholders, for example, for subsequent placement on a linking machine or link transfer machine.

[0063] Placeholder Positioning Assembly

[0064] FIG.1 is a prior art knitting machine 10 including a base 20 and needles 30 for forming or manufacturing a textile. As illustrated in FIGS.2A-2B, a placeholder positioning assembly 100 that is configured to mark a position of one or more structural features with one or more placeholders 500 in a textile during or after manufacture by the knitting machine 10 of FIG.1 is shown.

[0065] The placeholder positioning assembly 100 includes a placeholder positioning unit 110 having a placeholder positioner 112 and an actuator 114. The placeholder positioning assembly 100 further includes a holder 120 configured to hold a structural feature in a textile, an anchor feeder 130 having two anchor arms 132, a placeholder dispense 140, and a placeholder closing unit 150. The placeholder positioning assembly 100 is configured to operate in cooperation with a textile processing machine, such as a textile producing machine or the knitting machine 10 of FIG. 1 and to engage one or more structural features in the textile with a placeholder 500. As illustrated, the holder 120 is configured to engage a structural feature in the textile such that the placeholder positioning assembly 100 operates in cooperation with the holder 120 to engage and position the placeholder 500 at the structural feature to mark the location of the structural feature in the textile.

[0066] As shown in FIGS.3A-3B, the placeholder positioning assembly 100 is installed on a knitting machine 10 having a base 20 and needles 30 for knitting a fabric. However, it should be understood that the placeholder positioning assembly 100 may be positioned by a robot, operator, or frame adjacent a textile processing machine, such as the knitting machine 10, to operate together with the knitting machine 10 to position placeholders 500 in a textile being formed.

[0067] The placeholder positioning assembly 100 may be mounted on a textile processing machine or removably positioned adjacent the textile processing machine and may be configured to operate before, during or after the production of a textile on a textile producing machine, which may include, e.g., a flat weft knitting machine, a flat warp knitting machine, a crochet machine, aAttorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 circular weft knitting machine, a circular warp knitting machine, a straight bar weft knitting machine, or a cotton frame.

[0068] With reference to FIGS.4A-4B, the anchor arms 132 may each hold an anchor member 700 to thereby feed the anchor member into the placeholder positioning assembly 100. The anchor arms 132 include ends 134 with feeding pins 136 that are configured to hold the anchor members 700 in a flat configuration adjacent the needles 30 of the knitting machine 10. In this configuration, the anchor arms 132 are configured to position respective anchor members 700 adjacent a structural feature of a textile 600 (FIG. 4B), and the placeholder positioning assembly 100 is further configured to engage the anchor member 700 and a structural feature of the textile 600 with the a placeholder 500 (not shown).

[0069] An example of a knitted textile 600 having a structural features 610 therein is shown in FIG.5A. The structural features 610 include loops and are illustrated as an example of structural features of the textile 600. Example anchor members 700A and 700B are illustrated in FIGS.5B and 5C, respectively. The anchor members 700, 700A, and 700B may be configured to engage with a placeholder 500 to thereby connect the structural feature 610 with one of the anchor member 700, 700A, 700B (See, e.g., FIGS.19A-19D). The anchor members 700, 700A, 700B may be flat or planar and elongated to feed along a textile 600. As shown in FIG. 5C, the anchor member 700B includes apertures 710B. It should be understood that the apertures 710B can be configured to receive a placeholder 500 or as an engagement mechanism for engaging with additional automated devices. The apertures 710B are illustrated as square or rectangle shaped; however, the apertures may be any suitable shape, including circular or loop shaped. In some embodiments, the anchor members may be ladder structures having elongated parallel members and rungs extending therebetween and with apertures between the rungs. The anchor members may also be flexible.

[0070] Example operations for positioning a placeholder 500 and an anchor member 700 (optional) in a textile 600 will now be described. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the placeholder positioner 112 includes a needle 112A. It should be understood that the needle 112A could be any suitable structure for positioning a placeholder. The holder 120 includes an end 122 for engaging a structural feature 610 of the textile 600. In FIGS.6A and 6C, the holder 120 is moved above the anchor arms 132.

[0071] FIGS.6D-6F illustrate an alternative operation of a point (e.g., a needle) of the knitting machine for holding a structural feature. As illustrated, a needle 220A having a slot S lifts theAttorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 textile structural feature 610 (FIG. 6D). A holder needle 220B descends through the slot of the needle 220A to engage the structural feature 610 (FIGS.6E). The needle 220A may 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 FIG.6F. Accordingly, the holder needle 220B functions in a manner analogous to the holder 120 and holder end 122 as described herein.

[0072] As shown in FIGS.6D-6F and FIG.7, a structural feature 610 on a knitting tool 220A, located on a needle bed Q may be transferred to a holder needle 220B, and the needle 220A may then be retracted into needle bed Q, forming a gap between needle bed Q and the textile under construction. In some embodiments, the anchor arm 132Q may be moved along the needle bed while the structural feature is held on the holder needle 220B. In some embodiments, after moving a structural feature onto a holder needle 220B and moving anchor arm132Q, thereby dispensing the anchor member 700 underneath the verge of the knitting machine, i.e., underneath the interface between the needles in the needle bed Q and the textile 600 under construction. The structural feature 610 may then be placed back on the needle 220A, or on another knitting tool on the machine. In some embodiments, there may exist on the knitting machine other knitting tools, for example needles on the needle bed Q opposing the bed of origin of the structural feature, that are configured to take possession of structural feature 610 so that needle 220A may be retracted. In such embodiments, the transfer of structural feature 610 may occur so that arm 132 may be moved. In some embodiments, the structural feature 610 may thereafter be transferred back onto needle 220A. As shown in FIG.7 and FIGS.8A-8B, the holder 120 includes two elongated holder arms 122A each with a hook 122B that extend substantially perpendicular to the holder arms 122A. The hooks 122B are configured to engage a structural feature 610 of the textile 600 and to move the structural feature 610 away from the textile 600 so that a placeholder 500 may be positioned therein. Accordingly, placeholder insertion, normal knitting, or moving a structural feature 510 may be performed.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 9A, the placeholder positioning unit 110 and the holder 120 are aligned such that the structural feature 610 is engaged by the holder 120 and positioned adjacent or between the anchor members 700. As shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the needle 112A extends through both anchor members 700 and through the structural feature 610. As shown in FIG.9D, the needle 112A extends into the placeholder dispenser 140 and engages a placeholder 500. AsAttorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 shown, the placeholder 500 is a suture or yarn or other elongated structure that may be held by the placeholder dispenser 140, for example, on a spool (not shown).

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 11A, the needle 112A pulls the placeholder 500 through the structural feature 610 and through both anchor members 700. As shown in FIG. 12, the needle 112A moves the placeholder 500 laterally and upwardly along the closest anchor member 700 or the holder 120 and anchor arms 132 move the structural feature 610 and the anchor members 700 to a different location with respect to the needle 112A. As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the needle 112A again passes through the structural feature 610 and through the placeholders 500 at a different lateral position than shown in FIG.11A. However, it should be understood that, in some embodiments, the placeholder 500 may be passed above the structural feature 610 to thereby form a loop shape around the structural feature 610. As shown in FIGS.14A, the needle 112A passes through the structural feature 610 and the anchor members towards the placeholder dispenser 140 such that the placeholder 500 substantially forms a loop shape.

[0075] As illustrated in FIG.14B, the placeholder closing unit 150 includes a welder 152 and a placeholder hook 154 with pins 156 for holding the placeholder 500 in position with respect to the placeholder closing unit 150. The anchor members 700 may be held in an orientation such that a major surfaces of the anchor members 700 face the structural feature 610. As illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15C, a double strand of the placeholder 500 is positioned between two thermal elements 152A and 152B of the welder 152 first in an open position (FIG.15A). The thermal elements 152A and 152B close in FIG.15B to weld the double strands of the placeholder 500 together, and then the thermal elements 152A and 152B open to release the placeholder 500, which is now in a closed or continuous loop configuration.

[0076] Accordingly, the placeholder closing unit 150 is configured to connect a first portion of the placeholder 500 to a second portion of the placeholder to thereby form a closed shaped placeholder 500.

[0077] Although the placeholder closing unit 150 is illustrated as a thermal device configured to weld the first portion to the second portion of the placeholder 500, any suitable closing 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 with the first and second portion, an adhering unit configured to dispense or activate an adhesive to bond the first and second portion, an engaging unit configured to durably unite locking features of the first and second portions, orAttorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 a twisting / crimping unit configured to twist or crimp the first portion and the second portion. In addition, although the placeholder closing unit 150 is illustrated as a device configured to close the first portion to the second portion of the placeholder 500, in some embodiments, the placeholder closing unit 150 may instead be join a placeholder 500 to one or more of the anchor members 700. Further, in some embodiments, the placeholder closing unit 150 may instead join a first portion of one or more of the anchor members 700 to a second portion of the same or different anchor member 700 such that the placeholder 500 is trapped and secured.

[0078] Although placeholders 500 are illustrated as being connected to anchor members 700, one or more placeholders may be inserted by other suitable configurations without anchor members 700. FIG. 14C illustrates a loop placeholder 500 after placement by a needle 112A or other placeholder positioning device. Alternative embodiments of placeholders are illustrated in FIGS.14D and 14E, which illustrate an open configuration rivet placeholder 500A (FIG.14D) and a closed configuration rivet placeholder 500B (FIG.14E). In some embodiments, the holder 120 may be omitted, and the placeholder may be inserted using a transfer clip TC as would be understood by those of skill in the art. As shown in FIG. 14F, the transfer clip TC engages a structural feature 610 with a needle 112A (or other placeholder positioning device). The needle 112 passes through the structural feature 610 in FIG. 14G and pulls the placeholder 500 back through the structural feature 610 in FIGS.14H and 14I.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 16A-16C, a blade 146 on the placeholder dispenser 140 is placed against a portion of the placeholder 500 downstream from the closed shape (FIG. 16A) and cuts the placeholder 500 to disengage the placeholder 500 from the placeholder dispenser 140 (FIG. 16B). As shown in FIG.16C, the placeholder 500 is released from the placeholder hook 154 and released as shown in FIG. 17A. FIGS. 17A-17B illustrate vertical movement of the anchor members 700 to lower the placeholder 500 into position on the textile 600.

[0080] FIGS.18A-18B illustrate the holder end 122 returning to the starting position to engage the next target structural feature 610. In some embodiments, the holder end 122 may replace the structural feature 610 with a placeholder 500 inserted on the needle 220A (see, e.g., FIGS.6D-6F, described above). In some embodiments, the holder end 122 may place the structural feature on a different knitting tool. Accordingly, another placeholder 500 may be positioned in the next structural feature 610 in the textile 600, and the placement steps described above may be repeated for a plurality of structural features 610.Attorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2

[0081] FIGS.19A-19D illustrate an exemplary textile 600 with placeholders 500 and anchor members 700 securing the placeholders 500. As shown in FIGS.19A-19B, the placeholders 500 may be loosely held between the anchor members 700. As shown in FIGS. 19C-19D, the placeholders 500 may be pulled taut between the anchor members 700. In this configuration, the placeholders 500 and / or anchor members 700 may be used to identify and manipulate structural features 610 in the textile 600.

[0082] Although some embodiments described herein include engaging the placeholder 500 with two anchor members 700 such that the placeholder 500 extends between the structural feature 610 and each of the two anchor 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 both of the anchor members 700 are omitted, and the placeholder 500 is used to mark the location of the structural feature(s) 610.

[0083] As illustrated, the placeholders 500 are illustrated as a yarn or thread; however, other configurations of placeholders may be used. For example, a placeholder may be an elongated piece with an anchor or expanded section for holding the placeholder in a structural feature of the textile. Moreover, the placeholder 500 is illustrated as extending through the structural feature 610; however, the placeholder could instead extend around to encircle the structural feature 610. Placeholders may be formed of an elastomeric material, a thermoplastic material, a multifilament yarn, a braid, a woven tape, a crochet- or warp-knitted tape, a weft-knitted tape, a tubular knitted cord, a flat plastic tape, a chain of rigid elements, a monofilament yarn, a twisted yarn, an embossed sheet, a flexural non-plastic sheet or tape or combinations thereof. While the placeholders 500 are illustrated to pass one or two times through a structural feature 610 (see, e.g., FIGS.24B-24C), the placeholders 500 may pass three, four, five, six or more times through a structural feature 610.

[0084] Various configurations of anchor members 700 may also be used. The anchor members may be formed of ribbons, woven structures, braided structures, a flat extrusion with holes and attached features, or a mesh. Holes in the anchor members may be round or flat-sided with 3, 4, 5, 6, or more sides, or some combination of round and flat sides. The attached features may include loops, hooks, or rods, the anchor may be made from plastic, metal, or natural materials. In some embodiments, the anchor member is between about 1 millimeter and about 25 millimeters wide, and between about 0.05 millimeters and about 1 millimeter thick. In some embodiments, the holes and added features are between about 0.1 millimeters and about 2 millimeters in length and width.Attorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2

[0085] The placeholder positioning unit 110 is described above as including a needle 112A. The needle 112A is moved by the actuator 114 to thereby shape the placeholder 500 in a configuration such that the placeholder 500 extends through the structural feature 610 and is secured by the anchor members 700. However, any suitable structure for positioning the placeholder may be used. For example, a gripper, a pusher, or a tubular feeder may be used. In some embodiments, the needle is between about 0.05 millimeters and about 5 millimeters in width. The needle 112A is illustrated as having an open eye; however, in some embodiments, the eye of the needle 112A may instead be a closing latch or include a sliding cover or compound closing member, as known in the art.

[0086] Although the placeholder dispenser 140 is described as holding a spool of material to thereby dispense placeholders 500, it should be understood that placeholders may be dispensed from various structures. For example, in some embodiments, the anchor members 700 may have a plurality of placeholders 500 connected thereto, which can be pulled through structural features 610 in the textile 600. In some embodiments, the placeholder dispenser 140 may comprise a cartridge or hopper of pre-cut and pre-formed strands, rivets, or other like structures that may be used as a placeholder 500.

[0087] Example materials that may be used for either anchor member(s) or placeholder(s) include natural materials (animal-based, plant-based, fungi-based, including wool, silk, cotton, down, leather, plant fibers, wood, or hemp), thermoset polymers, thermoplastic polymers, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane (thermoplastic polyurethane), fluoropolymers (ehtylene-chlortrifluorethylene), viscose polymers, TPX (polymethylpentene), ECTFE, Vectran(TM) Dyneema(TM), metals, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

[0088] Example structures that may be suitable for either the anchor member(s) or placeholder(s) include monofilament fibers (extruded or drawn), multifilament fibers (yarn, twisted fibers, braded fibers, woven fibers, rivet-based, chain links of irregular pieces, ribbon or tape (extruded, woven, knitted (crochet-knitted, warp-knitted, weft-knitted) or overmolded), mesh (extruded or joined monofilaments or multifilaments, woven, knotted, inter-braded “knotless,” chemically adhered, welded). In addition, the anchor member(s) or placeholder(s) may be molded stamped, embossed, or include inlaid features, knotted in features, overmolded features, or features that are chemically adhered.Attorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2

[0089] The geometries and dimensions of either the anchor member(s) or the placeholder(s) may include a round cross-section, tubular, rectangular cross-section, hollow channels incorporated therein, apertures (circular, rectangular, brick (alternating rectangles), diamond, triangular, or any suitable shape). Additional features may include loops, hooks, rods, or nubs, including roughly spherical additions. Such features may be about 0.1 to 10 mm. The cross- sectional length, width or diameter of the anchor member(s) or placeholder(s) may be 0.01 to 0.5 mm thick and 0.1 to 25 mm wide.

[0090] Although embodiments are illustrated with a textile 600 in a shape of a panel with loops structural features at an edge portion of the panel, it should be understood that the structural features may be at any position within the panel and that placeholders may be positioned at such structural features during or after the formation of the textile.

[0091] The anchor arms 132 are illustrated as a pair of anchor arms; however, it should be understood that any number of anchor arms and / or anchor members may be used. For example, more than two anchor arms may be used to position two or more series of placeholders at locations in the textile.

[0092] Reading Apparatus

[0093] 20A-20B, FIGS. 21A-21B, and FIGS. 22A-22C, a reading apparatus 1000 for a textile 600 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the textile 600 may comprise a plurality of structural features 610. For example, in some embodiments, the textile 600 may be a knitted fabric and the plurality of structural features 610 may be loops in the knitted fabric. In other embodiments, the textile 600 may be a woven fabric and the plurality of structural features 610 may be intersecting points between warp and weft yarns in the woven fabric. In other embodiments, the 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 lace. In some embodiments, the plurality of structural features 610 may be a predetermined area or set of coordinates (e.g., X, Y, Z) on the textile 600.

[0094] In some embodiments, the plurality of structural features 610 include one or more target features 610t (e.g., target loops, target intersecting points, or predetermined area or coordinates in the textile 600). As described herein, in some embodiments, each target feature 610t may have a placeholder 500 extending therethrough. In some embodiments, the target features 610t mayAttorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 reside proximate to a structural feature 610 having a placeholder 500 extending therethrough. As described herein, the placeholder 500 may be an elastomeric material, a thermoplastic material, a multifilament yarn, a braid, a woven tape, a crochet-knitted tape, a warp-knitted tape, a weft- knitted tape, a tubular knitted cord, a flat plastic tape, a chain of rigid elements, a monofilament yarn, a twisted yarn, an embossed sheet, or a flexural non-plastic sheet or tape, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the placeholders 500 may be engaged with at least one anchor member 700 such that the placeholder 500 extends between the target feature 610t or proximate structural feature 610 and the anchor member 700, thereby marking a respective target feature 610t of the textile 600. In some embodiments, more than one placeholder 5001, 5002may extend through a target feature 610t or proximate structural feature 610 and engage with the anchor member(s) 700 (see, e.g., FIG.24C).

[0095] According to embodiments of the present invention, and as described in further detail below, the reading apparatus 1000 is configured to identify respective locations of the placeholders 500 (and corresponding target features 610t) in the textile 600 to assist in further marking the location of the corresponding target features 610t. In some embodiments, the location of the target features 610t may be marked with a point 1006 from a needle assembly 1002 such that the textile 600 may be subsequently linked with another textile 600, for example, linking the sleeve of a sweater with the body of the sweater. When coupled with the textile 600, the anchor member(s) 700 and placeholders 500 provide a means of gross handling and manipulation by people or machines of the marked textile 600 (i.e., the target features 610t marked with respective placeholders 500) and may allow for easier linking with another textile 600 and / or attachment to another machine (e.g., a linking machine).

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 20A-20B, in some embodiments, the reading apparatus 1000 includes a needle assembly 1002. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 1002 may be a dial assembly. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 1002 may be part of an existing linking machine (not shown), such as a linking machine for a knitted garment. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 1002 has a base 1004 having one or more points 1006 (e.g., needles) positioned around a periphery of the base 1004. The points 1006 are positioned such that each point 1006 is configured to extend outwardly from the base 1004. In other words, each point 1006 is configured to be moved axially relative to the base 1004 such that each point 1006 may be received through a respective target feature 610t on the textile 600. For example, in some embodiments, the neeAttorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 assembly 1002 comprises at least one point actuator (not shown) configured to move each point 1006 to extend through the respective target feature 610t (see, e.g., FIGS.27A-27B).

[0097] In some embodiments, the reading apparatus 1000 includes a reading subassembly 1100. In some embodiments, the reading subassembly 1100 in configured to be coupled to the needle assembly 1002. As shown in FIGS.21A-21B and FIGS.22A-22B, in some embodiments, the reading subassembly 1100 includes a feed system 1150. The feed system 1150 is configured to engage with the anchor members 700 and advance the textile 600 through the reading apparatus 1000. In some embodiments, the feed system 1150 may comprise a pulley system. In some embodiments, the feed system 1150 includes at least one intake feed member 1152, at least one collector feed member 1154, and a plurality of alignment feed members 1156. As shown in the figures, in some embodiments, for example, when the textile 600 is engaged with two anchor members 700, the feed system 1150 may include two intake 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 a respective anchor member 700).

[0098] As shown in FIGS.22A-22D, the anchor members 700 may be positioned to enter the reading subassembly 1100 through the intake feed members 1152. The intake feed members 1152 are configured to engage with and advance the textile 600 into the reading apparatus 1000 (i.e., each anchor member 700 engages with a respective intake feed member 1152). The intake feed members 1152 help position the textile 600 as the textile 600 enters the reading apparatus 1000. In some embodiments, the intake feed members 1152 are configured to grip the anchor members 700 such that the anchor members 700 do not slip off the intake feed members 1152 as the textile 600 is being advanced (feed) into the apparatus 1000. For example, in some embodiments, the intake feed members 1152 may be formed from a rubber material which outer surface creates friction with the anchor members 700 to grip the anchor members 700. As shown in FIG. 22C, in some embodiments, each intake fee member 1152 may comprise a plurality of bristles or like protrusions 1152p extending outwardly therefrom. In some embodiments, the protrusions 1152p are configured to allow the intake feed members 1152 to help advance the anchor members 700 (and textile 600 engaged therewith) into the reading apparatus 1000 without interfering with the placeholders 500 that are engaged with the anchor members 700.

[0099] In some embodiments, to secure the textile 600 to the reading apparatus 1000, an excess length of the anchor members 700 may be routed through the intake feed members 1152 and theAttorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 alignment feed members 1156 of the feed system 1150 with an end of each anchor member 700 being secured to a respective collector feed member 1154. In some embodiments, the collector feed members 1154 are configured to engage and pull the respective anchor member 700 through the reading apparatus 1000. For example, in some embodiments, the collector feed members 1154 are configured to rotate and pull the respective anchor member 700. As described in further detail below, the collector feed members 1154 collect the anchor members 700 as the anchor members 700 (and placeholders 500) are removed from the target features 610t of the textile 600 (i.e., the anchor members 700 wrap around the collector feed members 1154 after the placeholders 500 are disconnected). As the anchor members 700 are being wrapped around the collector feed members 1154, the textile 600 engaged with the anchor members 700 is being pulled through the reading apparatus 1000 (and guided into and through the reading apparatus 1000 by the intake feed members 1152 and the alignment feed members 1156, respectively).

[0100] As mentioned above, the alignment feed members 1156 are configured to help guide the anchor members 700 through the reading apparatus 1000. In some embodiments, the feed system 1150 may comprise two, three, four, five, six or more alignment feed members 1156. In some embodiments, the alignment feed members 1156 may help provide tension on the anchor members 700 to allow the reading apparatus 1000 to more easily identify the target features 610t on the textile 600. As described in further detail below, in some embodiments, the alignment feed members 1156 may also help to position the anchor members 700 (and corresponding placeholders 500) within the reading subassembly 1100 such that the location of the target features 610t may be marked (i.e., with a respective point 1006 from the needle assembly 1002).

[0101] Referring to FIG.23, FIGS.24A-24C, and FIGS.25A-25C, in some embodiments, the subassembly 1100 of the reading apparatus 1000 may further comprise a tensioning unit 1160. In some embodiments, the tensioning unit 1160 is configured to create tension on a selected placeholder 500 extending through the target feature 610t on the textile 600 or extending through a proximate structural feature 610) that a point 1006 will be inserted. For example, in some embodiments the tensioning unit 1160 is configured to engage the anchor members 700 to exert a force on each anchor member 700, thereby creating tension on the selected placeholder 500 extending through the target feature 610t or proximate structural feature 610 on the textile 600.

[0102] As shown in FIGS.24A-24B, in some embodiments, the tensioning unit 1160 includes two tension members 1162. In some embodiments, an end 1163 of each tension member 1162 isAttorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 configured to be received by (or received between adjacent portions of) the selected placeholder 500 and engage an inner surface of a respective anchor member 700. In some embodiments, the tension members 1162 are configured to exert an outward force on the respective anchor members 700. In some embodiments, the tension members 1162 exert the outward force against the respective anchor member 700 in opposing directions, thereby pulling opposing ends of the selected placeholder 500 in opposite directions to create tension in the placeholder 500.

[0103] In some embodiments, the tensioning unit 1160 may further comprises a pair of arm members 1164. Each tension member 1162 may be coupled to a respective arm member 1164. In some embodiments, each tension member 1162 is rotatably or pivotably coupled to a respective arm member 1164. As shown in FIGS. 24A-24B, in some embodiments, the tension members 1162 are configured to move relative to the arm members 1164 to engage respective anchor member 700 and exert the outward force on the anchor members 700. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, more than one placeholder 5001, 5002may extend through the target feature 610t or proximate structural feature 610 and engage with the anchor member(s) 700. As shown in FIG.24C, in some embodiments, the tensioning unit 1160 may function in a similar manner when more than one placeholder 5001, 5002extends through the target feature 610t or proximate structural feature 610. In other words, the tension members 1162 may be received through (or between) multiple placeholders 5001, 5002to engage the corresponding anchor members 700 and exert the outward force on the anchor members 700 to create tension in the multiple placeholders 5001, 5002.

[0104] Referring to FIGS.25A-25C and FIGS.26A-26B, in some embodiments, the reading subassembly 1100 of the reading apparatus 1000 may further comprise a separating unit 1170. As described in further detail below, in some embodiments, the separating unit 1170 is configured to engage the selected placeholder 500 to provide additional space between portions of the placeholder 500 and position the placeholder 500 in a fixed location. In some embodiments, each point 1006 already has sufficient space to be received through a target feature 610t. However, in some embodiments, the separating unit 1170 is configured to provide additional space D for a respective point 1006 of the needle assembly 1002 to be received through the target feature 610t of the textile 600 (see, e.g., FIG.26B). Providing additional space along the selected placeholder 500 may help avoid interference by the placeholder 500 during insertion of the point 1006 through the target feature 610t.Attorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2

[0105] As shown in FIGS. 25A-25C, in some embodiments, the separating unit 1170 may include at least one placeholder fixing member 1172. The placeholder fixing member 1172 is configured to engage the selected placeholder 500 to create the additional space D such that the point 1006 (e.g., needle) of the needle assembly 1002 may be inserted through the target feature 610t (see, e.g., FIGS.27A-27B). In some embodiments, the separating unit 1170 may comprise two placeholder fixing members 1172.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 25B and FIG. 25C, in some embodiments, the placeholder fixing member(s) 1172 comprise two channels 1173 and an engagement section 1174 residing therebetween. In some embodiments, the engagement section 1174 has sloped edges. For example, in some embodiments, the sloped engagement section 1174 has a triangular or other shape having sloped edges. In some embodiments, the engagement section 1174 comprises a recess 1175. In some embodiments, the recess 1175 is configured to receive the respective point 1006 of the needle assembly 1002 therethrough, thereby allowing the respective point 1006 to be inserted through the target feature 610t (see, e.g., FIGS. 27A-27B). As shown in FIGS. 25B-25C, in some embodiments, each channel 1173 is configured to receive a respective portion of the selected placeholder 500. As further shown, the triangular engagement section 1174 is configured to separate the respective portions of the selected placeholder 500 to create the additional space D such that the respective point 1006 may be received by the target feature 610t without interference by the placeholder 500.

[0107] The channels 1173 and engagement section 1174 are configured such that the placeholder fixing member 1172 is allowed to slide along the selected placeholder 500 while remaining in close contact with the selected placeholder 500. For example, as shown in FIG.25A and FIGS.26A-25B, and noted above, in some embodiments, the separating unit 1170 includes a pair of placeholder fixing members 1172. Each placeholder fixing member 1172 is positioned within the reading subassembly 1100 to engage the selected placeholder 500 on opposing sides of the target feature 610t. The placeholder fixing members 1172 are configured to move (e.g., slide along the selected placeholder 500) toward each other (i.e., toward the target feature 610t of the textile 600).

[0108] As shown in FIGS.26A-26B, each placeholder fixing member 1172 has been moved along the selected placeholder 500 and positioned adjacent to (and on opposing sides) of the target feature 610t of the textile 600. As shown in FIG.26B, the engagement section 1174 of theAttorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 placeholder fixing members 1172 is configured to force the engaged portions of the selected placeholder 500 in an outward direction which separates the engaged portions of the selected placeholder 500 a distance D2. The separated distance D2 of the engaged portions is greater than a distance D1 of adjacent portions of the selected placeholder 500 that are not engaged with placeholder fixing members 1172 (i.e., D2 > D1). This difference in distance creates the additional space D near the target feature 610t which helps to prevent interference by the selected placeholder 500 as the point 1006 is being inserted through the target feature 610t (see, e.g., FIGS.27A-27B).

[0109] FIGS. 27A-27B illustrate a point 1006 of the needle assembly 1002 being inserted through a target feature 610t corresponding to the selected placeholder 500. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the point 1006 may be received through the recess 1175 in each placeholder fixing member 1172. The additional space D created by the placeholder fixing members 1172 may help avoid the selected placeholder 500 interfering with the insertion of the point 1006 through the target feature 610t. In some embodiments, an intermediate point may be inserted into the recess 1175 of the placeholder fixing member 1172 and through the target feature 610t. In some embodiments, the intermediate point may then be removed and the point 1006 inserted into the target feature 610t. In some embodiments, there may be one or more intermediate points per needle assembly 1002.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 28A-28C, in some embodiments, the reading subassembly 1100 may further comprise a blade assembly 1180. In some embodiments, the blade assembly 1180 is configured to cut the selected placeholder 500 after a point 1006 has been inserted through the target feature 610t. In some embodiments, the blade assembly 1180 comprises a pair of scissor- like blades 1182; however, other types of cutting tools may be incorporated into the blade assembly 1180. After the selected placeholder 500 has been cut, as discussed above, the anchor members 700 are pulled and wrapped around the collector feed members 1154 (via rotation of the collector feed members 1154) to advance the textile 600 in the reading apparatus 1000. As the collector feed members 1154 pull the anchor members 700, the placeholder 500 is removed (e.g., pulled) from the target feature 610t; leaving the point 1006 extending through target feature 610t.

[0111] FIG. 29 illustrates multiple points 1006 already inserted through respective target features 610t of the textile 600 as the reading subassembly 1100 is returned to a default startingAttorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 position; ready to engage another selected placeholder 500 corresponding to the next target feature 610t of the textile 600.

[0112] FIGS.30A-30C, FIGS.31A-31C, FIGS.32A-32B and FIG.33 illustrate an alternative tensioning unit 1160' for the reading apparatus 1000 according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown in the figures, instead of exerting a force on the anchor members 700 like the tensioning unit 1160 described herein, in some embodiments, the tensioning unit 1160' may be configured to directly engage with the selected placeholder 500. In some embodiments, the tensioning unit 1160' is configured to pull on the selected placeholder 500 to create the tension on the selected placeholder 500 extending through the target feature 610t or proximate structural feature 610. In some embodiments, the alternative tensioning unit 1160' may be used when the anchor members 700B comprise cut out portions (see, e.g., FIG.5C).

[0113] As shown in FIGS. 30A-30C and FIGS. 31A-31C, in some embodiments, the alternative tensioning unit 1160' may comprise an alternative tension member 1162' (e.g., a hook) configured to engage an end of the selected placeholder 500. As shown in FIGS.32A-32B, once engaged with the placeholder 500, a section 700Be of the anchor members 700 may be removed. As shown in FIG. 32C, the alternative tension member 1162' is configured to pull the selected placeholder 500 from one end to create tension while the point 1006 is inserted through the target feature 610t from the opposing end of the selected placeholder 500. In some embodiments, the target feature 610t may be moved along the selected placeholder 500 toward and over the tension 1162'. In some embodiments, the point 1006 may have a recess 1006a that is configured to receive (or engage) the opposing end of the placeholder 500 (see, e.g., FIG.32B). As shown in FIG.34, after the point 1006 has been inserted through the target feature 610t of the textile 600, the blade assembly 1180 may cut the placeholder 500, as previously described herein.

[0114] In addition, in some embodiments, the reading apparatus 1000 of the present invention may further comprise one or more sensor assemblies 1200, 1210. In some embodiments, at least one of the sensor assemblies 1200 may be configured to detect a position of the selected placeholder 500 (see, e.g., FIG.22D, FIG.23, and FIG.24A). For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the sensor assemblies 1200 may comprise a whisker sensor. After the position of the selected placeholder 500 is detected, the sensor assembly 1200 may be further 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 read coded information from one or moreAttorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 of the placeholders 500, at least one of the anchor members 700, and / or a tag 1250 attached to the textile 600, the one or more placeholders or the at least one anchor member (see, e.g., FIG.22A). In some embodiments, at least one of the sensor assemblies 1210 comprises a camera, an optical sensor, an NFC sensor, a RFID sensor, a barcode reader, a QR code reader, and / or a magnetic sensor.

[0115] According to embodiments of the present invention, methods of designating one or more target features 610t in a textile 600 have been described herein. The textile 600 may comprise a plurality of structural features 610. The structural features 610 may have a series of placeholders 500 extending through respective target features 610t. In some embodiments, the target feature 610t may reside proximate to a structural feature 610 having a placeholder 500 extending therethrough. In some embodiments, the placeholders 500 may be connected by at least one anchor member 700. In some embodiments, the method of designating target features 610t in a textile 600 may include identifying a selected placeholder 500 corresponding to a target feature 610t; and inserting a point 1006 through the target feature 610t. In some embodiments, the method further includes applying a force to create tension on the selected placeholder 500 extending through the target feature 610t or through a structural feature 610 proximate to the target feature 610t. In some embodiments, each of these steps are repeated for each series of placeholders 500 having a target feature 610t extending therethrough.

[0116] In some embodiments, the method may further include disconnecting the placeholder 500 from the at least one anchor member 700, thereby allowing removal of the selected placeholder 500 from the target feature 610t. In some embodiments, the disconnecting step may also include cutting the selected placeholder 500 to allow the placeholder 500 to be removed (e.g., pulled) from the target feature 610t (or proximate structural feature 610); leaving the point 1006 extending through target feature 610t.

[0117] The present inventive concepts are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples, in which embodiments are shown. Additional embodiments may take on many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concepts to those skilled in the art.Attorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2

[0118] Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, the thickness of certain lines, layers, components, elements or features may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0119] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting thereof. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude 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 to include 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 variations of up to 20%.

[0120] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein 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 commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity.

[0121] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on,” “attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting,” etc., another element, it may be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, “directly on,” “directly attached” to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[0122] Spatially relative terms, such as “under,” “below,” “lower,” “over,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship toAttorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” may encompass both an orientation of “over” and “under.” The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly,” “downwardly,” “vertical,” “horizontal” and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0123] It will be understood that, although 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 only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a “first” element discussed below could also be termed a “second” element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. The sequence of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or figures unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0124] The foregoing is illustrative of the present inventive concept and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few example embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings of this inventive concept. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this inventive concept as defined in the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present inventive concept and is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A reading apparatus for a textile, wherein the textile comprises a plurality of structural features including one or more target features, one or more of the structural features having a placeholder extending therethrough that engages at least one anchor member such that the placeholder extends through a target feature, or a structural feature proximate to the target feature, and the anchor member to mark the target feature, the reading apparatus comprising: a needle assembly comprising one or more points, each point configured to be moved through a respective target feature of the one or more structural features or configured to move an intermediate point through the respective target feature of the one or more structural features; a feed system configured to engage the at least one anchor member and advance the textile within the reading apparatus; and a placeholder manipulating unit configured to facilitate movement of each point or each intermediate point through the target feature.

2. The reading apparatus according to Claim 1, further comprising a tensioning unit configured to create tension on a selected placeholder extending through the target feature or a structural feature proximate to the target feature.

3. The reading apparatus according to any one of Claim 1 or Claim 2, further comprising a separating unit configured to engage the selected placeholder and provide a space for the respective point to be received through the target feature.

4. The reading apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a blade assembly configured to cut a selected placeholder after the respective point is received through the target feature.

5. The reading apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the needle assembly comprises a base having the one or more points positioned around a periphery of the base and configured to extend outwardly therefrom.Attorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 6. The reading apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the needle assembly further comprises at least one point actuator configured to move each point of the one or more points through the respective target feature of the one or more structural features.

7. The reading apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the needle assembly further comprises at least one point actuator configured to move each intermediate point of the one or more points through a respective target feature of the one or more structural features, before moving each point through the respective target feature.

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

9. The reading apparatus according to Claim 8, wherein the at least one intake feed member is configured to engage with and advance the textile without interfering with the placeholders engaged with the at least one anchor member.

10. The reading apparatus according to any one of Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein the at least one collector feed member is configured to engage and pull the at least one anchor member through the reading apparatus.

11. The reading apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of feed members comprise at least two alignment feed members configured to guide the at least one anchor member within the reading apparatus.

12. The reading apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tensioning unit is configured to engage the at least one anchor member to exert a force thereon and create tension on the selected placeholder extending through the target feature.Attorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 13. The reading apparatus according to any one of Claims 2-12, wherein the tensioning unit is configured to pull the placeholder to exert a force thereon and create tension on the selected placeholder extending through the target feature.

14. The reading apparatus according to any one of Claims 2-13, wherein each placeholder engages a first anchor member and a second anchor member, and wherein the tensioning unit comprises a first tension member and a second tension member, an end of each tension member is configured to be received by the selected placeholder to engage a surface of a respective anchor member.

15. The reading apparatus according to Claim 14, wherein the tensioning unit further comprises a pair of arm members, and wherein the first and second anchor members are rotatably coupled to a respective arm member.

16. The reading apparatus according to any one of Claims 3-15, wherein the separating unit comprises a placeholder fixing member, the placeholder fixing member is configured to engage the selected placeholder and create the space for the respective point to be received through the target feature or constrain the target feature in a space.

17. The reading apparatus according to Claim 16, wherein the placeholder fixing member comprises two channels and engagement section therebetween, each channel is configured to receive a respective portion of the selected placeholder and the engagement section is configured to separate the respective portions of the selected placeholder to create the space for the respective point to be received through the target feature.

18. The reading apparatus according to any one of Claim 16 or Claim 17, wherein the separating unit comprises a pair of placeholder fixing members, each placeholder fixing member configured to engage the selected placeholder on opposing sides of the target feature.Attorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 19. The reading apparatus according to any one of Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein the engagement section comprises a recess configured to receive the respective point therethrough, thereby allowing the respective point to be received through the target feature.

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

21. The reading apparatus according to Claim 20, wherein the sensor assembly is configured to read coded information from one or more of the placeholders, the at least one anchor member, and / or a tag attached to either the one or more placeholders or the at least one anchor member.

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

23. The reading apparatus 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 including one or more target loops.

24. The reading apparatus 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 lace.

25. The reading apparatus according to any one of Claims 1-24, wherein the needle assembly forms part of a linking machine for a knitted garment.

26. The reading apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one anchor member comprises an elongated panel.Attorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 27. The reading apparatus according to any one of Claims 1-25, wherein the at least one anchor member comprises one or more apertures.

28. The reading apparatus according to any one of Claims 1-25, wherein the at least one anchor member comprises a ladder structure, the ladder structure having elongated parallel members and a plurality of rungs extending therebetween.

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

30. The reading apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more structural features of the textile comprise a topological feature of the textile that is configured to hold a placeholder on or in the topological feature.

31. A method of designating target features in a textile, wherein the textile comprises a plurality of structural features having a series of placeholders extending through respective target features, the placeholders connected by at least one anchor member, the method comprising: identifying a selected placeholder corresponding to a target feature; and inserting a point through the target feature.

32. The method according to Claim 31, wherein after identifying the selected placeholder, the method further comprises applying a force to create tension on the selected placeholder extending through the target feature.

33. The method according to any one of Claim 31 or Claim 32, further comprising disconnecting the placeholder from the at least one anchor member, thereby allowing removal of the selected placeholder 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 placeholders.Attorney Docket No.1701.2.WO2 35. The method according to any one of Claims 32-34, wherein the force is applied to the at least one anchor member to create tension on the selected placeholder extending through the target feature.

36. The method according to any one of Claims 32-35, wherein the force is applied to pull the placeholder and create tension on the selected placeholder extending through the target feature.

37. The method according to any one of Claims 32-36, wherein the force is applied in order to spread apart the selected placeholder and widen the respective target feature.

38. The method according to any one of Claims 32-36, wherein the target feature is physically constrained in a space after positioning, tensioning, and / or spreading by pushing a 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 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 lace.

41. The method according to any one of Claims 31-40, wherein the point and / or intermediate point is inserted from a needle assembly of a linking machine for a knitted garment.

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