Magnetic Embroidery Hoops, Stands, and Assemblies for Hand Use

Abstract

A magnetic embroidery hoop for hand embroidery includes a first plate and a second plate for retaining a substrate. The first plate is coupled to the second plate by a magnetic coupling. The first plate has a first plate aperture and the second plate has a second plate aperture. When the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the first plate aperture and the second plate aperture at least partially overlap to form a hoop aperture and define a hand embroidery area of the substrate located within the hoop aperture. The embroidery hoop may be pivotably or adjustably coupled to a stand or be part of the stand. The stand may include a base and a plurality of support arms pivotably or adjustably coupled to the embroidery hoop, each other, or the base for adjusting the position of the embroidery hoop for hand embroidery of the substrate.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 720,920, filed on Nov. 15, 2024, entitled, “MAGNETIC EMBROIDERY HOOPS, STANDS, AND ASSEMBLIES FOR HAND USE” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application is directed, in general, to embroidery equipment, and more particularly to magnetic embroidery hoops, stands, and assemblies for hand use and methods of using the same.BACKGROUND

[0003] The following discussion of the background is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge at the priority date of the application.

[0004] Embroidery is the process of adding decorative or other embellishments to a substrate. During an embroidery operation, typically, a needle with thread is passed back and forth through the substrate being embroidered to form stiches within the substrate. Embroidery hoops assist in the embroidery of substrates. When using an embroidery hoop, the substrate to be embroidered is secured within the hoop so that the substrate is taut within an interior aperture of the embroidery hoop. The thread is stitched into the substrate by passing the needle and thread back and forth through the portion of the substrate that is within the interior aperture of the embroidery hoop.

[0005] Embroidery may be performed by hand. When embroidery is performed by hand, the person performing the embroidery holds a needle with thread in that person's hand and passes the needle with thread back and forth through the substrate to be embroidered to form decorative stitch patterns.

[0006] While embroidery hoops have been in existence for a long time, improvements are still desired.SUMMARY

[0007] According to an illustrative embodiment an assembly for doing embroidery on a substrate by hand includes a magnetic embroidery hoop, a clamp, and an embroidery stand coupled to the magnetic embroidery hoop by the clamp. The magnetic embroidery hoop includes a first plate and a second plate for retaining the substrate therebetween for embroidery by hand. A second side of the first plate is coupled to a first side of the second plate by a magnetic coupling. The first plate has a first plate aperture and the second plate has a second plate aperture. When the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the first plate aperture and the second plate aperture at least partially overlap to form a hoop aperture and define an embroidery area. When the first plate and the second plate are coupled with the substrate to be embroidered therebetween, a portion of the substrate is located within the embroidery area to allow for hand embroidery of the substrate. The clamp is coupled to either the first plate or second plate. The embroidery stand includes a base and one or more support arms coupled to the base. The clamp is coupled to the one or more support arms.

[0008] According to an illustrative embodiment an embroidery stand includes a first support arm and a second support arm each having a first end and a second end, a base, and a pivotable clamp having a coupling means for coupling to a magnetic embroidery hoop. The second end of the first support arm is coupled to the base. The first end of the first support arm is pivotably coupled to the second end of the second support arm. The first end of the second support arm is coupled to the pivotable clamp. The embroidery hoop includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is coupled to the second plate by a magnetic coupling. The first plate has a first plate aperture, and the second plate has a second plate aperture. When the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the first plate aperture and the second plate aperture at least partially overlap to form a hoop aperture and define a hand embroidery area. When the magnetic embroidery hoop is coupled to the pivotable clamp, the position of the magnetic embroidery hoop is rotationally adjustable along a first axis of rotation and along a second axis of rotation.

[0009] According to an illustrative embodiment a magnetic embroidery hoop for hand embroidery includes a first plate and a second plate for retaining a substrate. A second side of the first plate is coupled to a first side of the second plate by a magnetic coupling. The first plate has a first plate aperture and the second plate has a second plate aperture. When the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the first plate aperture and the second plate aperture at least partially overlap to form a hoop aperture and define a hand embroidery area of the substrate located within the hoop aperture.

[0010] Other embodiments are disclosed.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic, perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of an assembly for doing embroidery on a substrate by hand;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic, perspective view of a portion of the assembly of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic, perspective view of a portion of the assembly of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic, top view of a first plate of an illustrative embodiment of a magnetic embroidery hoop;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic, bottom view of a first plate of an illustrative embodiment of a magnetic embroidery hoop;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a first plate of an illustrative embodiment of a magnetic embroidery hoop;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic, top view of a second plate of an illustrative embodiment of a magnetic embroidery hoop;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic, bottom view of a second plate of an illustrative embodiment of a magnetic embroidery hoop;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic, top view of an illustrative embodiment of a magnetic embroidery hoop;

[0021] FIG. 10 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a portion of an illustrative embodiment of a magnetic embroidery hoop showing a first plate and second plate magnetically coupled;

[0022] FIG. 11 is a schematic depiction of keyhole type coupling for an illustrative embodiment of a magnetic embroidery hoop;

[0023] FIG. 12 is a schematic, perspective view of an assembly for doing embroidery on a substrate by hand; and

[0024] FIG. 13 is a schematic, perspective detailed view of the assembly for doing embroidery on a substrate by hand of FIG. 12.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the claims. Unless otherwise indicated, as used throughout this document, “or” does not require mutual exclusivity.

[0026] Referring generally to the figures generally, and initially to FIG. 1, in one illustrative embodiment, an assembly 100 for doing embroidery on a piece of substrate 132 by hand includes a magnetic embroidery hoop 104 releasably coupled to an embroidery stand 119. The substrate 132 may be any item that a user desires to embroider, for example, the substrate 132 may be fabric, leather, plastic, paper, cork, vinyl, rubber, etc.

[0027] The magnetic embroidery hoop 104 includes a first plate 108 and a second plate 112 (FIG. 3). The first plate 108 and the second plate 112 (FIG. 3) are magnetically coupled together by a magnetic interaction between a plurality of magnets 220 (FIG. 6) that are coupled to the first plate 108 and a ferromagnetic material, e.g., steel, on the second plate 112, or vice versa. The substrate 132 to be embroidered, e.g., with an embroidery image 133, is sandwiched between the first plate 108 and the second plate 112 so that the substrate 132 is captured with sufficient tension on a portion of the substrate 132 located within a hoop aperture 252 (FIG. 2) to allow for hand embroidery of the portion of the substrate 132 located within the hoop aperture 252. A person performing hand embroidery using the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 passes a needle with thread back and forth through the portion of the substrate 132 located within the hoop aperture 252 to make decorative embroidery stiches in the substrate 132. In some embodiments the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 is held by hand by the person performing the embroidery.

[0028] In some embodiments, the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 of the embroidery assembly 100 is coupled to an embroidery stand 119, such as by a pivotable clamp 120 to assist with holding and positioning the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 during hand embroidery operations. The pivotable clamp 120 is coupled to one or more support arms 124, and at least one of the one or more support arms 124 is coupled to a base 128, which rests of a surface 129, which maybe, for example, a floor, a table top, or a desktop. In this manner, the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 can be securely supported during embroidery of the substrate 132. Connections between components may be pivotable or rotatable to allow for positioning of the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 to facilitate hand embroidery operations. In some embodiments, the pivotable clamp 120, one or more support arms 124, and base 128 form the embroidery stand 119. In some embodiments, the pivotable clamp 120 is not used and the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 is coupled to the embroidery stand 119 by a non-pivotable clamp.

[0029] Referring now to the figures and primarily to FIGS. 1-3, an illustrative embodiment of the embroidery assembly 100 will be described in more detail. The embroidery assembly 100 includes the magnetic embroidery hoop 104. The magnetic embroidery hoop 104 is formed from a first plate 108 and a second plate 112 (FIG. 2) that are magnetically coupled together. The magnetic embroidery hoop 104, first plate 108, and second plate 112 will be more fully described below in relation to FIGS. 4-10.

[0030] The magnetic embroidery hoop 104 has a retaining tab 136 (FIG. 7) extending from a first edge 140 of the magnetic embroidery hoop 104. The retaining tab 136 is removably coupled to the pivotable clamp 120. The pivotable clamp 120 includes a top clamp plate 144 and a bottom clamp plate 148 (FIG. 3). When assembled, the retaining tab 136 is located between the top clamp plate 144 and a bottom clamp plate 148, and the coupling is secured by tightening knobs 152. Knobs 152 include a knob handle 156 coupled to a threaded bolt 160 (FIG. 3). The threaded bolt 160 passes through an aperture 164 (FIG. 1) in the top clamp plate 144 and into a threaded aperture 168 (FIG. 32) in the bottom clamp plate 148. The threaded bolt 160 engages the threaded aperture 168, and the retaining tab 136 is secured between the top clamp plate 144 and the bottom clamp plate 148 by tightening the knobs 152. The retaining tab 136, and therefore the magnetic embroidery hoop 104, is removed from the pivotable clamp 120 by loosening the knobs 152. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other fasteners may be used, e.g., bolt with a nut.

[0031] The pivotable clamp 120 (FIGS. 2 and 3) includes a pivot coupling 172 coupled to a first edge 174 of the bottom clamp plate 148. The pivot coupling 172 includes a first pivot block 176 coupled to a second pivot block 180 by a knob 184. The knob 184 couples the pivot block 176 so that the first pivot block 176 can be rotated about axis of rotation 188 and then tightened to secure the desired position. Such rotation also results in the rotation of the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 along axis of rotation 188. The freedom of rotation can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the knob 184. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other pivotable connections may be used.

[0032] The second pivot block 180 is coupled to a first support arm 192 by a knob 196 (FIG. 2) or other adjustable pivot connection or joint. The second pivot block 180 is coupled to the first support arm 192 in such a manner to allow for the second pivot block 180 to rotate about an axis of rotation 200 (FIG. 3), which is orthogonal to plane 201. Such rotation therefore also results in the rotation of the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 along axis of rotation 200. The freedom of rotation can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the knob 196 or other adjustable pivot connection or joint.

[0033] The first support arm 192 is pivotably coupled to a second support arm 204 by pivotable joint, e.g., a knob 208 or other adjustable pivot connection or joint (FIGS. 1 and 2). The knob 208 couples the first support arm 192 to the second support arm 204 in a manner that allows for the first support arm 192 to pivot about axis of rotation 215 (FIG. 1), which is orthogonal to plane 213 (FIG. 1). Such rotation also results in rotation of the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 about axis of rotation 215. The freedom of rotation can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the knob 208 or other adjustable pivot connection or joint.

[0034] Therefore, the position and angle of the substrate 132 held within the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 can be adjusted by manipulation and adjustment of the components of the pivotable clamp 120 and the pivotable coupling between the first support arm 192 and the second support arm 204 as described above. In this manner, the substrate 132 position and angle can be optimized for a particular hand embroidery operation. Therefore, in some embodiments, when the embroidery hoop 104 is coupled to the pivotable clamp 120, the embroidery hoop 104 is rotationally adjustable along axis of rotation 188, axis of rotation 200, or axis of rotation 215. In some embodiments, the embroidery hoop 104 is rotationally adjustable along one, two, or three axis's of rotation.

[0035] It will be appreciated that other connectors other than knob type connectors may be used to couple the components of the embroidery assembly 100 to form rotatable, pivotable, or adjustable couplings.

[0036] The second support arm 204 (FIG. 1) is coupled to the base member 128. The base 128 provides a stable support for the remainder of the embroidery assembly 100 so the embroidery assembly 100 can be stably placed on the surface 129 while in use.

[0037] Referring now primarily to FIGS. 4-6, the first plate 108 of the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 of an illustrative embodiment of an embroidery assembly will be described. FIG. 4 shows a top view of the first plate 108. FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the first plate 108. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the first plate 108. The first plate 108 is generally planar in shape with a first plate aperture 212 so that the first plate 108 has an outer rim 216 with the first plate aperture 212 forming an opening in the center area of the first plate 108. The first plate 108 includes one or more magnets 220 embedded within or otherwise coupled to the outer rim 216 within one or more magnet recesses 224 shown by dashed lines on FIG. 4 (See also FIG. 6). The magnets 220 may be any type of permanent magnet such as rare earth magnets. One or more metallic plates 228 are disposed within the magnet recesses 224 (See FIG. 6). The metallic plates 228 are located within the magnet recesses 224 so that the metallic plates 228 are adjacent to magnets 220 and so the metallic plates 228 are closer to a first side 232 of the first plate 108 than the magnets 220. The magnets 220 are located within the magnet recesses 224 so that the magnets 220 are closer to a second side 236 (FIG. 5) of the first plate 108. In the depicted embodiment, the magnets 220 and the metallic plates 228 are embedded within the first plate 108. The magnets 220 and metallic plates 228 are shown by dashed lines on FIG. 4.

[0038] In other embodiments, the magnetic recesses 224 may not be fully enclosed within the material of the outer rim 216 so that the metallic plates 228 or the magnets 220 are not fully enclosed by the material of the outer rim 216. For example, the magnetic recesses 224, metallic plates 228, and magnets 220 may be shaped and sized so that, when the metallic plates 228 and magnets 220 are disposed within the magnetic recesses 224, a second side 241 of the magnets 220 is flush with the second side 236 of the first plate 108 (FIG. 6). In such an embodiment, the metallic plates 228 or the magnets 220 may be coupled to the outer rim 216 by a glue, adhesive, or with a press fit. It should be understood that, while FIG. 4 shows two magnets 220, two metallic plates 228, and two magnet recesses 224, other numbers of these components may be used, such as three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more. In addition, the magnets 220, metallic plates 228, and magnet recesses 224 may be located at any position along the outer rim 216.

[0039] In some embodiments, the metallic plate 228 is made from a ferromagnetic material such a metal containing iron, nickel, cobalt, etc. In some embodiments, the metallic plates 228 are made from steel. A magnetic interaction between the magnets 220 and the metallic plates 228 may increase the overall magnetic effect of the magnets 220. In some embodiments, the metallic plates 228 are omitted and only the magnets 220 are located within the magnet recesses 224. In some embodiments, the magnets 220 may be applied to a surface on the second side 236 and may be segmented or continuous.

[0040] The metallic plates 228 may also provide support or reinforcement of the outer rim 216 to stiffen or strengthen the first plate 108. The first plate 108 maybe made from any suitably rigid material. In some embodiments the first plate 108 is formed from plastic or aluminum.

[0041] The first plate 108 may also include one or more, removal tabs 110 located along the outer rim 216. The removal tabs 110 may be recessed areas on the second side 236 of the first plate 108 that allow access between the first plate 108 and the second plate 112 when the first plate 108 and the second plate 112 are assembled to assist in disassembling the first plate 108 and the second plate 112.

[0042] Now referring primarily to FIGS. 7 and 8, the second plate 112 of the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 of an illustrative embodiment of an embroidery assembly 100 will be described. The second plate 112 is generally planar and formed with a second plate aperture 240. In this manner the second plate 112 has an outer rim 244 and a center opening formed by the second plate aperture 240. In general, the outer rim 244 and second plate aperture 240 of the second plate 112 are about the same size and shape as the outer rim 216 and the first plate aperture 212, respectively, of the first plate 108 so that when the first plate 108 is coupled to the second plate 112, aperture 240 and aperture 212 align and rim 216 and rim 244 align.

[0043] The second plate 112 has the retaining tab 136 extending outward from the outer rim 244. The retaining tab 136 is generally planar and is sized and configured to be inserted between the top clamp plate 144 and the bottom clamp plate 148 of the pivotable clamp 120 as described above in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2. The retaining tab 136 is coupled to the first side of the outer rim 248 at an angle 250 (See FIG. 3) to the outer rim 244 of the second plate 148. In some embodiments, the angle 250 is in the range of 0 to 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle is in the range of 30 to 60 degrees.

[0044] In the depicted embodiment, the second plate 112 is made from a ferromagnetic material that is attracted to the magnets 116 of the first plate 108. In some embodiments the second plate 112 is made from steel. In some embodiments, the second plate 112 is anodized, painted, or otherwise coated with a material that does not inhibit the ferromagnetic properties of the second plate 112. In some embodiments, the second plate 112 and the first plate 108 may be functionally reversed. The retaining tab 136 may be coupled or formed as part of either the first plate 108 or the second plate 112 or both.

[0045] Referring now primarily to FIGS. 9 and 10, an illustrative embodiment of the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 will be described. As described above in relation to FIGS. 1-8, the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 includes the first plate 108 that is magnetically coupled to the second plate 112. When the first plate 108 and the second plate 112 are assembled to form the magnetic embroidery hoop 104, the first plate aperture 212 substantially aligns with the second plate aperture 240, and the outer rim 216 of the first plate 108 substantially aligns with the outer rim 244 of the second plate 112, to form a magnetic embroidery hoop aperture 252 and a magnetic embroidery hoop outer rim 256. In some embodiments, the first plate aperture 212 and the second plate aperture 240 or the outer rim 216 and the outer rim 244 only partially align to form the aperture 252 or the outer rim 256.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 9, the magnets 220 of the first plate 108 are in the portion of the outer rim 216 of the first plate 108 that overlaps with the outer rim 244 of the second plate 112, when the first plate 108 and the second plate 112 are assembled together. In this manner, a magnetic force, indicated by force lines 260, of the magnets 220 is exerted against the ferromagnetic material of the outer rim 244 of the second plate 112. The magnetic force is of sufficient strength to couple the first plate 108 and the second plate 112 during an embroidery operation to hold the substrate 132 (FIGS. 1 and 2) therebetween.

[0047] To use the magnetic embroidery hoop 104, the substrate 132 is placed between the first plate 108 and the second plate 112 prior to coupling of the first plate 108 and the second plate 112. When the first plate 108 and the second plate 112 are coupled, the substrate 132 is held in place by the magnetic force between the magnets 220 and the ferromagnetic material of the second plate 112. The force is sufficient to securely retain the substrate 132 during embroidery of the substrate 132. During hand embroidery, a needle with thread may be passed back and forth through the substrate 132 located within the magnetic embroidery hoop aperture 252.

[0048] The magnetic embroidery hoop 104, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, may be held in the hand of a user while embroidering or may be otherwise supported by a stand, e.g., stand 119 (FIG. 1).

[0049] While the depicted embodiment of the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 shows two magnets 220 located in the first plate 108 that interact with the ferromagnetic material of the second plate 112, a person skilled in the art will understand that other embodiments are possible. For example, the number of magnets 220 may vary, along with the placement of the magnets 220; the magnets may be located in the second plate 112 and the first plate 108 may be made from a ferromagnetic material; the first plate 108 may be made from a material that is permanently magnetized so the entire first plate 108 becomes the magnet 220, or vice versa where the second plate 112 is made from a permanently magnetized material and the first plate is made from a ferromagnetic material; or both the first plate 108 and the second plate 112 may include magnets 220 that interact with each other when the first plate 108 and the second plate 112 are coupled. The second plate 112 may be made from a combination of non-ferromagnetic material and ferromagnetic material, for example the second plate 112 may include a plastic frame with ferromagnetic plates embedded or coupled to the plastic frame so that the ferromagnetic plates may interact with the magnets 220 of the first plate 108.

[0050] In some embodiments, the face of the first plate 108 or the face of the second plate 112 that interacts with the other plate may be covered with another material such as fabric, plastic, suede, leather or rubber to increase the holding power between the first plate 108 and the second plate 112. In some embodiments, the first plate 108 and the second plate 112 may have complementary interlocking features to improve retention of the substrate 132 between the first plate 108 and the second plate 112. For example, the first plate 108 may have a ridge projecting from the surface that interacts with the second plate 112 and the surface of the second plate 112 that interacts with the first plate 108 may have a corresponding groove, so that, when coupled, the ridge of the first plate 108 interlocks with the groove of the second plate 112. In other embodiments, the first plate 108 may fit within a ledge of the second plate 112.

[0051] It should also be understood that, while the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 depicted in the figures is rectangular in shape with a rectangular magnetic embroidery hoop aperture 252, other shapes of the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 and the magnetic embroidery hoop aperture 252 may be used, such as circles, ovals, and polygons.

[0052] The magnetic embroidery hoop 104 may provide the advantage of being able to store or hold on the first plate 108 small ferromagnetic components used for embroidery such as needles and the like.

[0053] The magnetic embroidery hoop 104 may also include coupling features to couple the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 to a stand, such as described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2, or other support device to support the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 during embroidery. For example, the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 may utilize a slot and key type of coupling as depicted in FIG. 11, where a key or tab 272 fits within a complementary slot 268 to form an interlocking connection. The key or tab 272 may be located on the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 and the corresponding slot 268 may be located on the supporting mechanism or vice versa.

[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, an illustrative embodiment of an assembly 300 for doing embroidery on a substrate by hand that includes a magnetic embroidery hoop 304 will be discussed. The assembly 300 of FIGS. 12 and 13 is analogous to the assembly 100 in many aspects. The differences will be discussed. The assembly 300 includes a base 308. The base 308 is generally a flat planer body for supporting the assembly 300 on a surface such as a floor or worktable. A plurality of arms 312 are coupled to the base 308. The embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13 includes three arms 312, which are a first arm 324, a second arm 320, and a third arm 316.

[0055] The plurality of arms 312 may be coupled to each other or to the base 308 to form an extension 328. Each of the couplings between the arms 312 may be either a static, rotatable, pivotable, or adjustable coupling. For example, the coupling 332 between the third arm 316 and the second arm 320 is a static coupling in that the coupling 332 does not allow relative adjustment of the second arm 320 relative to the third arm 316. The coupling 332 is formed by sliding a first end 340 of the third arm 316 into a second end 344 of the second arm 320 and tightening knobs 336 to secure the coupling 332.

[0056] A coupling 348, for comparison, between the second arm 320 and the first arm 324 is a pivotable coupling in that the coupling 348 allows for the first arm 324 to pivot relative to the second arm 320. To form the pivotable coupling 348, a first end 352 of the second arm 320 is overlapped with a second end 356 of the first arm 324 and the first arm 324 and the second arm 320 are coupled using knob attachment 360. The knob attachment 360 may be loosened to allow the first arm 324 to pivot to the desired rotational position relative to the second arm 320. The knob attachment 360 may be tightened to secure the rotational position of the first arm 324 relative to the second arm 320.

[0057] It will be appreciated that the number of arms 312 of the assembly 300 and the types of connections between the arm 312 and other arms 312 or other components of the assembly 300 may vary from the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13. For example, one, two, three, four, five, etc. arms 312 may be used or the couplings may be static, rotational, pivotable, extendable, etc.

[0058] A first end 364 of the first arm 324 is coupled to a socket 368 (FIG. 13). The socket 368 includes a first tab 372 and a second tab 376 that are separated by an aperture 380. A knob attachment 384 spans the first tab 372 and the second tab 376. The size of the aperture 380 between the first tab 372 and the second tab 376 may be adjusted by tightening or loosening the knob attachment 384.

[0059] A ball 388 is disposed within the aperture 380 formed between the first tab 372 and the second tab 376. When the knob attachment 384 is sufficiently loosened, the ball 388 is captured within the aperture 380 but may be rotationally adjusted within the aperture 380. When the knob attachment 384 is sufficiently tightened the size of the aperture 380 decreases to prevent movement of the ball 388 within the aperture 380.

[0060] The ball 388 is coupled to a plate 392. The plate 392 is coupled to the magnetic embroidery hoop 304.

[0061] Since, at least some of the arms 312 are adjustably coupled to each other or other components of the assembly 300, the ball 388 is rotatable within the socket 368 and the magnetic embroidery hoop 304 is coupled to the ball 388 through the plate 392, the adjustable couplings (e.g. ball 388 and socket 368 or pivotable coupling 348) may be used to adjust the position of the magnetic embroidery hoop 304. Such adjustment points allow the user, who is performing hand embroidery, to position the magnetic embroidery hoop 304 in the desired or optimal position for using the magnetic embroidery hoop 304 to perform hand embroidery.

[0062] The magnetic embroidery hoop 304 of the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13 is analogous to the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 of FIG. 1 in many aspects. Differences will be discussed. One primary difference between the magnetic embroidery hoop 104 and the magnetic embroidery hoop 304 is that a first plate 400 and a second plate 404 of the magnetic embroidery hoop 304 are functionally reversed from the first plate 108 and second plate 112 of the magnetic embroidery hoop 104, as described in relation to FIGS. 7 and 8 above.

[0063] In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, the top plate 400 is made from a ferromagnetic material such as steel, and magnets 220 are embedded in or coupled to the second plate 404. The functional and structural description and variations of the magnetic embroidery hoop 104, the first plate 108, and the second plate 112 described above in relation to FIGS. 1-10 are equally applicable to magnetic embroidery hoop 304, the first plate 400, and the second plate 404.

[0064] The configuration of the top plate 400 and the bottom plate 404 as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 may provide the extra benefit of providing a, relatively, flatter work surface for the user using the magnetic embroidery hoop 304. Since the top plate 400 is formed from ferromagnetic material and the magnets 220 are located in the bottom plate 404, the top plate 400 may be made to have a thin flat upper surface 408. This may allow the user to more easily slide the user's hand or arm over the upper surface 408 of the top plate 400 while performing hand embroidery.

[0065] The magnetic embroidery hoop 304 of FIGS. 12 and 13 also differs in that the retaining tab 136 is formed on the top plate 400 and in that the magnetic embroidery hoop 304 is coupled to the plate 392, through the retaining tab 136, using the slot and key type of coupling as depicted in and as described in relation to FIG. 11. In the embodiement of FIGS. 12 and 13, the key 272 is a knob type attachment that may be fitted into the slot 268. The use of a knob type attachment as the key 272 provides the extra benefit of being able to tighten or loosen the attachment of the magnetic embroidery hoop 304 to the plate 392. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the keys 272 are coupled to the plate 392 and the slots 268 are formed through the retaining tab 136 of the top plate 400. In other embodiments, the keys 272 and the slots 268 may be functionally revered.

[0066] There are many examples of the various embodiments described herein. A number of examples also follow:

[0067] Example 1. An assembly for doing embroidery on a substrate by hand, the assembly comprising:

[0068] a magnetic embroidery hoop;

[0069] a clamp;

[0070] an embroidery stand coupled to the magnetic embroidery hoop by the clamp;

[0071] wherein the magnetic embroidery hoop comprises:

[0072] a first plate and a second plate for retaining the substrate therebetween for embroidery by hand,

[0073] wherein a second side of the first plate is coupled to a first side of the second plate by a magnetic coupling,

[0074] wherein the first plate has a first plate aperture and the second plate has a second plate aperture,

[0075] wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the first plate aperture and the second plate aperture, at least partially overlap to form a hoop aperture and define an embroidery area,

[0076] wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled with the substrate to be embroidered therebetween, the substrate is held with sufficient tension on a portion of the substrate located within the embroidery area to allow for hand embroidery, and

[0077] wherein the clamp is coupled to either the first plate or second plate; and

[0078] wherein the embroidery stand comprises:

[0079] a base,

[0080] one or more support arms coupled to the base, and

[0081] wherein the pivotable clamp is coupled to the one or more support arms.

[0082] Example 2. The assembly of Example 1, wherein the embroidery stand further comprises a plurality of adjustable joints to allow positioning of the magnetic embroidery hoop in a position desired by a user.

[0083] Example 3. An embroidery stand for holding a magnetic embroidery hoop, the embroidery stand comprising:

[0084] one or more support arms having a distal end and a proximal end;

[0085] a base for interfacing with a surface;

[0086] wherein the proximal end of the one or more support arms is coupled to the base;

[0087] a pivotable clamp having a coupling means for coupling to the magnetic embroidery hoop;

[0088] wherein the distal end of the one or more support arms is coupled to the pivotable clamp; and

[0089] one or more pivot joints coupled to the one or more support arms for allowing articulation of the one or more support arms into a desired position by the user.

[0090] Example 4. The assembly of Examples 1, 2, or 3, wherein:

[0091] the one or more support arms comprises a first support arm and a second support arm;

[0092] wherein the first support arm is coupled to the second support arm by a pivotable joint;

[0093] wherein the second support arm is coupled to the base;

[0094] wherein the first support arm is coupled to the pivotable clamp; and

[0095] when in use the first support arm is angled with respect to the second support arm.

[0096] Example 5. A magnetic embroidery hoop for use by hand comprising:

[0097] a first plate and a second plate for retaining a substrate to be embroidered by hand;

[0098] wherein a second side of the first plate is coupled to a first side of the second plate by a magnetic coupling;

[0099] wherein the first plate has a first plate aperture and the second plate has a second plate aperture;

[0100] wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the first plate aperture and the second plate aperture, at least partially overlap to form a hoop aperture;

[0101] wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the hoop is capable of securing a substrate to be embroidered between the first plate and the second plate with sufficient tension on a portion of the substrate located within the hoop aperture to allow for hand embroidery of the portion of the substrate located within the hoop aperture.

[0102] Example 6. A method of doing embroidery by hand comprising placing a piece of a substrate in a magnetic embroidery hoop between a first plate and a second plate that are magnetically coupled with the substrate therebetween; releasably coupling the magnetic embroidery hoop to an embroidery stand; positioning the magnetic embroidery hoop to a desired position; performing embroidery on the substrate; removing the magnetic embroidery hoop from the embroidery stand; and removing the substrate from the magnetic embroidery hoop.

[0103] Example 7. The embroidery assembly of Example 1 or magnetic embroidery hoop of Example 5:

[0104] wherein, the second plate is formed from a ferromagnetic material;

[0105] wherein, a plurality of first plate magnets is coupled to the first plate; and

[0106] wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the second plate at least partially aligns with at least one of the first plate magnets to couple the first plate and the second plate.

[0107] Example 8. The embroidery assembly of Example 1:

[0108] wherein, the first plate is formed from a ferromagnetic material;

[0109] wherein, a plurality of second plate magnets is coupled to the second plate; and

[0110] wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the first plate at least partially aligns with at least one second plate magnet to couple the first plate and the second plate.

[0111] Example 9. The embroidery assembly of Example 1:

[0112] wherein, the magnetic coupling comprises a plurality of first plate magnets and a plurality of second plate magnets;

[0113] wherein, each of the first plate magnets are coupled to the first plate and each of the second plate magnets are coupled to the second plate; and

[0114] wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, at least one first plate magnet at least partially aligns with at least one second plate magnet to couple the first plate and the second plate.

[0115] Example 10. The embroidery assembly of Example 1,

[0116] further comprising a plurality of first plate magnets;

[0117] wherein at least one of the first plate magnets is located within a first plate magnet recess;

[0118] and

[0119] the second plate is formed from a ferromagnetic material.

[0120] Example 11. The embroidery assembly of Example 10, wherein the first plate magnets are embedded within the first plate and the second plate magnets are embedded within the second plate.

[0121] Example 12. The embroidery assembly of Example 1, wherein the first plate is magnetic and the second plate is formed from a ferromagnetic material.

[0122] Example 13. The embroidery assembly of Example 1, wherein the first plate is made from a ferromagnetic material and the second plate is magnetic.

[0123] Example 14. The embroidery assembly of Example 1:

[0124] wherein, the second plate further comprises a retention tab extending from a first edge of the second plate; and

[0125] wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the retention tab extends from a first edge of the hoop.

[0126] Example 15. An embroidery assembly for hand use comprising:

[0127] a hoop having a first plate and a second plate for retaining a substrate to be embroidered;

[0128] a clamp pivotally coupled to at least one support arm;

[0129] a base coupled to the at least one support arm;

[0130] wherein, a second side of the first plate is coupled to a first side of the second plate by a magnetic coupling;

[0131] wherein, the first plate has a first plate aperture and the second plate has a second plate aperture;

[0132] wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the first plate aperture and the second plate aperture at least partially overlap to form a hoop aperture;

[0133] wherein, the second plate further comprises a retention tab extending from a first edge of the second plate;

[0134] wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the retention tab extends from a first edge of the hoop;

[0135] wherein, the retention tab is removably coupled to the clamp;

[0136] wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the hoop is capable of securing a substrate to be embroidered between the first plate and the second plate with sufficient tension on a portion of the substrate located within the hoop aperture to allow for hand embroidery of the portion of the substrate located within the hoop aperture;

[0137] wherein the pivotal coupling between the clamp and the at least one support arm can be pivoted to adjust the position or angle of the hoop during hand embroidery of the substrate.

[0138] Example 16. The embroidery assembly of Example 15:

[0139] wherein, the magnetic coupling comprises a plurality of first plate magnets and a plurality of second plate magnets;

[0140] wherein, each of the first plate magnets are coupled to the first plate and each of the second plate magnets are coupled to the second plate; and

[0141] wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, at least one first plate magnet at least partially aligns with at least one second plate magnet to couple the first plate and the second plate.

[0142] Example 17. The embroidery assembly of Example 15:

[0143] wherein, the first plate is formed from a ferromagnetic material;

[0144] wherein, a plurality of second plate magnets is coupled to the second plate; and

[0145] wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the first plate at least partially aligns with at least one second plate magnet to couple the first plate and the second plate.

[0146] Example 18. The embroidery assembly of Example 15:

[0147] wherein, the second plate is formed from a ferromagnetic material;

[0148] wherein, a plurality of first plate magnets is coupled to the first plate; and

[0149] wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the second plate at least partially aligns with at least one of the first plate magnets to couple the first plate and the second plate.

[0150] Example 19. The embroidery assembly of Example 15,

[0151] further comprising a plurality of first plate magnets and a plurality of first plate magnet recesses, wherein each of the first plate magnets is located within a first plate magnet recess; and

[0152] the second plate is formed from a ferromagnetic material.

[0153] Example 20. The embroidery assembly of Example 16, wherein the first plate magnets are embedded within the first plate and the second plate magnets are embedded within the second plate.

[0154] Example 21. The embroidery assembly of Example 15, wherein the first plate is magnetic and the second plate is formed from a ferromagnetic material.

[0155] Example 22. The embroidery assembly of Example 15, wherein the first plate is made from a ferromagnetic material and the second plate is magnetic.

[0156] Example 23. The embroidery assembly of Example 15,

[0157] wherein, the first plate is formed from plastic and further comprises a plurality of magnets each located within one of a plurality of first plate magnet recesses; and

[0158] the second plate is formed from steel.

[0159] Example 24. The assembly of Example 23,

[0160] wherein, the first plate further comprises a plurality of steel plates; and

[0161] wherein each of the steel plates are located within one of the first plate magnet recesses adjacent to one of the first plate's magnets.

[0162] Example 25. The embroidery assembly of Example 15,

[0163] wherein, the second plate is formed from plastic and further comprises a plurality of magnets each located within one of a plurality of second plate magnet recesses; and

[0164] the first plate is formed from steel.

[0165] Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been disclosed in the context of certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, permutations, and alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the claims. It will be appreciated that any feature that is described in a connection to any one embodiment may also be applicable to any other embodiment.

Claims

1. An assembly for doing embroidery on a substrate by hand, the assembly comprising:a magnetic embroidery hoop;a clamp;an embroidery stand coupled to the magnetic embroidery hoop by the clamp;wherein the magnetic embroidery hoop comprises a first plate and a second plate for retaining the substrate therebetween for embroidery by hand;wherein a second side of the first plate is coupled to a first side of the second plate by a magnetic coupling;wherein the first plate has a first plate aperture and the second plate has a second plate aperture;wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the first plate aperture and the second plate aperture at least partially overlap to form a hoop aperture and define an embroidery area;wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled with the substrate to be embroidered therebetween, a portion of the substrate is located within the embroidery area to allow for hand embroidery of the substrate;wherein the clamp is coupled to either the first plate or second plate;wherein the embroidery stand comprises a base and one or more support arms coupled to the base; andwherein the clamp is coupled to the one or more support arms.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the clamp is pivotable.

3. The assembly of claim 2,wherein the one or more support arms comprises a first support arm and a second support arm;wherein the first support arm is coupled to the second support arm by a pivotable joint;wherein the second support arm is coupled to the base; andwherein the first support arm is coupled to the pivotable clamp.

4. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the second plate is formed from a ferromagnetic material;wherein a plurality of first plate magnets is coupled to the first plate; andwherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the second plate at least partially aligns with at least one of the first plate magnets to couple the first plate to the second plate.

5. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the first plate is formed from a ferromagnetic material;wherein a plurality of second plate magnets is coupled to the second plate; andwherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the first plate at least partially aligns with at least one second plate magnet to couple the first plate to the second plate.

6. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the magnetic coupling comprises a plurality of first plate magnets and a plurality of second plate magnets;wherein each of the first plate magnets are coupled to the first plate and each of the second plate magnets are coupled to the second plate; andwherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, at least one first plate magnet at least partially aligns with at least one second plate magnet to couple the first plate to the second plate.

7. The assembly of claim 1,further comprising a plurality of first plate magnets;wherein at least one of the first plate magnets is located within a first plate magnet recess; andthe second plate is formed from a ferromagnetic material.

8. The assembly of claim 2, wherein, when the magnetic embroidery hoop is coupled to the clamp, the magnetic embroidery hoop is rotationally adjustable in along a first axis of rotation and along a second axis of rotation.

9. The assembly of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first plate magnets is located within a first plate magnet recess.

10. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the second plate further comprises a retention tab extending from a first edge of the second plate; andwherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the retention tab extends from a first edge of the magnetic embroidery hoop.

11. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the second plate is formed from a ferromagnetic material;wherein a plurality of first plate magnets is coupled to the first plate;wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the second plate at least partially aligns with at least one of the first plate magnets to couple the first plate to the second plate;wherein a plurality of recesses are formed within the first plate;wherein each of the plurality of first plate magnets are disposed within one of the plurality of recesses formed within the first plate;wherein the clamp is pivotable;wherein the one or more support arms comprises a first support arm and a second support arm;wherein the first support arm is coupled to the second support arm by a pivotable joint;wherein the second support arm is coupled to the base;wherein the first support arm is coupled to the pivotable clamp;wherein the second plate further comprises a retention tab extending from a first edge of the second plate; andwherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the retention tab extends from a first edge of the magnetic embroidery hoop.

12. An embroidery stand comprising:a first support arm and a second support arm each having a first end and a second end;a base;a pivotable clamp having a coupling means for coupling to a magnetic embroidery hoop;wherein the second end of the first support arm is coupled to the base;wherein the first end of the first support arm is pivotably coupled to the second end of the second support arm;wherein the first end of the second support arm is coupled to the pivotable clamp;wherein the magnetic embroidery hoop comprises a first plate and a second plate;wherein the first plate is coupled to the second plate by a magnetic coupling;wherein the first plate has a first plate aperture and the second plate has a second plate aperture;wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the first plate aperture and the second plate aperture at least partially overlap to form a hoop aperture and define a hand embroidery area; andwherein, when the magnetic embroidery hoop is coupled to the pivotable clamp, the position of the magnetic embroidery hoop is rotationally adjustable along a first axis of rotation and along a second axis of rotation.

13. The embroidery stand of claim 12,wherein the second plate is formed from a ferromagnetic material;wherein a plurality of first plate magnets is coupled to the first plate; andwherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the second plate at least partially aligns with at least one of the first plate magnets to couple the first plate and the second plate.

14. The embroidery stand of claim 12,further comprising a plurality of first plate magnets;wherein at least one of the first plate magnets is located within a first plate magnet recess; andthe second plate is formed from a ferromagnetic material.

15. The embroidery stand of claim 12,wherein the second plate is formed from a ferromagnetic material;wherein a plurality of first plate magnets is coupled to the first plate;wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the second plate at least partially aligns with at least one of the first plate magnets to couple the first plate and the second plate;wherein a plurality of recesses are formed within the first plate;wherein each of the plurality of first plate magnets is disposed within one of the plurality of recesses formed within the first plate;wherein the second plate further comprises a retention tab extending from a first edge of the second plate;wherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the retention tab extends from a first edge of the embroidery hoop; andwherein, when the magnetic embroidery hoop is coupled to the pivotable clamp, the pivotable clamp is coupled to the retention tab.

16. A magnetic embroidery hoop for hand embroidery comprising:a first plate and a second plate for retaining a substrate;wherein a second side of the first plate is coupled to a first side of the second plate by a magnetic coupling;wherein the first plate has a first plate aperture and the second plate has a second plate aperture; andwherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the first plate aperture and the second plate aperture at least partially overlap to form a hoop aperture and define a hand embroidery area of the substrate located within the hoop aperture.

17. The magnetic embroidery hoop of claim 16,wherein the second plate is formed from a ferromagnetic material; andwherein a plurality of first plate magnets is coupled to the first plate.

18. The magnetic embroidery hoop of claim 17 wherein each of the first plate magnets are disposed within recesses formed within the first plate.

19. The magnetic embroidery hoop of claim 18 further comprising:a plurality of ferromagnetic plates; andwherein each of the ferromagnetic plates are disposed within the recesses formed within the first plate.

20. The magnetic embroidery hoop of claim 19 further comprisinga retention tab extending from a first edge of the second plate; andwherein, when the first plate and the second plate are coupled, the retention tab extends from a first edge of the hoop.

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