Quilting machines

Abstract

A quilting machine including a roller frame ( 5 ) to support at least one pair of rollers ( 1,2,3 ), adapted to support quilting, the rotation of the rollers ( 1,2,3 ) allowing the fabric to move towards and away from the arm of a sewing machine, a sliding track ( 7,8 ) adapted to support the sewing machine and allow its movement in the plane of the roller axes, a pivoting element ( 14 ) to enable the roller frame ( 5 ) to pivot about an axis parallel to the roller axes so the fabric may be kept at a constant distance from the sewing machine as the diameter of the rolled fabric changes.

1 . A quilting machine comprising:
 a roller frame to support at least one pair of elongated rollers, the rollers being spaced apart and freely rotating and adapted to support quilting fabric disposed between them and wound on the rollers   the rotation of the rollers allowing the fabric to move towards and away from the arm of a sewing machine,   a sliding track adapted to support the sewing machine, wherein the sewing machine is moveable in the plane of the roller axes,   pivoting means to enable the roller frame to pivot about an axis parallel to the roller axes so that the fabric can be raised or lowered and is kept at the same distance from the sewing machine as the diameter of the rolled fabric increases and decreases on the rollers.   
   
   
       2 . A quilting machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein, there is quick release braking means adapted to simultaneously brake the rotation of the roller members, whereby the fabric is rolled toward or away from the sewing machine to enable continuous stitching of indefinite length to be sewn in the fabric without doubling back or braking the stitch line. 
   
   
       3 . A quilting machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein, there is adjustment means to vary the position of the pivoting means. 
   
   
       4 . A quilting machine as claimed in  claim 3  wherein, the adjustment means comprises a lever with a transverse pin, in captive engagement with an accurate slot in a side of the roller frame. 
   
   
       5 . A quilting machine as claimed in  claim 3  wherein, the adjustment means has securing means to hold the pivoting means in a fixed position. 
   
   
       6 . A quilting machine as claimed in  claim 5  wherein, the securing means is a tooth and rack arrangement whereby a tooth on the lever engages a rack forming part of the roller frame. 
   
   
       7 . A quilting machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein, a pantograph is incorporated into the quilting machine by attaching a guide arm to the sewing machine which tracks a template held by a holder mounted on the roller frame. 
   
   
       8 . A quilting machine substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
   
   
       9 . A quilting machine as claimed in  claim 2  wherein, there is adjustment means to vary the position of the pivoting means. 
   
   
       10 . A quilting machine as claimed in  claim 2  wherein, a pantograph is incorporated into the quilting machine by attaching a guide arm to the sewing machine which tracks a template held by a holder mounted on the roller frame.