US3851969A

US3851969A - Copying machine with traveling light source

Info

Publication number: US3851969A
Application number: US00382856A
Authority: US
Inventors: H Haus
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-04-21
Filing date: 1973-07-26
Publication date: 1974-12-03
Anticipated expiration: 1991-12-03

Abstract

An apparatus and method for photocopying patterns wherein the sensitized paper is moved into the exposure area in a continuous strip. The pattern to be copied is sandwiched above a flexible transparent base strip and below a flexible upper sheet. The sensitized paper is moved into the exposure areas beneath the base strip by the longitudinal traverse of a light carriage above the upper sheet. The return traverse of the light carriage over the upper sheet exposes the sensitized paper.

Description

United States Patent [191 Hans Dec. 3, 1974 COPYING MACHINE WITH TRAVELING 3,644,041 2/1972 Haus 355/122 LIGHT SOURCE 3,652,158 3/1972 Burgess 355/91 [76] inventor: Hans Hans, 6250 Limburg Lahn,

Hahlgartenweg, m y Primary ExaminerRichard L. Moses [22] Filed. July 26 1973 Attorney, Agent, or FirmNorman S. Blodgett; Gerry A. Blodgett [21] Appl. No.: 382,856

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 245,852, April 20, 1972, [57] ABSTRACT abandoned.

An apparatus and method for photo copying patterns [30] Foreign Apphcatlon Pnomy Data wherein the sensitized paper is moved into the expo- API'. 21, Germany ure area in a ontinuous trip The pattern to be copied is sandwiched above a flexible transparent base [52] US. Cl 355/132, 108/23, 355/84, Strip and below a flexible upper h The sensitized 355/122 paper is moved into the exposure areas beneath the [51] Int. Cl. G031) 27/02 base Strip by the longitudinal traverse of a light cap [58] held of Search 355/84 riage above the upper sheet. The return traverse of the 355/120 .132; 108/233, 50 light carriage over the upper sheet exposes the sensitized paper. [56] References Cited 7 UNITED STATES PATENTS 11 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures 3,446,162 5/1969 Kranz 108/23 This is a continution, of application Ser. No. 245,852 filed Apr. 20, 1972 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The prior art methods for producing cutting-room markers for the garment industry provide for the master patterns to be placed on the copying table between an upper sheet and a base sheet of transparent material. The two sheets are sealed at the edges and the air entrapped therebetween is removed by a special suction means to ensure that said patterns are retained in interlocking relationship. Then, the copy paper with its light-sensitive surface facing downwardly is placed on the upper transparent sheet and pressed down in the usual manner by a pressure plate or mat andis exposed from below through the transparent top of the copying table. An apparatus disclosed in the German-Provisional U.S. Pat. 'No. 1,785,486 teaches another method. The patterns are not placed on a base sheet but are positioneddirectly on the transparent top of the copying table and a sheet of mesh material is stretched over them. The patterns can then be brought into the desired interlocking relationship under the mesh material with the'aid of a sharp tool. The copy paper web is advanced and exposed in the manner described above.

The second method obviates the use of two sheets of transparent material and the expensive equipment required to allow the patterns to be moved into position when under the pressure of the covering mesh. However, like the first method described, it has major drawbacks, such as the need for exposure from below by a fixed or traversible light source and the fact that means are required to apply pressure to the copy paper in overlying relationship. Both these requirements impose limits on the width and, in particular, on the length of the web of copy paper that can be exposed. But in the garment industrys cutting rooms, where the markers are used, the tendency is to install ever larger and heavier duty equipment, with the need for the pattern layouts to be as long and wide as possible, among other things to ensure optimum utilization of multiple set-ups of material.

A further disadvantage of said prior art apparatus and methods is the complicated construction needed to apply pressure to copy paper when exposing a large area. Moreover, each time there is a change in the pattern layout the web of copy paper has to be cut off to permit the next lay of patterns to be made on the marker table. These and other difficulties experienced with the prior art devices have been obviated in a novel manner by the present invention.

It is, therefore, an outstanding object of the invention to provide a copying apparatuswherein the size of the marker is not limited.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a copying apparatus that allows the use of a continuous web of sensitized paper.

With these and other objects in view, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention resides in the combination of parts set forth in the specificationand covered by the claims appended hereto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a method for photocopying a configuration of patterns to produce markers employed as cutting guides in the garment industry,

whereby the patterns are placed in interlocking arrangement between a base sheet of transparent material and an upper sheet of transparent or mesh material,

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings, the copying machine, indicated generally by the reference numeral 10, consists of a table 11 at one end of which is mounted an exposure device 12. Also mounted on the table is a paper drawing device 13 and a stop bar 14. On the table lies checkered paper 15 and patterns 16. A cover 17 is pro- .vided and a covering net 18 with its tightening roll. A

polyethylene foil 19 is provided, along with its tightening roll. Guide disks 21 are associated with the tightening rolls which are carried by a tightening device 22. A paper box 23 with a roll 25 of blueprint paper is mounted on the end of the table and a cutting rail 24. According to the method of the present invention, a transparent base sheet consisting of a'polyethylene foil 19 is drawn from a roll to cover the table 11. A pattern layout is formed of the patterns 16 on the upper surface of the foil 19 and is then covered with a transparent sheet of mesh or covering net 18 drawn from a roll. Final positioning of the patterns 16 can be done through the net 18. A web of copy paper 25 is fed foward in a straight line between the bottom face of the base sheet placed on the copying table and the plane surface of said table as it passes into the exposure position. The feeding of the copy paper 25 may be accomplished by temporarily fixing the paper drawing device 13, which is attached to the end of the copy paper to the exposure device 12 as the exposure device moves across the table. Exposure may take place during the return movement of the exposure device 12 after the copy paper has been released. After exposure, the copy paper web is fed out of said exposure position. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the copy paper web can be masked, even when in the exposure position, by placing a sheet of opaque material between the base sheet and the paper web. This opaque material covers the copy paper during the pattern laying operation and after the lay has been completed it serves as an adjustable mask should, for instance, it be desired to use only part of the length of the copying table. In this case the portion of the copy paper web outside the exposure area is rewound on a pay-out roll and is advanced again in readiness for the next exposure.

As has been stated, the layout of patterns can be completed before the copy paper is advanced thereunder into the exposure position. This arrangement is preferable for most marking operations. To produce a master marker longer than the maximum working length of the copying table, the invention provides for the first section of the pattern layout to be exposed,

after which the respective portion of the master marker usual pattern layout between the base and upper sheets) in which case the master pattern and copy paper can be fed along the copying table in synchronism, if necessary for selective exposure or for the proworking length of the copyingtable.

I According to another embodiment of the invention, the underlying mat or base sheet consists of two sheets of transparent or mesh material placed one upon the other, between which a web of patterned material is fed or placed. The patterns can then be laid out onthe upper of the two said sheets of transparent or mesh material in accordance with the design on the patterned material. This patterned material is removed prior to exposure, without disturbing the interlocking relationship of the patterns which are retained in position in the aforedescribed manner with a further overlying sheet of transparent or mesh material. The, patterned material can also be formed of a transparent material, in

which case it can remain in position during the exposure of the pattern layout.

The invention'can be employed to particular advantage in conjunction with a roll or roller-mounted carriage incorporating the light source. The leading end of the roll of sensitized copy paper can be attached to this carriage by means of the paper drawing device 13, so that, after exposure and, possibly,'development of a marker copy, the traversing movement of the carriage causes another length of copy paper to be paid out by a dispensing means from-a paper box 23 and advanced between the base sheet and copying table top, in the manner disclosed, into the exposure position.

The attachment of the copy paper to said carriage is effected by simple means. The leading end of the copy paper is wound round a thin, flat section of iron or a paper drawing device 13, whose two ends extend beyond the width of the paper web and are engaged in guide the two ends of iron section into engagement with the hooks.

When employing a roll-mounted light-source carriage whose rolls also serve as pressure rollers for the copy paper, or a carriage incorporating vertically displaceable pressure rollers, approach ramps can be installed beyond the outer edges of the paper web and the base and overlying sheets on the table. The oncoming rolls of the carriage then mount the ramps, thereby taking the weight of the carriage off the paper web, the base, and the overlying sheets; It is then possible to move the paper web, the base sheet, or the overlying material to a desired position on the table without the need for removing the light-source carriage from the table. Said approach ramps can be adjustable over the practically unlimited working width.

4 length of the lay-marker table in the direction of or opposite to the direction of travel, to permit the carriage to be brought into the desired raised position. A piece of sheet metal is preferably installed between the two said approach ramps and. at the level of the table top to prevent the exposure of the portion of copy paper in the area between the ramps. Such approach ramps with a sheet-metal mask can also be installed at both ends of the table to co-operate with meansfor lightpr oof take-up of the copy paper web and for tensioning the base and overlying sheets.

The approach ramps together with said auxiliary means can also be mounted on a separate carriage that can be traversed towards and away from the ends of the table, permitting the laying of patterns to proceed at several tables and for the light-source carriage to run on to the individual tables as and when the layouts are readyforzexposure.

As already stated, the invention obviates the disadvantages of the prior art methods and apparatus because no costly air suction equipment is required and because exposureis effected from above. This, to-" of auxiliary means disclosed by the invention the method can be performed with prior art light source carriages. The advantages deriving therefrom are, among other things, the obviation of special pressure plates for the copy paper, unlimited working length and It is obvious that minor changes may be made in the form and construction of the invention without departing from the material spirit thereof. It is not, however, desired to confine the invention to the exact form herein shown and described, but it is desired to include all such as properly come within the scope claimed.

The invention having been thus described, what is claimed as new and desired to secure by Letters Patent l. A method of producing photographic copies of a configuration of patterns disposed on a copying table, whereby the pattern pieces are first laid on a transparent base sheet on the plane surface of the lay-marker table'and secondly are covered by an overlying second sheet of transparent mesh material and thirdly a web of copy paper passed between the base sheet and table is exposed by a light source traversing said configuration of patterns, v

characterized by the fact that prior to its exposure,,a

web of copy paper is advanced by the traversing of the light source across the exposure position in a straight line between the bottom face of the base sheet on the table and the plane surface of saidta ble, that the web is exposed to said pattern pieces by the return movement of said light source to its starting position, and that after exposure said copy paper web is moved out of said position.

2. A method as recited in claim 1,.

characterized by the fact that when the patterns are being laid, the light-sensitive copy paper web in the exposure position is covered by an opaque sheet inserted between the base sheet and the paper web surface.

3. A method as recited in claim 2,

characterized by the fact that after the layout of the patterns is completed the opaque sheet serves as an adjustable mask to define the exposure area.

4. A method as recited in claim 3,

characterized by the fact that after the exposed portion of the copy paper web has been severed, the remaining portion of the web is used in the next sequence of operations.

5. A method as recited in claim 1,

characterized by the fact that only after the layout of patterns has been completed is the web of copy paper passed thereunder into the exposure position.

6. A method as recited in claim 1,

characterized by the fact that for the production of.

master markers longer than the maximum working length of the table, the first longitudinal section of a pattern layout copies on the master marker is moved from the exposure area and the second section of the pattern layout is brought into abutting end-to-end relationship and the second section of the master marker is exposed.

7. A method as recited in Claim 1,

characterized by the fact that for the production of master markers longer than the working length of the lay-marker table, the master marker and copy paper web are moved forward selectively,- section bysection, in synchronism.

8. A method as recited in claim 1,

characterized by the fact that the transparent base sheet consists of two sheets of transparent material in between which a patterned web of material is placed, and the patterns are laid out on the upper of the two said sheets of transparent material in accordance with the pattern on said web, after which the patterned web of material is removed prior to exposure.

9. A method as recited in claim 8,

characterized by the fact that the web of patterned material is transparent and is left in position during the photographic copying of the laid out patterns.

10. A method of producing photographic copies of a configuration of patterns disposed on a copying table, whereby the pattern pieces are first laid on a transparent base sheet on the plane surface of the lay-marker table and secondly are covered by an overlying second sheet of transparent mesh material and thirdly a web of copy paper passed between the base sheet and the table is exposed by a light source traversing said configuration of patterns,

characterized by the fact that prior to its exposure, a

web of copy paper is advanced by the light source across the exposure position in a straight line between the bottom face of the base sheet and the plane surface of said table, that the web is exposed to said pattern pieces by the return movement of said light source to its starting position, and that after exposure said copy paper web is moved out of said position, the method employing a rollermounted light-source carriage traversible over the table and a copy paper web dispensed from a payout roll and after exposure rewound on a take-up roll, the leading end of the paper web being in each case attached to and pulled into the exposure position by the light-source carriage.

11. A method as recited in claim 10,

characterized by the fact that the leading end of the copy paper web is wound round a thin flat iron section the ends of which extend beyond the width of the paper web and engage in hooks provided therefore on the light-source carriage.

* =l l l

Claims

1. A method of producing photographic copies of a configuration of patterns disposed on a copying table, whereby the pattern pieces are first laid on a transparent base sheet on the plane surface of the lay-marker table and secondly are covered by an overlying second sheet of transparent mesh material and thirdly a web of copy paper passed between the base sheet and table is exposed by a light source traversing said configuration of patterns, characterized by the fact that prior to its exposure, a web of copy paper is advanced by the traversing of the light source across the exposure position in a straight line between the bottom face of the base sheet on the table and the plane surface of said table, that the web is exposed to said pattern pieces by the return movement of said light source to its starting position, and that after exposure said copy paper web is moved out of said position.

2. A method as recited in claim 1, characterized by the fact that when the patterns are being laid, the light-sensitive copy paper web in the exposure position is covered by an opaque sheet inserted between the base sheet and the paper web surface.

3. A method as recited in claim 2, characterized by the fact that after the layout of the patterns is completed the opaque sheet serves as an adjustable mask to define the exposure area.

4. A method as recited in claim 3, characterized by the fact that after the exposed portion of the copy paper web has been severed, the remaining portion of the web is used in the next sequence of operations.

5. A method as recited in claim 1, characterized by the fact that only after the layout of patterns has been completed is the web of copy paper passed thereunder into the exposure position.

6. A method as recited in claim 1, characterized by the fact that for the production of master markers longer than the maximum working length of the table, the first longitudinal section of a pattern layout copies on the master marker is moved from the exposure area and the second section of the pattern layout is brought into abutting end-to-end relationship and the second section of the master marker is exposed.

7. A method as recited in claim 1, characterized by the fact that for the production of master markers longer than the working length of the lay-marker table, the master marker and copy paper web are moved forward selectively, section by section, in synchronism.

8. A method as recited in claim 1, characterized by the fact that the transparent base sheet consists of two sheets of transparent material in between which a patterned web of material is placed, and the patterns are laid out on the upper of the two said sheets of transparent matErial in accordance with the pattern on said web, after which the patterned web of material is removed prior to exposure.

9. A method as recited in claim 8, characterized by the fact that the web of patterned material is transparent and is left in position during the photographic copying of the laid out patterns.

10. A method of producing photographic copies of a configuration of patterns disposed on a copying table, whereby the pattern pieces are first laid on a transparent base sheet on the plane surface of the lay-marker table and secondly are covered by an overlying second sheet of transparent mesh material and thirdly a web of copy paper passed between the base sheet and the table is exposed by a light source traversing said configuration of patterns, characterized by the fact that prior to its exposure, a web of copy paper is advanced by the light source across the exposure position in a straight line between the bottom face of the base sheet and the plane surface of said table, that the web is exposed to said pattern pieces by the return movement of said light source to its starting position, and that after exposure said copy paper web is moved out of said position, the method employing a roller-mounted light-source carriage traversible over the table and a copy paper web dispensed from a pay-out roll and after exposure rewound on a take-up roll, the leading end of the paper web being in each case attached to and pulled into the exposure position by the light-source carriage.

11. A method as recited in claim 10, characterized by the fact that the leading end of the copy paper web is wound round a thin flat iron section the ends of which extend beyond the width of the paper web and engage in hooks provided therefore on the light-source carriage.