Aspects hereof relate to a multi-frame manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing articles from non-rigid materials and methods for manufacturing articles utilizing a multi-frame manufacturing apparatus. The multi-frame manufacturing apparatus includes a plurality of discrete frames, each frame including a movement mechanism that enables it to move between sequentially arranged processing stations. Each movement mechanism permits substantially horizontal movement forward and backward. The movement mechanism for at least one of the frames permits substantially vertical movement both up and down. Actuation of the movement mechanisms for at least two frames may permit the frames to switch their relative positions. Each frame additionally includes at least one gripping mechanism for temporarily securing non-rigid material in place on the framed for processing.

A straight guide rail extending in an X direction is provided in a sewing platform portion for installing in a fixed state a pallet holding an object to be sewn, and first and second sewing machines are provided at left and right sides of the straight guide rail as viewed in the X direction. The first and second sewing machines are both provided with a movement support platform which allow the straight guide rail to reciprocate in the X direction, and the movement support platform is provided with a sewing machine body which is capable of reciprocating in a Y direction. The first and second sewing machines are program controlled in such a manner that any one thereof is capable of moving from one side of the straight guide rail toward the other side beyond a middle section thereof during the sewing operation of the first and second sewing machines.

A straight guide rail extending in an X direction is provided in a sewing platform portion for installing in a fixed state a pallet holding an object to be sewn, and first and second sewing machines are provided at left and right sides of the straight guide rail as viewed in the X direction. The first and second sewing machines are both provided with a movement support platform which allow the straight guide rail to reciprocate in the X direction, and the movement support platform is provided with a sewing machine body which is capable of reciprocating in a Y direction. The first and second sewing machines are program controlled in such a manner that any one thereof is capable of moving from one side of the straight guide rail toward the other side beyond a middle section thereof during the sewing operation of the first and second sewing machines.

Packaging is used to store articles to be customized by methods including embroidery, wherein the packaging includes at least two portions defining a window, and wherein the two portions of the packaging hold a portion of the article, for example a fabric panel, taut across the window so that the portion of the article may be embroidered by an embroidery machine while retained by portions of the packaging. The packaging may be in the form of a box during embroidery, or may be converted into the form of a box after embroidery.

Presented is an method and apparatus. An exemplary method includes securing a moveable support surface in a first position adjacent to a sewing head having a reciprocating needle, and moving the support surface to a second position to define a working window adjacent to the sewing head. The method further includes moving the sewing head within the working window relative to the support surface in the second position.

Presented is an method and apparatus. An exemplary method includes securing a moveable support surface in a first position adjacent to a sewing head having a reciprocating needle, and moving the support surface to a second position to define a working window adjacent to the sewing head. The method further includes moving the sewing head within the working window relative to the support surface in the second position.

Presented is an method and apparatus. An exemplary method includes securing a moveable support surface in a first position adjacent to a sewing head having a reciprocating needle, and moving the support surface to a second position to define a working window adjacent to the sewing head. The method further includes moving the sewing head within the working window relative to the support surface in the second position.

A cap frame includes a body member including an arc-shaped curved wall extending in a particular direction, a retaining member including a clamping portion made of elastic material and first and second engagement portions disposed at end portions of the clamping portion in the particular direction, and an attaching portion. In a state where the retaining member is attached to the body member, the retaining member holds a cap between the retaining member itself and the body member. The clamping portion is elastically deformed in conformance with the curved wall and presses the cap toward the curved wall. The body member includes third and fourth engagement portions engageable with the first and second engagement portions, respectively, and first and second guide portions that define movable directions of the first and second engagement portions as first and second guide directions, respectively, and their opposite directions.

A cap frame includes a body member including an arc-shaped curved wall extending in a particular direction, a retaining member including a clamping portion made of elastic material and first and second engagement portions disposed at end portions of the clamping portion in the particular direction, and an attaching portion. In a state where the retaining member is attached to the body member, the retaining member holds a cap between the retaining member itself and the body member. The clamping portion is elastically deformed in conformance with the curved wall and presses the cap toward the curved wall. The body member includes third and fourth engagement portions engageable with the first and second engagement portions, respectively, and first and second guide portions that define movable directions of the first and second engagement portions as first and second guide directions, respectively, and their opposite directions.

An embroidery frame includes a mounting portion to be mounted on a sewing machine and a frame portion. The frame portion has a first frame, a hinge portion, a second frame, a first clamping portion, and a second clamping portion. The first frame is connected to the mounting portion. The hinge portion is connected to one end of the first frame. The second frame is connected at one end to the hinge portion such that the second frame is able to rotate with respect to the first frame. The first clamping portion is configured to clamp the first sewing object together with the first frame while the second frame is open with respect to the first frame. The second clamping portion is configured to clamp the second sewing object together with the second frame while the second frame is open with respect to the first frame.