Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A hook drive mechanism for a sewing machine including a frame having a bed portion, a reciprocating needle mechanism, a hook mechanism disposed in said bed portion for cooperation with said needle mechanism for forming stitches, said hook drive mechanism comprising a hook support plate disposed in said bed portion and including a hook drive mechanism bearing means, a hook member having a hook body portion and shaft portion depending therefrom, said shaft portion being freely supported by said bearing means, a hook drive member freely supported by said bearing means, means for initiating rotation of said drive member, interdigitation means on said hook member and said hook drive member freely shiftable into and out of drivingly interconnecting said drive member with said hook member, said hook member and said drive member being freely removable from said bearing means and from each other.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A hook drive mechanism for a sewing machine including a frame having a bed portion, a reciprocating needle mechanism, a hook mechanism disposed in said bed portion for cooperation with said needle mechanism for forming stitches, said hook drive mechanism comprising a hook support plate disposed in said bed portion and including a hook drive mechanism bearing means, a hook member having a hook body portion and shaft portion depending therefrom, said shaft portion being freely supported by said bearing means, a hook drive member freely supported by said bearing means, means for initiating rotation of said drive member, interdigitation means on said hook member and said hook drive member freely shiftable into and out of drivingly interconnecting said drive member with said hook member, said hook member and said drive member being freely removable from said bearing means and from each other.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
A hook drive mechanism as recited in claim 1 further comprising restraining means for maintaining said hook member and said drive member in driving engagement in one position thereof and for permitting disengagement of said hook member from said drive member in a second position thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
A hook drive mechanism as recited in claim 2 wherein said hook member includes a cup-shaped body portion, a stationary bobbin case disposed in said cup-shaped portion, and said restraining means including means for preventing rotation of said bobbin case when in said one position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A hook drive mechanism as recited in claim 3 wherein said restraining means comprises a pivotal restraining member and latch means for latching said restraining member in said one position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
68 words
A hook drive mechanism as recited in claim 3 further comprising a hook drive mechanism cover plate, said cover plate being disposed in overlying relationship with said bobbin case and said hook member, said pivotal restraining member being pivotally secured to said cover plate, and said cover plate including an aperture therein for permitting removal of said bobbin case when said restraining member is in said second position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
A hook drive mechanism as recited in claim 1 wherein said hook support plate is supported for movement relative to said bed portion such that said hook support plate with said hook member is adjustable relative to said needle mechanism.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
A hook drive mechanism as recited in claim 6 wherein said drive member includes a driving sprocket fixed thereto, and a timing belt interconnecting said driving sprocket and a machine drive means for initiating rotation of said drive member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
53 words
A hook drive mechanism as recited in claim 7 further comprising timing belt tension means including a rotatable idler pulley for engaging one side of said timing belt for exerting tension thereon, an idler pulley support plate for supporting said idler pulley and being secured to said hook support plate and adjustable therewith.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
A hook drive mechanism as recited in claim 8 wherein said idler pulley support plate is adjustably secured to said hook support plate for varying the tension on said timing belt.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
A hook drive mechanism as recited in claim 1 wherein said interdigitation means comprises a dog member disposed on said drive member, and a slot disposed in said hook member for receiving said dog member in driving relationship therewith.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
64 words
A hook drive mechanism as recited in claim 1 wherein said hook drive mechanism bearing means comprises an upstanding bushing containing a bore fixedly attached to said hook support plate, said upstanding bushing being adapted for rotatably receiving and supporting said drive member and said shaft portion of said hook member, said drive member and said hook member being freely removable from said bushing.