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Title:
APPARATUS FOR CUTTING A MATERIAL
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2014/132214
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
Described is an apparatus (10) for cutting a material (11), especially in the form of fabric or the like, which is cut according to a respective cutting layout or configuration (11a), comprising means (12) for loading the material, means (14) for cutting the material at a respective cutting zone, defined in particular by a work top (14a) for supporting the material, and means (16) for expelling, or unloading, the material from the cutting zone (14a), and processing means (9) for controlling the apparatus. More specifically, the apparatus comprises a zone which is designed to allow inspecting the material, and which is defined by a corresponding work top (18a) for supporting the material, especially in the form of a belt for feeding the material, preferably located upstream of the cutting zone (14a).

Inventors:
PAOLUZI MARIO (IT)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2014/059295
Publication Date:
September 04, 2014
Filing Date:
February 27, 2014
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
BIERREBI ITALIA S R L (IT)
International Classes:
B26D7/00
Foreign References:
EP1233851A12002-08-28
EP2036684A22009-03-18
EP1358118A12003-11-05
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
FANZINI, Valeriano (Via di Corticella 87, Bologna, IT)
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Claims:
CLAIMS

1. An apparatus (10) for cutting a material (1 1), in particular in tape- or band-like form, especially in the form of a fabric or the like, the material being cut according to a respective cutting layout (11a), in particular defining respective portions, or pieces, (1 1b) especially of clothing, such as garments, apparel, or the like; the apparatus comprising means (14) for cutting the material at a respective cutting zone; the apparatus being characterized in that it comprises a zone designed to allow inspecting the material, defined in particular by a corresponding work top (18a) for supporting the material, especially in the form of a belt for feeding the material, preferably located upstream of the cutting zone (14a).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , characterized in that the material inspection zone (18a) lies between a material loading zone (12) and the zone (14a) for cutting the material.

3. The apparatus according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the inspection zone (18a) there are means for checking the material, in particular a reference configuration or image thereof, in particular through the agency of video camera means which are in communication with the control means of the apparatus.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the inspection zone (18a), the material (11) is checked for alignment and correct positioning of the cutting layout relative to the material and/or is checked for the presence of defects, in the material, in particular in order to exclude a defective zone of the material from the cutting layout.

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim , characterized in that it comprises means (12) for loading the material.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the material loading means comprise material unwinding means (12) comprising drawer-in means (12a) which are designed to insert the material into corresponding material laying-out means.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the means (12) for loading the material to be cut, in particular the drawing-in means (12a), are controlled by the control means (9) of the apparatus. 8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the means (12) for loading the material to be cut, in particular the drawing-in means (12a), are driven by the control means (9) of the apparatus, either on command from the operator, or automatically, based on a predetermined production plan.

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means for ironing the material (11).

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the means for ironing the material (11) are at a zone (18a) upstream of the cutting zone (14a), that is, between the loading means and the cutting zone (14a).

11. The apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the ironing means comprise a press for ironing the material on a respective work top (18a).

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11 , characterized in that the ironing means are controlled by the control means (9) of the apparatus.

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the cutting layout is imported into the control means (9) or is suitably generated directly by these.

14. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the cutting layout (1 ) is generated by the control means as a function of the inspection performed by the inspecting means (18).

15. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material cutting means (14) operate at a respective cutting zone, which is defined by a work top (14a) for supporting the material.

16. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material cutting means (14) are controlled by the control means (9) of the apparatus.

17. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material cutting means (14) are driven, in particular through the agency of the control means (9) of the apparatus, on command from the operator or based on a predetermined cutting layout.

18. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means (20) for retrieving the material to be cut, preferably in cylinders or rolls, from a respective housing (20a), in particular in a warehouse (20). 19. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the means (20) for retrieving the material to be cut are designed to deliver the material to the loading means, in particular to the material unwinding means (12).

20. The apparatus according to claim 8 or 19, characterized in that the means (20) for retrieving the material to be cut are controlled by the control means (9) of the apparatus.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the means (20) for retrieving the material to be cut are driven, in particular through the agency of the control means (9) of the apparatus, on command from the operator or based on a predetermined retrieval list.

22. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means (16) for expelling, or unloading, the material from the cutting zone (14a).

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the means (16) for expelling the cut material from the cutting zone (14a) are controlled by the control means (9) of the apparatus.

24. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means (22) for stacking the portions or pieces of material (1 1 b).

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that the means (22) for stacking the pieces of material (1 1 b) are controlled by the control means (9) of the apparatus.

26. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means (24) for picking and/or transferring the cut pieces (1 1 b), that is, the cut and stacked cut pieces, onto a respective sorting table (24b).

27. The apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that the means (24) for picking and/or transferring the cut pieces (1 1 b) onto a respective sorting table (24b) are designed to place the pieces or portions (1 1 b) according to a respective predetermined placement layout (13).

28. The apparatus according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the placement layout (13) is imported into the control means (9) or is suitably generated directly by these.

29. The apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the means (24) for picking or transferring the cut pieces (1 1 b) are driven by the control means (9) of the apparatus.

30. The apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that the means (24) for picking or transferring the cut pieces (1 1 b) are driven, in particular through the agency of the control means (9) of the apparatus, based on a predetermined placement layout (13).

31 . The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means for packaging the cut pieces or portions, in particular for wrapping them in plastic film.

32. The apparatus according to claim 31 , characterized in that the means for packaging the cut pieces or portions are controlled by the control means (9) of the apparatus.

33. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means for applying identification labels, in particular to the cut and/or packaged pieces.

34. The apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that the means for applying identification labels, in particular to the cut and/or packaged pieces, are controlled by the control means (9) of the apparatus. 35. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means (40) for marking lines, in particular defining corresponding shaped profiles of respective pieces and/or alphanumeric writing or the like for identifying respective pieces, in particular pieces of corresponding garments; the marking being preferably performed on corresponding material, in particular on a supporting sheet, especially made of paper- based material, preferably in the form of a sheet of paper.

36. The apparatus according to claim 35, characterized in that the marking means (30) are in the form of means for writing with corresponding ink.

37. The apparatus according to claim 35 or 36, characterized in that the marking means (30) are movable together with the cutting means (14), in particular movable together with the cutting unit (140).

38. The apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 37, characterized in that the marking means (30) are supported on cutting means (14), in particular on the support (142) of the cutting means (141), that is, on the cutting unit (140).

39. The apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 38, characterized in that the marking means (30) are positioned laterally, or alongside, to the cutting unit (140), that is, alongside the cutting means (141).

40. The apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 39, characterized in that the marking means (30) are movable for making the lines and/or the alphanumeric writing, or symbols, to be marked, together with the cutting means (14), in particular under conditions for not cutting the material.

41. The apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 40, characterized in that the marking means (30) have a marking, or writing, unit (31 ), which is designed to engage the material on which the lines for defining the shaped profiles and/or the identification alphanumeric writing, or the like, are to be made.

42. The apparatus according to claim 41 , characterized in that the marking, or writing, unit (31 ) is in the form of a pen having a respective writing tip (32) and, if necessary, an ink cartridge (33).

43. The apparatus according to claim 41 or 42, characterized in that the marking, or writing, unit (31), in particular the respective writing tip (32), is aligned, or substantially aligned, in particular transversely, with the respective cutting element, in particular with the respective cutting blade, aligned especially with the end of this which is designed to engage the material.

44. The apparatus according to any one of claims 41 to 43, characterized in that the marking, or writing, unit (31 ) is movable between a raised, rest position and a lowered, working position.

45. The apparatus according to any one of claims 41 to 44, characterized in that the marking, or writing, unit (31) is supported on an element (302) which is movable, in particular vertically, between a raised, rest position and a lowered, working position.

46. The apparatus according to any one of claims 41 to 45, characterized in that, when the marking, or writing, means (30) are made operational, the cutting unit is positioned above the working tip of the writing unit (31 ).

47. The apparatus according to any one of claims 41 to 46, characterized in that it comprises drive means, in particular in the form of a corresponding motor, which are designed to move the marking, or writing, unit (31), in particular the mobile element supporting the marking unit (31), between the raised, rest position and the lowered, working position.

48. The apparatus according to any one of claims 41 to 47, characterized in that the marking, or writing, unit (31) is mobile, in particular vertically, between a raised, rest position and a lowered, working position, together with the cutting means (141), that is, upon activation of the same means of actuating the movement, in particular vertical, of the cutting means (141).

49. The apparatus according to any of claims 41 to 48, characterized in that the mobile element (302), supporting the cutting unit (31), has means (305), which can be activated and deactivated, for coupling with the mobile stage (144) supporting the cutting means (141).

50. The apparatus according to claim 49, characterized in that the coupling means which can be activated and deactivated comprise a respective pin (105), which is designed to engage a corresponding surface of the mobile stage (144) supporting the cutting means (141), and which can be actuated, in particular in an extended position, for coupling with the mobile stage (144) of the cutting means (141) using a corresponding actuator (306), in particular in the form of a respective pneumatic cylinder, and in a position, in particular retracted, for disengagement of this mobile stage (144).

51. The apparatus according to any one of claims 41 to 50, characterized in that the marking, or writing, unit (31) or the mobile element (302) supporting the marking, or writing, unit (31), is normally pushed into the raised, rest position by corresponding elastic means (307).

52. The apparatus according to any one of claims 45 to 51 , characterized in that the mobile element (302) supporting the marking, or writing, unit (31), is slidable on respective guide means, in particular in the form of a first and a second guide (304, 304), which are integral with the fixed element (303).

53. The apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 52, characterized in that there are means (40) for activating and deactivating the marking or writing by the marking, or writing, unit (31 ).

54. The apparatus according to claim 53, characterized in that the means (40) for activating and deactivating the marking or writing are designed to move the marking, or writing, unit (31 ) between a position of contact and marking on the material to be marked and a position of detachment from the material to be marked.

55. The apparatus according to claim 54, characterized in that the means designed to move the marking, or writing, unit (31) between a position of contact and marking on the material to be marked and a position of detachment from the material to be marked comprise a respective actuator (41 ), in particular in the form of a corresponding electromagnet.

56. The apparatus according to claim 55, characterized in that the actuator (41 ) is designed to push the marking, or writing, unit (31 ) to a position of contact and marking on the material to be marked.

57. The apparatus according to any one of claims 54 to 56, characterized in that the marking, or writing, unit (31 ) is normally pushed to the position of detachment from the material to be marked by corresponding elastic means (413).

58. The apparatus according to any of claims 54 to 57, characterized in that it comprises elastic means (413) acting on the stem (412) of the actuator (41 ) which is normally pushed elastically to the lowered, or extended, position.

59. The apparatus according to any one of claims 54 to 58, characterized in that the marking, or writing, unit (31 ) is carried by a support (42) movable relative to the mobile element supporting the marking, or writing, unit 31 .

60. The apparatus according to any one of claims 54 to 59, characterized in that the marking, or writing, unit (31) is supported on an arm, in particular at the end of this, with means operating on the arm designed to move the marking, or writing, unit (31), and in particular the actuator (41) being engaged on the arm.

61. The apparatus according to any one of claims 41 to 60, characterized in that the marking, or writing, unit (31) is supported on a pivoted arm (42), in particular at a respective end (421), and on which part (422), opposite that supporting the marking, or writing, unit (31), the actuator (41) operates.

62. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means for feeding a corresponding material on which to mark lines, preferably defining respective shaped profiles and/or alphanumeric writing, or the like, defining corresponding pieces of garments, in particular the material to be marked being paper-based material, preferably in the form of a sheet of paper; in particular, the means for feeding the material to be marked comprise support means for a respective reel of the supporting sheet or paper sheet.

63. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means (50) for making reference points on a respective material, in particular on the material to be cut.

64. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises ultrasound means (50) operating on a respective material, in particular on the material to be cut.

65. The apparatus according to claim 63 or 64, characterized in that the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means (50) comprise respective holes, in particular in the form of small sized holes, in the material to be processed.

66. The apparatus according to any one of claims 63 to 65, characterized in that the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means (50) are movable together with the cutting means (14), in particular they are movable together with the cutting unit (140).

67. The apparatus according to any one of claims 63 to 66, characterized in that the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means (50) are supported on the cutting means, in particular on the support (142) of the cutting means (141), that is, on the cutting unit (140).

68. The apparatus according to any one of claims 63 to 67, characterized in that the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means are positioned laterally, or alongside, to the cutting unit (140), that is, alongside the cutting means (141).

69. The apparatus according to any one of claims 63 to 68, characterized in that the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means (50) are positioned relative to the cutting unit (140), on the side opposite the marking, or writing, means (30).

70. The apparatus according to any one of claims 63 to 69, characterized in that the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means (50) are movable together with the cutting means (14), in particular under conditions for not cutting the material.

71. The apparatus according to any one of claims 63 to 70, characterized in that the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means (50) comprise a respective working element (51), in particular having a respective end (5 1) for engaging the material to be processed.

72. The apparatus according to any one of claims 63 to 71 , characterized in that the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means (50) comprise a respective sonotrode working element (51), in particular having a respective end (511) for processing the material to be processed.

73. The apparatus according to any one of claims 71 to 72, characterized in that the working element (51 ) of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means (50), in particular the respective end (51 1 ) of these, is aligned, or substantially aligned, in particular transversely, with the respective cutting element, in particular with the respective cutting blade, aligned especially with the end of this which is designed to engage the material.

74. The apparatus according to any one of claims 71 to 73, characterized in that the working element (51 ) of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means (50) is movable between a raised, rest position and a lowered, working position, in particular of engagement and preparation of the reference point, or hole, in the material.

75. The apparatus according to any one of claims 71 to 74, characterized in that the working element (51 ) of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means (50) is supported on a mobile element (502), in particular vertically, between a raised, rest position and a lowered position for working and engagement of the material to be processed.

76. The apparatus according to claim 75, characterized in that the working element (51 ) of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means (50) in a raised, rest position and/or in the lowered, working position is positioned, in particular with the relative lower end, below the lower end of the cutting unit.

77. The apparatus according to any one of claims 71 to 76, characterized in that, when the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means (50) are rendered operational, the cutting unit is positioned above the working element (51 ).

78. The apparatus according to any one of claims 71 to 77, characterized in that it comprises drive means, in particular in the form of a corresponding motor, which are designed to move the working element (51 ) of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means (50), in particular the mobile element (502) supporting this, between the raised, rest position and the lowered, working position.

79. The apparatus according to any one of claims 71 to 78, characterized in that the working element (51) of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means (50) is movable, in particular vertically, between a raised, rest position and a lowered, working position, together with the cutting means (141), that is, upon activation of the same means of actuating the movement, in particular vertical, of the cutting means (141).

80. The apparatus according to any of claims 71 to 79, characterized in that the mobile element (502), supporting the working element (51), of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means (50), has means (505), which can be activated and deactivated, for coupling with the mobile stage (144) supporting the cutting means (141).

81. The apparatus according to claim 80, characterized in that the coupling means which can be activated and deactivated comprise a respective pin (505), which is designed to engage a corresponding surface of the mobile stage (144) supporting the cutting means (141), and which can be actuated, in particular in an extended position, for coupling with the mobile stage (144) of the cutting means (141) using a corresponding actuator (506), in particular in the form of a respective pneumatic cylinder, and which can be actuated in a position, in particular retracted, for disengagement of this mobile stage.

82. The apparatus according to any one of claims 71 to 81 , characterized in that the working element (51), of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means (50), or the mobile element (502) supporting this, is normally pushed into the raised, rest position by corresponding elastic means (507).

83. The apparatus according to any of claims 75 to 82, characterized in that the mobile element (502), supporting the working element (51), of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means (50), is slidable on respective guide means, in particular in the form of a first and a second guide (504, 504), which are integral with the fixed element (503).

84. A method for making reference points on a respective material, in particular on the material to be cut, especially in the form of fabric or the like, preferably the material being designed to define respective portions, or pieces, (11b) of clothing, such as garments, apparel, or the like; characterized in that ultrasounds are used to make the reference points.

85. An apparatus and method characterized in that they are according to any of the corresponding preceding claims and/or as described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Description:
DESCRIPTION

APPARATUS FOR CUTTING A MATERIAL.

Technical field

This invention relates to an apparatus for cutting a material.

More specifically, this invention relates to an apparatus for cutting a material in a tape- or band-like form, and especially for cutting a fabric or the like.

The material is preferably cut according to a respective cutting layout or configuration, in particular defining respective portions, or pieces, especially of clothing, such as garments, apparel, or the like.

Background art

There are prior art apparatuses for cutting a material, in particular in the form of a fabric, which is cut according to a respective cutting layout, for making corresponding pieces of clothing.

The prior art apparatuses comprise the loading of the material, at a respective cutting zone, where the means for cutting the material operate, defined in particular by a corresponding work top for supporting the material, which is then expelled, or unloaded, from the cutting zone, as well as processing means for controlling the apparatus.

However, a plurality of problems occur in these prior art apparatuses, during the various work phases, resulting in excessive management costs and/or the production of defective pieces which must be reduced in price or rejected.

With the use of the prior art machines, a considerable number of operators are required to perform the various operations for controlling and inserting the material to be cut, for defining the cutting layout and, above all, for picking and packaging the pieces of material already cut.

Another problem present, especially in the textile sector, concerns the activities for making paper patterns, or for printing cutting layouts of the pieces of garments on corresponding sheets of paper-based material. In effect, currently, to make paper patterns or layouts, and, in particular, to make corresponding samples of garments, the paper pattern, or layout, is firstly drawn on a special sheet of paper-based material using a corresponding printer or plotter. The sheet is positioned, manually, by the personnel on the material to be cut and cut together with this in a corresponding cutting machine.

These operations are, therefore, cumbersome and wasteful in terms of time and costs for the use of corresponding personnel, in particular for transferring and positioning the sheet of paper-based material on the material to be cut.

Another problem concerns the making of reference points on the material, in particular fabric, from which corresponding pieces for garments are made.

In effect, currently, the reference points are defined by corresponding holes provided in the material, which, however, are not made in a particularly easy manner by the personnel and can be, in any case, not particularly pleasant from the point of view of appearance in the garment incorporating the holes.

Whatever the case, in the field of cutting machines, in particular for making corresponding pieces for garments or clothing, the trade feels the need for cutting apparatuses which are able to perform a plurality of operations, in an automated fashion and/or which are advantageous from an economic viewpoint, especially which avoid the use of an excessive number of components.

Whatever the case, in the field of cutting machines, in particular for making corresponding pieces for garments or clothing, the trade feels the need for cutting apparatuses which allow the personnel to operate in a particularly easy fashion and/or allow advantageous savings to be made in terms of personnel.

Further, in the field of cutting machines, in particular for making corresponding pieces for garments or clothing, the trade feels the need for cutting apparatuses which are easy to prepare, or set up, according to respective configurations of use to be able to satisfy every specific need of the respective user of the apparatus, and without requiring excessive production costs.

Summary of the invention

This invention therefore proposes a new solution as an alternative to the solutions known up to now and, more specifically, proposes to overcome one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks and/or problems and/or to meet one or more of the needs felt in the trade or inferable from the above.

It is accordingly provided an apparatus for cutting a material, in particular in tape- or band-like form, especially in the form of a fabric or the like, the material being cut according to a respective cutting layout, in particular defining respective portions, or pieces, especially of clothing, such as garments, apparel, or the like; the apparatus comprising means for cutting the material at a respective cutting zone; the apparatus being characterized in that it comprises a zone designed to allow inspecting the material, defined in particular by a corresponding work top for supporting the material, especially in the form of a belt for feeding the material, preferably located upstream of the cutting zone.

In this way, it is possible to avoid making products, that is, clothing, that are defective and which must be reduced on price or eliminated, with serious financial losses for the manufacturing firms.

In this way, the use of personnel for inspecting the product is also avoided. According to another advantageous aspect, there is also an apparatus for cutting a material, in particular in tape- or band-like form, especially in the form of a fabric or the like, the material being cut according to a respective cutting layout, in particular defining respective portions, or pieces, especially of clothing, such as garments, apparel, or the like; the apparatus being characterized in that it comprises means for the marking of lines, in particular defining corresponding shaped profiles of respective pieces and/or alphanumeric writing or the like for identifying respective pieces, in particular pieces of corresponding garments; the marking being preferably performed on a corresponding material, in particular on a supporting sheet, especially made of paper-based material, preferably in the form of a sheet of paper.

In this way, it is possible to make, in a particularly fast and easy fashion, paper patterns or cutting layouts directly on the cutting machine, without requiring the use of further and additional apparatuses.

According to a further advantageous aspect, there is also an apparatus for cutting a material, in particular in tape- or band-like form, especially in the form of a fabric or the like, the material being cut according to a respective cutting layout, in particular defining respective portions, or pieces, especially of clothing, such as garments, apparel, or the like; the apparatus being characterized in that it comprises means for making reference points on a respective material, in particular on the material to be cut.

In this way, it is possible to make directly on the cutting apparatus, in an automated and particularly easy fashion, the reference points on the respective material, in particular on the material to be cut.

According to a further advantageous aspect, there is also an apparatus for cutting a material, in particular in tape- or band-like form, especially in the form of a fabric or the like, the material being cut according to a respective cutting layout, in particular defining respective portions, or pieces, especially of clothing, such as garments, apparel, or the like; the apparatus being characterized in that it comprises ultrasound means operating on a respective material, in particular on the material to be cut. In this way, it is possible to operate very easily on the material, in particular on the material to be cut, preferably for making reference points on the material. Brief description of the drawings

These and other innovative aspects are set out in the appended claims and its technical features and advantages are apparent from the detailed description which follows of a preferred, advantageous embodiment of it, which must be considered purely as a non-limiting example, the description being made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic view of a system having a plurality of lines using the apparatus according to this invention;

- Figure 2 is a block diagram of the various means or devices of this preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

- Figure 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view, relative to a preferred embodiment of the cutting unit or head, which is equipped with corresponding marking means and means for making reference points and/or ultrasound means;

- Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the cutting head;

- Figure 5 is a perspective view of a detail relative to the mobile element of the preferred embodiment of the marking means;

- Figure 6 is a side view of a detail relative to the mobile element of the preferred embodiment of the marking means, with the latter in the condition of non-execution of the marking;

- Figures 7A to 7D show corresponding views, respectively front and side (Figure 7C), illustrating the various operational positions of the marking means;

- Figure 8 is a perspective view of a detail relative to the mobile element of the preferred embodiment of means for making reference points or ultrasound means;

- Figure 9 is a perspective view of a detail relative to the mobile element of the preferred embodiment of means for making reference points or ultrasound means;

- Figures 10A to 10C show corresponding front views illustrating the various operational positions of the means for making reference points or ultrasound means.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of apparatus 10 for cutting a material 11 , in particular in tape- or band-like form, and especially in the form of a respective fabric or the like, the material being cut according to a respective cutting layout or configuration 1a, in particular defining respective portions, or pieces, 1 b, especially in the form of portions or pieces of clothing, such as garments, apparel, or the like.

As illustrated, the apparatus 10 comprises means 12 for loading the material, means 14 for cutting the material, at a respective cutting zone, defined in particular by a corresponding work top 14a for supporting the material, and means for expelling, or unloading, the material from the cutting zone 14a.

More specifically, the expelling means can be embodied by a comb unit for simultaneously picking all the cut pieces, at the zone 14a for cutting the fabric, which are carried to a zone downstream corresponding to the zone for stacking the cut material.

The means for cutting the fabric are in the form of a corresponding cutting unit controlled by control means of the machine, in particular and advantageously in the form of a cutting unit having respective circular blade means for cutting the material on a work top made of glass, as illustrated for example in European patents EP 1233851 and EP 2036684 in the name of the same applicant, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The expelling means can also be made as described in the European patent EP 1233851 , the contents of which with regards the expelling means are also incorporated herein by reference. The apparatus comprises respective processing means 9, in the form of electronic processing means, operating under the control of a respective program, or a plurality of programs, in particular housed in the memory of the same processing means.

The processing means 9 control the apparatus, more specifically the various means or devices of the same apparatus.

The control processing means 9 can be defined by a single processing unit, or processor, having a respective CPU, mass storage unit and RAM, the input and output means, communicating with the respective display and with a console or keyboard, or the like, for entering data, that is, with corresponding peripheral devices, in particular with the devices, or means, or sensor/detectors, of the apparatus.

It must, however, be understood that there might be, instead of a single processor, or processing unit, a plurality of processors, or processing units, for example as just described above, to define overall the control means of this apparatus.

Advantageously, the apparatus is equipped with a working zone 18a, defined in particular by a corresponding work top for supporting the material, especially in the form of a belt for feeding the material, the zone being, in particular, designed to allow inspecting the material.

The working or inspection zone 18a is situated preferably upstream of the cutting zone 14a and, in particular, it is situated immediately upstream of the same cutting zone 14a, especially being situated between the loading zone 12 and the cutting zone 14a.

More specifically, although not specifically illustrated in the accompanying drawings, at the inspection zone 18a there are means for checking the material, in particular for checking a configuration or image of the material, in particular in the form of respective video camera means, which are advantageously in communication with the control means 9 of the apparatus.

More specifically, the configuration, or the image, of the portion of extended material may be inspected at the work top 18a, that is, simply inspecting a reference mark, or a detail, for example a line of different colour or material, which is present in the extended portion of material. Following inspection of the material, the control system can, if necessary, perform certain adjustment operations, for example suitably positioning the cutting layout relative to the portion of material which has been inspected. As illustrated, the cutting layout comprises a plurality of lines, or sections defining pieces, or portions, 11b of material and which define the transversal, longitudinal trajectories, or a combination of these, which the cutting means must follow, that is, more specifically, which the respective circular cutting blade of the material must follow.

It is therefore possible, after inspecting the material to be cut, to suitably modify the positioning of the cutting layout 11 with respect to the web, or band, of material, for example conveniently arranging the cutting layout in an opportune transversal position relative to the web, or band, of material to be cut, that is, relative to the lateral edges of this.

It is also possible to conveniently exclude from the cutting layout of the zones particular zones of the material in which, for example, the presence of a respective defect has been detected.

Preferably, however, at the inspection zone 18a, the longitudinal alignment of the material 11 is inspected, for the purpose of a correct positioning of the cutting layout on the same material to be cut.

Moreover, the presence of defects in the material is checked, and any defective zone of the material can thus be excluded from the cutting.

In this latter case, for example, once a defect has been found in the tapelike fabric, one could simply exclude a transversal strip of the material, which includes the defect, from the cutting layout.

The material inspection means are suitably controlled by the control means of the apparatus.

Advantageously, the cutting layout 11 is imported into the control means 9 of the apparatus. For example, the cutting layout could be prepared by the client which cuts the material.

Otherwise, the cutting layout could be generated directly by the control means 9 of the apparatus.

More specifically, the cutting layout could be generated as a function of the result of the checking of the material by the inspecting means 18.

More specifically, the material loading means comprise material unwinding means 12 comprising drawer-in means, not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, the drawer-in means being designed to insert the material into corresponding material laying-out means 12a, especially comprising material unwinding rollers.

The material loading means are controlled by the control means 9 of the apparatus, as shown in Figure .

Although not specifically illustrated in the accompanying drawings, another embodiment could provide means for ironing the material 1 1 , in particular at the zone 18a upstream of the cutting zone 14a, that is, between the loading means 12 and the cutting means 14a.

More specifically, the ironing means could comprise a heated compression press, which engages, and irons, the material positioned on the intermediate work top 18a.

The material ironing means are, therefore, also controlled by the control means 9 of the apparatus.

Advantageously, the apparatus also comprises, upstream of the loading means, means 20 for retrieving the material to be cut, preferably in the form of cylinders or rolls 111 , from a respective housing 20a, in particular from a warehouse 20b, the retrieving means 20 being designed to deliver the material 1 1 to the loading means 12.

As illustrated, advantageously, the picking and supplying means 20 comprise a respective mobile robot unit on corresponding guide means, which is preferably able to supply a plurality of cutting apparatuses 10 and is able to pick up and supply the requested material under the control of the control means 9 of the apparatus.

More specifically, the robotized means for picking and supplying the material to the respective cutting machine could be made as described in European patent EP 1358118 in the name of the same applicant, the contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference.

The apparatus also comprises means 22 for stacking the portions, or pieces, of material 11b, preferably in the form of a respective mobile surface, in particular shaped in the form of a roller 22', which allows the transfer, in particular the falling, of the material from the cutting zone 14 to a stacking zone 22a below.

More specifically, the stacking, or roller, means, 22 are movable between a position supporting the cut product to a position of falling of the cut product onto a supporting surface 22a below.

The stacking and supporting surface 22a is in turn transversely movable between a position for receiving the cut pieces, which is situated vertically below the roller surface 22' and an extended position located laterally to the roller surface 22'.

Whatever the case, preferably, the stacking means could be made as described in European patent EP 1233851 in the name of the same applicant, the contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference. It must, however, be understood that the stacking means could be made in any other suitable manner.

There are means for picking, or transferring, the cut pieces, that is, the cut and stacked pieces, onto a respective sorting table not illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The picking and transferring means could be in the form of a respective picker, and are not illustrated in detail in Figure 1. Advantageously, the means for picking and/or transferring the cut pieces onto a respective sorting table are designed to place the pieces or portions 1 b according to a respective predetermined placement layout, labelled 13 in Figure !

In this way, it is possible to make desired unloading configurations, in particular suitable to facilitate the processing of the product in the subsequent steps for making an item of clothing or other desired product. The unloading layout or configuration 13 can be imported into the control system 9 of the apparatus, that is, it can be generated directly and conveniently by the same control system 9.

The means for picking and inserting the cut pieces are schematically indicated and marked with the numeral 24 in Figure 2.

Although not specifically illustrated in Figure 1 , this apparatus can also comprise means of packaging stacks of pieces, or portions, that is, cut pieces arranged according to the unloading configuration 13 on the sorting table, preferably in stacked condition.

More specifically, the packaging means would wrap the pieces in a respective plastic film.

The packaging means are schematically indicated and marked with the numeral 26 in Figure 2.

This apparatus, as shown schematically in Figure 2, can also comprise means 28 for applying identification labels on the stack of pieces, in particular on the stack of packaged pieces, in such a way as to facilitate the subsequent steps of using the same stack of portions or pieces.

Downstream of the apparatus 12 there can be, not illustrated in Figure 1, means for placing the products on pallets.

More specifically, as is clear in Figure 2, the means 20 for retrieving the material to be cut are driven, in particular through the agency of the control means 9 of the apparatus, on direct command from the operator, or automatically, based on a predetermined retrieval list.

The means 12 for loading the material to be cut, in particular the drawing- in means 12a, are driven in particular by the control means 9 of the apparatus, either on command from the operator, or automatically, based on a predetermined production plan.

The means 14 for cutting the material are controlled by the control means 9 of the apparatus, in particular there can be a plurality of cutting units 14 controlled simultaneously by the control apparatus 9.

More specifically, the cutting means 14 can be controlled, in particular by the control means 9 of the apparatus, either on command from the operator or automatically based on the predetermined cutting layout 11a. In turn, the means 16 for expelling the cut material from the cutting zone 14a are also controlled by the control means 9 of the apparatus.

In turn, the means 22 for stacking the portions or pieces of material 1b are also controlled by the control means 9 of the apparatus.

In turn, the means for packaging the cut pieces or portions are also controlled by the control means 9 of the apparatus.

In turn, the means for applying identification labels, in particular to the cut pieces, especially stacked and/or packaged, are also controlled by the control means 9 of the apparatus.

The means 24 for picking and transferring the cut pieces 11b, in particular onto a respective sorting table, are, in turn, controlled by the control means 9 of the apparatus, in particular, automatically, on the basis of the unloading layout 13.

In this way, a cutting apparatus or line is, advantageously, obtained, which is able to perform operations, from the infeed of the material or fabric to the collection of cut pieces or garments, in an automatic fashion.

Other embodiments of apparatus comprising one or more of the units or means referred to above can also be envisaged, in particular with the aim of satisfying specific requests and needs of the user companies.

This apparatus allows a cutting layout 1 1 a to be made, wherein the pieces 1 b at the respective ends of the layout define corresponding protrusions and recesses, which match the recesses and protrusions at the corresponding end of the previous and successive layouts.

In this way, all the tape-like material which is available can be used in an advantageous fashion, thus generating a minimum quantity of waste.

More specifically, the cutting means 14 which are used on this apparatus have, preferably, as illustrated in Figure 3, a respective cutting unit, or head 140, the cutting unit comprising means 141 for engaging and cutting the material, and which are preferably defined by one or more blades, preferably a first and a second blade, more specifically circular, for cutting the material to be cut, and which define a respective lower end for engaging and cutting the material.

In the cutting unit, or head, 140, the cutting means, or the respective cutting unit 141 are supported by a corresponding support 142, which is movable transversely, in particular on a respective transversal beam, not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings.

The cutting unit which comprises the cutting unit, or head, 140 supporting the cutting means, or corresponding cutting unit, 141 , also comprises corresponding first and second rollers for engaging and rolling on the underlying material to be cut, in turn supported on the cutting surface, the rolling rollers of the cutting means being longitudinally spaced apart from each other, to allow the material to be cut to be reached by the cutting means, or unit, 141 , and they are movable longitudinally, forwards and backwards, for moving the cutting means 141 , in combination with the transversal drive, or movement, of the cutting unit 140, according to respective predetermined cutting paths, that is, according to the planned cutting layout, under the control of electronic means, or computerised means, for controlling the apparatus.

More specifically, as indicated above, the cutting means could be made as described in European patent EP 2036684 in the name of the same applicant, the contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference. More specifically, the cutting means 141 , or the respective cutting blade, are movable vertically, being supported by a corresponding stage 144, which is movable vertically relative to the supporting reinforcement 142 of the cutting unit, which is, in turn, connected transversely in a slidable fashion relative to the transversal supporting beam.

The stage 144 of the cutting unit is movable, in particular vertically, upon the operation of a respective drive, in particular defined by a respective electric motor or brushless motor, which moves, in particular vertically, the mobile stage 144, which, in particular, supports the respective cutting blade in a rotatable fashion relative to a corresponding horizontal axis. As described above, with reference to Figure 3, advantageously, this apparatus comprises means 30, which are designed to mark lines on a corresponding material.

The marked lines, in particular, are designed to design corresponding shaped profiles of respective pieces and/or alphanumeric writing, or similar symbols, for identifying the pieces, in particular pieces of corresponding garments.

More specifically, the marking of the lines is performed on a corresponding supporting sheet, in particular made of paper-based material, preferably in the form of a sheet of paper.

In this way, it is possible to make, directly on the cutting apparatus, the paper pattern or the drawing of the layout of the pieces of the garment, and having any alphanumeric writing, or corresponding symbols, for identifying the respective piece, on a corresponding material, or on a sheet of paper-based material. The material or sheet to be marked can be advantageously already positioned above the material to be marked and, therefore, the pieces of fabric or the like can be cut, with the relative paper pattern, or with the corresponding portion of the layout made of paper- based material which has the shape of the corresponding piece of fabric, or the like, and any writing for identifying the piece. This is all with a view to a facilitated use of the piece of fabric, or the like, for making a respective garment, in particular for making a sample to submit to any customers which make the garments.

In this way, it is possible to make, in a particularly fast and easy fashion, pieces for samples or patterns of garments directly on the cutting machine, without requiring the use of further and additional apparatuses, in particular for printing the layout of the garment on paper and without requiring additional operations for transferring from the printing machine to the machine for cutting the paper-based layout of the garment and for the relative positioning of the sheet of paper-based material.

Currently, according to the prior art, it is in effect necessary, in order to perform this operation, to firstly make the paper pattern or cutting layout on a sheet of paper using respective printers or a plotter. The paper pattern or cutting layout printed on a sheet of paper-based material must then be transferred onto the material, or fabric, to be cut and the cutting operation then performed, automatically, if the material to be cut is positioned on the cutting machine of the same material, or the material cut in a totally manual fashion if the cutting machine is not used.

Preferably, the marking means are in the form of means for writing with corresponding ink, that is, in the form of a corresponding pen 31.

Advantageously, the marking means 30 are movable together with the cutting means 14, that is, they are movable together with the cutting unit 140.

More specifically, the marking means 30 are movable according to a plane which is horizontal, or parallel to the material to be marked, following respective trajectories, in particular designed to define the profile of the pieces of the paper pattern or of the cutting layout and/or any writing, or symbols, for identifying the corresponding piece.

Advantageously, as illustrated, the marking means 30 are positioned laterally, or alongside, in particular transversely alongside, to the cutting unit 140, that is, alongside the cutting means, or blade 141.

More specifically, the marking means 30 are supported on cutting means 14, especially, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, they are supported on the same support 142 of the cutting means 141 , that is, on the cutting unit, or head 140.

More specifically, the cutting unit 140 has a supporting body, or reinforcement, 142, preferably made from a suitable metal material, which is preferably in the form of a compact body with a mainly vertical extension, a respective tab or plate 1421 extending from the body, or reinforcement, to which the marking means 30 are fixed, especially using corresponding bolts 1430, as clearly shown in Figure 4.

More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the bolts 1430 insert in corresponding holes 301 provided on the supporting frame of the marking means 30.

More specifically, the marking means 30 are movable for making the lines relative to profiles or the alphanumeric writing, or the like, together with the cutting means 14, in particular with the cutting unit 141 , the cutting means being preferably under conditions for not cutting the material.

More specifically, as shown in Figure 7A, when the cutting operation starts, the cutting means, or blade, 141 are raised, in particular to a height "H" greater than the distance "h", of the cutting means relative to the material, or work top for supporting the material "P".

More specifically, the marking means 30 comprise a respective marking, or writing, unit, especially the pen 31 , which is designed to engage the material on which the lines for defining the shaped profiles and/or the identification alphanumeric writing, or the like, are to be made.

Advantageously, the marking, or writing, unit, in the form of a pen 31 , has a respective writing tip 32 and a cartridge or tank 33 for the marking ink. In practice, once the marking ink is to be modified, or the ink cartridge is to be replaced because it is, for example, empty, the entire pen 31 can be easily removed from the apparatus and replaced with a new marking pen, or a new cartridge can be simply applied to the same pen 31.

In practice, as shown in Figures 7 A to 7D, the marking, or writing, unit 31 is advantageously movable between a raised, rest position, illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B, and a lowered, working position, illustrated in Figures 7C and 7D.

In practice, advantageously, the cutting unit normally operates under material cutting conditions and can, however, be advantageously used for marking lines, in particular defining respective profiles of pieces and/or alphanumeric writing, or the like, for identifying the pieces, when paper patterns are made or cutting layouts are marked on respective sheets of paper. However, it must be understood that other uses of the writing or marking means could be envisaged.

Advantageously, as illustrated, the marking, or writing, unit 31 is supported on an element 302 which is movable, in particular vertically, between a raised, rest position and a lowered, working position.

More specifically, the marking means 30 have a respective supporting frame, comprising a fixed element 303, which is rigidly connected to the reinforcement, or supporting body, 142 of the cutting unit, or head 140, and a mobile element 302, which supports the marking, or writing, unit 31 , and which can be engaged and disengaged with the vertically mobile stage 144, of the cutting unit, which carries the cutting means, or respective cutting unit, 141.

Advantageously, there are drive means, in particular in the form of a corresponding electric, or brushless, motor, which are designed to move the marking, or writing, unit 31 , in particular the mobile element supporting the marking unit 31 , between the raised, rest position and the lowered, working position.

In practice, advantageously, the marking, or writing, unit 31 is mobile, in particular vertically, between a raised, rest position and a lowered, working position, together with the cutting means 141 , that is, together with the mobile stage 144 supporting the cutting means 141 , in particular upon activation of the same means of actuating the movement, in particular vertical, of the cutting means 141 , or the mobile stage 144, which supports the cutting means or the respective blade.

Advantageously, the mobile element 302, supporting the cutting, or writing, unit 31 , has means 305, which can be activated and deactivated, for the coupling and the uncoupling, in particularly vertically, of the mobile stage 144 supporting the cutting means 141 of the cutting unit 140.

Advantageously, the means, which can be activated and deactivated, for coupling the mobile stage 144 supporting the cutting means 141 comprise a respective pin, or element, 305, which is designed to engage a corresponding surface 144s of the mobile stage 144; the pin can be actuated, in particular in an extended position, for coupling with the mobile stage 144 of the cutting means 141 , using a corresponding actuator 306, which is in particular in the form of a respective pneumatic cylinder, in particular with a horizontal axis.

The pin 305 is actuated in a position, especially retracted, of disengagement of this mobile stage 144, on the command of the same actuator 306.

It must, however, be understood that the use of an actuator 306 not of a pneumatic type could be envisaged.

Advantageously, the marking, or writing, unit 31 or the mobile element 302 supporting the same marking, or writing, unit 31 , is normally pushed into a raised, rest position by corresponding elastic means 307.

More specifically, the elastic means are in the form of a traction spring 307, which pushes a vertical pin 308 of the mobile element 302 against a corresponding transversal pin 309, which extends from the fixed element 303 of the supporting frame of the marking means 30.

Advantageously, as illustrated, the mobile element 302 supporting the marking, or writing, unit 31 is slidable, in particular vertically, on respective guide means, in particular in the form of a first and a second guide 304, 304, which extend vertically and are parallel to each other, and are integral with the fixed element 303 of the marking means 30, and on which the mobile element 302 slides using corresponding runner means.

There are, advantageously, means for activating and deactivating the marking or writing.

More specifically, the means for activating and deactivating the marking or writing by the marking, or writing, unit 31 operate when the same marking, or writing, unit 31 is in the lowered, working position.

More specifically, the means 40 for activating and deactivating the marking or writing are designed to move the marking, or writing, unit 31 between a position, in particular, lowered, of contact and marking on the respective material and a position, in particular, raised, of detachment of the same material to be marked.

Advantageously, the means designed to move the marking, or writing, unit 31 , in particular between a position of contact and marking on the material to be processed and a position of detachment from the same material to be marked, comprise a respective actuator 41 , which is, preferably, in the form of a corresponding electromagnet having a respective activation reel 411 and a stem 412, which is normally pushed by a respective spring 413 in an extended or escape condition from the reel body 4 .

However, it must be understood that other activation and deactivation means different from the electromagnet described above, for example in the form of suitable pneumatic means, could be used.

As illustrated, the electromagnet has a respective stem 412, which extends and moves vertically and is supported on the mobile element 302 in particular with its axis arranged vertically.

More specifically, the actuator 41 is designed to push the marking, or writing, unit 31 to a position of contact and marking on the material to be marked.

The marking, or writing, unit 31 is normally pushed to the position of detachment from the material to be marked and absence of marking, as illustrated, by corresponding elastic means 413.

In practice, there are elastic means 413, which act on the stem 412 of the actuator 41 , which is normally pushed elastically in the lowered, or extended, condition, in particular in the condition of detachment of the marking, or writing, unit 31 from the material to be marked.

The marking, or writing, unit 31 is carried by a support 42, which is movable relative to the mobile element supporting the marking, or writing, unit 31.

In practice, the marking, or writing, unit 31 is supported on an arm, in particular at the end of this, with means operating on the arm 42 designed to move the same marking, or writing, unit 31 , between the position of contact and of detachment from the material to be marked and in particular the actuator 41 being engaged on the arm 42.

More specifically, the marking, or writing, unit 31 is supported on a respective arm 42, which is pivoted in 43, that is, which can rotate relative to a respective pin 43. Preferably, as illustrated, the marking unit 31 is positioned at a respective end 421 of the arm 42.

On the part, or end 422, of the arm 42 which is opposite, relative to the pivoting pin 43, the end 421 supporting the marking, or writing, unit 31 , the actuator 41 operates, or pushes, and in particular the end of the mobile stem of the actuator 41 operates.

Advantageously, the marking, or writing, unit 31 , in particular the respective writing tip 32, is aligned, or substantially aligned, in particular transversely, with the respective cutting element, in particular with the respective cutting blade, preferably, as illustrated here, aligned, or substantially aligned, in particular transversely, with the lower end 141 of the respective cutting blade which is designed to engage and cut the material.

More specifically, when the marking, or writing, means 30 are made operational, the cutting unit, or blade, is positioned above the working tip of the writing unit 3 , in a respective rest position.

Advantageously, this apparatus also comprises, not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, means for feeding corresponding material on which to mark lines, preferably defining respective shaped profiles, and/or alphanumeric writing, or the like, defining corresponding means for identifying relative pieces for garments.

The material to be marked is fed in the form of a sheet, especially made of paper-based material, preferably in the form of a sheet of paper.

The means for feeding the material to be marked comprise, in particular, means of supporting a respective reel of a strip, or tape, of the paper- based material and means for feeding the strip or tape to the marking zone, that is, the zone for cutting the material, in particular the fabric material or the like.

As shown in Figures 8 and 9, there are, advantageously, means for making reference points on a respective material, in particular on the material to be cut.

Advantageously, this apparatus also comprises means 50 for emitting ultrasounds, which operate on a respective material, in particular on the material to be cut, especially for making the reference points on the material.

In practice, the means for making reference points on the material are defined by the ultrasound means 50.

Advantageously, the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50 comprise respective holes, in particular in the form of small sized holes, in the material to be processed.

According to a further embodiment, the reference points could, however, be also defined by corresponding surface markings or signs made by the ultrasounds on the material, in particular on the material to be cut, preferably made of fabric or the like.

Therefore, the term holes is also used to mean further signs which are physically made on the material, in particular on the material to be cut, and which are preferably made using ultrasounds.

Advantageously, the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50 are movable together with the cutting means 14, in particular they are movable together with the cutting unit, or head 140. More specifically, the means for making reference points and/or ultrasound means 50 are movable according to a plane which is horizontal, or parallel to the material to be cut, following respective trajectories, in particular designed to define the respective reference points, or markings, on the material to be cut.

More specifically, the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50 are supported on the cutting means, in particular on the support 142 of the cutting means 141 , that is, on the cutting unit, or head 140.

More specifically, the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50 are positioned laterally, or alongside, in particular transversely alongside, to the cutting unit, or head 140, that is, alongside the cutting means 141.

More specifically, advantageously, the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50 are positioned, relative to the cutting unit 140, on the side opposite the marking, or writing, means 30.

Advantageously, the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50 are movable together with the cutting means 14, in particular under conditions for not cutting the material.

The cutting unit 140 has a supporting body, or reinforcement, 142, from which a respective tab 1422 extends, to which the frame for supporting the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50 are fixed, especially using corresponding bolts 1432, as clearly shown in Figure 4.

More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the bolts 1432 insert in corresponding holes provided on the frame, in particular on the fixed part of the frame, for supporting the means for making the reference points and/or ultrasound means 50.

Advantageously, the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50 comprise a respective working element, engaging the material to be processed, which is in particular in the form of a sonotrode element 51 , in particular having a respective end 511 , preferably, as illustrated, protruding from the sonotrode body, engaging the material to be processed.

More specifically, as shown in Figure 10A, when the operation starts for making reference points and/or any other operations by the ultrasound means, the cutting means, or blade, 141 are raised, in particular to a height "H" greater than the distance "h", of the means for making the IB2014/059295

reference points, or sonotrode, relative to the material, or work top for supporting the material "P".

More specifically, the working element 51 of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50, in particular the respective end, in particular lower, 51 1 of this is aligned, or substantially aligned, in particular transversely aligned, with the respective cutting element, in particular with the respective cutting blade, and especially aligned, or substantially aligned, preferably transversely, with the end of this which is designed to engage the material to be cut.

Advantageously, the working element 51 of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50 is movable between a raised, rest position and a lowered, working position, in particular of engagement and preparation of the reference point, or hole, in the material.

Advantageously, the working element 51 of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50 is supported on a mobile element 502, in particular vertically mobile, between a raised, rest position and a lowered position for working, in particular of engagement of the material to be processed.

As illustrated, the working element 51 of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50, in the raised, rest position and/or in the lowered, working position is positioned, with the relative lower end below the lower end of the cutting unit.

Moreover, as mentioned, when the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50 are rendered operational, the cutting unit is positioned above the working element, or blade 51 , in a respective rest position.

There are advantageously drive means of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50, which are in particular in the form of a corresponding motor, especially in the form of an electric, or brushless, motor, and which are designed to move the working element 51 , in particular the mobile element 502 supporting the working element 5 , between the raised, rest position and the lowered, working position. Advantageously, therefore, the working element 51 of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50 is movable, in particular vertically, between a raised, rest position and a lowered, working position, together with the cutting means 141 , that is, upon activation of the same means of actuating the movement, in particular vertical, of the cutting means 141.

Advantageously, the working element 51 of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50 has means 505, which can be activated and deactivated, for coupling and uncoupling with the mobile stage 144 supporting the cutting means 141.

More specifically, the coupling means which can be activated and deactivated comprise a respective pin 505, which is designed to engage a corresponding surface 145s of the mobile stage 144 supporting the cutting means 141 , the pin 505 of which can be actuated, in particular in an extended position, for coupling with the mobile stage 144 of the cutting means 141 , using a corresponding actuator 506, which is in particular in the form of a respective pneumatic cylinder, preferably with a horizontal axis, and in a position, in particular retracted, for disengagement of this mobile stage. It must be understood that other actuators, in particular not of a pneumatic type, could also be used.

More specifically, the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50 comprise a supporting frame which has a fixed element 503, which is rigidly connected to the reinforcement, or supporting body, 140 of the cutting unit, and a mobile element 502, which supports the marking, or writing, unit 31 , and which can be engaged and disengaged with the vertically mobile stage of the cutting means which carries the cutting unit.

The working element 51 , of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50, or the mobile element 502 supporting this, is normally pushed into the raised, rest position by corresponding elastic means 507.

More specifically, the elastic means are in the form of a traction spring 507, which pushes a vertical pin 508 of the mobile element against a corresponding transversal pin 509, which extends from the fixed element 503 of the supporting frame of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50.

The mobile element 502, supporting the working element 51 , of the means for making reference points and/or the ultrasound means 50, is slidable on respective guide means, in particular in the form of a first and a second guide 504, 504, which are integral with the fixed element 503 and on which the mobile element 502 slides using corresponding runner means. As illustrated, the first and second guide 504, 504 extend vertically and are parallel with each other.

Advantageously, control means or units of the apparatus also control the operation of the marking means and/or the means for making reference points and/or ultrasound means on the respective material to be processed, in particular on the fabric to be cut.

As described above, this cutting apparatus allows an advantageous method to be implemented for making reference points on a respective material, in particular on the material to be cut, especially in the form of fabric or the like and in which, preferably, the material is defined by respective portions, or pieces, 11b of clothing, such as garments, apparel, or the like.

In practice, according to the method, ultrasounds are used for making the reference points, and in particular a respective sonotrode device 50, as described above, which preferably operates on the material as already described with regard to the preferred apparatus.

More specifically, the use of ultrasounds for making reference points allows the latter to be made in a suitable and desired fashion, for example as a function of the material to be marked, and in any case to obtain the most appropriate marking for each specific material and type of planned use or other purpose.

The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application. It would be obvious to one skilled in the art that several changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, described in depth above. It is also easy to imagine further embodiments of the invention comprising one or more of the features described herein. It will also be understood that all the details of the invention may be substituted for technically equivalent elements.