Method and apparatus for stitching a three dimensional formed component and components formed from the method

A head for applying stitches to a decorative component having a three dimensional configuration, comprising:

• a needle bar assembly operatively coupled to the head;
• a looper configured to cooperate with the needle bar assembly in order to provide a plurality of stitches in the decorative component, the looper rotating in a plane parallel to the decorative component;
• a post assembly configured to drive the looper in a reciprocating fashion in the plane, wherein the post assembly is operatively coupled to a motor configured to drive the needle bar assembly in a reciprocating fashion, the post assembly being operatively coupled to the head via a cylinder arm assembly;
• and
• wherein the cylinder arm assembly is rotated in a synchronized manner with a rock frame through mechanical linkage connecting a rock frame drive shaft to the cylinder arm assembly, the mechanical linkage comprising a cylinder arm drive link operably coupled to the rock frame drive shaft, the cylinder arm drive link being pivotally connected to a cylinder arm driven link, the cylinder arm driven link being pivotally connected to a cylinder arm rotational drive clamp that is connected to the cylinder arm assembly.