Method of cutting patterns out of patterned fabrics with a cutting apparatus which includes a scanning device

A method of re-entrant cutting of patterned fabrics having at least one pre-existing pattern formed thereon, each said pre-existing pattern having a respective pattern boundary defining an intended cut path, wherein said intended cut path at least closely approximates said pattern boundary, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a cutting apparatus, said cutting apparatus including a support surface, a fabric cutting means operatively mounted for movement above said support surface, and a scanning means mounted above said support surface,
• positioning said patterned fabric on said support surface, said patterned fabric having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis,
• scanning at least a selected area of said patterned fabric with said scanning means to identify a location of said pattern boundary pre-existing on said patterned fabric, and
• cutting said patterned fabric with said fabric cutting means by:
• positioning said fabric cutting means with respect to said pattern boundary so that said fabric cutting means intersects said patterned fabric substantially on said intended cut path, and
• moving said fabric cutting means with respect to said patterned fabric to cause said fabric cutting means to cut said patterned fabric while following said intended cut path along said pattern boundary, wherein said moving step includes
• moving said fabric cutting means in a combination of directions which includes both directions of the transverse axis and both directions of the longitudinal axis of the patterned fabric, and
• maintaining said fabric cutting means substantially on said intended cut path by continuously tracking with said scanning means the location of said pattern boundary, and continuously correcting the position of the fabric cutting means as required to maintain the position of said fabric cutting means substantially on said intended cut path.