Machine quilting hand control

Abstract

Sewing machines use a foot control pedal for power and speed. When using a machine quilting frame, one balances on one foot while controlling the speed and power of the sewing machine and moving the sewing machine from side to side and to and fro on a carrier. This invention solves these control problems in one hand guided device, permitting a more comfortable two-footed balance. The Machine Quilting Hand Control handle is angled and contoured for ease of use. A governor sets a maximum speed of sewing. A variable speed trigger switch controls the speed. Hook and loop tape attaches the Hand Control to the sewing machine. The cord plugs into the foot control outlet of the sewing machine. The adapter has several input plugs for use with different sewing machines. An inline fuse shuts off the circuit if there is an electrical short or power surge.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to machine quilting controls and more specifically it relates to a machine quilting hand control for providing a hand control for power, variable speed and maneuverability of the sewing machine while quilting on a machine quilting frame. For generations women sat at a quilting frame and hand quilted. Since the invention of the sewing machine many people have machine quilted their quilts, but this involves a lot of awkward handling of the quilt, continually rolling and re-rolling it so it will fit under the sewing machine, getting the bulk of it on the floor, and even throwing it over one's shoulder to keep the weight from pulling down and distorting the stitching area. In recent decades long-arm quilting machines were developed to permit machine quilting of quilts without these drawbacks. This is speedier and solved some of the handling problems, but these long-armed quilting machines are extremely expensive, so that only people who quilt for a living can usually afford them. So the home machine quilting frames were developed. These incorporate one's general sewing machine in their operation, but because the technology for them was borrowed from the long-arm machines, there are some real problems with using these devices. Because sewing machines use a foot control pedal for power and speed, one must balance on one foot while using the foot pedal to control the speed and power while also controlling the direction of the sewing machine on a carrier. The purpose of this invention is to solve these problems of power, speed, maneuverability, and balance in one hand guided device, freeing the other hand and permitting a two-footed balance and an excellent view of the quilting in progress. The Machine Quilting Hand Control makes the use of a home machine quilting device the rewarding and fun experience that was intended and is anticipated by the home quilter.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] It can be appreciated that machine quilting controls have been in use for years. Typically, machine quilting controls are comprised of the foot control that comes with the sewing machine and Handi Handles, which are hand controls installed behind a sewing machine.

[0005] The main problem with conventional machine quilting controls is that the foot control is awkward to use and causes imbalance when standing and guiding the sewing machine while sewing. The operator does not have good control of the speed or direction of the machine because of being off balance, which can cause poor quality of work. The operator also tires more quickly from standing on one foot and trying to control the machine speed with the other foot. Handi Handles were devised as one solution to this problem; they are mounted on the carrier behind the sewing machine, much like the control of a professional long-arm quilting machine. But the home sewing machine is shaped in such a way that it is impossible to see the quilting stitches as they are being applied to the quilt. It is only usable if the quilter is using a stylus and following a pattern placed to the side of the machine, not on the quilt. Although some quilting is done in this manner, much of the time the operator needs to view the surface of the quilt as the stitches are being applied. Another problem with Handi Handles is that it has two handles mounted on the back of the carrier with a speed control setting in the center of the handles. One must remove the hand from the handle to change the speed setting, which could result in a loss of control while changing the speed setting.

[0006] While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for providing power, variable speed and maneuverability of the sewing machine while quilting on a machine quilting frame. Because sewing machines use a foot control pedal for power and speed, one must balance on one foot while using the foot pedal to control the speed and power while also controlling the direction of the sewing machine on a carrier. The purpose of this invention is to solve these problems of power, speed, maneuverability and balance in one hand guided device, freeing the other hand and permitting a two-footed balance and an excellent view of the quilting in progress. The Machine Quilting Hand Control makes the use of a home machine quilting device the rewarding and fun experience that was intended and is anticipated by the home quilter. The main problem with conventional machine quilting controls are the foot control is awkward to use and causes imbalance when standing and guiding the sewing machine while sewing. The operator does not have good control of the speed or direction of the machine because of being off balance, which can cause poor quality of work. The operator also tires more quickly from standing on one foot and trying to control the machine speed with the other foot. Another problem is the Handi Handles is mounted on the carrier behind the sewing machine. This forces the operator to stand behind the sewing machine, making it difficult to see the stitches and patterns as they are being formed. Also, another problem is the Handi Handles has two handles mounted on the back of the carrier with a speed control setting in the center of the handles. One must remove the hand from the handle to change the speed setting, which could result in a loss of control while changing the speed setting.

[0007] In these respects, the machine quilting hand control according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a hand control for power, variable speed and maneuverability of the sewing machine and a clear view of the quilting while quilting on a machine quilting frame. The purpose of this invention is to solve these problems of power, speed, maneuverability, and balance in one hand guided device, freeing the other hand and permitting a two-footed balance and an excellent view of the quilting in progress. The Machine Quilting Hand Control makes the use of a home machine quilting device the rewarding and fun experience that was intended and is anticipated by the home quilter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of machine quilting controls now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new machine quilting hand control construction wherein the same can be utilized for providing a hand control for power, variable speed and maneuverability of the sewing machine while quilting on a machine quilting frame. The purpose of this invention is to solve these problems of power, speed, maneuverability and balance in one hand-guided device, freeing the other hand and permitting a two-footed balance and an excellent view of the quilting in progress. The Machine Quilting Hand Control makes the use of a home machine quilting device the rewarding and fun experience that was intended and is anticipated by the home quilter.

[0009] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new machine quilting hand control that has many of the advantages of the machine quilting controls mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new machine quilting hand control which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art machine quilting tools, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[0010] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a contoured handle, a governor, a variable speed trigger switch, industrial strength sticky-back hook and loop tape, a plug-in attachment to be inserted in place of the foot control on the sewing machine, an adapter to fit the foot control input on most sewing machines, and a fuse. The handle is angled and contoured for ergonomic design and ease of use when mounted on the top, side or back of a sewing machine. The governor's purpose is to allow the operator to set a maximum speed of sewing. A variable speed control trigger switch controls the speed of sewing from zero to that speed controlled by the governor. Industrial strength sticky-back hook and loop tape is used to attach the Machine Quilting Hand Control to a sewing machine. The cord plugs into the foot control outlet of the sewing machine, transferring the control of the sewing machine from the foot control to the Machine Quilting Hand Control. The adapter is designed to attach to the AC/DC plug with the other end having several different input plugs. The purpose of the adapter is to allow the Machine Quilting Hand Control to be used on most sewing machines. An inline fuse is installed to shut off the circuit if there is an electrical short or power surge.

[0011] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter.

[0012] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0013] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a machine quilting hand control that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a machine quilting hand control for providing a hand control for power, variable speed and maneuverability of the sewing machine while quilting on a machine quilting frame. Sewing machines were designed for the operator to use while sitting at a table and using a foot control pedal. A machine quilting frame is not designed to be used while sitting; it is mounted on a long table, usually a folding banquet-type table, which places the frame too high to use while sitting. One is continually moving back and forth from one end of the quilt to the other to apply the stitching pattern controls, a few inches in depth with each passage across the quilt. It is awkward, uncomfortable, and tiring to use the foot control in this situation. A person must balance on one foot while operating the pedal with the other, pushing the pedal ahead to keep up with one's progress, which makes it difficult to quilt carefully and speedily for any length of time. Some quilting machine companies suggest placing the foot control on top of the sewing machine; this appears to be a workable solution, but the foot control is designed to be operated by the foot and not the hand. It is spring-loaded and is very difficult and uncomfortable to operate by hand. It is also very difficult to control the speed with one's hand on the foot control because of the design. The Machine Quilting Hand Control is ergonomically designed to be operated easily and efficiently with one hand. The operator controls the power and the variability of speed with the Machine Quilting Hand Control while balancing on both feet. Since the Machine Quilting Hand Control is mounted on the sewing machine, he or she is using the same hand that is on the control to form the patterns being stitched on the quilt, slowing down or speeding up as the details of the pattern require. The operator is able to easily see the patterns being stitched on the quilt while standing beside the sewing machine and viewing the area of the quilt being quilted.

[0015] Another object is to provide a machine quilting hand control that offers one-hand operation to free the other hand and to free both feet to allow good balance while quilting. The only other known hand control device is mounted on the carrier, behind the sewing machine. One must stand behind the machine to use the handles, much as one would ride a bicycle. This completely blocks the view of the stitches being applied. With the Machine Quilting Hand Control, the operater stands beside the sewing machine and operates it with one hand. This gives a clear view of the stitches being applied and allows the operator to use the other hand to steady patterns or smooth the fabric while quilting. The operator is balanced on both feet, since the foot control is eliminated. With the Machine Quilting Hand Control the operator is able be comfortable while executing good quilting stitches.

[0016] Another object is to provide a machine quilting hand control that permits a maximum, safe speed setting that is easy to change while sewing. Sewing machines are made to run very fast when at top speed, a good feature when sewing straight seams. When quilting, one usually sews at a slower speed to execute patterns of stitching on the layers of fabric. The Machine Quilting Hand Control can be set to not exceed the speed that the operator feels comfortable with while quilting. The governor is located near the front of the Machine Quilting Hand Control so that it is easy to reach while sewing if the speed needs to be adjusted, such as when the operator has been quilting intricate patterns and is ready to quilt straight lines and wishes to sew faster.

[0017] Another object is to provide a machine quilting hand control that permits a continual and exact speed setting from zero to the maximum speed set on the governor. The variable speed trigger control is a slave to the governor. It can only go the maximum speed set by the governor, which has been set by the operator. The variable speed trigger control can operate from zero to the maximum speed set by the governor, but cannot go any faster. This allows the operator the freedom to operate the sewing machine very slowly when executing intricate stitches, or faster when sewing less complicated patterns.

[0018] Another object is to provide a machine quilting hand control that allows the operator to sew from either side of the sewing machine. The best location for the Machine Quilting Hand Control is on top of the machine. It can be operated by left-handed or right-handed people and the operator can stand on either side of the sewing machine, depending on which hand is used or on what portion of the quilt one needs to view while applying the quilting stitches.

[0019] Another object is to provide a machine quilting hand control that is ergonomically designed. The Machine Quilting Hand Control is slanted from its high front to its lower back so that the arm is at a comfortable height. The diameter is small enough to provide a comfortable grip while quilting. The governor and variable speed trigger switch are also located conveniently for ease and comfort.

[0020] Another object is to provide a machine quilting hand control that permits a continual close view of the quilt surface while sewing. The location of the Machine Quilting Hand Control on the top of the machine and the one-handed operation allow the operator to stand beside the sewing machine, rather than behind it. It is easy to see the stitches and smooth the fabric or patterns while quilting. The operator is able to concentrate completely on quilting and make it the fun and rewarding experience that was intended with the development of the machine quilting frame.

[0021] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.

[0022] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0024] FIG. 1 is Machine Quilting Hand Control.

[0025] FIG. 2 is Power cord and fuse assembly.

[0026] FIG. 3 is Adapter assembly.

[0027] FIG. 4 is Electrical Circuit Diagram of Machine Quilting Hand Control

[0028] FIG. 5 is Electrical Circuit Diagram of Adapter

[0029] FIG. 6 is Top view of Machine Quilting Hand Control.

[0030] FIG. 7 is Front and back views of the Machine Quilting Hand Control.

[0031] FIG. 8 is Bottom view of Machine Quilting Hand Control.

[0032] FIG. 9 is Location of Machine Quilting Hand Control on sewing machine.

[0033] FIG. 10 is Machine Quilting Hand Control on sewing machine mounted on carriage of quilting machine.

[0034] FIG. 11 is Machine Quilting Hand Control and sewing machine on machine quilting frame.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0035] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the attached figures illustrate a machine quilting hand control, which comprises a contoured handle, a governor, a variable speed trigger switch, industrial strength sticky-back hook and loop tape, an electrical plug-in to be inserted in place of the foot control, an adapter to fit the foot control input on most sewing machines, and a fuse. The handle is angled and contoured for ergonomic design and ease of use when mounted on the top, side or back of a sewing machine. The governor's purpose is to allow the operator to set a maximum speed of sewing. A variable speed control trigger switch controls the speed of sewing from zero to that speed controlled by the governor. Industrial strength sticky-back hook and loop tape is used to attach the Machine Quilting Hand Control to a sewing machine. The cord plugs into the foot control outlet of the sewing machine, transferring the control of the sewing machine from the foot control to the Machine Quilting Hand Control. The adapter is designed to attach to the AC/DC plug with the other end having several different input plugs. The purpose of the adapter is to allow the Machine Quilting Hand Control to be used on most sewing machines. An inline fuse is installed to shut off the circuit if there is an electrical short or power surge.

[0036] The handle is angled and contoured for ergonomic design and ease of use when mounted on the top, side or back of a sewing machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the contoured handle 21 is preferably shaped so that the front is higher than the back, allowing a more ergonomic position of the arm, hand and wrist. It may be constructed of plastic, wood, fiberglass, metal or other material or combination of materials suitable for it to perform its intended function. It should be long enough and tall enough for the hand to grasp it with ease, with maneuvablility to control both the governor 22 and the trigger switch 24 and to manipulate the sewing machine without strain to the hand or wrist. The base 25 of the handle 21 should be broad enough to support sticky-back industrial strength hook and loop tape 26 to firmly attach the handle 21 to the sewing machine. It is preferred to leave an open space between the front and the back of the base 25 to allow for bobbin winders, spool pins, or other items mounted on the top of some sewing machines. This is shown in FIGS. 6 and 8. The handle 21 may or may not have contoured indentations to receive the user's fingers. The bottom 25 of the handle 21 may be solid or not solid where the hook and loop tape 26 is fastened. The top of the handle 21 may be straight across or may slope down to the back, or the handle 21 may be of any configuration that will allow its intended purpose. The height and length may be any size that will permit operation as intended for its function.

[0037] The governor's purpose is to allow the operator to set a maximum speed of sewing. The governor 22 is a thumb-wheel speed control mounted on the top near-front of the handle 21, as shown in FIG. 1. It is an electrical speed control that has variable settings from zero to the maximum of the sewing machine's motor capabilities. There are identifying markings on the thumb wheel so that the operator can easily ascertain the current setting and return to the same setting if desired. There is a mark 23 on the handle 21 for the operator to use as a reference point in making a setting. The purpose of this governor 22 is to lock in the maximum speed at which the operator wishes the sewing machine to function. This relieves the operator from concern that she/he will exceed a desirable speed and create problems with the stitches. Fully open speeds may be acceptable when one is sewing straight seams but are usually not desirable for most quilting, which involves sewing various, sometimes intricate, patterns on multiple layers of fabric. The governor 22 is located near the top front of the handle 21 for ease of changing the maximum speed when desired without removing the hand from the handle 21, usually but not necessarily with the thumb. The location of the governor 22 is preferably as given above and in FIG. 1, but it may be in any other location. It could also be a dial or some other shape, although it must be able to be left at the speed set by the operator; the marked wheel shape is preferred for ease of use.

[0038] A variable speed control trigger switch controls the speed of sewing from zero to that speed controlled by the governor. The variable speed control 24 is a trigger switch located on the under side of the handle 21, near the front, as shown in FIG. 1. The purpose is to control the speed of operation of the sewing machine from zero to the maximum set on the governor 22. The location shown in FIG. 1 is preferable for ease of use with the thumb or index finger or any finger convenient for the operator. The variable speed switch 24 may be a trigger, lever, wheel, or other configuration or device that will perform the intended function of changing the speed of operation. It may be located anywhere on the handle 21.

[0039] Industrial strength sticky-back hook and loop tape is used to attach the Machine Quilting Hand Control to a sewing machine. The hook and loop tape 26 may be of any brand and strength but industrial strength is preferable. Either the hook tape or loop tape should be applied to the top, side or back of the sewing machine where it will not interfere with any other function of the machine, such as the bobbin, thread, etc, as shown in FIG. 9. The other tape should be applied to the bottom 25 of the handle 21, FIG. 8. The Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 will function equally wherever it is placed on the sewing machine, depending on the user's individual preference. Some operators may prefer the maneuverability when placing it on top of the machine; others may prefer it on the side or back because of their own style in handling the machine or because of an obstruction such as a thread spool pin on top of the machine. The hook and loop tape 26 may also be applied to several locations on the sewing machine to allow the operator some choice in using the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20. It may be preferable to use the loop tape on the sewing machine and the hook tape on the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 so that when you are using the sewing machine for other applications the tape will not pick up unwanted objects such as pins or thread. The hook and loop tape 26 may be Velcro or another brand, but should be of industrial type for maximum grip. The hook and loop tape 26 may be replaced with any other type of adhesive, such as but not limited to double-faced tape, glue, or any other method of attachment. The hook and loop tape 26 is the preferred method of attachment to permit easy removal and change of placement by the operator.

[0040] The cord 27 plugs into the foot control outlet 32 of the sewing machine, transferring the control of the sewing machine from the foot control to the Machine Quilting Hand Control, FIG. 10. The cord 27 connects to the handle 21 and controls the speed of the sewing machine through the governor 22 and the variable speed control 24. The cord 27 can be of any combination of braided or strand wire or other approved conductive material in length to reach from the handle 21 to the foot control outlet. Attached to the cord at the end opposite from the handle 21 is an AC/DC plug 31 that will fit into the sewing machine foot control outlet 32, FIG. 2. The AC/DC plug 31 will fit some, but not all, sewing machines.. The cord 27 can be of any length as long as it will reach from the handle 21 to the foot control outlet 32. It may be constructed of any approved conductive material and covered with any approved coating material. The plug 31 may be straight, L-shaped, or angled.

[0041] The adapter 40 is designed to attach to the AC/DC plug 31 with the other end having several different input plugs, FIG. 3. The purpose of the adapter is to allow the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 to be used on most sewing machines. The adapter 40 is a short cord 43 with one end having an AC/DC socket 42 to plug into the AC/DC plug 31 on the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20. The other end of adapter 40 has several plugs 44A, 44B, 44C, of different sizes and configurations suitable for fitting into the foot control outlet 32 of various sewing machines. The cord 43 on adapter 40 may be of any length that is suitable for its function without being cumbersome. The plugs 44A, 44B, and 44C may be of different configurations as long as they serve the function of being inserted into the foot pedal control outlet of various sewing machines.

[0042] An inline fuse is installed to shut off the circuit if there is an electrical short or power surge. The fuse 29 is located near the end of cord 27 just above plug 31, FIG. 2. It is inserted into plug 30 and then is capped by jack 28. The purpose of this fuse is to break the circuit in the event of a power surge or short in the line, avoiding any possibility of shock or bum or electrical hazard to the operator or damage to the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 or the sewing machine. The Machine Quilting Hand Control can be built without this fuse without any effect on the operation of the device, but is an added safety feature. The fuse 29 can vary in structure or size or type as long as it serves its intended function.

[0043] FIG. 4 is an electrical circuit diagram of the Machine Quilting Hand Control. FIG. 5 shows the electrical circuit of the adapter. These figures show the flow of the electric current through the components of the Machine Quilting Hand Control and the adapter.

[0044] The handle 21 of the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 is designed to permit easy operation and control of the components of the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20. The governor 22 and the variable speed trigger switch 24 are both located for the convenience of one-finger as well as one-hand control of the speed of sewing and to allow total grip for good maneuverability of the sewing machine as it puts the quilting stitches on the quilt. A natural gripping motion with one hand puts the variable speed trigger switch 24 under the operator's index finger, which is a normal position to exert power on the variable speed trigger switch 24. The thumb is normally used as an aide in gripping the handle 21, but may be easily pivoted to the governor 22 when it is necessary to change the maximum speed of the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20, without the need to stop the sewing machine or change the position of the hand. Industrial strength sticky-back hook and loop tape 26 such as Velcro is used to attach the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 to the sewing machine. This allows excellent grip and makes the unit easy to relocate on the sewing machine or removed when doing other kinds of sewing. It is also strong enough to use the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 to control the direction of the sewing machine on the machine quilting frame with ease and assurance. The velcro-type tape 26 does not damage the finish of the sewing machine. The power cord 27 is located at the lower rear of the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 to keep it out of the way of the operator. This will place it near the foot control outlet 32, FIG. 10, of most sewing machines. The fuse 29 is located near the end of the cord 27 that plugs into the sewing machine. Although the fuse 29 is not essential to the function of the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20, it is of value as a safety precaution. The plug 31 that is attached to the power cord 27 will fit the foot control outlet of some sewing machines. The adapter 44 is designed to accomodate machines that have different foot control outlets than the attached plug 31. The preferred color of the QuiltMaster is white or off-white, since most sewing machines made today have white or off-white as their primary color. It is also possible to change the angle of the handle 21 to a horizontal or vertical position or to make it a swivel handle. A lever switch or rotating or slide-bar switch could be used rather than a trigger switch 24, and it could be positioned on the side, top or bottom of the handle 21. The governor 22 could also be placed in any other location on the handle 21. It could also be placed in a separate unit and attached anywhere else on the sewing machine. Other types of fixative may be used to attach the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 to the sewing machine instead of industrial strength sticky-back hook and loop tape 26. These include but are not limited to regular strength hook and loop tape, suction cups, glue, double-faced tape, screws. The power cord 27 may be of various lengths, size, or gauge. The Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 may be made with no adapter 40, fewer plugs 44 or more plugs 44. Each plug 44 could be on a single line with the adapter jack 42. Also, the plugs 44 could be on a wheel with several different sized fittings that are known to fit various sewing machines. They could also all be attached to the main power cord 27, eliminating the jack 42. The Machine Quilting Hand Control may be produced in natural finishes or any color or color combination as well as a transparent finish. The Machine Quilting Hand Control can be designed and/or configured and/or molded and/or constructed into the sewing machine or sewing head so that it is included as a part of the sewing machine or sewing head in manufacture. This manufacturing process would eliminate the hook and loop tape and the electric plug-in assembly. The components of the Machine Quilting Hand Control could be placed in any location on the sewing machine or sewing head as determined by the manufacturer.

[0045] The device herein called a Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 is a device that is attached to and plugs in to a sewing machine on a machine quilting frame to cause it to be more efficient, easy to use, fun and maneuverable than the foot control pedal that comes with sewing machines or any other known device for controlling the sewing machine's power. The contoured handle 21 is ergonomically shaped for ease and comfort of use. It is large enough to be grasped comfortably. It is higher in the front, sloping gently to the back, so that the operator has good leverage and this shape permits the arm to be positioned in a way to not tire quickly. The base of the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 is wider than the handle 21 to give more surface to attach the unit to the sewing machine. This is shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 shows rear and front views of the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 to show how the wider base 25 narrows to the ergonomically shaped handle 21. The bottom of the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 has a cutout 25A as shown in FIG. 6 to allow space for any accessories, such as a bobbon winder, that may be placed on the top of some sewing machines. A governor 22 is located at the forward top end of the handle 21, as shown in FIG. 1. The governor 22 is a rheostat electronic control with thumb-wheel adjustor. It reduces or increases the resistance, thereby lowering or increasing the motor speed of the sewing machine. The governor 22 is ribbed for good traction and also for position markings so the operator can note where it is set. There is a corresponding mark 23 on the handle in front of the governor 22 to monitor the setting. It is placed thus to make it easy for the operator to control with the thumb while grasping the handle 21 during sewing. It is used to set the maximum speed while sewing to keep the operator from losing control of the quilting stitches. The variable speed trigger switch 24 is located near the front on the under side of the handle 21, as shown in FIG. 1. Its function is to control the speed of sewing, from zero to that speed set by the governor. The operator will grasp the handle 21 with the index finger on the variable speed trigger switch 24, making it convenient to swivel the thumb up to the governor 22 without removing the index finger from the variable speed trigger switch 24 if the maximum speed needs to be adjusted. The Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 is attached to the sewing machine with industrial strength sticky-back hook and loop fastener 26 such as velcro. This may be placed on the bottom of the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 as shown in FIG. 8 and on top of the sewing machine 51 as illustrated in FIG. 9. If the hook portion 26A of the sticky-back hook and loop tape 26 is affixed to the bottom 25 of the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20, FIG. 8, the loop 26B should be placed face down on the hook tape with the paper still attached. Then peel the paper off of the loop tape 26B to expose the adhesive and press the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 in the pre-selected position on the sewing machine 51, FIG. 9. The cord 27 exits the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 at the lower back of the handle 21, FIG. 1 . It is of a length necessary to reach from the back of the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 to the foot control inlet of the sewing machine 51 as shown in FIG. 10. There is a fuse holder consisting of a jack 28 and a plug 30, FIG. 2. The fuse 29 inserts into the plug 30 and is capped and joined by the fuse jack 28. It is located near the end of the cord that inserts into the sewing machine, FIG. 2. Although the fuse 29 is not essential to the operation of the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20, it is of value as a safety precaution due to the variety of sewing machines, and especially older machines. The cord 27 ends in an L-shaped plug 31 that inserts into the sewing machine outlet. FIG. 3 shows the adaptor assembly 40 necessary for sewing machines having different sized foot control outlets. The adaptor 40 has a jack 42 that inserts into plug 31. Connected to the jack 42 by cord 43 are plugs 44a, 44b, and 44c, of varying sizes to fit different sewing machines. There are many manufacturers of sewing machines and the foot control plug sizes are not standardized. The inclusion of this adaptor 40 will permit the use of the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 with most modern sewing machines. FIGS. 10 and 11 demonstrate the use of the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 when it is installed on a sewing machine and used on a home machine quilting device. FIG. 10 shows a sewing machine with the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 mounted on the top of the machine 51, which is the ideal, but not only, location on which it may installed. The sewing machine 51 is set on a movable carrier 60, which is placed on a rigid track 62. The carrier 60 allows the sewing machine 51 to be guided to the right or left and forward or backward on the track 62 under the quilt. This is shown in FIG. 11. The operator will usually be standing to one side of the sewing machine. She or he will sew the quilting stitches on the quilt by grasping the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20 with one hand and guiding the sewing machine 51 to the left or right and forward or backward, controlling both the direction and the speed of movement with the Machine Quilting Hand Control 20. The other hand may be placed on the carrier handle 61 for additional control of the sewing machine 51 or on the surface of the quilt to smooth the quilt surface or quilting pattern that may be placed on the quilt surface. The operator will be balanced on both feet while quilting.

[0046] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

[0047] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0048] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A machine quilting hand control comprising a contoured handle, a governor, a variable speed trigger switch, industrial strength sticky-back hook and loop tape, a plug-in attachment to be inserted in place of the foot control, an adapter to fit the foot control input on most sewing machines, and a fuse.

2. A contoured handle that is angled and contoured and contoured of ergonomic design for ease of use

a. the contoured handle in claim 2 may be mounted in any location on a sewing machine, be it top, side, front, or back of the machine

b. the contoured handle in claim 2 is of adequate length and height to permit the hand to grasp it with ease for use and maneuverability of the component elements

3. A governor is located near the top front of the handle

a. the governor in claim 3 is an electric thumbwheel speed control that allows variable setting of the sewing machine's sewing speed

b. the governor in claim 3 maintains the sewing machine motor speed as set

4. A variable speed trigger switch is located on the underside, near the front of the handle

a. the variable speed trigger switch in claim 4 controls the speed of the sewing machine from zero to the speed that is set on the governor

5. Sticky-back hook tape is attached to the bottom of the hand control for the purpose of affixing the hand control to the sewing machine

6. Sticky-back loop tape is provided to be affixed to the sewing machine for attachment of the hand control to the sewing machine

7. A cord that is attached to the governor and the trigger switch runs from the handle of the hand control to the foot control inlet of the sewing machine

8. An adapter fits on the end of the cord in claim 7 and has several different input plugs to insert into the foot control inlet of various sewing machines

9. An inline fuse is installed on the cord to shut off the circuit if there is an electrical short or power surge