Patents by Inventor Gary James Konzak

Gary James Konzak has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10337131
    Abstract: Reconfigurable fabric frame for a maneuverable sewing machine. In one example embodiment, an example reconfigurable fabric frame may include a take-up pole, an idler pole, a backing pole, a quilt-top pole, and side rails. The side rails may include take-up pole attachment locations, idler pole attachment locations, backing pole attachment locations, and quilt-top pole attachment locations. The side rails may be reconfigurable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the backing pole attachment locations may be higher than the quilt-top pole attachment locations. In the second configuration, the backing pole attachment locations may be lower than the quilt-top pole attachment locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: HANDI QUILTER, INC.
    Inventors: Gary James Konzak, Gordon Hudson
  • Publication number: 20180327952
    Abstract: Reconfigurable fabric frame for a maneuverable sewing machine. In one example embodiment, an example reconfigurable fabric frame may include a take-up pole, an idler pole, a backing pole, a quilt-top pole, and side rails. The side rails may include take-up pole attachment locations, idler pole attachment locations, backing pole attachment locations, and quilt-top pole attachment locations. The side rails may be reconfigurable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the backing pole attachment locations may be higher than the quilt-top pole attachment locations. In the second configuration, the backing pole attachment locations may be lower than the quilt-top pole attachment locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: Gary James Konzak, Gordon Hudson
  • Patent number: 9809912
    Abstract: Vibration reduction mechanism for a sewing machine. In one example embodiment, a vibration reduction mechanism for a sewing machine includes a rotational counterweight and a reciprocating counterweight. The rotational counterweight is configured to be coupled to a driveshaft of a sewing machine and is configured to be rotated by rotation of the driveshaft. The reciprocating counterweight is coupled to the rotational counterweight. A first portion of the reciprocating counterweight is configured to be rotated by the rotation of the rotational counterweight. A second portion of the reciprocating counterweight is configured to be substantially reciprocated along a length of a structure by the rotation of the rotational counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Handi Quilter, Inc.
    Inventors: James Adelbert McKinney, Bryan K. Ruggles, Gary James Konzak
  • Publication number: 20160108571
    Abstract: Thread tensioner for a sewing machine. In one example embodiment, a thread tensioner for a sewing machine includes a first disk, a second disk, a spring, a mechanism, and a sensor. The second disk is positioned next to the first disk. The spring is configured to apply tension to a thread positioned between the first disk and the second disk by exerting a force against the second disk. The spring defines a first end, a second end, and a length between the first end and the second end. The mechanism is configured to cause the length of the spring to shorten and to allow the length of the spring to lengthen. The sensor is configured to track a current length of the spring by measuring a dimension of at least a portion of the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Gary James Konzak, Bryan K. Ruggles
  • Publication number: 20160108572
    Abstract: Vibration reduction mechanism for a sewing machine. In one example embodiment, a vibration reduction mechanism for a sewing machine includes a rotational counterweight and a reciprocating counterweight. The rotational counterweight is configured to be coupled to a driveshaft of a sewing machine and is configured to be rotated by rotation of the driveshaft. The reciprocating counterweight is coupled to the rotational counterweight. A first portion of the reciprocating counterweight is configured to be rotated by the rotation of the rotational counterweight. A second portion of the reciprocating counterweight is configured to be substantially reciprocated along a length of a structure by the rotation of the rotational counterweight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: James Adelbert McKinney, Bryan K. Ruggles, Gary James Konzak
  • Patent number: 8997669
    Abstract: Thread tensioner for a sewing machine. In one example embodiment, a thread tensioner for a sewing machine includes a first disk, a second disk, a spring, a knob, and a sensor. The second disk is positioned next to the first disk. The spring is configured to apply tension to a thread positioned between the first disk and the second disk by exerting a force against the second disk. The spring defines a length between a first end and a second end. The knob is configured, when rotated in one direction, to travel along a threaded shaft toward the spring and thereby cause the length of the spring to shorten. The knob is configured, when rotated in another direction, to travel along the threaded shaft away from the spring and thereby allow the length of the spring to lengthen. The sensor is configured to track a current length of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Handi Quilter, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary James Konzak, Bryan K. Ruggles