BINDING DISPENSING DEVICE

Abstract

A device for facilitating the efficient and even quilt binding finishing is described. The device comprises: a base member, rod member and spool member.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/751,025, filed on 10 Jan. 2013, and entitled “BINDING DISPENSING DEVICE,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the art of quilting, the manufacture of quilts and sewing aids. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for dispensing finishing binding and methods of use for binding the unfinished edges of a quilt.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The art of quilting has been practiced for a very long time. Quilting probably originated in ancient Egypt and China, but it was not until the mid-nineteenth century that quilting began to be practiced more widely throughout Europe and America. The increased availability of manufactured textiles together with the advent of the sewing machine enabled a greater number of quilters to engage in the art. It is now a pastime that is now enjoyed by many.

A quilt is typically made of three layers. The top layer is, for example, piecework or appliqué, typically of an artistic design. The middle layer is a layer of stuffing known as “batting” and is used for warmth. The bottom layer is generally one large layer of fabric. Quilting adds depth and a secondary design to the quilt top. Finishing bias or binding can be now sewn completely by machine, but many still prefer to hand stitch the folded end of the finishing bias or binding to the quilt.

Over the years, markets have developed for hand-made quilts, but stitching together three layers and binding them by hand requires an inordinate amount of time. The increase in popularity of the art of quilting and commercial markets has created a demand for quicker, easier, and more efficient options for finishing quilts.

A favored technique for finishing quilts is to bind the edges. This means finishing off the edges of the quilt to cover and protect the outer edges. There are multiple types of binding, such as, straight grain binding, cross grain binding, bias binding, and double- and single-fold binding. Each of these binding types achieves the same goal; binding and finishing the edges of a quilt or other textile.

Currently, for the operation of binding a quilt, binding is placed in the lap of or on a table adjacent to the individual binding the quilt. Other times, loose binding may be found on the floor, possibly tangled. In either case, the loose binding has drag that increases the difficulty and inefficiency of performing the operation of attaching binding to a quilt.

Although binding is widely used in quilting, an alternative simpler and more efficient way of containing and feeding binding to the quilter has not been suggested in the prior art. The development of a new binding dispensing device that constrains the binding material and evenly feeds said material to the quilter would be a valuable tool for binding and finishing textile edges, including for example, for use in more efficiently and effectively finishing quilts. The present invention includes a novel device and method of use thereof for use in the craft of quilting.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the existing drawbacks and prior art by providing for a device that is made up of readily assembled components, or alternatively, a unitary body, that provides an efficient and simple manner for binding organization and controlled, e.g., even, feeding of binding for use in completing a quilt. The invention is based on a novel concept for maintaining and feeding binding to a user, for example, a quilter.

Broadly, the present invention contemplates a device for the containment and feeding of finishing binding for a quilt, comprising a base member, a rod member extending therefrom, and a spool member. The rod and base may be a unitary body or integrally combining components, upon which a spool having an aperture therethrough is moveably and rotatably mounted. Alternatively, the rod and spool may be a unitary body that is movably and rotatably mounted to the base member. When practiced as disclosed herein, the present invention provides a standalone device for the efficient containment, organization, and feeding of textile binding. The present invention, thus, is useful as disclosed above, but is not intended to be limited to these uses.

Accordingly, when the components comprising the present invention are engaged, the resulting device provides for the efficient feeding of textile binding for edge finishing of, for example, a quilt. The device also provides a convenient storage device for wound binding.

One embodiment of the device of the present invention comprises: a base member, a rod member extending therefrom, and a spool member removably and rotatably mounted about the rod member upon which, e.g., binding may be wound. In another embodiment of the present invention comprises: a rod and base unitary member for supporting a spool member, wherein the spool is removably and rotatably mounted on the rod portion of the unitary member. In another embodiment of the present invention, a rod and spool comprise a unitary body and are removably and rotatably mounted to the base member via the distal end of the rod portion of the unitary member.

In some of the embodiments, at least one rod member is removably mounted to a base member, wherein said rod member is inserted into a base member bore and thereby frictionally secured to the base member.

In another embodiment, at least one rod member is removably mounted to a base member wherein said rod member comprises an axial screw stud at the end proximal to the base member, wherein the rod member is joined to the base member by means of a locking nut or the like connection in the base member.

In some embodiments, the base member further comprises a rotational platform integrally combined therewith, and a plurality of rod members are removably mounted to the base member rotational platform.

In some embodiments, the present invention further comprises: a driving, breaking, metering, or ratcheting system to control the speed at which binding is dispensed by the instant invention. In some embodiments, a spool member is statically affixed to, or alternatively a unitary body with, the rod member that is joined to the base member, and a driving, breaking, metering, or ratcheting system know in the art is functionally disposed between the rod member and base member thereby creating control via rotation and/or rotational resistance. Alternatively, said driving, breaking, metering, or ratcheting system may be mounted internally in a hollow base member. Said embodiment may be manually driven or automated, e.g., by using foot pedal(s), switching mechanisms, toggle switches, and the like, known in the art.

The presently described device is particularly useful for binding quilts, but may be used or adapted for use with any number of textiles in which an edge or a binding may be useful.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an easy to use device for efficiently and effectively binding textile edges. It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that is relatively simple structurally, and thus, simple to manufacture, and easily assembled and disassembled for use and/or storage.

Broadly, embodiments of the present invention comprise the same general elements: a base member, at least one rod member, and at least one spool member. The present invention may further include a drive mechanism, a ratchet mechanism, a break mechanism, a switch mechanism, or other mechanical components. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the drawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims. The above listing of objects of the invention should not be deemed as all-inclusive in any manner whatsoever.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Illustrative and exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an assembled embodiment of the device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the top-face of a base member of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an isolated view of a rod member of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an isolated side perspective view of a spool member of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an isolated end perspective view of a spool member having and aperture there through, said aperture employed for disposing the spool member on and rotatably about a rod member;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the bottom-face of a base member of an embodiment of the invention having non-skid elements semi-permanently attached thereto;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a base member of the invention having a plurality of concentric depressions and base member bores; rod member and spool member functionality remains the same as in a single function embodiment of the invention; and,

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a base member of the invention having a plurality of concentric depressions and base member bores on a platform, said platform mounted on or integrally incorporated into the base member in a rotating “lazy-Susan” platform style; rod member and spool member functionality remain the same as in a single function, non-rotating embodiment of the invention.

Elements and facts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention.

Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain ordinary and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, various implementations may be very broadly adopted and applicable.

The term “quilt” as used herein, generically includes any covering of the quilt type. That is, those skilled in the art would specifically call by the name quilt, or by any at least partly analogous term such as blanket, comforter, coverlet, lap robe, afghan, bedsheet, bedspread, futon, duvet, sleeping bag, or the like. Certainly, one skilled in the art is aware that the present invention is also applicable to conventional textile production, for example, pillow covers, mattress covers, and the like, as well as other textiles.

The general process for making a quilt is known to those skilled in the art. The present invention adds to the concept and overcome(s) the shortcomings of the prior art.

According to one embodiment, the invention is directed to a device configured to enhance the efficiency and ease of binding, for example, a quilt. In one embodiment, there is a base member with a rod member extending therefrom, and a spool member disposed on and rotatably mounted about the rod member, such that the spool has the capability of freely spinning when engaged. Binding material is placed on the spool, for example, wound onto the spool member, and manually engaged by a quilter. Alternatively to manual engagement, a drive system may be incorporated into the embodiment.

What is meant by “spool” herein is a low-flanged or unflanged cylinder having a longitudinal aperture therethrough, on which binding, thread, wire, tape, or the like, may be wound for the purpose of, e.g., maintenance, distribution, and/or use.

As used herein, “rod” means a solid or hollow cylindrical dowel or rod used as a support for the spool member and about which the spool member rotates, either freely or metered. Alternatively, a rod and spool member may be a unitary member without spool rotational capability, said unitary member rotatably mounted to the base member of the present invention, for example, by inserting into a base member bore. A base member bore is a cylindrical hole or hollow constructed to receive and frictionally engage with a rod member of the instant invention.

The invention may be used either alone or in combination with other quilting, sewing, or the like, conveniences. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the disclosed device and methods of the present invention can be readily incorporated into one of the established formats for binding and the like that are well known in the art.

Broadly, the present invention is comprised of a base member, e.g., a block, configured such that a rod member may be inserted into and secured thereto, and extend perpendicularly therefrom, and upon which a spool member may be mounted such that the spool freely rotates about the rod member. Alternatively, the base and rod member may be constructed of a unitary body providing a rod member upon which the spool may be rotatably mounted. Another alternative embodiment comprises a unitary rod and spool member inserted and rotatably mounted on the base member.

The device of the present invention offers significant advantages over the prior art, including but not limited to: efficient containment and feeding of binding for the finishing of a textile, for example, a quilt.

Each of the member components of the present invention may be constructed of any number of materials. The choice of materials utilized for construction may be based upon, for example, aesthetics, weight, strength, flexibility, intended use, cost, ease of manufacturing, or other desirable attributes. Examples of materials include, but are not limited to, wood, acrylic, plastic, fiberglass, rubber, metal, steel, steel alloy, ceramic, glass, polymers, composites, and combinations thereof, or the like, and composites thereof. The base member may be constructed in any shape, for example having at least one surface in the shape of, e.g., square, rectangle, triangle, oval, circle, provided the chosen shape dose not negatively alter the functionality of the base. In broad terms, a base member is a symmetrical or asymmetrical three-dimensional shape, either solid or hollow, defined by six equal or unequal sides. Additionally, a base member may be egg- or ball-shaped, or the like, with a flat bottom-face. The functionality of the base is to stabilize and/or steady the present invention while in use. The rod member may be centrally mounted or offset on the base member, provided the balance of the device as a whole is not impaired by said positioning. The present invention may be used in conjunction with hand sewing technique or machine sewing.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an embodiment of the device of the present invention, generally indicated by the reference numeral 100, showing an embodiment of the base member 110, rod member 120, and spool member 130, functionally assembled. To assemble an illustrative embodiment of the instant invention, the rod member 120 is inserted into and frictionally secured within a base member bore 160. A spool member 130 having a longitudinal aperture 200 therethrough, either empty or having been loaded with binding material, is rotatably mounted onto the rod member 120 by inserting the rod member 120 through the aperture 200. In use, the instant invention is placed near to the user or user's sewing machine in a position comfortable to said user. The device may be set on, e.g., a sewing table, side table, or floor, or alternatively, it may be semi-permanently attached thereto via semi-permanent attachment means known in the art. A stand alone device of the present invention facilitates portability between locations. Once binding is wound onto the spool, and placed in close proximity to the user, the user may begin binding the quilt. One skilled in the art of binding textiles is familiar with detailed binding techniques. Briefly, beginning approximately ten inches from any corner of a quilt, using a quarter inch sewing foot the user places the binding on the edge of the quilt, sews all layers together around the entire edge of the quilt in a continuous manner. When sewing, the binding unrolls from the spool and facilitates simple and efficient binding to the quilt without drag, unless drag is purposely created in the embodiment of the invention.

The base member 110 is constructed of a material providing sufficient weight to support the device, or alternatively may be weighted by generally accepted means known to those skilled in the art in any of the many manners known to add weight and/or lower the center of gravity in device construction. When assembled, the rod member 120 extends from the base member 110, for example, vertically and perpendicularly to the base member 110. In alternative embodiments, the rod member 120 may extend from the base member 110 at any angle between 1 degree and 90 degrees relative to the base member 110, provided the angle at which the rod member 120 is disposed does not interfere with the functionality of the device. The spool member 130 is rotatably disposed about the proximate end of rod member 120 to the base member, and freely seated in a concentric depression 150 in the base member. A retaining member 180 may be fitted to and mounted on the distal end of the rod member 120 to prevent disengagement of the spool member, as shown in FIG. 3.

The top-face 140 of the base member 110, as shown in FIG. 2, has at least one concentric depression 150 therein into which the spool member 130 seats and may rotate, said concentric depression 150 steadying the rotation of the spool member 130 while in motion without producing rotational drag, and said concentric depression 150 having a depth of at least 0.03 inches. In some embodiments, an additional component, a washer member 210, may be mounted into the concentric depression 150 to further reduce natural friction and facilitate rotation of the spool member 130. Said washer member 210 is a flat annulus or ring and may be employed in the present invention to spread the load of weight from the spool member 130, and/or adjust the diameter of the base member bore 160 thereby stabilizing the rod member 120, and may be comprised of plain, coated, bonded, or plated metallic or non-metallic material, e.g., steel, alloys, plastic, silicone, rubber, or any material useful for its intended purpose. In some embodiments, a plurality of sequentially smaller concentric depressions, each having a greater depth than the previous, corresponding to multiple spool member standard sizes may be manufactured into the face of the base member 110. Concentric depression(s) may be constructed by carving, lathing, injection molding, or any acceptable manufacturing method appropriate for the construction materials of a certain embodiment of the present invention. An alternative embodiment may substitute a raised concentric lip in place of a concentric depression.

Centrally positioned within the concentric depression 150 is a base member bore 160 corresponding in size sufficiently to receive a rod member 120 and into which a rod member 120 may be inserted. Said bore may vary in depth from about 0.03 inches to the entire height of the base member 110. The necessary depth of said base member bore 160 may be determined by one skilled in the art, manufactured in sufficient depth corresponding to a certain embodiment in order to appropriately engage and/or secure a rod member, without undue experimentation. Additionally, one or more O-rings, e.g., rubber, silicone, or the like, may be fitted and placed onto a rod member 120 in order to alter its diameter and secure it within the base member bore 160, or alternately, a spool member aperture 200. By these and other means, multiple sized spool members 130 may be utilized with multiple sized rod members 120 in a single base member 110. Optionally, a base member 110 may have semi-permanently mounted on or integrally formed from the bottom face 170 thereof at least one non-skid element 180, e.g., multiple bumpers, non-skid material, non-skid surface, or the like, as shown in FIG. 6.

In FIG. 3 a retaining member 180 is shown in relation to the distal end of a rod member 120. Said retaining member 180 prevents the spool member 130 or a plurality of stacked spool members from moving beyond the distal end of the rod member 120 and potentially disengaging with the device 100. Said retaining member 180 may be constructed of any material appropriate for the certain embodiment of the invention, and further may be embellished from a surface or shape perspective for aesthetic and/or customization purposes without altering its utility. A rod member 120 is of sufficient length to engage with at least one standard B spool, or may be elongated such that the length of the rod member 120 is capable of holding a plurality of mounted spool members 130 simultaneously. Meeting the simplicity objective of the present invention then, spool members 130 are, thus, easily interchangeable, and users may choose from multiple, pre-wound, bindings.

The basic form of a spool member 130 intended for use with the device is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Commercially produced spools are available in myriad standard shapes and sizes, all of which have the capacity to carry a wound material, e.g., binding. With minor adjustments known to those in the art of device manufacture, non-standard and custom spools may also be employed with the instant invention. Spool members 130 have a longitudinal aperture 200 there through, said aperture 200 employed for disposing the spool member on and rotatably about the rod member 120. The spool aperture 200 is sized, depending upon the embodiment of the invention, such that it is at least of a diameter to fit over the rod and move in a spinning motion freely.

An illustrative preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a square top- and bottom-faced base member having height, width, and length dimension ranges including approximately 1.0-12.0 inches W×1.0-12.0 inches L×0.5-12.0 inches H, preferably approximately 1.0-6.0 inches W×1.0-6.0 inches L×0.5-3.5 inches H, and more preferably approximately 3.75 inches W×3.75 inches L×0.875 inches H. The concentric depression 150 is, for example, lathed into the top face at a depth ranging from approximately 0.03-12.0 inches, preferably from approximately 0.25-6.0 inches, and more preferably from approximately 0.25-0.875 inches in depth. A base member bore 160 having a depth range of approximately 0.03-12.0 inches, preferably approximately 0.25-6.0 inches, and more preferably approximately 0.25-0.875 inches is drilled into the center of the concentric depression 150 into which a rod member 120 is inserted and removably and frictionally secured. A standard sized spool member 130, for example a 2 oz., 2.25 inch diameter, standard B spool, having an aperture therethrough is moveably disposed about the rod, and seated in the concentric depression 150. The base member 110 may be, for example, wood, unfinished or finished by priming and painting, and may further comprise non-skid elements 180, e.g., bumpers, semi-permanently attached to the bottom-face 170 thereof, wherein said non-skid elements 180 stabilize the device and prevent movement during use of the device 100.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, base members 110 of the instant invention are shown comprising a plurality of concentric depressions 150 and corresponding base member bores 160 each for engaging a rod member 120 and thereby mounting multiple spool members 130 laterally in relation to each other, and/or vertically with the use of elongated rod members 120. In FIG. 8 is shown a configuration of the instant invention wherein a plate member 190 comprising a plurality of concentric depressions 150 and corresponding base member bores 160 each for engaging a rod member 120 and thereby mounting multiple spool members is rotationally mounted on, in, or flush to the base member 110 in the fashion of a lazy-Susan, wherein a user may rotate the circular member 190 for access to a desired spool member 130. In each of these embodiments, the functionality of each of the individual base member 110, rod member 120 and spool member 130 and their respective relationships therebetween is essentially the equivalent as an the embodiment comprising a single base member 110, rod member 120 and spool member 130 described herein. In each of these embodiments, each attribute and combinations thereof described herein may be selectively incorporated therein or excluded therefrom.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a base member 110 wherein said base member has an sufficient height, e.g., greater than 1.5″, and/or weight such that the base member 110 may be functionally combined with a unitary rod and spool member without raising the device's center of gravity to a level of instability of the device. A base member 110 may be constructed of a material providing sufficient additional weight to support the embodiment of the device, or alternatively may be weighted by generally accepted means known to those skilled in the art in any of the many manners known to add weight and/or lower a center of gravity in device construction.

One skilled in the art of device construction and basic mechanics could make any number of embodiments and/or adjustments thereto based on elements such as, size, construction material, weight, etc., without undue experimentation.

Having herein set forth various embodiment of the present invention, it is anticipated that suitable modification can be made thereto which will nonetheless remain within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A device for dispensing textile binding, comprising: a base member, at least one rod member, and at least one spool member, wherein said base member comprises at least one means for removably mounting said at least one rod member; wherein, said at least one rod member is removably attached to said base member; and, wherein said at least one spool member is rotatably mounted on said at least one rod member.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising: an axial screw stud on said rod member proximal to said base member, and a locking means incorporated into said base member, wherein said rod member and base member engage.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a washer member, said washer member disposed about said rod member positioned between said base member and said spool member.

4. The device of claim 2, further comprising: a washer member, said washer member disposed about said rod member and positioned between said base member and said spool member.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a rotational platform integrally combined into the base member, said platform comprising a plurality of means for removably mounting a plurality of rod members.

6. The device of claim 2, further comprising: a rotational platform integrally combined into the base member, said platform comprising a plurality of means for removably mounting a plurality of rod members.

7. The device of claim 3, further comprising: further comprising a rotational platform integrally combined into the base member, said platform comprising a plurality of means for removably mounting a plurality of rod members.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is constructed of materials chosen from the group consisting of wood, acrylic, plastic, fiberglass, rubber, metal, steel, steel alloy, ceramic, glass, polymers, composites, and combinations thereof.

9. The device of claim 2, wherein the device is constructed of materials chosen from the group consisting of wood, acrylic, plastic, fiberglass, rubber, metal, steel, steel alloy, ceramic, glass, polymers, composites, and combinations thereof.

10. The device of claim 3, wherein the device is constructed of materials chosen from the group consisting of wood, acrylic, plastic, fiberglass, rubber, metal, steel, steel alloy, ceramic, glass, polymers, composites, and combinations thereof.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a driving, breaking, metering, or ratcheting system functionally disposed between said base member and said rod member.

12. The device of claim 2, further comprising: a driving, breaking, metering, or ratcheting system functionally disposed between said base member and said rod member.

13. The device of claim 3, further comprising: a driving, breaking, metering, or ratcheting system functionally disposed between said base member and said rod member.

14. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a driving, breaking, metering, or ratcheting system functionally disposed between said rod member and said spool member.

15. The device of claim 2, further comprising: a driving, breaking, metering, or ratcheting system functionally disposed between said rod member and said spool member.

16. The device of claim 3, further comprising: a driving, breaking, metering, or ratcheting system functionally disposed between said rod member and said spool member.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein said base member and said rod member are a unitary member.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein said rod member and said spool member are a unitary member.