I. CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation Ser. No. 17/687,672 by inventor Barbara Craig, filed on Mar. 6, 2022 entitled “Sewing Machine Table.
II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a removable table for a sewing machine that has accurate graded or ruled markings and adjustable guides that allows a user to sew straight seams and stitches.
2. Description of the Prior Art The current state of the art tables for sewing machines comes generally in 2 (two) styles. For sewing machines that have flat beds, the table is an extension of the flat bed and is typical of the style of sewing machines that are more common such as Singer® or other brands. For sewing machines that have “free arm” or “cylinder arm” styles, the manufacturer has a table that is attached by using a threaded rod in the table, and is inserted in holes on the mounting base of the sewing machine. The major problem with this prior art is that it is difficult to remove when not required, is very unstable because it only has 3 points of contact on the mounting base but does not have any direct contact with the sewing machine cylinder arm and doesn't provide any guides for straps and/or hems, and is very heavy
The instant invention solves these issues by being very light and attached onto the sewing machine casting (case) with at least one screw. The invention has a central cutout around the throat plate and the bobbin slide plate and is trimmed to provide positive support around the machine arm because the sewing machine has angled sides and front surfaces providing a positive lock when the inventors table is installed.
Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and claims that follow.
III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1. Shows an overall view of a typical sewing machine.
FIG. 2. Shows the sewing machine with the invention installed.
FIG. 3. Shows the sewing machine with the invention installed and the guide plates installed.
FIG. 4. Shows a plan view of the invention with the guide plates.
FIG. 5. Shows a plan view of the invention having an additional edge trim and showing the guide plates.
FIG. 6. Shows a plan view of the invention with the guide plates and a simple rectangular cutout.
FIG. 7. Shows a plan view of the invention with the guide plates and having a cutout and rectangular edge trim.
FIG. 8. Shows a plan view of a pair of straps, guides and graduated edge members.
FIG. 9. Shows an assembled view of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10. Shows an edge view of the invention glued onto sewing machine table.
IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 shows, a standard sewing machine (1) that is described as a “free arm” or “cylinder arm” style sewing machine. The sewing machine (1) has a slide plate (2) and a throat plate (3), where the bobbin (not shown) and other mechanicals are contained. The sides (4) of the housing (5) for the slide plate (2) and throat plate (3) are angled as designed by the sewing machine manufacturer. Approximately centrally located on the sewing machine (1) casing, the manufacturer has placed a boss (6) that protrudes upwards and contains 2 (two) holes (7) that are internally threaded to allow standard screws (not shown) to be threadably inserted therein.
With respect to FIG. 2, we show the sewing machine (1) with the object of this application, the sewing machine table (10) installed onto the sewing machine (1). The sewing machine table (10) is held in place by an attachment plate (12), where the attachment plate (12) has at least one threaded fastener (screw or bolt) (14) threadably inserted through one of the two holes (16) in the attachment plate (12) that match the holes (7) in the boss (6) on the sewing machine (1). Also shown in FIG. 2 is a first guide plate (18) and a second guide plate (20). The first guide plate (18) and the second guide plate (20) each have holes (30) located on each end of the first and second guide plates (18, 20). The fasteners shown (22) each contain a screw (24) and a complimentary nut (26).
FIG. 3 shows a closeup of the installed sewing machine table (hereinafter table) (10) depicting the first guide plate (18) and the second guide plate (20) slideably installed onto the sewing machine table (10). The first and second guide plate (18, 20) is shown on a top surface (28) of the sewing machine table (10). The first guide plate (18) has holes (30A, 30B) and the second guide plate (20) has holes (30C, 30D) defined therein. The sewing machine table (10) has a first slot (32) and a second slot (34) defined where the first and second holes (30A, 30B) in the first guide plate (18), and the third and fourth holes (30C, 30D) in the second guide plate (20) and the screws (24) allow the first and second guide plates (18, 20) to slide. When the screws (24) are inserted through the holes (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) and the first and second slots (32, 34) and the nut (26) is then threadably installed and tightens the first and second guide plates (18, 20) which then press down on the top surface (28) of the sewing machine table (10) locking the first and second guide plates (18, 20) in place.
Located on the first and second guide plates (18, 20) is a clearance slot (36), where the clearance slot has a length “L” and a width “W” that is sized to allow a presser foot (8) to freely move while the sewing machine (1) is in use. FIG. 3 shows that the clearance slot (32) in the first and second guide plates (18, 20) face each other to allow a strap or hem of smaller width to be sewn.
FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the sewing machine table (10) and the first and second (18, 20) guide plates. The table (10) is shown with an essentially rectangular shape and may have rounded corners. A central cutout (38) is shown that is essentially rectangular in shape and located approximately 4.26 inches (108.35 mm) from the first edge (42) of the sewing machine table (10). The central cutout (38) in this embodiment has an approximate width of 2.07 inches (52.58 mm) and an approximate length of 5.65 inches (118.11 mm). The central cutout (38) also has a notch (40) added, where the notch (40) essentially provides clearance to the sewing machine (1) throat plate (3). The notch (40) in this embodiment has an approximate length of 1.41 inches (35.81 mm) and an approximate width of 0.34 inches (8.89 mm). The noted length and width of the central cutout (38) is to assure that the cutout will rest on the sides (4) of the sewing machine (1) providing support when attached. The dimensions of the notch (40) for this embodiment are to assure clearance to the throat plate (3) on the sewing machine (1). A clearance hole (44) is shown in the sewing machine table (10), where the clearance hole (44) is sized to clear the boss (6) on the sewing machine. The positions of the central cutout (38), notch (40), and clearance hole (44) are set for specific manufacturers. The clearance hole (40), the central cutout (38), and the notch (40) are biased towards the third edge (48) and are aligned so as to provide increased working area for a user
Continuing with FIG. 4, we have a second edge (46) and a third edge (48), where the second and third edges (46, 48) are opposing and parallel to each other. The first slot (32) is in close proximity to the second edge (46) and the second slot (34) is in close proximity to the third edge (48). The first and second slots (32, 34) are essentially parallel to each other and are of the same width and length. Scribed onto the top surface (28) of the sewing machine table (10) are ruled markings (50). The ruled markings (50) can be in English (inches) or Metric (centimeters/millimeters). There are two sets of ruled markings (50) that are opposed to each other and in close proximity to the first and second slot (32, 34). The ruled markings (50) have a centerline (52) where the centerlines of the ruled markings (50) are in line with each other and the needle (9) (not shown) of the sewing machine (1) (not shown).
FIG. 4 shows the first guide plate (18) and the second guide plate (20). The first guide plate (18) has holes (30A, 30B) at opposing ends of the first guide plate (18) and the second guide plate (20) has holes (30C, 30D) at opposing ends of the second guide plate (20). The clearance slot (36) on both the first guide plate and second guide plate (18, 20) is shown to be biased towards the third edge (48) of the sewing machine table (10). This bias allows for the notch (40) on the first and second guide plates (18, 20) to maintain clearance to the presser foot (8), and the needle (9) on the sewing machine (1) when in use.
Added in close proximity to the central cutout (38) on the top surface (28) of the table (10) is a second and third set of ruled markings (106, 108), where the second and third set of ruled markings (106, 108) may be in English (inches) or Metric (centimeters/millimeters) units to match the ruled markings (50) common to the first and second slots (32, 34). The leader line (110) of the second and third set of ruled markings (106, 108) is spaced away from the needle (9) and aligns with the markings (50) on the top surface (28) of the sewing machine table (10). Typically, the leader line (110) is ⅛ inch (3.127 mm) away from the needle (9).
FIG. 5 shows the same embodiment as FIG. 4 and adds an additional clearance trim to the sewing machine table (10). FIG. 5 shows the plan view of the sewing machine table (10) and the first and second (18, 20) guide plates. The table (10) is shown with an essentially rectangular shape and may have rounded corners. A central cutout (38) is shown that is essentially rectangular in shape and located approximately 4.26 inches (108.35 mm) from the first edge (42) of the sewing machine table (10). The central cutout (38) in this embodiment has an approximate width of 2.07 inches (52.58 mm) and an approximate length of 5.65 inches (118.11 mm). The central cutout (38) also has a notch (40) added, where the notch (40) essentially provides clearance to the sewing machine (1) throat plate (3). The notch (40) in this embodiment has an approximate length of 1.41 inches (35.81 mm) and an approximate width of 0.34 inches (8.89 mm). The noted length and width of the central cutout (38) is to assure that the cutout will rest on the sides (4) of the sewing machine (1) providing support when attached. The dimensions of the notch (40) for this embodiment are to assure clearance to the throat plate (3) on the sewing machine (1). A clearance hole (44) is shown in the sewing machine table (10), where the clearance hole (44) is sized to clear the boss (6) on the sewing machine. The positions of the central cutout (38), notch (40), and clearance hole (44) are set for specific manufacturers. A clearance trim (54) is shown on the first edge (42). The clearance trim (54) is sized to clear the sewing machine (1) and is shown to be circular. The clearance hole (44), the central cutout (38), the notch (40), and the clearance trim (54) are biased towards the third edge (48) and are aligned.
Continuing with FIG. 5, we have a second edge (46) and a third edge (48), where the second and third edges (46, 48) are opposing and parallel to each other and are of the same width and length. The first slot (32) is in close proximity to the second edge (46) and the second slot (34) is in close proximity to the third edge (48). The first and second slots (32, 34) are essentially parallel to each other. Scribed onto the top surface (28) of the sewing machine table (10) are ruled markings (50). The ruled markings (50) can be in English (inches) or Metric (centimeters/millimeters). There are two sets of ruled markings (50) that are opposed to each other and in close proximity to the first and second slot (32, 34). The ruled markings (50) have a centerline (52) where the centerlines of the ruled markings (50) are in line with each other and the needle (9) (not shown) of the sewing machine (1) (not shown).
FIG. 5 shows the first guide plate (18) and the second guide plate (20). The first guide plate (18) has holes (30A, 30B) at opposing ends of the first guide plate (18) and the second guide plate (20) has holes (30C, 30D) at opposing ends of the second guide plate (20). The clearance slot (36) on both the first guide plate and second guide plate (18, 20) is shown to be biased towards the third edge (48) of the sewing machine table (10). This bias allows for the notch (40) on the first and second guide plates (18, 20) to maintain clearance to the presser foot (8), and the needle (9) on the sewing machine (1) when in use.
Added in close proximity to the central cutout (38) on the top surface (28) of the table (10) is a second and third set of ruled markings (106, 108), where the second and third set of ruled markings (106, 108) may be in English (inches) or Metric (centimeters/millimeters) units to match the ruled markings (50) common to the first and second slots (32, 34). The leader line (110) of the second and third set of markings (106, 108) is spaced away from the needle (9) and aligns with the markings (50) on the top surface (28) of the sewing machine table (10). Typically, the leader line (110) is ⅛ inch (3.127 mm) away from the needle (9).
FIG. 6 shows a modification that is adapted to fit a different type of sewing machine. FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 4. FIG. 6 shows the plan view of the sewing machine table (10) and the first and second (18, 20) guide plates. The table (10) is shown with an essentially rectangular shape and may have rounded corners. A central cutout (38) is shown that is essentially rectangular in shape and located approximately 4.26 inches (108.35 mm) from the first edge (42) of the sewing machine table (10). The central cutout (38) in this embodiment is rectangular in shape and is sized to fit the throat plate and accessory plate (not shown) of a specific sewing machine manufacturer. The rectangular shape of the central cutout (38) is to assure that the cutout will rest on the sides (4) of a sewing machine and provide support when attached. The sewing machine table (10) has a pair of elongated slots (56) shown. The elongated slots (56) are spaced to align with a pair of threaded holes (not shown) in a sewing machine (not shown). A spacer plate (58) is shown glued or fastened to the bottom surface of the sewing machine table (10). The spacer plate (58) is shown is rectangular in shape and has a first trim (60) and a second trim (62) being positioned by the elongated slots (56) and allow adequate clearance for fasteners (not shown) to pass through the elongated slots (56) and the first and second trim (60, 62) without interference from the spacer plate (58). The spacer plate (58) has a thickness that provides support for the sewing machine table (10) when threadably attached to the sewing machine (not shown), and assures that the sewing machine table (10) is level when attached to a sewing machine (not shown). The positions of the central cutout (38), notch (40), elongated holes (56), and spacer plate (58) is set for specific manufacturers. The elongated holes (56), the spacer plate (58), the central cutout (38), and the notch (40), are biased towards the third edge (48) and are aligned to each other.
Continuing with FIG. 6, we have a second edge (46) and a third edge (48), where the second and third edges (46, 48) are opposing and parallel to each other and are of the same width and length. The first slot (32) is in close proximity to the second edge (46) and the second slot (34) is in close proximity to the third edge (48). The first and second slots (32, 34) are essentially parallel to each other. Scribed onto the top surface (28) of the sewing machine table (10) are ruled markings (50). The ruled markings (50) can be in English (inches) or Metric (centimeters/millimeters). The two sets of ruled markings (50) are opposed to each other and in close proximity to the first and second slot (32, 34). The ruled markings (50) have a centerline (52) where the centerlines of the ruled markings (50) are in line with each other and the needle (9) (not shown) of the sewing machine (1) (not shown).
FIG. 6 further shows the first guide plate (18) and the second guide plate (20). The first guide plate (18) has holes (30A, 30B) at opposing ends of the first guide plate (18) and the second guide plate (20) has holes (30C, 30D) at opposing ends of the second guide plate (20). The clearance slot (36) on both the first guide plate and second guide plate (18, 20) is shown to be biased towards the third edge (48) of the sewing machine table (10). This bias allows for the notch (40) on the first and second guide plates (18, 20) to maintain clearance to the presser foot (8), and the needle (9) on the sewing machine (1) when in use.
Added in close proximity to the central cutout (38) on the top surface (28) of the table (10) is a second and third set of ruled markings (106, 108), where the second and third set of ruled markings (106, 108) may be in English (inches) or Metric (centimeters/millimeters) units to match the ruled markings (50) common to the first and second slots (32, 34). The leader line (110) of the second and third set of markings (106, 108) is spaced away from the needle (9) and aligns with the markings (50) on the top surface (28) of the sewing machine table (10). Typically, the leader line (110) is ⅛ inch (3.127 mm) away from the needle (9).
FIG. 7 shows the same embodiment as FIG. 5 and is adapted to fit a different style of sewing machine (1). FIG. 7 shows the plan view of the sewing machine table (10) and the first and second (18, 20) guide plates. The table (10) is shown with an essentially rectangular shape and may have rounded corners. A central cutout (38) is shown that is essentially rectangular in shape and located approximately 4.26 inches (108.35 mm) from the first edge (42) of the sewing machine table (10). The central cutout (38) in this embodiment has an approximate width of 2.07 inches (52.58 mm) and an approximate length of 5.65 inches (118.11 mm). The central cutout (38) also has a notch (40) added, where the notch (40) essentially provides clearance to the sewing machine (1) throat plate (8). The notch (40) in this embodiment has an approximate length of 1.41 inches (35.81 mm) and an approximate width of 0.34 inches (8.89 mm). The noted length and width of the central cutout (38) is to assure that the cutout will rest on the sides (4) of the sewing machine (1) providing support when attached. The dimensions of the notch (40) for this embodiment are to assure clearance to the throat plate (3) on the sewing machine (1). A clearance hole (44) is shown in the sewing machine table (10), where the clearance hole (44) is sized to clear the boss (6) on the sewing machine. The positions of the central cutout (38), notch (40), and clearance hole (44) are set for specific manufacturers. A clearance trim (54) is shown on the first edge (42). The clearance trim (54) is sized to clear the sewing machine (1) and in this embodiment is a squared off trim. The clearance hole (40), the central cutout (38), the notch (40), and the clearance trim (54) are biased towards the third edge (48) and are aligned.
Continuing with FIG. 7, we have a second edge (46) and a third edge (48), where the second and third edges (46, 48) are opposing and parallel to each other and are of the same width and length. The first slot (32) is in close proximity to the second edge (46) and the second slot (34) is in close proximity to the third edge (48). The first and second slots (32, 34) are essentially parallel to each other. Scribed onto the top surface (28) of the sewing machine table (10) are ruled markings (50). The ruled markings (50) can be in English (inches) or Metric (centimeters/millimeters). There are two sets of ruled markings (50) that are opposed to each other and in close proximity to the first and second slot (32, 34). The ruled markings (50) have a centerline (52) where the centerlines of the ruled markings (50) are in line with each other and the needle (9) (not shown) of the sewing machine (1) (not shown).
FIG. 7 shows the first guide plate (18) and the second guide plate (20). The first guide plate (18) has holes (30A, 30B) at opposing ends of the first guide plate (18) and the second guide plate (20) has holes (30C, 30D) at opposing ends of the second guide plate (20). The clearance slot (36) on both the first guide plate and second guide plate (18, 20) is shown to be biased towards the third edge (48) of the sewing machine table (10). This bias allows for the notch (40) on the first and second guide plates (18, 20) to maintain clearance to the presser foot (8), and the needle (9) on the sewing machine (1) when in use.
Added in close proximity to the central cutout (38) on the top surface (28) of the table (10) is a second and third set of ruled markings (106, 108), where the second and third set of ruled markings (106, 108) may be in English (inches) or Metric (centimeters/millimeters) units to match the ruled markings (50) common to the first and second slots (32, 34). The leader line (110) of the second and third set of markings (106, 108) is spaced away from the needle (9) and aligns with the markings (50) on the top surface (28) of the sewing machine table (10). Typically, the leader line (110) is ⅛ inch (3.127 mm) away from the needle (9).
FIG. 8 shows the same embodiment as FIG. 5, and shows the plan view of the sewing machine table (10) and the first and second (18, 20) guide plates. The table (10) is shown with an essentially rectangular shape and may have rounded corners. A central cutout (38) is shown that is essentially rectangular in shape and located approximately 4.26 inches (108.35 mm) from the first edge (42) of the sewing machine table (10). The central cutout (38) in this embodiment has an approximate width of 2.07 inches (52.58 mm) and an approximate length of 5.65 inches (118.11 mm). The central cutout (38) also has a notch (40) added, where the notch (40) essentially provides clearance to the sewing machine (1) presser foot (8). The notch (40) in this embodiment has an approximate length of 1.41 inches (35.81 mm) and an approximate width of 0.34 inches (8.89 mm) and is located towards the fourth edge (64). The noted length and width of the central cutout (38) is to assure that the cutout will rest on the sides (4) of the sewing machine (1) providing support when attached. The dimensions of the notch (40) for this embodiment are to assure clearance to the throat plate (3) on the sewing machine (1). A clearance hole (44) is shown in the sewing machine table (10), where the clearance hole (44) is sized to clear the boss (6) on the sewing machine. The positions of the central cutout (38), notch (40), and clearance hole (44) are set for specific manufacturers. A clearance trim (54) is shown on the first edge (42). The clearance trim (54) is sized to clear the body of the sewing machine (1) and is shown to be circular but also may be rectangular in shape to clear the sewing machine. The clearance hole (44), the central cutout (38), the notch (40), and the clearance trim (54) are biased towards the third edge (48) and are aligned.
Continuing with FIG. 8, we have a second edge (46) and a third edge (48), where the second and third edges (46, 48) are opposing and parallel to each other. A first support plate (66) is shown, where the first support plate (66) is adhered or fastened to the bottom (70) of the sewing machine table (10). Placed on top of the first support plate (66) is a first slide plate (72). The first support plate (66) has a first slot (76) defined therein. The first slide plate (72) has a second slot (78) defined therein. The first and second support slots (76, 78) in the first support plate (66) and the first slide plate (72) are generally of the same length and width. The length of the first support plate (66) and the first slide plate (72) are generally the same. When the first support plate (66) and the first slide plate (72) are mated, the first and second slots (76, 78) are aligned and the edges of the first support plate (66) and the first slide plate (72) are aligned. The first support plate (66) and the first slide plate (72) are glued or fastened together.
Opposing the first support plate (66) and the first slide plate (72) are the second support plate (68) and the second slide plate (74). The second support plate (68) has a third slot (80) defined therein and is glued or fastened to the bottom surface (70) of the sewing machine table (10). The second slide plate (74) has a fourth slot (82) defined therein where the third and fourth slots (80, 82) are of the same width and length. The second slide plate (74) is aligned with the edges of the second support plate (68) wherein the third and fourth slots (80, 82) are fully aligned. The edges of the first support plate and first slide plate (66, 72) are aligned with the second support plate (68) and second slide plate (74). Scribed onto a top surface (84) of the first slide plate (72) are a first set of ruled markings (88). The first set of ruled markings (88) can be in English (inches) or Metric (centimeters/millimeters). Scribed onto a top surface (86) of the second slide plate (74) is a second set of ruled markings (90). The second set of ruled markings (90) can be in English (inches) or Metric (centimeters/millimeters). The first and second sets of ruled markings (88, 90) each have a have a centerline (92, 94) where the centerlines of the ruled markings (72, 74) are in line with each other and the needle (9) (not shown) of the sewing machine (1) (not shown).
FIG. 8 further shows the first guide plate (18) and the second guide plate (20). The first guide plate (18) has holes (30A, 30B) at opposing ends of the first guide plate (18) and the second guide plate (20) has holes (30C, 30D) at opposing ends of the second guide plate (20). The clearance slot (36) on both the first guide plate and second guide plate (18, 20) is shown to be biased towards the third edge (48) of the sewing machine table (10). This bias allows for the notch (40) on the first and second guide plates (18, 20) to maintain clearance to the presser foot (8) (not shown), and the needle (9) (not shown) on the sewing machine (1) when in use.
Added in close proximity to the central cutout (38) on the top surface (28) of the table (10) is a third and fourth set of ruled markings (112, 124), where the third and fourth set of ruled markings (112, 124) may be in English (inches) or Metric (centimeters/millimeters) units to match the ruled markings (88, 90) common to the first and second slots (32, 34). The leader line (116) of the third and fourth set of markings (112, 114) is spaced away from the needle (9) and aligns with the markings (88, 90) on the top surface (28) of the sewing machine table (10). Typically, the leader line (110) is ⅛ inch (3.127 mm) away from the needle (9).
Referring to FIG. 9, we show the sewing machine table (10) as described in FIG. 8 fully assembled. The first guide plate (18) is shown with a screw (24) in each of holes (30A, 30B) going through the first and second slots (76, 78) in the first support plate (66) and first guide plate (72). The nuts (26) are on the bottom surface of the first and second support plate (66, 68). The second guide plate (20) is shown with a screw (24) in each of holes (30C, 30D) going through the third and fourth slots (80, 82) in the second support plate (68) and second guide plate (74). The nuts (26) are on the bottom surface of the first and second support plate (66, 68). The first and second guide plates (18, 20) are shown with the notches (40) on the first and second guide plates (18, 20) facing each other.
Regarding FIG. 10, we expand on the disclosure of FIG. 9 to accommodate an extra thick integrally attached sewing machine table. We show the first support plate (66) glued to the bottom of a sewing machine table that is integral with the sewing machine (1) similar to what was described in FIG. 9. Typically, these tables are much thicker than the sewing machine table (10) disclosed in FIG. 4 thru FIG. 8. A first sleeve (96) and second sleeve (98) are shown providing support and a gap between the first slide plate (72) and the first support plate (66). A screw (100), washer (102), and nut (104) positionally secure the slide plate (72) to the support plate (66). As previously described in FIG. 9, the first support plate (66) has a first slot (76) defined and the first slide plate (72) has a second slot (78) defined where the first and second slots (76, 78) are of the same width and length and are positionally aligned to each other. Although one edge is shown, there is an opposing edge of the sewing machine table (not shown) that attaches the second support plate (68) and second slide plate (74) using the same sleeves (96, 98) as previously described. The second support plate (68) has a third slot (80) and the second slide plate (74) has a fourth slot (82). The third and fourth slots (80, 82) have the same width and length and are positionally aligned to each other. A screw (100), a washer (102), and a nut (104) positionally secure the second slide plate (74) to the second support plate (68) on the opposing side of the sewing machine table. The first and second guide plates (18, 20) are secured to the first and second slide plates (72, 74) using screws (24) and nuts (26).
Although the present invention has been described with reference to the disclosed embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred. Each apparatus embodiment described herein has numerous equivalents.
