FRIENDSHIP BRACELET LOOM ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A loom assembly includes a base including a storage area and a track, a first part disposed on one side of the base and a slider mounted to the track and spaced apart from the first part. The slider is movable along the track to set a distance between the first part. Each of the slider and the first part include features for holding multiple threads in place for the creation of beaded bracelets. The slider part further includes a top assembly including fingers that are disposed within slots to hold thread or string in place when forming a beaded or threaded item. The fingers are biased against an inner surface of a corresponding slot such that a thread placed within the slot is held between a finger and the wall of the slot.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/541,378 filed on Sep. 29, 2023.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure generally relates to method and device for holding multiple threads and installing beads to aid in the creation of a jewelry item created using threads, cord, string, or other elongated members.

Beads or other items are sometimes threaded onto a string or cord to create bracelets, or other beaded items and jewelry. One type of beaded items includes beads that are attached along or between a combination of several threads, strings, cords, and/or elongated members. Holding multiple threads, strings and or cords in place while attaching the beads can be difficult and require significant dexterity and patience.

SUMMARY

A loom assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides for the holding of thread, strings, or other elongated members to aid in the creation of a friendship and other beaded bracelets, and other articles wearable articles. The example loom assembly includes, among other possible things a base including a storage area and a track, a first part disposed on one side of the base and a slider mounted to the track and spaced apart from the first part. The slider is movable along the track to set a distance between the first part. Each of the slider and the first part include features for holding multiple threads in place for the creation of beaded bracelets. The slider part further includes a top assembly including fingers that are disposed within slots to hold thread or string in place when forming a beaded or threaded item. The fingers are biased against an inner surface of a corresponding slot such that a thread placed within the slot is held between a finger and the wall of the slot.

Although the different examples have the specific components shown in the illustrations, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from one of the examples in combination with features or components from another one of the examples.

These and other features disclosed herein can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example loom assembly for creating items with thread and beads.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of component parts of the example loom assembly.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the example loom assembly.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the example loom assembly.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example front part.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the example front part.

FIG. 7 is a front view of front side of the example front part.

FIG. 8 is a back view of a back side of the example front part.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a top of the example front part.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a front side of the front part with threads attached.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the back side of the front part with threads attached.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example stopper.

FIG. 13 is a view of front view of the example stopper.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the example stopper.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an example slider.

FIG. 16 is a side view of one side of the example slider.

FIG. 17 is a top view of a top side of the example slider.

FIG. 18 is a partially exploded view of the example slider top assembly.

FIG. 19 is a back view of a back side of the example slider.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a wall portion of the slider top assembly of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the example wall portion of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the example wall portion of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a front view of the example wall portion of FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 is a top view of the example wall portion of FIG. 20.

FIG. 25 is a forward looking view of the slider part of FIG. 18 assembled to a track and holding multiple threads in place.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of a portion of the slider top assembly holding threads in place.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an example tray.

FIG. 28 is a side view of the example tray.

FIG. 29 is a top view of the example tray.

FIG. 30 is a view showing the tray being used to place beads within a bag for storage.

FIG. 31A is a perspective view of a first step in threading a bead onto a thread using features of the example tray.

FIG. 31B is a perspective view of a second step in threading a bead onto a thread using features of the example tray.

FIG. 31C is a perspective view of a bead threaded onto a thread using features of the example tray.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the FIGS. 1 and 2, an example loom assembly 20 for creating a beaded item such as a bracelet, necklace or other item formed from a plurality of threads, string, cord, or other elongated member includes a front part 26 and a slider 30 disposed on opposite ends of a base 22. The example loom assembly 20 includes features for storing, holding, and assembling beads to the threads.

For purposes of brevity, reference throughout this disclosure of the term thread, string, core, and elongated member are utilized interchangeably with the understanding that the disclosed loom assembly 20 may be used with thread, string, cord, and other elongated members that are all within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure.

The front part 26 and the slider 30 are spaced apart from each other and includes features for holding portions of a plurality of threads. The base 22 includes a track 24 and a storage area 38 holding a tray 28. The front part 26 is secured to the base 22 on one side of the storage area 38 and the track 24 extends outwardly away from of the storage area 38. The tray 28 is received within the storage area 38 and includes several compartments for storing beads and/or other items used in the creation of a wearable item. used for fabrication. Moreover, the tray 28 includes features that aid in the threading of beads on to portions of thread during assembly.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, with continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the track 24 includes a plurality of grooves 42 into which a tab 78 (FIG. 15) on the slider 30 is received to provide for adjusting a length between the front part 26 and the slider 30. A first stopper 40A is provided for insertion between the slider 30 and the track 24 to secure the slider 30 in a desired position along the track 24. The example loom assembly 20 includes several stoppers 40 of similar configuration that can be used in various ways. For example, another stopper 40B is configured for assembly to the front part 26 to hold threads in place during fabrication of the beaded item.

The storage area 38 includes a peripheral channel 126 that surrounds an inner recessed area 128 (FIG. 2). The example inner recessed area 128 includes openings 130 for receiving mounting cylinders 132 on a bottom side of the tray 28. The example inner recessed area 128 is rectangular with a length 134 parallel to the track 24 being greater than a width 136. The tray 28 includes a corresponding shape that fits within the inner recessed area 128. The rectangular shape of the inner recessed area 128 provides for placement of the tray 28 crossways to provide access to assembly slots formed in the tray.

The track 24 extends from one side of the storage area 38 and includes the side rails 76 and the grooves 42 for supporting the slider 30. An end of the track 24 includes tabs 118 that may be utilized to add additional sections to lengthen the track section 24. The top surface of the track 24 may include markings that correspond to a length between the front part 26 and the slider 30.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, with continue reference to the previous figures, the front part 26 includes features for holding threads in place during fabrication. The features include a center groove 44 that tapers inward from a top edge 54 to accept many threads and/or threads of different thicknesses. The center groove 44 is open at the top edge 54. The center groove 44 is widest at the top edge 54 and tapers inwardly toward a bottom point 58.

Below the center groove 44 is a first opening 46 through which threads may be inserted and held in place with a stopper 40 (Shown in FIG. 1). A lower, second opening 48 is provided below the first opening 46. A lower hook 50 extends upward from just below the second opening 48. The lower hook 50 tapers inward toward a center portion that extends upward relative to the second opening 48. The lower hook 50 may be used to secure a bundle of thread during creation of a beaded article as is shown in FIG. 10.

A round shaped slot 52 is provided at a top edge of the front part 26 to one side of the center groove 44. The round shaped slot 52 is a partial round opening that is open at the top edge 54. An upper hook 56 extends upward and outward from the top edge 54 on a side of the center groove 44 opposite the round slot 52. The round slot 52 and upper hook 56 provide features for securement of an end of threads used to create the wearable item.

The front part 26 includes a front slot 55 for attachment to the base 22. The base 22 includes a corresponding tab 60 (Best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). The tab 60 is received within the slot 55 to hold the front part 26 in place on the base 22. It should be understood that the tab 60 and slot 55 is an example of coupling between the front part 26 and the base 22. Other couplings may be used to secure the front part 26 to the base. The tab 60 and slot 55 may be reversed such that the front part 26 includes the tab and the base 22 includes a slot. Moreover, although the example base 22 and front part 26 are shown as separate parts, the base and front part may be combined and formed as a single part within the scope and contemplation of this disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11 with continued reference to FIGS. 5-10, the front part 26 includes additional features for securement of thread on a back side as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11. The back side include a series of small raised bumps 62 on either side of the center groove 44 to aid in securement of a thread placed within the groove 44. The bumps 62 are disposed on either side of the center groove 44 and a prevent a knotted end of threads from raising upward within the center groove 44 and releasing through a wider portion of the center groove 44.

Below the first opening 46 are a plurality of teeth 64 (Best shown in FIGS. 9 and 11) that extend outward and are configured to receive ends of thread inserted through the first opening 46. The teeth 64 are disposed between the first opening 46 and the second opening 48. Thread or groups of threads that are inserted through any of the openings 46, 48, grooves, and slots in the front part 26 may be secured to any feature as may be expedient for assembly of the threaded and beaded item.

The front part 26 includes a side ring 66 that provides another attachment location for thread or similar material. Additionally, the side ring 66 may provide a location for attachment of a stopper 40 to the loom assembly 20 to prevent loss and to keep the stopper in an easily accessible location during fabrication of a threaded item.

Referring to FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, with continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 7 and 10, the example stopper 40 includes rings 68 that provide for attachment to the front part 26. As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the stopper 40 fits between upper flanges 70 and a lower flange 72 on the front side of the front part 26. The upper flanges 70 are disposed above the first opening 46 and the lower flange 72 is disposed between the first opening 46 and the lower opening 48.

The stopper 40 includes a blade 120 that is tapered between a first thickness 122 and a second thickness 124. The taper of the blade 120 provides for insertion between the track 24 and the stopper 30. The tapered blade 120 further accommodates assembly to the front portion 26 and other parts of the stopper 30. The stopper 40 further includes rings 68 that enable attachment to by way of a clip, thread, rubber band, or other member to the ring 66 of the front portion 26 to keep the stopper with the loom assembly 20. The stopper 40 further includes a center U-shaped slot 126 to accommodate thread that during creation of a beaded article.

Referring to FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19, with continued reference to the previous figures, the slider 30 includes features that hold thread in an orderly organized manner to expedite and aid in fabrication. The slider 30 further includes a lower portion with features that hold the slider 30 to the track 24. The features include side rails 74 that fit onto side tabs 76 of the track 24 (Best shown in FIG. 2) and a center tab 78 that fits into a corresponding one of the plurality of grooves 42 of the track 24. The slider 30 tips forward (best shown in FIG. 3) in response to an application of tension on the threads to bias the center tab 78 into one of the grooves 42. In one example embodiment, the stopper 40A is inserted between the tipped slider 30 and the track 24 to hold the center tab 78 within the groove 42 and thereby secure the slider 30 in position on the track 24.

The slider 30 includes a central groove 80 that opens to a top side 104. The central groove 80 narrows in a direction away from the top side 104 to accommodate threads of differing sizes. Below the central groove 80 is an upper opening 84 and a lower opening 86 with a center rib including lower flange 90 disposed therebetween. Top flanges 82 are provided above the upper opening 54. A stopper 40, similar to that shown with regard to the first part 26 in FIG. 10, may be held in place between the top flanges 82 and the lower flange 90. A lower hook 88 is provided below the lower opening 86 and provides a location for optional securement of threads during fabrication.

The back side (FIG. 19) of the slider 30 includes a series of bumps 94 on either side of the central groove 80 that prevent threads within the groove 80 from sliding upward and out of the groove 80. Between the upper opening 84 and the lower opening 86 is a plurality of teeth 92 where thread may be held therebetween to provide another optional way of securement of threaded members during fabrication.

Referring to FIGS. 20-24, with continued reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the slider 30 includes the slider top assembly 32 into which threads are received. The slider top assembly 32 includes wall portions 100 that fit over finger portions 98. The example finger portions 98 are integral parts of the slider 40. Each of the finger portions 98 are flexible and includes a top portion 106 and a base portion 108. The top portion 106 is angled relative to the base portion 108. In one example embodiment, the top portions 106 face outward as shown in FIG. 13. In one example embodiment, the top portions 106 face outward in different directions depending on the side of the center groove 80.

Each of the wall portions 100 includes a forward side 112 and a back side 114 separated by middle walls 116 and a slot 110. The grooves 102 are formed in both the front side 112 and the back side 114. The middle walls 116 spaces the front side 112 from the back side 114 and the slot 110 receives the finger portions 98. When the slider top assembly 32 is assembled, the finger portions 98 extend within the slot 110 between the front side 112 and back side 114 of the wall portions 100. The finger portions 98 are biased against the middle walls 116 of each of the grooves 102. The bend of the top portion 106 of each of the fingers 98 follows the contour of the top side of the wall portions 100 at each of the grooves.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, the finger portions 98 are biased against the middle walls 116 at each of the grooves 102. The finger portions 98 are biased against the middle walls 116 such that when a thread or string is inserted into one of the grooves 102, each of the finger portions 98 bend to accept the string and exerts a biasing force against the thread or string against the corresponding one of the middle walls 116. The finger portion 98 exerts a biasing force on the thread member to trap the thread member within the groove 102. The finger portions 98 are integral parts of the slider 30 and bend to adapt to accommodate threads of differing thickness without damaging the threads.

It should be appreciated that although the example finger portions 98 are shown and disclosed by way of example as an integral part of the slider 30, it is within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure that the fingers 98 may be formed in an alternate matter as a separate part or assembly. Moreover, the entire top assembly 32 may be formed as an assembly or parts separate from the slider 30 and remain within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 27, 28 and 29, the example tray 28 includes the posts 132 features for mounting within the inner recessed area 128 of the base 22 and additional features for aiding in threading beads onto threads. The example tray 28 includes four compartments 138 separated by interior dividing walls 140. Outer walls 142 extend about a periphery of the tray 28 and are interrupted by openings 144 at each corner. A corner ramp 146 is provided at each of the openings 144. The corner ramps 146 are inclined such that beads remain within each compartment.

Referring to FIG. 30, the openings 144 enable emptying of beads into a bag and other wise provides for easy clean-up of beads while keeping beads within each compartment 138 during creation of an item. Replacement of the beads into a storage bag is provided by tipping of the tray 28 with the corner opening 144 aligned with the storage bag. The beads in that compartment will slide through the opening and into the bag. The interior dividing 140 walls are provided at a height that prevents overflowing of beads between compartments when tipped to remove beads within one of the compartments. Moreover, the inclined surface of each of the corner ramp 146 at each of the corner openings 144 prevents beads from sliding out of the compartment 138 when the tray 138 is placed on a flat surface, or held by a user.

Referring to FIG. 31A-C with continued reference to FIGS. 27-29. Each of the interior divider walls 140 and the outer peripheral walls 142 include an assembly slot 148 that aid in threading of beads on to a thread. Rather than picking up the small beads and attempting to place the bead on the thread, the thread, and slots 148 is used to both pick up and assembly the bead to the thread. A user grasps a thread inserts and inserts an end of the thread into an opening of a bead as is shown in FIG. 31A. The user then pushes the bead toward one of the assembly slots 148. The thread is further pushed through the assembly slot 148 while the bead is stopped at the inner wall 140 as shown in FIG. 31B. The free end of the thread is then extended through the bead a sufficient length to keep the bead on the thread as shown in FIG. 31C. A user than easily moves the bead into place on the thread and assembly additional beads as desired for a specific design.

Accordingly, the example loom includes features that enable fabrication of a jewelry item with any different types of materials, threads, cords, elongated members, and beads. Moreover, the disclosed loom provides features that aid in assembly and handling of beads that may be used for fabrication of an item.

Although an example embodiment has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, although a multi-piece assembly is shown and described by way of example, the features and structures may be incorporated into a single part or combinations of parts that different from the example described embodiment and are within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the scope and content of this invention.

Claims

1. A loom assembly for creating a beaded bracelet, the loom comprising:

a base including a storage area and a track;

a first part disposed on one side of the base; and

a slider adjustably mounted to the track and spaced apart from the first part, wherein the slider includes a top assembly including a plurality of fingers disposed within a corresponding plurality of slots, each of the plurality of fingers are biased against an inner surface of a corresponding one of slots such that an elongated member inserted into one of the slots is held in place between the finger and the inner surface.

2. The loom assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising a tray configured to fit within the storage area, tray including interior dividing walls with at least one slot configured to aid in assembly of a bead to an elongated member.

3. The loom assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein the tray includes peripheral walls spaced apart by corner openings, wherein a bottom surface of the tray inclines upward at each of the corner openings.

4. The loom assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the first part and the slider part includes a central groove open to a top side, the central groove narrowing in a direction away from the top side.

5. The loom assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the first part and the slider part includes flanges disposed above a first opening, the first opening including a tab extending along a bottom surface and a stopper is configured for assembly between the flanges and the tab for holding elongated members within the first opening.

6. The loom assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein the front part includes a round slot on one side of the central groove and an upper hook on a second side of the central groove.

7. The loom assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the track includes a plurality of grooves and the slider part includes a tab configured to be received in a selected one of the plurality of grooves to hold the slider part a desired distance from the first part.

8. The loom assembly as recited in claim 7, further including a stopper that is configured to fit between the slider part and the track for holding the slider part in a desired position on the track.

9. The loom assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the first part, the base and the slider are separate parts.

10. The loom assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the first part and the base are a single integral part.

11. A kit for creating a bracelet comprising:

a plurality of beads;

a quantity of thread; and

a loom assembly comprising a base including a storage area and a track; a first part disposed on one side of the base; and a slider adjustably mounted to the track and spaced apart from the first part, wherein the slider includes a top assembly including a plurality of fingers disposed within a corresponding plurality of slots, each of the plurality of fingers are biased against an inner surface of a corresponding one of slots such that an elongated member inserted into one of the slots is held in place between the finger and the inner surface.

12. The kit as recited in claim 11, further comprising a tray configured to fit within the storage area, tray including interior dividing walls with at least one slot configured to aid in assembly of a bead to an elongated member.

13. The kit as recited in claim 12, wherein the tray includes peripheral walls spaced apart by corner openings, wherein a bottom surface of the tray inclines upward at each of the corner openings.

14. The kit as recited in claim 11, wherein each of the first part and the slider include a central groove open to a top side, the central groove narrowing in a direction away from the top side.

15. The kit as recited in claim 14, wherein each of the first part and the slider include flanges disposed above a first opening, the first opening including a tab extending along a bottom surface and a stopper is configured for assembly between the flanges and the tab for holding elongated members within the first opening.

16. The kit as recited in claim 15, wherein the front part includes a round slot on one side of the central groove and an upper hook on a second side of the central groove.

17. The kit as recited in claim 11, wherein the track includes a plurality of grooves and the slider includes a tab configured to be received in a selected one of the plurality of grooves to hold the slider a desired distance from the first part, and the loom assembly further comprises a stopper that is configured to fit between the slider and the track for holding the slider part in a desired position on the track.

18. A method of creating a jewelry item, the method comprising:

securing end portions of at least one thread between a first part and a slider, wherein at least one of the end portions is secured between a biasing finger and an inner surface of a slot defined on one of the first part and the slider; and

sliding at least one bead onto the at least one thread by inserting an end of the at least one thread through a bead and forcing the bead against a wall of a tray while inserting the end of the thread through an assembly slot in the wall; and

securing the bead onto the at least thread member.

19. The method as recited in claim 18, including attaching additional beads to the at least one thread by forcing a bead against a wall of the tray and extending an end through a slot in the wall.

20. The method as recited in claim 19, including defining a spacing between the first part and the slider part by securing the first part to a base and the slider part to a track, wherein the spacing is adjusted by moving the slider part along the track.