Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. The example kit provides for the successful creation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques and includes several pin bars that are supported in a desired special orientation by at least one base. The desired special orientation is dependent on the desired linked configuration of the completed article. The pins may be assembled in various combination and orientations to provide endless variation of completed link orientations.

Abstract: A bobbin and spool management system includes a bobbin topper having a central disc with upwardly and downwardly extending stanchions projecting therefrom, each being capped with a mushroom bolster and having a medially located chamfered collar. The upwardly projecting stanchion is adapted to mate with an axial bore in the barrel of a bobbin and retain the bobbin while the downwardly projecting stanchion is adapted to penetrate the axial bore in the barrel of a supply spool and be retained on the supply spool.

Abstract: A modular wash/sanitation rack including an inside channel, outside channel, gear rack mount, wall support, and gear support. A light-weight, structurally sound support assembly of the wash/sanitation rack includes one or more of the inside channel, the outside channel, the gear rack mount, and the wall support formed as a three-dimensional support from a flat pattern of a single sheet of material. The gear rack mount is connected to a flange of the gear support and is housed within an inside channel of the support assembly. The inside channel is housed within an outside channel. The outside channel is connected to the anchored wall support. The wash/sanitation rack is assembled as a secured or a moveable unit.

Abstract: A spool rest is provided in a thread standing device of a sewing machine so as to hold a thread spool to be attachable and detachable by inserting a support installed to protrude from a thread standing base, in a cylinder portion formed at a center of the thread spool around which a sewing thread to be fed to the sewing machine is wound, the spool rest is a polygonal plate installed on the thread standing base and includes a through-hole that the support provided at a center portion of a placement surface for placing the thread spool penetrates, and a thread passing groove is formed from the center portion of the placement surface toward an outer edge portion.

Abstract: A thread storage system including a housing that has a rear wall and a perimeter wall attached thereto. The perimeter wall includes a top wall and a bottom wall. A front side of the housing is open. A plurality of vertical walls extends between the top and bottom walls. A plurality of horizontal walls is attached to the vertical walls and the vertical and horizontal walls forms a plurality of compartments. Each of the compartments includes a pair of lateral walls, an upper wall and a lower wall. Each of plurality of doors has an upper edge, a lower edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The compartments each has one of the doors is pivotally coupled thereto to allow selective closing of the compartments. Spools of thread are positionable in each of the compartments for storage and transporting purposes.

Abstract: A ribbon cutter comprises a base and a turntable rotationally mounted on the base for movement between a plurality of rotational angles relative to a feed direction of the ribbon. A cutting arm pivotally connected to the turntable moves between an open position and a cutting position for cutting the ribbon at a selected angle determined by a rotational position of the turntable. A ribbon guide is provided for feeding a ribbon over the turntable, comprising an opening for manually drawing the ribbon through the ribbon guide to the turntable.

Abstract: The welding wire spool support wherein the housing is formed from a single sheet of material, the housing being attached to a base, wherein the base includes a spindle support extending upward therefrom, wherein the spindle is mounted on the spindle support; and wherein a wire feeder assembly is supported on the base and adapted to draw wire from the spool.

Abstract: A thread guide device for use with sewing and embroidering machines is adjustable to accommodate a variety of differently dimensioned thread spools or cones and is adapted for use with machines having a horizontally disposed thread spool support rod. The thread guide device includes a base having a support rod for supporting a spool or cone of thread on a rotor journalled for rotation on the support rod and dimensioned for insertion into the core of a spool or cone of thread. The rotor has a tapered end portion for accommodating spools or cones of different sizes. A wire loop thread guide secured to the base and mounted for selective lateral adjustment relative to the support rod has a first portion disposed within a slot of a slotted arm and a second portion provided with a coil wrapped around the slotted arm. A set screw secures a tapered retaining cap having a central axial aperture receiving the support rod to the support rod.

Abstract: A stand used for supporting spools of wire and the like includes a cam which is operable to increase the length of a leg to thereby raise the spool of wire off of the ground. The stand is adjustable to allow its use with different sizes of spools of wire. The stand allows a single person to raise a spool of wire weighing thousands of pounds off of the ground and support the same to allow the spool to rotate freely upon an axle.

Abstract: A device for aiding rewinding a fishing reel by an individual includes a suction cup base having a convex bottom and top portion having a central hub, a screw threadably connected to the hub at a first end and having a second end extending therefrom, and an elongated pole member threadably connected to the second end of the screw which extends outwardly from the hub and is of a diameter to be received through the hub of a spool of line. A spool retainer is provided which is frictionally slidably connected to the pole member to retain a spool of line between the hub and retainer.

Abstract: A honeycomb shaped spool holder for use with sewing machines having at least one upstanding spool support spindle, comprising an inner cylindrical hub which has a central bore extending therethrough for vertically receiving the spindle of a sewing machine in such a manner as to permit the holder to freely rotate thereabout as the thread is dispensed. The spool holder further comprises an outer member having an overall truncated conical configuration sized and shaped to frictionally engage the interior surfaces of a cone shaped spool core, and has a plurality of partition walls extending in an axial direction between the inner hub and the outer member such that a spoke or honeycomb pattern is formed. The partition walls help to sufficiently strengthen the structure of the spool holder, so that the spool holder can withstand a wide range of dynamic forces that may be applied thereto while it rotates at a high angular velocity about the spindle as the thread is drawn from the thread spool.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing yarn from a skein for knitting and crocheting includes a base, a support, and a spool which carries the yarn. The spool includes a hollow elongated tube which is positioned over the support. In one embodiment, the support has a tapered upper end and the upper end of the elongated tube is closed. So positioned, the spool rotates about the support as yarn is drawn by the user. The spool also includes a platform near the lower end for holding a skein of yarn. The components are sized such that the spool has sufficient length to accommodate skeins of varying lengths. The overall length of the support is at least slightly longer than the overall length of the spool. In a preferred embodiment, the support is removable to allow varying support and spool combinations to be used if desired. The invention presents an apparatus which is easy and convenient to use and which provides for the tangle free delivery of yarn as needed by the user.

Abstract: The packing and stowing system of roll of automotive electric conductors is characterized by three independent sections that when adjusted, they form a back up cover that prevents the deformation of the cable during its winding and when it is being stowed. The sections are integrated by a cylindrical body that is opened when it is introduced in a bobbin, as guide and subjection element of the wound roll; and a post set on a base as support for the piling up of the packed rolls and the hoop of the platform.

Abstract: A spool adapted for holding and dispensing yarn for crocheting and knitting. The spool is substantially cylindrical, with a gradual slope toward the two ends. The slightly bulging middle portion is circumferentially lined with closely spaced ridges adapted for preventing slippage of the yarn wrapped thereon. Each of the two ends of the spool has four integrally formed peripheral feet which enable the holder to be oriented in a vertically stable position using either end as the base. A support stand is optionally provided which is adapted for holding the spool in a vertical position, has a base which includes four vertical handles establish a perimeter around the four feet disposed at the end of the spool. A fifth, longer vertical handle, centrally disposed on the base, is sized in length to permit single handed carrying of the stand with a plurality of spools placed thereon. The spool is allowed to spin freely on the post of the stand in a stable manner.

Abstract: A spool holder and threading device for holding one or more spools of thread thereon and feeding thread to an adjacent sewing machine. The device provides for convenient storage of a plurality of spools of thread and bobbins next to the sewing machine. The holder and threading device allows for a quick change of different colors of thread. The device includes a horizontal platform adapted for receipt on a sewing table or the like. An upright "Y" shaped spindle support is mounted vertically on the platform. A front profile of the spindle support is similar to a profile of a standard sewing machine. The "Y" shaped spindle support includes base with an elongated first support arm and a shorter second support arm. The support arms extend outwardly and horizontally from the base with the ends of the support arms extending upwardly and vertically. The elongated first support arm allows for sewn material to pass thereunder without restriction during the sewing operation.

Abstract: A cone and ribbon holding device including a base portion. A pair of cone holders are secured to the base portion. A pair of thread guides are secured to the base portion. The pair of thread guides are positioned intermediate the pair of cone holders. A ribbon guide is secured to the base portion adjacent to an end portion thereof. The ribbon guide is adapted for receipt of a roll of ribbon thereon.

Abstract: A Stud Mounted Reel Support System for facilitating efficient spooling of wire from a wire spool by removably attaching to a conventional stud without a fastener inserted thereby elevating the wire spool off of the floor increasing the workable surface area of the floor. The inventive device includes an upper cuff secured around the rear edge of the conventional stud, a connecting bar secured at one end to the upper cuff, a lower cuff secured around the front edge of the conventional stud and secured to the end of the connecting bar opposite of the upper cuff thereby firmly gripping the conventional stud, a horizontal cantilever arm secured at one end to the lower cuff and where a wire reel rotatably surrounds the horizontal cantilever arm, and a flange at the tip of the horizontal cantilever arm thereby retaining the wire reel in position during rotation.

Abstract: In a optical fiber coil arrangement for use in rotation sensors, for example, axial and/or radial errors can be reduced or substantially eliminated by employing trimming lengths of the first and second ends of the optical fiber used to wind the coil. The first and second ends are spatially separated from one another so as to reduce such errors. The trimming lengths may be in the form of trimming turns. To eliminate axial errors, the first end is formed into a first number of trimming turns and the second end is formed into a second number of trimming turns so that the first and second number of trimming turns are spatially offset from each other in an axial direction. To eliminate radial errors, the first end is formed into a first number of trimming turns and the second end is formed into a second number of trimming turns so that the first and second number of trimming turns are spatially offset from each other in a radial direction. Radial and axial compensation may be combined.

Abstract: A wire rack holding up to eight twelve-pound spools of wire and provided with handles on outboard ends of the rack for carrying the loaded rack by hand to and from a work site. The rack is constructed from metal rod stock and is conveniently stored out of the way on a wall or on a bulkhead in a work vehicle.

Abstract: A cart for use by electricians is disclosed having a main longitudinal member supported at its ends by pairs of wheels with one pair being of the swivel type to facilitate passage through narrow doorway openings of a building. End mounted post assemblies on the longitudinal member are equipped with arms for the optional carrying of wire reels or electrical conduit. Detachable post assemblies are also carried by the longitudinal member. The post assemblies include sleeves through which may be inserted a spindle on which a large wire reel may be carried. The detachable post assemblies each include a base attachable to the longitudinal member. Removal of a fastener assembly permits partial disassembly of the cart to facilitate the removal or addition of the detachable post assemblies.

Abstract: A chain merchandising apparatus includes a frame, a cabinet secured to the frame, and chain support means mounted to the frame and located within the cabinet for supporting a plurality of chain containers. A chain cutter is moveably fixed to the apparatus so as to be selectivity adjustable vertically and horizontally in relation thereto for permitting a user to position the chain cutter substantially adjacent to a preselected chain container supported on the chain support means.

Abstract: A spool assembly having an elongated spindle and a pair of spaced end plates. Each end of the spindle is formed with a resilient locking arrangement and each end plate is formed with a centrally located opening. A locking arrangement is formed on the periphery of each opening to cooperate with a resilient locking arrangement on an end of the spindle. The resilient locking arrangement on an end of the spindle is engaged with the locking arrangement on the periphery of an opening in an end plate to connect the spindle and the end plates. A moveable slide is located within each end of the spindle to move axially relative to the spindle between a retracted position within the spindle and an extended position partially out of the spindle.

Abstract: An apparatus including a plurality of spaced support blocks, with spring biased support arms mounted therebetween. The support arms are arranged for reception of a plurality of spools therealong for support and storage. The support arms are of a spring biased configuration mounted at its rearward end within a rear support block and received within a slot within a forward support block. The slot is directed from a forward wall of the support block downwardly thereof and at an acute angle to secure and receive the forward terminal end of the support arm within the slot.

Abstract: Apparatus including a horizontal rectangular frame and a vertical rectangular frame receivable within the horizontal frame. The framework of the horizontal frame includes plural link members mounted vertically of a forward end of the horizontal rectangular frame and to an upper end of the vertical rectangular frame to pivotally receive the vertical rectangular frame within the horizontal rectangular frame. A propeller support brace is rotatably mounted to the vertical rectangular frame and includes a plurality of threaded bosses to threadedly mount a spaced plurality of yarn containers thereto where each yarn container is of a cylindrical configuration formed with a coaxial bore therethrough including an upper lid thereof to direct yarn therethrough.

Abstract: A shipping package system with at least one tier of vertically-stacked webbing rolls utilizes pads with an inner set of passages and an outer set of passages, which webbing rolls may have extended tubular core ends nesting in the pad passages. The outer set of passages accommodate radial webbing roll movement and inhibit circumferential movement about the pad center, which radial movement provides tangential contact between adjacent and/or inner passage webbing rolls.

Abstract: A device permitting yarn or the like to be pulled from a skein by the performance of a handcraft such as knitting. A spindle passes through the skein and a support structure holds the spindle in a vertical position. The support structure includes a base, an upright attached to the base, and a spindle support at the top of the upright. The base and spindle support have means rotatably attaching them to the upright to allow folding up the device for storage and portability. However, means are provided to fix the position of the upright with respect to the base, when the device is in use. The ends of the spindle fit into recesses in the base and spindle support. The means for attaching the spindle support to the upright allows the spindle support to rotate upward so that the spindle can be inserted in and removed from the recesses. The spindle has a spacer attached near its lower end to hold the yarn away from the base.

Abstract: A reel lift which includes a pair of cooperating lifting members, each characterized by a base constructed of angle iron and fitted with an upward-standing trunk which is also constructed of angle iron, which trunk divides the base into a foot portion and a heel portion of dissimilar size. A handle is welded or otherwise fixedly attached to the upward-standing trunk and a support sleeve is secured to the trunk in transverse relationship with respect to the handle and the base, in order to facilitate insertion of a support pipe for utilizing the reel lift members in concert to support a reel therebetween.

Abstract: An assembly for holding and dispensing yarn from a skein of yarn includes a frame, a spindle and a basket. The frame is collapsible with two pairs of pivotally crossed legs spaced by four horizontal rods connecting the upper and lower portions of oppositely faced legs. Two of the legs are upwardly extended to a pair of journals which rotatably support the spindle which will hold a skein of yarn. The basket is formed from a piece of T-shaped cloth. Fasteners disposed on the cloth permit it to be detachably suspended from the upper horizontal rods and detachably folded into basket shape around the upper and lower horizontal rods.

Abstract: A pivotal yarn package holder allows convenience in replacing a yarn package on a creel or the like, and locks into place for use. The support can be adjusted so that the strand of yarn is precisely aimed at the eyelet, and the yarn package will always return to the preset position. A post is mounted from the creel frame, and a latch block is fixed to the post by a set screw. A support block carrying the yarn package is juxtaposed on the latch block, and a latch is easily operable to latch the support block to the latch block. A cone holder has the spring wires below the rigid stud so the stud carries the weight of the yarn to prevent sagging of the yarn package.

Abstract: A device for holding a plurality of floss bobbins is described. The invention comprises a floss bobbin holding carrier which has a peripheral surface and a plurality of mounting sites on the surface. A plurality of modular floss bobbins are detachably mounted onto the floss bobbin holding carrier, which are arranged spatially on the peripheral surface of the floss bobbin holding carrier.

Abstract: A collapsible spool holder. A pair of vertically spaced apart horizontally extending walls are telescopically inner-connected and mounted to a base and are arranged to move outwardly from the base to an erect position or to collapse into the base. Each horizontally extending wall along with the base include a plurality of upright rods each of which holds a spool of thread. A plurality of knife blades are mounted adjacent each rod to allow the thread to be severed from each spool without removal of the spool. A lid is removably mounted to and encloses the upright rods with spools.

Abstract: A collapsible cable or wire spool stand which, when erected, provides a stable platform about which a spool of cable or wire material can be supported to permit the withdrawal of cable or wire contained on the spool. The support structure may be readily collapsed from its erected configuration to minimize storage space. In a collapsed configuration, the horizontally disposed axle, upon which the spool is supported functions as a convenient handle to form a convenient handle for carrying the spool support stand.

Abstract: An adjustable thread and yarn dispenser and winder caddy includes a base supporting a vertically mounted dowel over which is mounted a removable spindle. On the spindle is at least one thread supporting member frictionally fitted and vertically adjustable thereon. The bottom of the spindle rests loosely on the base and is freely rotatable. A spool of crochet thread or skein of yarn may be mounted between the vertically adjustable and removable frusto-conical support members which accommodate variances in spool sizes, shapes and thread mass. A hank of thread or left-over length of yarn may be wound onto the spindle for storage or for dispensing. Flat circular discs can be substituted for the frusto-conically shaped support members.

Abstract: A free standing apparatus is disclosed herein for rollably supporting a reel of spool of cable including a pair of stanchions separated by the reel. Each stanchion is provided with a base supporting an upright post with braces and further includes a slidable, self-locking carriage for rotatably holding an axle on which the reel is carried. A releasable holding device is operably disposed on the carriage to permit selective sliding and locking of the carriage on the post.

Abstract: A yarn feeder with a pair of rotatable discs mounted on bearings for resistant free rotation of the disc with a spindle being rigidly mounted in the center of each disc for holding yarn in place on each disc and foldable finger-like members rotatably mounted on the yarn feeder for supporting the yarn feeder when in use.

Abstract: A spool holding device for a sewing machine in which a spool holder base is positioned above a rear portion of the sewing machine and supports a plurality of upper and lower thread spools thereon, a first thread guide plate is positioned above the spool holder base and has a plurality of spaced upper and lower thread guide holes, a second thread guide plate is supported on the arm of the sewing machine and has a plurality of upper thread guide holes and a thread retaining means is associated with said second thread guide plate for retaining a thread which is not used for sewing.

Abstract: A rack (10) for holding spools (24). The rack (10) has a frame (12) having a rear surface (20). A plurality of substantially horizontal, vertical arrayed shelf means (14) are supported by the frame (12). The shelf means (14) are adapted to hold a plurality of spools (24) in stable, end-to-end relation. The shelf means (14) are located forwardly from the rear surface (20) of the rack, leaving a space that extends upwardly behind all the shelf means (14) to form a spool passage (27). Spools (24) on the shelf means (14) may be thrust backwardly into the spool passage (27) where they fall to be caught by a collection tray (16) that is supported by the frame (12). The collection tray (16) extends forwardly under the shelf means (14). A spool (24) landing on the collection tray (16) may be grasped at the sides thereof and removed from the rack (10).

Abstract: A rotatable thread spool storage tree comprises a vertically extending post which carries a plurality of vertically spaced groups of limbs, the limbs of each group projecting outwardly from the post and being disposed 90.degree. apart. Each limb mounts an arm which is disposed 90.degree. relative to its limb so that the spool mounted thereon bears flush against the associated limb. The arrangement provides for a maximum number of limbs and arms in a given length of post, thereby providing for the storage of a maximum number of thread spools of conventional or large size, or a combination of the two, together with their bobbins, in a minimum of space.

Abstract: Cassette modules and cassette displays for merchandizing tubular articles such as spools of thread are disclosed. In the preferred embodiments, the cassette modules are formed from module halves and are juxtaposed to form a cassette display, each cassette module comprising a plurality of chambers superposed in a column for housing the articles. In one disclosed embodiment, a frame is provided in which the cassette modules are mounted and removable from to form a cassette display. In that embodiment, each cassette module is pivotable about its upper end to facilitate mounting and also to facilitate loading of the articles into the chambers of the cassette modules. The height of the chambers of an individual cassette module and/or the chambers of cassette modules may vary to accommodate articles of different tubular sizes and the cassette modules may have different widths to accommodate articles of different length.

Abstract: This display stand, of the rack or the revolving-stand type, for sewing-tad spools or like articles, comprises a plurality of superposed shelves or trays each provided with projections adapted to engage the central cavity of a hub of a relatively large spool constituting a support for either a plurality of other, smaller spools on which the product to be displayed is wound, or a plurality of small boxes containing the articles to be displayed, the shelves or trays consisting of resiliently deformable material, said support also comprising projections engageable in the hub cavities of said smaller spools or boxes, the latter being adapted to be removed from said relatively large support-forming spool, and the latter from said shelves or trays, by momentarily altering the shape of said supports or shelves or trays, respectively.

Abstract: A spool for thread or the like is provided with means for locking or securing the spool in position over a spindle. The spool may be of the type having a base member and a substantially cylindrical portion in which the thread may be taken from the spool in a direction substantially parallel to the spool axis. A locking means is provided to prevent spool jumping when the thread on the spool is partially removed making the spool with the remaining thread thereon lighter. In one embodiment, radial score marks, indentations or grooves are formed in a thin membrane section of the spool formed across the bore of the spool. The spool is designed so that the thin membrane will break along the radial score marks when placed over the spindle with the inwardly pointing ends of the thin membrane engaging the spindle thereby holding the spool down. In another embodiment, an adhesive is provided on the bottom of the base portion of the spool to temporarily fasten the spool to the thread stand plate.

Abstract: The spool holder is provided with a plurality of circular discs of different diameters in which each disc is provided with one or more rows of pins, each pin being of such diameter and length as to extend loosely into the hole formed in a standard type spool. The pins are positioned on the upper surface of each of the discs, and the discs are supported one above the other in a single vertical axis arranged in order of their diameters, the smallest diameter disc being at the top, the disc immediately above a disc carrying more than one row of spool-carrying pins being provided with a single recess extending inwardly from the outer edge of the disc to a point substantially over the pins on the inner row adjacent the outer row of pins.

Abstract: A shelf having front and rear ends is adapted to rest on a horizontal bar spaced from a wall to which it is attached. A vertical stabilizing member extends downwardly from the rear end portion of the shelf between the bar and the wall and has an adjusting pin projecting from its back into engagement with the wall to hold the shelf horizontal while the back of the shelf engages the wall. The pin also projects from the front of the stabilizing member and supports a nut that is adjusted forward on the pin to engage the back of the bar to hold the rear ends of the shelf and pin against the wall.