This disclosure generally relates to method and device for threading beads onto a string or cord for creating a beaded item.
Beads 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 between two cords by thread or other thinner string. The cords are typically larger and stiffer than the thinner thread utilized to attach the beads to the cord. Holding the cords in place while attaching the beads can be difficult and require significant dexterity and patience.
A bead bracelet loom according to one disclosed example embodiment for creating a beaded bracelet or other beaded item includes a clip disposed at one end of a track and configured to hold a portion of a cord. A holder is disposed on the track and spaced apart from the clip. The holder includes a key portion that engages a portion of the track to maintain a position of the holder spaced apart from the clip. The holder includes a spring portion that holds a clip and is configured to maintain a desired tension on the cord between the clip and the holder.
These and other features disclosed herein can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.
Referring to
One type of bracelet is commonly referred to as a wrap bracelet is created by attaching beads between two cords with thread. The beads are tied between two longitudinal cords to form the bracelet. The example disclosed loom 10 holds the longitudinal extending cords while the beads are tied and attached with thinner thread.
The example loom 10 includes the track 12 that is supported on legs 18. The legs 18 fit into a bottom portion 62 of the track 12 and engage notches 66. The track 12 includes grooves 54 into which a key 24 of the holder 16 is received. The grooves 54 are transverse to a longitudinal length of the track 12. The plurality of grooves 54 are provided such that a position of the holder 16 relative to the clip 14 can be adjusted and maintained during creation of the bracelet to place a tension on the cord. It should be appreciated that although the example loom 10 is shown in multiple pieces, a single integral loom could also be provided with the same features and is within the contemplation of this disclosure.
Referring to
Referring to
The track 12 also includes a lip 58. The lip 58 provides for engagement of a channel 22 of the holder 16. The holder 16 slides along the top surface 52 of the track 12 with the channel 22 engaged to the lip 58. Tension provided by the cords 15 pull the holder 16 forward such that the holder 16 tilts forward in a direction indicated by arrow A (
The example track 12 includes a first end 50 and a second end 56. The first end 50 provides for mounting of the clip 14. The second end 56 includes a key 74. The key 74 is configured to receive the first end 50 of another track 12 such that additional tracks 12 may be attached to each other to extend a desired length. In other words, the first end 50 of one track 12 may be inserted into the key 74 on the second end 56 to provide double the length of one track 12. As appreciated, multiple numbers of tracks 12 can be utilized to provide any length desired.
Referring to
The clip 14 includes the clipping end 40 that includes opening jaws 44. The opening jaws 44 are bias towards a closed position by a spring 46. Tabs 42 are provided on the spring 46 to enable opening of the jaws 44. A cord 15 is inserted or attached to the jaws 44 to secure one end of the cord 15. The jaws 44 can also be used to secure the cord 15 and include the spring member 46 that biases the jaws 44 closed to hold one end of the cord 15 in a desired position. Tabs 78 are provided on the top and bottom portions of the jaws 44 to provide another optional location to secure an end of the cord 15 during fabrication of the wrap bracelet.
Referring to
The key 24 is provided at a forward portion of the holder 16 and forward of a channel 22 on the holder 16. The channel 22 engages the lip 58 defined on the track 12. A tab 30 is provided on a back side of the holder 16 that is the side opposite of the key 24. The tab 30 is provided such that it may be pressed downward to disengage the key 24 from the groove 54 within the track 12. By releasing the key 24, tension can be removed from the cord 15 such that the cord may be removed from the loom when it is completed.
Referring to
Each of the legs 18 include openings 70 that enable mounting to a fixed surface if desired. Moreover, each of the legs 18 include a notch 72 that can be further utilized to aid in fixing the loom 10 to a surface such that it will not move around during fabrication of a wrapped bead or other type of beaded item. It should be understood that the legs 18 could also be configured as integral features to the track 12 and loom, and that such a configuration is within the contemplation of this disclosure.
Referring to
Once the cord 15 is secured between the clip 14 and the holder 16, the holder 16 is pulled away from the clip 14 to place tension on the cords 15. The tension causes the holder 16 to tip forward in the direction indicated by arrow A such that the key 24 engages a groove 54 to hold it in a desired position. The tension provided by the cord and the spring 26 holds the holder 16 in place while beads 25 are tied between the cords 15.
Referring to
A cord 15 is secured through the clip 84 on one end and then extended to the holder 86 at another end. The holder 86 includes a spring portion 88 and an end portion 90 including slot 96. An end of the cord 15 is inserted into the slot 96 and secured to the end portion 90. The end of the cord 15 is wound around the end portion 90 through the slot 96 and around the spring portion 88 of the holder 86. A tension is then drawn on the cord 15 that pulls the spring 88 into a position where a tension is generated on the cord 15. Beads 25 may then be woven onto the cords 15 to provide the desired design of the wrap bracelet in the same manner illustrated in
The example base 82 may also be supported and utilized a leg 18 as is previous disclosed and described above. The example loom 80 provides a fixed distance between the spring 86 of the holder 86 and the clip 84. No adjustment is provided with the loom 80. As appreciated, in some instances, variable distances are not required and an integral loom such as that disclosed by the loom 80 is sufficient to provide fabrication of a wrap bracelet.
Accordingly, the disclosed looms 80 and 10 provide for the fabrication of a wrap bracelet by holding a cord at a tension between a clip 14 and a holder 16. The holder 16 includes a spring portion to hold a desired tension on the cords 15 during fabrication of the wrap bead bracelet. While the disclosed loom 10 is made from multiple features it is within the contemplation of this disclosure that an integral structure could also be utilized that includes a clip and a spring structure supported a distance away from the clip portion. For that reason, the disclosed loom 80 includes integral structures that are formed as one piece or pieces that are fixed relative to one another once assembled but still provide for fixing the cord on one end and providing a spring bias to maintain a desired tension on a string on a second end.
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. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the scope and content of this invention.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/293,424 filed on Feb. 10, 2016.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62293424 | Feb 2016 | US |