The present invention relates to filament dispensers and, more particularly, to one or more transparent dispensers for embroidery thread with an integrated cutter, wherein each transparent dispenser may be engaged by a loop so as to be worn by a user.
Embroidery is the art of working raised and ornamental designs in a plurality of threads (or “filaments”), upon any woven fabric, leather, paper, etc., with a needle. Currently there is no system for keeping a plurality of dispensers (each with a different color thread or filament) them organized, free of knotting, and associated with an integrated cutter. Rather, such threading is normally kept in a disorganized thread box.
As can be seen, there is a need for a transparent dispenser for embroidery thread with an integrated cutter, wherein scissors are unnecessary, and wherein the dispenser is adapted to make the embroidery thread accessible and organized. The transparency enables visual identification of each color of the plurality of embroidery thread, while the donut-shaped dispenser provides structure to hang from a user's neck so that all the colors are at the ready on a decorative necklace. As a result, such a neat and tidy embroidery thread dispenser system can be conveniently taken and used or anywhere.
In one aspect of the present invention, a filament dispenser includes a first body portion made of transparent or translucent material, the first body portion defining a first hole portion; a second body portion made of transparent or translucent material, the second body portion defining a second hole portion; a pivotal connection operatively associated with the first and second body portions so that said body portions are movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration defining a hollow body dimensioned to house a bobbin spool; a through hole defined by the first and second hole portions in the closed configuration; a filament passage disposed along a circumferential surface of the closed configuration, the filament passage communicating with the hollow body; and a blade provided adjacent the filament passage.
In another aspect of the present invention, the filament dispenser includes a first body portion made of transparent or translucent material, the first body portion defining a first hole portion; a second body portion made of transparent or translucent material, the second body portion defining a second hole portion; a pivotal connection operatively associated with the first and second body portions so that said body portions are movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration defining a hollow body dimensioned to house a bobbin spool, wherein the closed configuration defines a donut shape, wherein the open configuration provides greater access to the hollow body; a through hole defined by the first and second hole portions forming a nested position in the closed configuration; a filament passage disposed along a circumferential surface of the closed configuration, the filament passage communicating with the hollow body; a blade provided adjacent, within, external to, or besides the filament passage; and a needle clip disposed along an outward facing surface of either the first or second body portion.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a filament dispensing system includes one or more of the above-mentioned filament dispensers and a band slidably received through the through hole of each filament dispenser.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a filament dispensing system embodying one or more donut shaped filament dispensers interconnectable by a band. Each dispenser is transparent and provides an integrated cutter. The transparency enables visual identification of the color of filament with the transparent dispenser. The donut-shaped structure of the dispenser enables an operative association with the band that can decoratively hang from a user's neck during use. The filament dispensing system may also include a bobbin rethreader.
Referring to
Each filament dispenser 14 may define a first body portion 14a and a second body portion 14b pivotally connected by a pivotal connection 18, such as a hinge, so that they are movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration defining a hollow donut shape having a body through hole 16 passing through the filament dispenser 14. Each body portion 14a and 14b may be provide a first hole portion 16a and a second hole portion 16b, respectively, that engage each other in the closed configuration to form the body through hole 16, as illustrated in
Along an outer side surface of the body portions 14a and 14b may be a needle clip 28 for slidably receiving and removably storing a needle 26, as illustrated in
Each body portion 14a and 14b may be made of transparent or translucent material so as to enable visually inspection contents or at least the colors of the contents within the hollow body portion 15 and opening allows insertion and removal of the bobbin/spool 32. Accordingly, a bobbin or spool 32 may be dimensioned and adapted to operatively associate with the hollow body portion 15, including a spool hole 34 that aligns with the body through hole 16. One of the body portions 14a or 14b may provide a spool tension member 30 dimensioned and adapted to operatively associate with the spool 32 in the hollow body portion 15. The spool 32 may provide a thread anchor slot 36 so that when filament 38 is wrapped around the hub of the spool 32, the filament 38 may be anchored to the spool 32.
Referring the
Along an outer portion of the circumferential surface 49 of the bobbin rethreader 40 may be provided a bobbin clasp mechanism 44. The bobbin clasp mechanism 44 may include a first bobbin clasp portion 44a along a portion of the first bobbin portion 44a and a second bobbin clasp portion 44b along a portion of the second bobbin portion 44b so that in the closed condition the clasp mechanism 44 is in a locked engagement. The circumferential surface 49 may also provide a lobster claw 62 movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The circumferential surface 49 may also provide a thread tensioner 46 communicating to a hollow bobbin portion 51. The thread tensioner 46 may be formed when the bobbin rethreader 40 is in the closed condition as a first and second portion of the bobbin rethreader 40 may be on the first and second bobbin portions 40a and 40b, respectively. The spool 32 may be dimensioned and adapted to operatively associate with the hollow bobbin portion 51.
An outward facing surface of the first bobbin portion 40a may be provide a rewind unit 48 with a rewind handle 50 that may be adapted to nest into a storage pocket 52. Within the hollow bobbin portion 51 a ratchet 54, ratchet detent 56, and rubber cone 58 may be operatively associated with the rewind unit 48. An outward facing surface of the second bobbin portion 40b may be provide a suction mechanism 60 (such as a suction cup) movable between a retracted position and an extended position.
A method of using the present invention may include the following. The filament dispensing system 10 disclosed above. A user may string the band 12 (or necklace) through the through hole 16 of one or more filament dispenser 14. Each filament dispenser 14 may operatively store a different color of filament 38, keeping all of their colors right in front of the use as they utilize the filament 38, such as when embroidering. The user need not employ a scissors because of each blade 24, making the present invention convenient for traveling. In certain embodiments, the band 12 may connect to the bobbin rethreader 40, in certain embodiments, by the lobster claw 62.
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.