Patent Application
20190233998
The present invention relates generally to a height adjustable sewing machine support and storage system. More so, a sewing machine storage and support system serves as a height adjustable working surface with storage capacity; whereby the sewing provides a work surface, on the top of a frame, on which a sewing machine is mounted or positioned on a height adjustable platform locks into a fixed height, coplanar or below the work surface, through selective engagement with a pair of ridged brackets disposed at opposite ends of the height adjustable platform; whereby when the sewing machine is not in use, the sewing machine may be easily retracted or lowered below the work surface through vertical translation of the height adjustable platform; whereby when the sewing machine is to be put to use again, the height adjustable platform is raised vertically, coplanar with the work surface, and locked into the ridged brackets to elevate the sewing machine back with the work surface, such that the top of the base of the sewing machine is flush with the tabletop, or work surface; whereby at least one hinged side platform hingedly articulates about the edge of the work surface through a drop leaf configuration, and includes a support bracket that locks the hinged side platform into a coplanar arrangement with the work surface, or hingedly articulate downwardly in the drop leaf configuration; whereby a lower storage bin positions below, and directly in front of the frame for easy storage and access of sewing-related items; and whereby a plurality of shelves position below, and directly to the right or left of the frame for easy storage and access of the sewing-related items.
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.
In a general implementation, a height adjustable sewing machine support and storage system includes: a support frame comprising a horizontal rack and a plurality of legs, the legs comprising an upper end and a lower end terminating at feet, the legs disposed in a generally vertical orientation, the horizontal rack fixedly attached to the upper end of the legs in a generally horizontal orientation; a pair of ridged brackets disposed at opposite ends of the frame, the ridged brackets fixedly attached in a generally perpendicular orientation to the horizontal rack, the ridged brackets comprising a plurality of ridge openings disposed in a spaced-apart relationship; a work surface defined by a proximal edge, a distal edge, a left edge, and a right edge; a height adjustable platform disposed at the proximal edge of the work surface, the height adjustable platform selectively adjustable in height relative to the work surface, whereby the height adjustable platform is raised and lowered relative to the work surface through vertical translation, whereby the height adjustable platform is locked into a fixed position relative to the work surface through selective engagement with the ridge openings forming in the ridged brackets; at least one hinged side platform disposed at the left or right edge of the work surface, the hinged side platform hingedly articulating about the left or right edge of the work surface through a drop leaf configuration; a support bracket releasably locking the hinged side platform into a coplanar arrangement with the work surface a lower storage bin disposed below the work surface, the lower storage bin extending between the legs of the frame; a plurality of shelves disposed below the right or left edge of the work surface; and a shelf bracket receiving the shelves in a slidable relationship, whereby the shelves are slidably displaced between an open position and a closed position.
In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the plurality of legs comprises three pairs of parallel legs.
In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the work surface is generally planar and rigid.
In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the feet are elongated bars.
In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the height adjustable platform supports a sewing machine.
In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the height adjustable platform and the hinged side platform have a rectangular shape.
In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the lower storage bin is perforated.
In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the plurality of shelves comprises three shelves disposed in a stacked arrangement.
In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the support bracket is oriented at a 45° angle when supporting the hinged side platform coplanar with the work surface.
One objective of the present invention is to provide a sewing machine support and storage system that serves as both storage and as a height adjustable working surface for a sewing machine.
Another objective is to provide a selectively adjustable height adjustment between the height adjustable platform and the ridged brackets.
Another objective is to provide a hinged side platform that drops down to create additional space for the system or locks coplanar with the work surface to provide additional working area for fabric while sewing.
Another objective is to provide a lower storage area for sewing-related items.
Another objective is to provide a left side or right-side storage area for sewing-related items.
Another objective is to provide an easy to operate sewing machine storage and height adjustable support system.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that a sewing machine is often portable. Such a portable machine is stored in a special cabinet or table kept in a storage location, such as a closet, when not in use. The sewing machine may then be set up on a table or other work surface when placed into operation. When the sewing operations are complete, the sewing machine is returned to its case and the case returned to its storage location.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “first,” “second,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. § 112.
Referring to
As shown in
In one embodiment, the height adjustable platform 120 can be configured to flush with the work surface 160. In other words, the height adjustable platform 120 can be raised to engage with the U-shaped edge 1181. As shown in
In another embodiment, the height adjustable platform 120 can be configured to disposed below with the work surface 160 to expose the U-shaped edge 1181 wherein the height adjustable platform 120 is in a lowered motion, wherein the height adjustable platform 120 can be separated with the work surface 160 at different height level. In one aspect, the height adjustable platform 120 can be raised to locate at one position above the work surface 160. In another aspect, the height adjustable platform 120 can be lowered to locate at another position lower than the work surface 160.
Referring to
In one embodiment, the height adjustable sewing machine support and storage system 100 comprises a pair of height adjustable assembly 112 arranged on two side edges 1201 of the height adjustable platform 120, wherein the height adjustable platform 120 is configured to raise and lower with respect to the work surface 106 through a height adjustable assembly 112. Each of the height adjustable assemblies 112 further comprises one top end connected to one of the two side edges 1201 of the height adjustable platform 120, wherein the height adjustable platform 120 can be selectively moved in a generally vertical direction relative to the work surface 160. It is worth mentioning that each of the ridge brackets 1121 can be suspended and fixedly attached on a bottom surface of the work surface 116 and can be arranged adjacent with the two inwardly edges 1181a, 1181b.
In one aspect, the pair of the height adjustable assembly 112 can be located at the same height and the two height adjustable assemblies 112 can be symmetrically arranged. In other words, the two ridge brackets 1121 can be symmetrically arranged adjacent to the inwardly edges 1181a, 1181b respectively. One of the ridge openings 1141 on one of the ridge brackets 1121 can be located at the same height with another one of the ridge openings 1141 on another one of the ridge brackets 1121. The two side edges 1201 of the height adjustable platform 120 can be moved along the two ridge brackets 1121 to operate the height adjustable platform 120 in the raised motion and the lowered motion. It is worth mentioning that the height adjustable platform 120 can be parallelly arranged with the work surface 160.
Accordingly, each of the retaining members 113 can be fixedly attached on the two side edges 1201 of the height adjustable platform 120 to selectively slide into one of the ridge openings 1141 and lock on one of the ridge brackets 1121. The two ridge brackets 1121 can be vertically arranged with respect to the work surface 116, wherein the each of the retaining members 113 can be parallelly affixed on two side edges 1201 of the height adjustable platform 120. In other words, each of the retaining members 113 can be vertically inserted into the ridge openings 1141 and locked one of the retaining members 113 with one of the ridge brackets 1121.
In one aspect, the retaining members 113 can be slid into the upper-located ridge openings 1141 from the lower located ridge openings 1141, and as a result, the height adjustable platform 120 can be lowered to locate below the work surface 160.
In another aspect, the retaining members 113 can be slid into the lower-located ridge openings 1141 from the upper-located ridge openings 1141, and as a result, the height adjustable platform 120 can be raised to locate above the work surface 160.
In yet another aspect, the retaining members 113 can be slid into the lower-located ridge openings 1141 from the upper-located ridge openings 1141, and as a result, the height adjustable platform 120 can be raised to locate at a position which matches with a height of the height adjustable platform 120 or at another position higher than the height of the height adjustable platform 120.
Referring to
In one embodiment of the present invention presented in
As referenced in
When the sewing machine is not in use, the sewing machine may be easily retracted or lowered below the work surface 116 through vertical translation of the height adjustable platform 120. Conversely, when the sewing machine is to be used, the height adjustable platform 120 can be raised vertically, coplanar with the work surface 116, and locked into the ridged brackets 1121 to elevate the sewing machine back with the work surface 116. For example,
At least one hinged side platform 122 is configured to hingedly articulate about the edge of the work surface 116 through a drop leaf configuration. The hinged side platform 122 includes a support bracket 124 that locks the hinged side platform 122 into a coplanar arrangement with the work surface 116. The hinged side platform 122 is also configured to hingedly articulate downwardly, in the drop leaf configuration. For example,
For easily accessible and ample storage capacity, the system 100 utilizes a lower storage bin 126 that positions below, and directly in front of the frame 102 for easy storage and access of sewing-related items. The lower storage bin 126 positions directly in front of a user operating the sewing machine. Further storage is provided by a plurality of shelves 128a-c that position below, and directly to the right or left of the frame 102 for easy storage and access of the sewing-related items.
It is also known that a sewing machine may be installed permanently in a sewing cabinet. The sewing cabinet serves as both storage and as a work surface for the sewing machine. The sewing cabinet is typically a fixed cabinet. The sewing cabinet provides a level working surface, usually on the top of the cabinet, on which the sewing machine is mounted or positioned.
Thus, when the sewing machine is not in use, the sewing machine may be easily retracted or lowered below the work surface and into the interior space of the cabinet for storage through use of a vertical translation means. Conversely, when the sewing machine is to be used again, the same means elevates the machine back to the working surface. In both cases, this storage and setting up of the sewing machine can be time consuming and requires additional storage space. The present invention serves as both storage area and as a work surface 116 for a sewing machine, through the use of a height adjustable platform 120 and hinged side platform 122; and further provides easily accessible lower storage bin 126 and side shelves 128a-c for stowing sewing-related items.
As
In one non-limiting embodiment, the feet 110a-c are elongated bars. In one non-limiting embodiment, the plurality of legs 104a-c comprises three pairs of parallel legs 104a-c. In another embodiment, the feet 110a-c have wheels to assist in mobility. Suitable materials for the legs 104a-c may include, without limitation, steel, aluminum, metal alloys, a rigid polymer, fiberglass, and wood.
Looking at
Turning back to
The system 100 further comprises a height adjustable platform 120, upon which the sewing machine is mounted or rests loosely upon. The height adjustable platform 120 is disposed at the proximal edge 118a of the work surface 116 for supporting the full weight of the sewing machine. The height adjustable platform 120 is selectively adjustable in height relative to the work surface 116, through a vertical translation. Thus, the height adjustable platform 120 may be raised and lowered relative to the work surface 116 through vertical translation, such that the sewing machine is raised flush with the work surface 116 during operation and lowered for storage, or to accommodate the height of a shorter user. In this manner, the height adjustable platform 120 allows a top of the base of the sewing machine to be flush with the tabletop, or work surface 116.
As shown in
For example, the height adjustable platform 120 is raised to a desired height, and the retaining members 113 can be passed through or slid through the ridge openings 1141 to engage and lock into place. To further raise, or lower the height adjustable platform 120, in another embodiment, the retaining members 113 can be manipulated, pulled outwardly, pivoted, or through other means, which is configured to disengage from the ridge openings 114 to enable the vertical translation in the desired raised or lowered direction.
Looking again at
Thus, dropping, or hingedly lowering, the hinged side platform 122 below the work surface 116 is useful for providing greater space. Conversely, raising the hinged side platform 122 coplanar with the work surface 116 is useful for supporting additional sewing-related items that require more space than the work surface 116 allows. In one possible embodiment, both the height adjustable platform 120 and the hinged side platform 122 have a rectangular shape. Though other shapes and dimensions are possible, as required for various sewing purposes and sewing machine dimensions.
In some embodiments, a support bracket 124 is used to lock the hinged side platform 122 into a coplanar arrangement with the work surface 116. In one possible embodiment, the support bracket 124 is oriented at a 45° angle when supporting the hinged side platform 122, coplanar with the work surface 116. The support bracket 124 may include a triangular-shaped bar that attaches to the bottom portion of the hinged side platform 122.
As discussed above, the system 100 provides numerous storage components to efficiently store sewing-related items and enable easy access thereto. In one possible embodiment, a lower storage bin 126 is disposed below the work surface 116. The lower storage bin 126 extends between the legs 104a-c of the frame 102. The lower storage bin 126 is elongated, and sufficiently sized and dimensioned to contain sewing-related items, including, without limitation, fabric, textiles, sewing machine parts, needles, thread bobs, and the like. In one non-limiting embodiment, the lower storage bin 126 is perforated and has a pair of sidewalls that meet at an angle to support items in an upright position. Suitable materials for the lower storage bin 126 may include, without limitation, steel, aluminum, metal alloys, a rigid polymer, fiberglass, and wood.
Turning now to
To help in the sliding articulation of the shelves 128a-c, the system 100 employs a shelf bracket 130. The shelf bracket 130 attaches to the frame 102 and may include rails that receive the shelves 128a-c in a slidable relationship. In this manner, the shelves 128a-c are slidably displaced between an open position and a closed position. The shelves 128a-c are sufficiently sized and dimensioned to contain sewing-related items, including, without limitation, fabric, textiles, sewing machine parts, needles, thread bobs, and the like. In one embodiment, the shelves 128a-c have a generally rectangular shape. Suitable materials for the shelves 128a-c may include, without limitation, steel, aluminum, metal alloys, a rigid polymer, fiberglass, and wood.
Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.
This application claims the benefit of a U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/623,116, filed on Jan. 28, 2018, and entitled “Height Adjustable Sewing Machine Support and Storage System”, which provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62623116 | Jan 2018 | US |
