Patent Application
20050092394
This invention relates to the hand weaving of baskets and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus machine for supporting a basket while being woven.
Basket making, commonly employs machines having a drive mechanism for rotating the basket during the weaving as illustrated by U.S. Pat. No. 1,933,879, which issued to Thayer in 1933. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 2,322,363, which issued to James, shows the formation of basket warp and weave around a mold with an electric motor, driven by a belt and a pulley for operating a gear reduction unit to move a clamping mechanism.
The use of machinery to rotate a basket weaving mold can interfere with the need for carefully controlling the weave pattern when the pattern entails any unusual degree of sophistication and intricacy.
Accordingly, there is a need for a weaving system that permits the production of baskets having unusual and intricate styling.
There is a need for a simple and efficient system for hand weaving operations.
It is therefore a further object of the invention to provide an improved system for the hand weaving of baskets.
Another object is to provide an improved arrangement for basket components on a basket mold for hand weaving.
Another object is to provide an improved method for holding basket components in place during the weaving procedure.
In accomplishing the foregoing and related objects, the invention provides for making a basket on a basket mold positioned on a frame. A holder mountable upon a support surface is adjustable with respect to the support surface, and the holder is, connected to the frame on which the basket mold is positioned.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the holder includes a top surface, a front surface, and a back surface. The back surface includes a groove therein to permit the holder to be adjustably positioned with respect to the support surface. A clamp is positionable in the groove for adjustable placement of the holder on the support surface.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an insert into the holder secures the position of the clamp therein. The holder includes an aperture for receipt of a connector from the frame to the holder.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the aperture is positioned in the front surface of the holder. The holder has an auxiliary surface diagonally disposed between the upper surface and the frontal surface and an aperture for the connector can be positioned therein.
In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the holder can include a plurality of apertures therein for receipt of the connector from the frame to the holder.
In accordance with a method of the invention for making a basket, the steps include (a) providing a basket mold on a frame, (b) mounting a holder upon a support surface, (c) adjusting the holder with respect to the support surface, and (d) connecting the frame to the holder.
The method further includes the step of providing the holder with a top surface, a front surface, and a back surface. The back surface has a groove to permit the holder to be adjustably positioned with respect to the support surface. A clamp is positionable in the groove for adjustable placement of the holder on the support surface.
The method also includes the step of inserting a member into the holder for securing the position of the clamp therein. Included in the holder is an aperture for receipt of the connector of the frame to the holder. An aperture is positionable in the front surface of the holder, and the holder can have an auxiliary surface diagonally disposed between the upper surface and the frontal surface with an aperture therein. The holder can be provided with a plurality of apertures for receipt of the connector for connection of the frame to the holder.
With reference to the drawings,
The mount 11 has a rear surface with an elongated groove 11g that supports a member such as a clamp 12 by which the mount 11 can be adjustably positioned on a support surface 13. As a result, the system permits a worker to elevate and lower the mount 11 to a position that is compatible with the weaving operation that he/she is undertaking. The support surface 13 illustratively is the top of a table or any other structure to which the mount 11 can be conveniently attached.
Extending from the mount 11 is an elongated connector or leg 14 that connects the basket mold within the basket 15 to the mount 11 as shown in
Accordingly, the invention provides two degrees of freedom for the position of the mount and the connector in relation to the basket weaver. The weaver (not shown) can adjust the height of the mount in relation to the support surface 13 as discussed above, and can change the angle of elevation of the connecting rod 14. As a result, the basket weaving procedure provided by the invention facilitates the creation, not only of ordinary baskets, but of those having special or unusual design characteristics.
As shown in
In
In order to provide added flexibility in establishing a particular position, a side rail 12s can be added to the clamp 12, so that the number of positions can be increased to accommodate any desired elevation in relation to the worker involved in the hand weaving of a basket.
As shown in
In an illustrative embodiment of the invention the mount 11 had a base 11b that measures 1.500 inches and a height of 2.50 inches. The centerline of the aperture 16-1 was 0.323 inches from the base 11b, while the apertures 16-2 through 16-4 were respectively 0.830, 1.300 and 1.764 inches from the base 11b. The three securing screws 17-1 through 17-3 were respectively positioned 0.250, 1.250 and 2.250 inches from the base 11b. Each of the apertures 16-1 through 16-6 had a depth of about) 0.800 inches and a diameter of 0.313 inches.
In
The foregoing detailed description is illustrative only and that adaptations, modifications, and alterations of the invention may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
