QUILTING TABLE AND METHOD OF USING SAME

Abstract

A quilting table includes a rotatable and height adjustable tabletop supported by an elongate leg assembly mounted on a base section. A plurality of clamping members can be releasably attached to the tabletop. The quilting table can be used in a method of making a quilt, in which multiple layers of material are positioned on the tabletop, the user sews the layers of material in a substantially straight line, rotates the tabletop to alter the position of the layers of material, and resumes sewing in a substantially straight line.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the mechanical arts, particularly mechanical devices for use in the making of textiles. An embodiment of the invention comprises a table apparatus for use in making textiles, such as quilts.

BACKGROUND

Quilting is a popular activity in which two or more layers of fabric are joined together to form a thick textile, such as a quilt. Typically, quilting involves sewing together three layers of material: a top fabric layer (also known as the “quilt top”), a layer of insulating material (also known as “batting”) and a base fabric layer (also known as “backing material”). Quilting is often done by hand sewing, in which the quilter manually inserts needle and thread through all three layers and brings the needle back up repeatedly, forming a series of stitches. The stitches are typically sewn in a variety of geometric patterns that can be both functional and decorative. To achieve these geometric patterns, the quilter typically must sew in multiple directions on the fabric layers, rather than in just a single straight line. Typically, in order to alter the direction of sewing, the quilter must either adjust their bodily position relative to the fabric materials (which is tiresome and time consuming), or orient their hands in unnatural positions (which is uncomfortable and inefficient). Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus and/or method to improve the quilting process.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for use in quilting. Another object of the present invention is to provide an efficient and ergonomic method of quilting. These and other objects of the invention can be achieved in one or more embodiments of the invention disclosed herein.

An embodiment of the invention comprises a quilting table comprising a rotatable and height adjustable tabletop supported by an elongate leg assembly mounted on a base section.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of clamping members can be attached to the tabletop.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a quilting kit comprising a table comprising a rotatable tabletop supported by an elongate leg assembly mounted on a base section, and a plurality of clamping members adapted for releasable attachment on the tabletop.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the plurality of clamping members can be a pair of spring-biased hand clamps.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the leg assembly defines a leg assembly length and the height of the tabletop is partially defined by the leg assembly length. The leg assembly length is adjustable so that increasing the leg assembly length elevates the height of the tabletop and decreasing the leg assembly length lowers the height of the tabletop.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the leg assembly comprises a lower member, an upper member, a biasing mechanism, and a lever, the lower member having a first end received in an opening of the base section and a second end telescopically received in the upper member. The biasing mechanism is operatively connected to the biasing mechanism whereby pulling the lever upwardly with no weight applied to the tabletop elevates the upper member and the tabletop. Pulling the lever upwardly while applying weight to the tabletop moves the upper member and the tabletop downward.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the biasing mechanism can be a gas spring, a hydraulic spring, or a mechanical spring.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the tabletop is mounted on a lazy susan, which is mounted on an upper end of the leg assembly. The tabletop is rotatable 360 degrees clockwise and counterclockwise.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the tabletop is substantially circular and has a diameter of twenty-four to thirty inches.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the tabletop has a diameter of twenty-five inches.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a table apparatus comprising a base section, a leg assembly having an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, and the lower end of the leg assembly is mounted on the base section. The leg assembly extends upwardly from the base section and defines a vertical axis. A tabletop is attached to a rotating mechanism mounted on the upper end of the leg assembly. The rotating mechanism is adapted for rotation about the vertical axis of the leg assembly whereby the tabletop is rotatable about the vertical axis of the leg assembly. The height of the tabletop is partially defined by the length of the leg assembly. The leg assembly length is adjustable whereby increasing the leg assembly length elevates the height of the tabletop and decreasing the leg assembly length lowers the height of the tabletop.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the rotating mechanism is a lazy susan, and the tabletop is rotatable 360 degrees clockwise and counterclockwise.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the table apparatus includes a plurality of clamping members attached to the tabletop. The clamping members can be a pair of spring-biased clamps.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of using the table apparatus to make a textile, such as a quilt.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of quilting.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of making a quilt with a quilting stitch pattern or design.

A method of making a quilt according to an embodiment of the invention comprises providing a table apparatus comprising a tabletop mounted on a leg assembly mounted on a base section, in which the tabletop is rotatable about a vertical axis defined by the leg assembly, and providing a plurality of layers of material. The plurality of layers of material are positioned on the tabletop, and releasably attached to the tabletop. A sewing needle and thread attached to the sewing needle are provided. A person sews the plurality of layers of material in a substantially straight line to form a first line of stitches extending in a first direction, and then rotates the tabletop a desired amount. After rotating the tabletop, the person resumes sewing the plurality of layers of material together in a substantially straight line to form a second line of stiches extending in a second direction that is different from the first direction.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the step of releasably attaching the plurality of layers of material to the tabletop comprises clamping the plurality of layers of material to the tabletop with a plurality of hand clamps.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of layers of material comprise a top fabric layer, a middle insulating layer and a base fabric layer.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the height of the tabletop is adjustable, and the height of the tabletop is adjusted to a level comfortable for the particular person to sew.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the leg assembly comprises a lower member, an upper member, a biasing mechanism, and a lever. The lower member has a first end received in an opening of the base section and a second end telescopically received in the upper member. The biasing mechanism is operatively connected to the lever whereby pulling the lever upwardly with no weight applied to the tabletop elevates the upper member and the tabletop. Pulling the lever while applying weight to the tabletop lowers the upper member and the tabletop.

According to an embodiment of the invention, whenever it is desired to alter the direction of stitching and/or form a new line of stitching, the tabletop is rotated accordingly to alter the position of the fabric layers relative to the person sewing thereby allowing the person to remain in substantially the same position relative to the fabric layers while sewing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a quilting table according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the quilting table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a quilting kit according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a step in a method according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating use of a quilting kit according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is another perspective view illustrating use of the quilting kit according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 another perspective view illustrating use of the quilting kit according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is another perspective view illustrating use of the quilting kit according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a another perspective view illustrating use of the quilting kit according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is another perspective view illustrating use of the quilting kit according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 11 is another perspective view illustrating use of the quilting kit according to an embodiment of the invention tool of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A quilting table according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The table 10 comprises a rotatable and height adjustable tabletop 12 supported by a leg assembly 20 mounted on a base section 30.

The table 10 includes means for adjusting the height of the tabletop 12. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the leg assembly 20 is adjustable whereby the height of the tabletop 12 can be elevated or lowered by adjusting the length of the leg assembly 20 accordingly. The leg assembly 20 can comprise a hollow upper cylinder 22 that telescopically receives a lower cylinder 21, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The leg assembly 20 can further comprise an upper mounting section 23 that receives the upper end of the upper cylinder 22, as shown in FIG. 2. The base of the lower cylinder 21 can be received within an opening formed in the base section 30. The lower cylinder 21 can be held within the base 30 by frictional engagement or other suitable attachment mechanism. The leg assembly 20 can include a lever 26 can be attached to the upper mounting section 23. The lever 24 is operatively connected to a biasing mechanism, such as a spring, whereby pulling the lever 24 upward elevates the upper cylinder 22 thereby raising the tabletop 12 when no weight is applied to the tabletop 12. Pulling the lever 12 upward while applying weight to the tabletop 12 (or pushing downwardly on the tabletop 12) moves the upper cylinder 22 downward over the lower cylinder 21 thereby moving the tabletop 12 downward. The spring can be a gas spring, hydraulic spring or mechanical spring. In an alternative embodiment, the leg assembly 20 can comprise the height adjustable pedestal described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,010,926, which is incorporated herein by reference. In another alternative embodiment, the leg assembly 20 can comprise the height adjustable furniture column disclosed in International Application Publication No. WO2012/025593, which is incorporated herein by reference. In yet another alternative embodiment, the means for adjusting the height of the tabletop 12 comprises the gas spring lift disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,743,754, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The tabletop 12 preferably has a circular shape, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The tabletop 12 can have a diameter of twenty-four to thirty inches. The tabletop 12 preferably has a diameter of twenty-five inches. The base 30 can have a circular shape, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Preferably, the base 30 has a diameter of eighteen inches. The base 30 is adapted to be placed on a floor and support the leg assembly 20 and tabletop 12. The height of the tabletop 12 can be varied from twenty-four to thirty-six inches by adjusting the length of the leg assembly 20. The tabletop 12, leg assembly 20 and base 30 can be made of metal, chrome and/or other suitable material.

The table 10 includes means for rotating the tabletop 12 clockwise and counterclockwise. In a preferred embodiment, the tabletop 12 is attached to a rotating mechanism 14 that is mounted on the upper section 23 of the leg assembly 20, as shown in FIG. 2. The rotating mechanism 14 can be a lazy susan, such as the lazy susan described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0245704 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,334,482, which are incorporated herein by reference. The tabletop 12 can freely rotate 360 degrees clockwise and counterclockwise about the vertical axis of the leg assembly 20.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a quilting kit 100, as shown in FIG. 3. The kit 100 comprises the quilting table 10 and a plurality of clamping members 41, 42. The clamping members can comprise a pair of spring-biased hand clamps 41, 42, such as the hand-held spring clamp disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,677,141, which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, each clamping member 41, 42 can comprise the quilting clamp described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,567, which is incorporated herein by reference. FIG. 3 shows the clamps 41, 42 removably attached to the tabletop 12. The clamps can be removed from the tabletop 12 by pressing the handles of each clamp 41, 42 together to urge the jaws of each clamp 41, 42 apart thereby releasing the clamps 41, 42 from gripping the tabletop 12.

In an alternative embodiment, the clamping members 41, 42 are permanently affixed to the tabletop 12. The lower jaw of each clamp 41, 42 can be permanently attached to the underside of the tabletop 12. Pressing the handles of each clamp 41, 42 together raises the upper jaw of each clamp 41, 42 off the upper surface of the tabletop 12 whereby material can be placed between the upper surface of the tabletop 12 and the upper jaw of each clamp 41, 42.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of quilting using the quilting kit 100. A method of making a quilt according to a preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 4-11. Multiple layers of material to be sewn together to form a quilt are provided. The layers of material can comprise a top fabric layer 51 (quilt top), a middle layer of insulating material 52 (batting) and a base fabric layer 53 (backing material). The top layer 51 can comprise a fabric, such as cotton, polyester, a blend of cotton and polyester, and or other suitable quilting fabric. The middle layer 52 can comprise an insulating material, such as a wool, polyester, cotton and/or a blend of said materials. The base layer 53 comprises a fabric, such as cotton, polyester, a blend of cotton and polyester, and or other suitable quilting fabric.

The three fabric layers 51, 52, 53 are laid on a flat surface, such as a conventional table 55, with the top layer 51 laid over the insulating layer 52, and the insulating layer 52 laid over the base layer 53, as shown in FIG. 4. The center of each layer 51, 52, 53 should be determined, and the three layers 51, 52, 53 should be laid on the flat surface with the center of each layer 51, 52, 53 aligned with each other. A person performing the method, referred to herein as the “user”, can place a weight 56 on top of the top layer 51 at the center, as shown in FIG. 4. The layers 51, 52, 53 are releasably attached together with a plurality of fasteners, such as safety pins 58, as shown in FIG. 4. The weight 56 is removed and the attached layers 51, 52, 53 are positioned onto the tabletop 12 of the quilting table 10, as shown in FIG. 5.

The fabric layers 51, 52, 53 are positioned on the tabletop 12 with the top layer 51 on top and the base layer 53 on the bottom, as shown in FIG. 5. The user presses the handles of one of the clamps 41 together to open the jaws of the clamp 41 and with the fabric layers 51, 52, 53 and an outer edge of the tabletop 12 within the jaws of the clamp 41, releases the handles such that the clamp 41 firmly holds the layers 51, 52, 53 to the tabletop 12. The user then pulls on the fabric layers 51, 52, 53 from all directions to remove wrinkles. The user then presses the handles of the other clamp 42 together to open the jaws of the clamp 42 and with the fabric layers 51, 52, 53 within the jaws of the clamp 42 releases the handles to position the second clamp 42 on the outer edge of the tabletop 12 approximately ninety degrees from the first clamp 41, as shown in FIG. 5. As such, the clamps 41, 42 securely hold the fabric layers 51, 52, 53 to the tabletop 12.

The height of the tabletop 12 can be adjusted to a position that is ergonomic for the particular user. The height of the tabletop 12 can be adjusted so that it is at a level that is comfortable for the user to position his/her hands on the tabletop 12 and sew the fabric layers 51, 52, 53. The user can sit at a seat proximate to the tabletop 12, grasp the lever 26, pull upward on the lever 26, and move the tabletop 12 up or down to a position that is comfortable for the user to position his/her hands on the tabletop 12 and sew the fabric layers 51, 52, 53, as shown in FIG. 6.

The user can rotate the tabletop 12 to a desired position to begin sewing. For example, the tabletop 12 can be rotated to a position in which the clamps 41, 42 are at the nine o'clock and three o'clock positions, as shown in FIG. 6. Preferably, the user is seated in a seat proximate to the table 10. The user can position his/her hands 61, 62 on the tabletop 12 and can sew the fabric layers 51, 52, 53 together using a needle 70 and thread 72 attached to the needle 70, as shown in FIG. 6. The user can insert the threaded needle 70 through the fabric layers 51, 52, 53. The user can sew in a manner to achieve a quilting stitch, in which stitches are formed in a desired geometric pattern, which can serve functional and/or decorative purposes.

The user can begin sewing at any desired position on the tabletop 12 and can sew in any desired direction comfortable for the user. Preferably, the user begins sewing proximate the center of the tabletop 12 and sews in a substantially straight line, as shown in FIG. 6. Preferably, a right handed user grasps the needle 70 with her right hand 61 and sews in a straight line from the user's right to left toward clamp 42, as shown in FIG. 6, forming a line of stitches 81, shown in FIG. 7. When it is desired to alter the directional path of the stitching, the user can rotate the tabletop 12 a desired amount, and resume sewing.

For example, the user may be sewing a quilting stitch that requires a second line of stitches 82 that extends perpendicular to the first stitching line 81. After sewing the first stitch line 81, the user can grasp the edge of the tabletop 12, as shown in FIG. 7, and rotate the tabletop 12 counterclockwise approximately ninety degrees to the position shown in FIG. 8, in which the clamps 41, 42 reside approximately at the six o'clock and twelve o'clock positions, respectively. The user can then resume sewing in a straight line to form the second stich line 82 that is perpendicular the first stitch line 81. The user sews the second stitch line 82 by sewing in a straight line from right to left (from the perspective of the user), as shown in FIG. 8.

In the event the quilting stich pattern requires a third stitch line extending perpendicular from the second stitch line, then after completion of the second stitch line 82, the tabletop 12 can be rotated clockwise, as shown in FIG. 9, approximately ninety degrees to the position shown in FIG. 10, in which the clamps 41, 42 are again at the nine o'clock and three o'clock positions, respectively. The user can then resume sewing in a straight line from right to left (from the perspective of the user), as shown in FIG. 10, thereby forming a third stitch line 83 that extends perpendicular from the second stitch line 82, as shown in FIG. 11. The user has thus formed the three stitch lines 81, 82, 83, shown in FIG. 11, while continuously sewing in a straight line (right to left from the perspective of the user). The three stitch lines 81, 82, 83 can form all or part of a quilting stitch pattern. The user can continue to rotate the tabletop and resume sewing to form additional lines of stitching as desired. A variety of quilting stitch patterns can be achieved using the quilting table 10. The above description is merely one example, and the tabletop 12 can be rotated more or less than ninety degrees to achieve a variety of different quilting stitch patterns.

Anytime the user wishes to alter the direction of stitching and/or form a new line of stitching, she can rotate the tabletop 12 an appropriate number of degrees to alter the position of the fabric layers 51, 52, 53 relative to the user, and then resume sewing in a straight line (from the perspective of the user). The user can alter the direction of the stitching while continuing to sew comfortably in a straight line, such as from right to left of the user, as shown in FIGS. 6, 8 and 10. The quilting table 10 allows a user to complete an intricate quilting stitch pattern while sewing in a single direction that is comfortable for the user. The user does not have to move their hands in an awkward position, and the user can remain seated in a single position during the entire quilting process. Rotation of the tabletop 12 moves the position of the fabric layers 51, 52, 53 relative to the user, thereby allowing the user to remain in substantially the same position throughout the quilting process. By improving the comfort of the user and reducing the amount of movement necessary for the user, the speed at which the quilting process can be completed is increased. The user can form an intricate quilting stitch pattern while continuously sewing in a straight line by rotating the tabletop 12 as needed to alter the position of the fabric layers 51, 52, 53.

A quilting table and method of using same are described above. Various changes can be made to the invention without departing from its scope. The above description of various embodiments of the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation—the invention being defined by the claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A quilting kit comprising: (a) a table comprising a rotatable tabletop supported by an elongate leg assembly mounted on a base section; and(b) a plurality of clamping members adapted for releasable attachment on the tabletop.

2. The quilting kit according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of clamping members comprises first and second spring-biased hand clamps.

3. The quilting kit according to claim 1, wherein the leg assembly defines a leg assembly length and the tabletop has a height that is at least partially defined by the leg assembly length, and further wherein the leg assembly length is adjustable whereby increasing the leg assembly length elevates the height of the tabletop and decreasing the leg assembly length lowers the height of the tabletop.

4. The quilting kit according to claim 3, wherein the leg assembly comprises a lower member, an upper member, a biasing mechanism, and a lever, the lower member having a first end received in an opening of the base section and a second end telescopically received in the upper member, the biasing mechanism operatively connected to the biasing mechanism whereby pulling the lever upwardly with no weight applied to the tabletop elevates the upper member and the tabletop.

5. The quilting kit according to claim 4, wherein pulling the lever upwardly while applying weight to the tabletop moves the upper member and the tabletop downward.

6. The quilting kit according to claim 4, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises at least one from the group consisting of a gas spring, a hydraulic spring, and a mechanical spring.

7. The quilting kit according to claim 3, wherein the tabletop is mounted on a lazy susan, the lazy susan mounted on an upper end of the leg assembly, the tabletop rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise.

8. The quilting kit according to claim 7, wherein the tabletop is substantially circular.

9. The quilting kit according to claim 8, wherein the tabletop has a diameter of twenty-four to thirty inches.

10. A table apparatus comprising: (a) a base section;(b) a leg assembly having an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, the lower end of the leg assembly mounted on the base section, the leg assembly extending upwardly from the base section and defining a vertical axis;(c) a tabletop attached to a rotating mechanism mounted on the upper end of the leg assembly, the rotating mechanism adapted for rotation about the vertical axis of the leg assembly whereby the tabletop is rotatable about the vertical axis of the leg assembly; and(d) wherein the leg assembly defines a leg assembly length and the tabletop has a height that is at least partially defined by the leg assembly length, and further wherein the leg assembly length is adjustable whereby increasing the leg assembly length elevates the height of the tabletop and decreasing the leg assembly length lowers the height of the tabletop.

11. The table apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the rotating mechanism comprises a lazy susan, and the tabletop is rotatable three hundred sixty degrees clockwise and counterclockwise.

12. The table apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the tabletop is substantially circular and has a diameter of twenty five inches.

13. The table apparatus according claim 10, further comprising a plurality of clamping members attached to the tabletop.

14. The table apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of clamping members comprise first and second spring-biased clamps.

15. A method of making a quilt comprising the steps of: (a) providing a table apparatus comprising a tabletop mounted on a leg assembly mounted on a base section, wherein the tabletop is rotatable about a vertical axis defined by the leg assembly;(b) providing a plurality of layers of material;(c) positioning the plurality of layers of material on the tabletop;(d) releasably attaching the plurality of layers of material to the tabletop;(e) providing a sewing needle and thread attached to the sewing needle;(f) sewing the plurality of layers of material together in a substantially straight line to form a first line of stitches extending in a first direction;(g) rotating the tabletop; and(h) sewing the plurality of layers of material together in a substantially straight line to form a second line of stiches extending in a second direction that is different from the first direction.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the step of releasably attaching the plurality of layers of material to the tabletop comprises clamping the plurality of layers of material to the tabletop with a plurality of hand clamps.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of layers of material comprise a top fabric layer, a middle insulating layer and a base fabric layer.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the tabletop is mounted on a lazy susan, and the lazy susan is mounted on an upper end of the leg assembly.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein a height of the tabletop is adjustable, and further comprising the step of adjusting the height of the tabletop.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the leg assembly comprises a lower member, an upper member, a biasing mechanism, and a lever, the lower member having a first end received in an opening of the base section and a second end telescopically received in the upper member, the biasing mechanism operatively connected to the lever whereby pulling the lever upwardly with no weight applied to the tabletop elevates the upper member and the tabletop and pulling the lever while applying weight to the table top lowers the upper member and the tabletop.