ROTATABLE PIN LOOM WITH MULTI ORIENTATION BASE

Abstract

A disclosed loom for creating an item consisting of a series of closed loops forming links includes a base and at plurality of pins extending from the base. Each of the pins includes a flange near a top surface for holding a closed loop in a desired orientation and an access groove extends through the top surface, wherein at least some of the plurality of pins is rotatable to orientate the access groove in a desired direction.

Description

BACKGROUND

This disclosure generally relates to a device for creating a linked item. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a method and device for creating linked items from elastic bands.

Kits that include materials for making a uniquely colored bracelet or necklace have always enjoyed some popularity. However such kits usually just include raw materials such as different colored threads and beads and rely on the individual's skill and talent to construct a usable and desirable item. Accordingly there is a need and desire for a kit that provides not only the materials for creating a unique wearable item, but also that provides for ease of construction to make it easy for people of many skill and artistic levels to successfully create a desirable and durable wearable item.

SUMMARY

A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. Elastic bands can be utilized to form such links in a desired manner. The example loom and kit enables creation of Brunnian link articles of complex configurations. Moreover, the disclosed loom and kit enable successful creation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques.

An example disclosed loom for creating an item consisting of a series of closed loops forming links includes a base and at plurality of pins extending from the base. Each of the pins includes a flange near a top surface for holding a closed loop elastic band in a desired orientation and an access groove that extends through the top surface. At least some of the plurality of pins are rotatable to orientate the access groove in a desired direction.

A disclosed kit for creating a Brunnian linked item from a plurality of closed loop elastic bands includes a plurality of closed loop elastic bands, a loom including a plurality of pins and a clip for securing opposing ends of a series of Brunnian linked elastic bands. The device includes a plurality of pins arranged relative to each other according to a desired spatial relationship. Each of the plurality of pins includes a flange near a top surface for holding a closed loop in a desired orientation and an access groove extending through the top surface. At least one of the plurality of pins is rotatable to orientate the access groove in a desired direction.

These and other features disclosed herein can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a linked item formed from closed loop elastic bands.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a series of Brunnian links formed from closed loop elastic bands.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an example kit from creating a linked item from closed loop elastic bands.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an example loom for creating a linked item from closed loop elastic bands.

FIG. 5 is bottom view of the example loom.

FIG. 6 is an end view of a plurality of pins of the example loom.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an example pin bar of the example loom.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of relative orientation between two pin bars.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example base plate.

FIG. 10 is an end view of the example base plate.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the example base plate.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example pin bar.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the example pin bar.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the example pin bar.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the example pin bar.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an example pin.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the example pin.

FIG. 18 is an access groove side view of the example pin.

FIG. 19 is a top view of the example pin.

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the example pin.

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of a pin and pin bar prior to installation.

FIG. 21B is a schematic view of the opening within the pin bar prior to installation of the pin.

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of the pin inserted into the pin bar in an initial position.

FIG. 22B is a schematic view of a position of a tab of the pin within the opening in the initial position.

FIG. 23A is a perspective view of the pin rotated within an opening in the pin bar to a desired orientation.

FIG. 23B is a schematic view of a position of the tab of the pin within the opening with the pin in a desired orientation.

FIG. 24 is top view of another example loom.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the example loom shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an example pin supported in the loom shown in FIGS. 24 and 25.

FIG. 27 is a top view of the example pin shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of an access groove side of the example pin shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is another schematic view of the example pin shown in FIG. 26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a Brunnian link is formed from a continuous looped structure without forming an actual knot. In this example, several closed loop elastic bands are linked in a Brunnian link to form a linked article 104. Opposing ends of the series of Brunnian links are then secured to create a durable wearable. In this example three closed loop elastic bands 100a-c form a chain 102. Each link of the chain is formed by capturing ends of one elastic band 100a with a mid portion of another elastic band 100b. Each link in the chain depends on the previous and subsequent links to maintain the desired linked structure. The ends 106 of the closed loop elastic bands are secured to maintain the desired series of Brunnian links.

Referring to FIGS. 3-7, an example kit 25 includes a loom 10, a plurality of elastic bands 42, a hook 40 and a plurality of connectors 44. The loom 10 enables the creation of Brunnian linked items and includes at least one base 15 and a plurality of upward extending pins 20. The pins 20 are supported within one of a plurality of pin bars 26 that are supported on at least one of the bases 15. The pin bars 26 are supported on the base 15 in different orientations such as the offset arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 3-7.

In the offset arrangement, one of the pin bars 26 is incremented relative to adjacent pin bars 26 such that one pin 20 on that incremented pin bar 26 is forward of pins on adjacent pin bars 26. In other words, instead of each of the pins 20 being aligned across the rows of pins, every other pin 20 is incremented or offset relative to pins 20 in adjacent rows. The base 15 and pin bars 26 include corresponding attachment features that enable multiple spatial orientations between adjacent pin bars 26 to facilitate creation of many different linked items of varying complexities.

The loom 10 includes first and second ends 12, 14 and first and second sides 16, 18. Each of the pins 20 are rotatable mounted within a corresponding pin bar 26 about an axis A (Shown in FIG. 23A). The pins 20 are rotatable about the axis A as is schematically shown at R (FIG. 23A).

Referring to FIG. 8, each of the bases 15 enables attachment of a pin bar 26 lengthwise 36 across the base 15 or widthwise 38 across the base 15. The different lengthwise 36 and widthwise 38 orientations enable attachment of adjacent pin bars 26 at a 90 degree angle relative each other. The ability to attach pin bars 26 in multiple orientations to any of the bases 15 enables many different relative orientations to further expand possible configurations and Brunnian link creations.

Referring to FIGS. 9-11, each base 15 includes a plurality upward extending cylinders or keys 46 configured to be received within correspondingly shaped openings 48 (FIG. 15) in the pin bar 26. The base 15 includes the cylinders 46 of different heights (46A, 46B) to prevent errant assembly and assure proper spacing between adjacent pin bars 26 attached to each base 15. Taller and shorter keys 46A, 46B are provided such that pin bars 26 may only be assembled according to a defined spatial relationship. Each of the pin bars 26 include different depths of openings that correspond with the different heights provided in the pin bars to further define the relative orientation between adjacent pin bars 26 and therefore the spacing between adjacent pins 20.

Referring to FIGS. 12-15 with continued reference to the previous Figures, each of the pin bars 26 include openings 30 on a top surface 50 for receiving pins 20. The pin bar 26 includes the openings 48 on a bottom surface for receiving the cylinders 46 defined in the bases 15. In this example, the openings 30 extend from the top surface 50 through the pin bar 26. The openings 48 that extend from the bottom surface 52 are blind holes and do not extend entirely through the pin bar 26. The top openings 30 for the receiving the pins 22 includes a slot 54 that is in communication with a circumferential groove 32 (FIG. 24-26).

The example pin bar 26 is configured to support a single row of pins 20 and includes a first end 56 and a second end 58. The first and second ends 56, 58 include an extension in the form of forward extending arms 60. The forward extending arms 60 enable engagement to a tool for disengaging a pin bar 26 from a corresponding base.

The openings 48 in the bottom surface 52 of the pin bar 26 correspond to the features of the base 15 to enable each of the pin bars 26 to be secured both lengthwise and widthwise across any of the corresponding bases 15. The ability to secure the pin bars 26 in different orientations enables loom configurations for creating linked items of complex configurations.

Referring to FIGS. 16-20, each of the pins 20 includes a flanged surface 22 spaced apart from a bottom outward extending surface 28 and a mid-portion 64 disposed therebetween. In this example the flanged surface 22 is disposed at a top surface 25, but may also be positioned away from the top surface 25. The mid-portion 64 is where each of the elastic bands is supported during assembly of a linked item. The top flanged surface 22 prevents errant slipping of an elastic band from the pin 20. The bottom outward extending surface 28 prevents elastic bands from slipping to far downward to a position between pins 20 where grasping of an elastic band would be difficult. Additionally, the bottom outward extending surface 20 extends from a base 62 and stabilizes the pin 20 within a corresponding pin bar 26.

An access groove 24 is defined along one side of the pin 20 and extends through both the flanged surface 22 and the bottom outward extending surface 24. The access groove 24 extends through the top surface 25 to enable access by a hook tool 40 through a top most elastic band to grasp a lower elastic band and draw an end of the lower elastic band back through the upper elastic band and the access groove 24. Each of the links is formed by pulling ends of one elastic band through another elastic band supported on the same pin 20. The access groove 24 extending through the top surface 25 enables link formation, while the flanged surface 22 maintains the top most elastic band on the pin 20 while links are being stretched across adjacent pins 20.

The bottom outward extending surface 28 further includes the access groove 24 that extends substantially the entire height of the pin 20. In this example the access groove 24 extends only partially though the pin 20. The access groove 24 through the lower surface 28 enables access of a tool below an elastic band that may be supported at the lowest portion of the mid-portion 64.

Referring to FIGS. 21A-B, 22A-B, and 23A-B, with continued reference to the previously described Figures, each of the pins 20 includes the flange 22 near the top surface 25 for holding an elastic loop in a desired orientation and location on the pin 20. Each of the pins 20 includes the front access groove 24 extending through both the top surface 25 and the flange 22. The openings 30 within the pin bar receive the pins 20 such that each pin 20 may be rotated to align each access groove 24 in a desired direction.

The direction of orientation of the access grooves 24 define how a linked item is constructed. Accordingly, the access grooves 24 are aligned in a common direction such that all of the access grooves are aligned in a direction corresponding to formation of a series of Brunnian links. Increasingly creative and complex designs are achievable by forming links of a common item with links extending and formed in different directions. Accordingly, each of the pins 20 in the disclosed example loom 10 can be orientated separately to align different series of links in different directions on the same loom 10.

Each of the pins 20 includes the lower base 62 that fits within the openings 30 for holding the pin 20 in place while permitting rotation. The tab 34 extends from the lower base 62 and is insertable through a slot 54 within the opening 30 to an undercut circumferential groove 32 formed in the opening 30. The groove 32 is continuous about the opening 30 to permit complete rotation of the pin 20. The example tab 34 is disposed on a single side of the pin 20. Once the tab 34 passes through the slot 54, the pin 22 is rotated within the groove 32 out of alignment with the slot 54 to secure the pin 20 within the pin bar 26.

The bottom portion 28 engages the top surface 50 of the pin bar 26 about the opening 30 for stabilizing the pin 20. Accordingly, in the disclosed example, each pin 20 is first aligned with the slot 54 and snapped into the opening 30 such that the tab 34 extends into the circumferential groove 32. The pin 22 is then rotated to misalign the tab 34 with the slot 54 such that the pin 20 is retained within the pin bar 26.

Rotation of each of the pins 20 independent of adjacent pins 20 supported on the same pin bar 26 enables for a single linked item to be created from links extending and formed in multiple alignments and directions. The orientation of the pins 20 is not restricted by the orientation of the pin bar 26 or base 15. Each of the pin bars 26 can be attached to each of the bases 15 either widthwise or lengthwise and further, each of the pins 20 can be orientated individually at any location within the possible 360 degrees of rotation.

Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, another loom 110 for creating Brunnian link items includes a base 115 and a plurality of upward extending pins 120. The base 115 includes first and second ends 112, 114 and first and second sides 116, 118. Each of the pins 120 are rotatable mounted within the base 115 about an axis A. The pins 120 are rotatable about the axis A as is schematically shown at R. In this example loom 110, the base and pin bar are combined into a single integral part and the position of the pins 120 are predefined by the location of openings 130.

Referring to FIGS. 26-29 with continued reference to FIGS. 24 and 25, each of the pins 120 includes a flange 122 near a top surface 125 for holding an elastic loop in a desired orientation. Each of the pins 120 includes a front access groove 124 extending through both the top surface 125 and the flange 122. Openings 130 within the base 115 receive the pins 120 such that each pin 120 may be rotated to align each access groove 124 in a desired direction. In this disclosed example, a first group of pins 136 are aligned to face in a first direction and a second group of pins 138 are aligned top point in a second direction. The second direction in this disclosed example is opposite the first direction. Accordingly, each of the access grooves 124 maybe orientated separately to face in desired direction to facilitate formation of a linked article from closed loop elastic members.

Each of the pins 120 includes a lower connecting portion that fits within the openings 130 for holding the pin 120 in place while permitting rotation. In this example, the connecting portion comprises expanding tabs 134 that engage an undercut slot 132 formed in the opening 130. The undercut slot 132 is continuous about the inner side of the opening 130 to permit complete rotation of the pin 120. The tabs 134 are spaced apart from each other to permit inward flexing during insertion into the opening 130. Once past the initial opening, the tabs 134 snap outward to lock within the opening 130. It should be understood, that although a specific tab configuration is disclosed, other tab structures and shapes are within the contemplation of this disclosure. Moreover, the tab configuration illustrated in FIGS. 21A-B to 23A-B could also be utilized with the example loom 110.

The pin 120 includes a bottom portion 128 that engages the top surface of the base 115 about the opening 130 for stabilizing the pin 120. The underside of the base 115 is accessible and therefore, the pins 120 are movable by forcing the tabs 134 inward toward each other so that they my fit back through the opening 130.

Accordingly, the disclosed looms 10,110 provide for the creation of many different combinations and configurations of Brunnian links for the creation of bracelets, necklaces, and other wearable items. Moreover, the example loom includes rotatable pins 20, 120 to provide for further variations and configurations for fabricating linked articles.

A disclosed method of creating a linked item utilizing the disclosed looms 10, includes an initial step of supporting pins 20 such that each of the pins 20 are rotatable (FIGS. 23A and 28). The pins can be supported either on a pin bar 26 or supported on base 115. The pin bar 26 is supported on at least one base 15 adjacent to at least one other row of pins 20. The pins 20 are then rotated as desired to form a desired bracelet or other linked article.

The method continues by of stretching elastic loops 100a-c across at least two adjacent pins 20. The flange 22 at the top the pins 20 hold the elastic loops 100a-c in place (FIG. 2). A hook tool 40 is extended into the access groove 24 downward through a top elastic band to grasp an end of a lower elastic band and pull the grasped end back through the access groove upward through the top elastic band to form the Brunnian link. The captured end of one of the plurality of elastic loops is pulled over another elastic loop and placed onto an adjacent pin 20 while engaged with another one of the plurality of elastic loops. Capturing and pulling subsequent ends of different ones of the plurality of elastic bands is repeated to form the desired link pattern. Moreover, the linked configuration formed from elastic bands is aligned with the direction of the access grooves wherein the example loom provides for multiple linking directions by rotation of pins.

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 disclosure.

Claims

1. A device for creating an item consisting of a series of closed loops forming links, the device comprising: a base; andat plurality of pins extending from the base, each of the plurality of pins including a flange near a top surface for holding a closed loop in a desired orientation and an access groove extends through the top surface, wherein at least one of the plurality of pins is rotatable to orientate the access groove in a desired direction.

2. The device as recited in claim 1, including a pin bar supported on the base, wherein each of the plurality of pins are received within the pin bar and are rotatable relative to the pin bar.

3. The device as recited in claim 2, wherein the pin bar includes a plurality of openings for receiving the plurality of pins.

4. The device as recited in claim 3, wherein at least one of the plurality of openings in the pin bar include a slot and groove and each of the plurality of pins includes a tab that is insertable through the slot and into the groove for securing the pin to the pin bar.

5. The device as recited in claim 2, wherein the pin bar is supportable on the base in one of a lengthwise direction of the base and a widthwise direction of the base.

6. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of pins includes at least three rows of pins supported on the base and evenly spaced apart.

7. The device as recited in claim 6, wherein the at least three rows of pins includes a center row, a first side row and a second side row and pins in the center row are aligned with pins within the first side row and the second side row.

8. The device as recited in claim 7, wherein the at least three rows of pins includes a center row, a first side row and a second side row, and pin in the center row are offset relative to the first side row and the second side row.

9. The device as recited in claim 2, wherein the base and pin bar are separate structures that include corresponding mating features for supporting the pin bar on the base.

10. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the base includes a plurality of openings arranged in at least three rows for receiving a corresponding one of the plurality of pins.

11. A kit for creating a Brunnian linked item from a plurality of closed loop elastic bands, the kit comprising: a plurality of closed loop elastic bands;a device including a plurality of pins arranged relative to each other according to a desired spatial relationship, each of the plurality of pins including a flange near a top surface for holding a closed loop in a desired orientation and an access groove extending through the top surface, wherein at least one of the plurality of pins is rotatable to orientate the access groove in a desired direction; anda clip for securing opposing ends of a series Brunnian linked elastic bands.

12. The kit as recited in claim 11, including a pin bar supported on the base, wherein each of the plurality of pins are received within the pin bar and are rotatable relative to the pin bar.

13. The kit as recited in claim 12, wherein the pin bar includes a plurality of openings for receiving the plurality of pins.

14. The kit as recited in claim 13, wherein at least one of the plurality of openings in the pin bar include a slot and groove and each of the plurality of pins includes a tab that is insertable through the slot and into the groove for securing the pin to the pin bar.

15. The device as recited in claim 12, wherein the pin bar is supportable on the base in one of a lengthwise direction of the base and a widthwise direction of the base.

16. The device as recited in claim 11, wherein the base includes a plurality of openings arranged in at least three rows for receiving a corresponding one of the plurality of pins.

17. A method of creating a linked item from a plurality of closed loop elastic bands, the method comprising the steps of: orientating a plurality of pins by rotating the pins such that an access groove for at least one pin faces in a desired direction;stretching a plurality of closed loop elastic bands across at least two adjacent pins;capturing one end of a first one of the plurality of elastic band and pulling the captured end over and onto an adjacent pin while engaged with a second one of the plurality of elastic bands; andcapturing and pulling subsequent ends of different ones of the plurality of elastic bands onto adjacent pins while engaged to another of the plurality of elastic bands to form a series of Brunnian links.

18. The method as recited in claim 17, including securing opposing ends of the series of Brunnian linked elastic bands with a clip.

19. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein orientating a plurality of pins further comprises supporting at least two rows of pins transverse to each other and orientating the access groove such that an access groove of at least one of the plurality of pins is facing in a direction different than another of the plurality of pins.