Patent Application
20220120000
The present disclosure generally relates to sewing and quilting. More specifically, devices and methods for removal of unwanted seams in fabric and methods of manufacturing such a device.
A sewer or quilter who wishes to remove seams in fabric typically uses a sharp blade of some kind to cut the thread and then uses fingers or another device such as tweezers to pull the thread from the fabric.
Historically, the standard has been use of a seam ripper which usually includes a handle of some kind projecting point connected to a recessed blade. The user then positions the point between the thread and the fabric to draw up the stitch and then moves the device in a forward and away motion allowing the blade to slice through the thread without damaging the fabric. Loose threads are left where the stitches used to be, so the sewer then has to manually remove the threads from the fabric using their fingers or tweezers. A sewer or quilter may need to remove hundreds or even thousands of stitches during a single project and over a lifetime a large amount of time is wasted by having to switch between tools.
Some innovation has occurred in the field where a seam ripper and tweezers have been attached to one another in a fixed manner. The state of the prior art includes such a device where a seam ripper opposes tweezers that are linearly connected to one another through a handle. This solves the problem by reducing the number of tools required, however, it creates the problem of having to flip the tool end over end countless times which leads to more inefficiencies. Because of the number of stitches that often require removal, large amounts of time are still wasted by a sewer or quilter that would be better spent completing other tasks.
The field needs devices and methods that reduce a sewer or quilters time in removing stitches where the user can easily switch between ripping threads and removing threads without having to change tools or flip a tool end over end. Such devices and methods are disclosed herein.
In one aspect a stitch remover is disclosed. In various embodiments, the stitch remover may include a thread cutter, a thread remover, and a connecting region for bringing the thread cutter into physical contact with the thread remover and allowing the stitch remover to actuate between a first position and a second position. In various embodiments, the thread cutter further comprises a base and a projection wherein the base includes a first end and a second end and the projection includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the projection is joined to the second end of the base at an interface, and wherein the first end of the base includes an attachment region. In various embodiments, the base and the projection may be a single, contiguous component. In various embodiments, the base and the projection may be separate joined components. In various embodiments, the interface may include a weld, a pin, a screw, or an adhesive. In various embodiments, the second end of the projection may include a blade projection having a point and a safety projection having a safety feature, wherein the blade projection and the safety projection may be in physical contact through a recessed blade. In various embodiments, the first end of the thread remover may include a joined region and an attachment region. In various embodiments, the first end of a flexible first projection may be joined to a first projection of a second flexible projection at a joined region. In various embodiments, the flexible first projection may include a second end having a pad and the flexible second projection may include a second end having a pad wherein the pads oppose one another. In various embodiments, the flexible first projection and the flexible second projection may be made from an elastic material that may be designed to allow the pads to come into contact in a first position and extend away from one another in a second position. In various embodiments, the connecting region may include a connector that projects through an opening in and attachment region of the thread cutter and an opening in an attachment region of the thread remover to rotationally secure the thread cutter and the thread remover to one another. In various embodiments, the connector may include a post, pin, screw, nail, welds, adhesive, or tacks. In various embodiments, the connector may include a first end and a second end and the first end of the connector may be joined to a first coupler and the second end of the connector may be joined to a second coupler. In various embodiments, the first coupler may be in physical contact with a first surface of the thread cutter at or near the attachment region of the thread cutter and the second coupler may be in physical contact with the second surface of the thread remover at or near the attachment region of the thread remover. In various embodiments, the couplers may include screw heads, welds, adhesive, or tacks. In various embodiments, the connection region may include a spacer having a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein first surface may be in physical contact with a first surface of the thread remover at or near the attachment region and the second surface of the space may be in physical contact with a second surface of the thread cutter at or near the attachment region.
In one aspect a stitch remover is disclosed. In various embodiments, a thread cutter may include a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the thread cutter may include an attachment region having an opening, a thread remover may include a first end and a second end, wherein the thread remover may have an attachment region having an opening, and a connector that projects through the openings, rotationally connecting the thread cutter and thread remover. In various embodiments, the connector may include a first end attached to a first coupler and a second end attached to a second coupler.
In one aspect a stitch remover is disclosed. In various embodiments, a thread cutter may include an opening, a thread remover may include an opening, and a post projecting through the openings bringing the thread cutter and thread remover into physical contact. In various embodiments, wherein the post may be secured in a manner that allows a surface on the thread cutter to move relative to a surface on the thread remover.
In one aspect a method of removing a stitched seam from fabric is disclosed. In various embodiments, the steps may include providing a stitch remover in a first position, wherein the stitch remover includes: a thread cutter, a thread remover, and a connecting region and actuating the connecting region to move the stitch remover into a second position. In various embodiments, the first position is a closed position and the second position is an open position. In various embodiments, the method further comprises the step of inserting a point of the thread cutter between a thread and a fabric. In various embodiments, the method further includes the step of cutting through the thread using a recessed blade. In various embodiments, the method further includes the step of removing the cut thread using pads on the thread remover. In various embodiments, the connecting region may include a connector joining the thread cutter and the thread remover. In various embodiments, the thread cutter and the thread remover may rotate relative to each other through the connector. In various embodiments, the connector projects through an opening in an attachment region of the thread cutter and an opening in an attachment region of the thread remover to secure the thread cutter and the thread remover to one another. In various embodiments, the connection region may include a spacer having a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein first surface may be in physical contact with a first surface of the threader remover at or near the attachment region and the second surface of the space may be in physical contact with a second surface of the thread cutter at or near the attachment region.
In one aspect, a method of manufacturing a stitch remover is disclosed. In various embodiments, the method of manufacture may include the steps of providing a thread cutter including an attachment region, providing a thread remover including an attachment region, and connecting the attachment region of the thread cutter to the attachment region of the thread remover at a connection region, wherein the connection region provides rotational movement of the thread cutter and the thread remover relative to one another. In various embodiments, the method of manufacture may further comprise the step of inserting a spacer between the attachment region of the thread remover and the attachment region of the thread cutter. In various embodiments, the connecting region includes a connector that projects through an opening in and attachment region of the thread cutter and an opening in an attachment region of the thread remover to secure the thread cutter and the thread remover to one another. In various embodiments, the method of manufacture may further include the step of attaching a first coupler to a first end of the connector and attaching a second coupler to the second end of the connector. In various embodiments, the stitch remover further may include a screw, a cap, a rivet, a weld, and adhesive, or a pin. In various embodiments, the connector may include a post, a screw, a pin, or a nail. In various embodiments, the rotational movement occurs around the connector.
For a more complete understanding of the principles disclosed herein, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
While the present teachings are described in conjunction with various embodiments, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
Furthermore, in describing various embodiments, the specification may present a method and/or process as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one of skill in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments.
Approximately or about: As used herein, the term “approximately” or “about,” as applied to one or more values of interest, refers to a value that is similar to a stated reference value. In general, those skilled in the art, familiar within the context, will appreciate the relevant degree of variance encompassed by “about” or “approximately” in that context. For example, in some embodiments, the term “approximately” or “about” may encompass a range of values that are within 25%, 24%, 23%, 22%, 21%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or less of the referred value.
Physical contact: As used herein, the term “physical contact” as applied refers to objects either being in direct physical contact or contact through an intermediary. The intermediary being one or more additional physical objects.
Embodiments of systems, methods of use, methods of manufacture, and apparatuses for stitch removal (e.g. thread cutting and thread removal) from fabric are described in the accompanying description and figures. In the figures, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of certain embodiments. A skilled artisan will be able to appreciate that the packing and transportation system described herein can be used in a variety of ways and circumstances, not limited, to what is specifically detailed. Additionally, the skilled artisan will appreciate that certain embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Furthermore, one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the specific sequences in which methods are presented and performed are illustrative and it is contemplated that the sequences can be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of certain embodiments.
While the present teachings are described in conjunction with various embodiments, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
Referring to
Referring to
In various embodiments, the base 204 may be adapted so that a sewer or quilter can easily grip the base. In various embodiments, the base may comprise a metallic material. In various embodiments, the metallic material may be wrapped in plastic, silicone, or some other easy to grip material. In various embodiments, the base 204 may comprise carved wood.
In various embodiments, the projection 206 may be secured to the base 204 with a tack, nail, pin, weld, adhesive or some other securing device at or near the interface 216. In various embodiments, the projection 206 and base 204 may be a solid piece of material and not require a securing device. In various embodiments, the interface may include a weld, a pin, a screw, or an adhesive.
In various embodiments, the thread cutter may resemble or be a seam ripper device.
In various embodiments, the safety feature 210 may include plastic or silicone affixed to the safety projection 218. In various embodiments, the safety feature 210 may be made from the same material as the safety projection and be one contiguous, solid piece of material. In various embodiments, the safety feature 210 may include a blunt object. In various embodiments, the safety feature 210 may be ovular or spherical in shape.
Referring to
In various embodiments, the thread remover 104 may be adapted so that each of the flexible projections 304306 flex when a sewer or quilter applies pressure. In various embodiments, when pressure is applied to the flexible projections 304306 the pads 316318 come into contact with one another. In various embodiments, the contacting pads 316318 are adapted to grasp threads. In various embodiments, the thread remover 104 or a portion thereof is made from an elastic material and such that the pads 316318 may repeated come into contact with one another than then retract when pressure is removed from the flexible projections 304306.
In various embodiments, the thread remover 104 may be made from a single piece of material. In various embodiments, the flexible projections 304306 may be separate pieces and the joined region 320 may include a tack, weld, screw, adhesive, or any other securing implement known in the field.
Referring to
In various embodiments, the connecting region 106 may include a spacer 404 as an intermediary. In various embodiments, the spacer 404 may include a first surface 414 abutting a first surface 410 of the joined region 320 or attachment region 302 of the thread remover 104. In various embodiments, the spacer 404 may include a second surface 416 abutting a second surface 408 of the attachment region 202 of the thread cutter 102.
In various embodiments, a connector 402 may span the length of the connecting region 106 (e.g. the thread cutter 102, thread remover 104, and spacer 404). In various embodiments, the connector 402 may project through the openings 228320 and be secured by couplers 418420. In various embodiments, the first coupler 418 may secure a first end 422 of the connector 402 at or near a first surface of the attachment region 202 of the thread cutter. In various embodiments, the second coupler 420 may secure a second end 224 of the attachment region 302 at the attachment region 302 of the thread remover 104. In various embodiments, the connector may include a post, pin, screw, nail, welds, adhesive, or tacks. In various embodiments, the couplers may include screw heads, welds, adhesive, or tacks.
In various embodiments, the purpose of the connecting region 106 is not simply to affix the thread remover 104 to the thread cutter 102, but to allow the thread remover 104 and the thread cutter 102 to move relative to each other. Such a configuration allows a sewer or quilter to move the tools into a custom position for their particular hand structure or for a specified application. In various embodiments, the thread cutter 102 and the thread remover 104 move along the same plane. In various embodiments, the spacer 404 is made from a material that facilitates easy rotation. In some embodiments, the thread cutter 102 and the thread remover 104 may be made from a metallic material and the spacer 404 may be made from silicone or plastic, thereby, allowing easy rotation from a closed position shown in
In various embodiments, the spacer 404 may space the thread remover 104 apart from the thread cutter 102 such that they do not obstruct each other when a sewer or quilter rotates the stitch remover 100 include a closed position. In various embodiments, the spacer 404 prevents metal on metal contact between the thread remover 104 and the thread cutter 102, thereby allowing easier rotation and extending the useful life of the stitch remover 100.
A skilled artisan will appreciate that the kind of rotation disclosed herein may allow for the stitch remover 100 to actuate between one, two, three, four, or any number of positions based on a sewer or quilters physical attributes and the task being performed.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
In various embodiments, the method may include assembling a base 204 onto the thread cutter 102 or thread remover 104 for ergonomic purposes. In various embodiments, the method of manufacture may include welding, pinning, screwing, or applying adhesive to the interface 216 or attachment regions 202302. In various embodiments, the method of manufacture may include sharpening the recessed blade 208. In various embodiments, the method of manufacture may include the step of joining the first flexible projection 304 to the second flexible projection 306 at the joined region 320. The step of joining may use a weld, adhesive, pin, hook, or any other known attachment device or process. In various embodiments, the method of manufacture may include producing pads 316318 on the second ends 310314 of the first flexible projection 304 and the second flexible projection 306.
In various embodiment, the stitch remover 100 may actuate or fold from an open position (
Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. It is to be understood that the invention encompasses all variations, combinations, and permutations in which one or more limitations, elements, clauses, descriptive terms, etc., from one or more of the listed claims is introduced into another claim dependent on the same base claim (or, as relevant, any other claim) unless otherwise indicated or unless it would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art that a contradiction or inconsistency would arise. Further, it should also be understood that any embodiment or aspect of the invention can be explicitly excluded from the claims, regardless of whether the specific exclusion is recited in the specification. The scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the above Description, but rather is as set forth in the claims that follow.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63092507 | Oct 2020 | US |
