US20210108346A1

US20210108346A1 - Bobbin Storage Device

Info

Publication number: US20210108346A1
Application number: US17/069,019
Authority: US
Inventors: Deborah Woods
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-10-14
Filing date: 2020-10-13
Publication date: 2021-04-15

Abstract

A bobbin storage device. The bobbin storage device includes a base. The base is designed to receive a number of rods. The rods are inserted into the base through a number of apertures that are defined in the base. The rods extend upward, in a vertical fashion, from the base. The rods are specifically sized to receive bobbins on them. The user is able to store bobbins on the base in order to prevent the bobbins from becoming lost or rolling out of reach.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/914,612 filed on Oct. 14, 2019. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bobbin storage device. Specifically, the present invention provides a solution to the problem of misplaced or lost bobbins for individuals engaged in sewing projects.
For many people, sewing is either a hobby that allows them to express creativity through their skill with a needle. For other people, sewing may be a necessity that allows for them to provide themselves with clothing, bedding or other necessary linens. Because sewing items by hand can be a tedious and time-consuming task, the need for an improved technology to assist people who sew developed. The solution was the creation of sewing machines. Many types of sewing machines exist, ranging from hand-powered manual sewing machines to electronically controlled sewing machines. Such devices have permeated modern life to the extent that most homes likely include a sewing machine.
Sewing machines generally operate by inserting a threaded needle through two or more segments of fabrics that the user desires to affix to each other. As the needle thread passes through the fabric, it is caught by a bobbin case. The bobbin case pulls the needle thread through the fabric, intertwining the needle thread with a bobbin thread. This allows for the creation of a stitch to secure the fabric in the desired location. Without the bobbin, the function of the sewing machine would be greatly diminished, and the resulting products could be ineffective for their intended purposes.
Unfortunately, bobbins, which are smaller in size than typical thread spools may easily become misplaced or lost. Many bobbins are made of clear plastic, making them difficult to identify from a distance. Additionally, bobbins are round and may roll if they are dropped or land on an uneven surface. A person who is engaged in a complex sewing project may need to utilize a number of bobbins containing threads of different colors and materials. There are numerous additional reasons as to why bobbins may become lost or misplaced.
Therefore, there is a defined need amongst the known prior art references for a device that assists individuals in preventing the misplacement or loss of bobbins while they are involved in a sewing project.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of bobbin and thread storage devices and methods now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a bobbin storage device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when securing bobbins.
The present system comprises a base. A plurality of rods extends upward from the base. The plurality of rods is removable from the base via engagement with a plurality of apertures that are defined by the base. As such, the user will be able to move and replace each rod of the plurality of rods with Each rod of the plurality of rods is dimensioned to receive a bobbin thereon.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, a pin cushion is disposed on the base adjacent to the plurality of rods. The pin cushion is removably securable to the base via the action of a fastener. In use, the pin cushion allows for the user to store pins when working on a sewing project.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the bobbin storage device.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the bobbin storage device.

FIG. 3 shows a close-up view of a pin cushion of an embodiment of the bobbin storage device.

FIG. 4 shows a demonstrative view of an embodiment of the bobbin storage device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the bobbin storage device. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a side view of an embodiment of the bobbin storage device. The bobbin storage device 10 comprises a base 11. The base 11 is defined by a bottom surface 12 disposed oppositely a top surface 13. The base 11 is configured to rest on a flat surface or a substantially flat surface. As such, the bottom surface 12 of the base 11 is flat. A plurality of apertures 14 are disposed in the top surface 13 of the base 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of apertures 14 extend into the base 11, but are terminated at a distance above the bottom surface 12 of the base 11. The base 11 is, ideally, composed of a durable material, such that the shape and configuration of the base 11 will be maintained. In some embodiments, the base 11 is constructed of wood.
A plurality of rods 15 a, 15 b, 15 c extend upward from the top surface 13 of the base 11. Each rod of the plurality of rods 15 a, 15 b, 15 c is dimensioned to receive a bobbin thereon. Specifically, the circumference of each rod of the plurality of rods 15 a, 15 b, 15 c is lesser than or equal to the circumference of a hole of a bobbin spool. As demonstrated, when the plurality of rods 15 a, 15 b, 15 c are engaged with the base 11, they extend upward perpendicular therefrom, at a roughly 90 degree angle. As such, one or more bobbins may be placed upon each rod of the plurality of rods 15 a, 15 b, 15 c, such that it will slide down the rod and be maintained in a secure position against either the base 11 of the bobbin storage device or a subordinate bobbin. The plurality of rods 15 a, 15 b, 15 c are independently removable from the base 11, such that the user may reposition or remove each rod of the plurality of rods 15 a, 15 b, 15 c as desired. The plurality of rods 15 a, 15 b, 15 c are ideally constructed of a durable material. As such, the shape of the plurality of rods 15 a, 15 b, 15 c will be maintained and the risk of damage to the plurality of rods 15 a, 15 b, 15 c is reduced. In some embodiments, the plurality of rods 15 a, 15 b, 15 c are made of wood.
In the demonstrated embodiment, the plurality of rods 15 a, 15 b, 15 c comprises rods of different lengths. Specifically, in the demonstrated embodiment, the plurality of rods consists of a plurality of rods of a first length 15 a, a plurality of rods of a second length 15 b, and a plurality of rods of a third length 15 c. The plurality of rods of a first length 15 a are of the greatest length, while the plurality of rods of a third length 15 c are of the shortest length. Furthermore, in the demonstrated embodiment, the plurality of rods 15 a, 15 b, 15 c are arranged such that the longest rods 15 a are disposed towards an outer end of the base 11 and the shorter rods 15 c are disposed towards a more central position of the base. As such, when the bobbin storage device 10 is placed in a desired location, the longer rods 15 a will not interfere with the user's access to the shorter rods 15 c.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the bobbin storage device. The bobbin storage device 10 further comprises a pin cushion 16. The pin cushion 16 is disposed on the top surface 13 of the base 11. Furthermore, the pin cushion 16 is disposed on the base 11 aside from the plurality of rods 15. As such, the pin cushion 16 will not interfere with the function of the plurality of rods 15 when the pin cushion 16 is engaged with the base 11. The pin cushion 16 is of any suitable configuration for receiving at least one pin 17 into it. In the demonstrated embodiment, the pin cushion 16 is rectangular in shape, characterized by a greater length 18 than width 19. As such the pin cushion 16 may be maintained in a stable position upon the top surface 13 of the base 11. In the demonstrated embodiment, the pin cushion 16 consists of a pair of opposing fabric members secured around a perimeter each thereof, such that a cavity is formed therebetween. A padding material is disposed within the cavity.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a close-up view of a pin cushion of an embodiment of the bobbin storage device. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin cushion 16 is removable from the top surface 13 of the base 11. As such, the user is able to remove or relocate the pin cushion 16 as desired. Furthermore, in the shown embodiment, the pin cushion 20 comprises a wrist band thereon. The wrist band 20 is configured to encircle the wrist of the user, such that the user may be able to secure the pin cushion 16 to his or her wrist in order to utilize both of their hands on their sewing project.
In the demonstrated embodiment, the pin cushion 16 is removable from the top surface 13 of the base 11 via the action of a fastener 21 a, 21 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 21 a, 21 b is a hook and loop fastener consisting of a hook portion 21 a and a loop portion 21 b. The hook and loop fastener is frictionally operational, wherein the hook portion 21 a, when pressed against the loop portion 21 b, causes the interlocking of a plurality of hooks with a plurality of loops. As such, the user may easily attach and remove the pin cushion 16 to the top surface 13 of the base 11. In the specific embodiment, the loop portion 21 b of the hook and loop fastener is affixed to the underside 22 of the pin cushion 16. As such, the relative comfort of the user will be maintained due to the relative rigidity of the hook portion 21 a compared to the loop portion 21 b. The hook portion 21 a of the hook and loop fastener, in the demonstrated embodiment, is secured to the top surface 13 of the base 11 via a staple 23. In other embodiments, the hook portion 21 a of the hook and loop fastener may be secured to the base 11 by any suitable means.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a demonstrative view of an embodiment of the bobbin storage device. In use, a plurality of bobbins 24 may be stored upon the bobbin storage device via engagement with the plurality of rods 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of rods 15 are of an identical length. When a bobbin 24 is placed on a rod of the plurality of rods 15, the action of gravity will secure the bobbin 24 to the base 11 of the bobbin storage device or to a subordinate bobbin of the plurality of bobbins 24. The user is provided with the ability to select a rod on which to place a bobbin 24. Furthermore, additional rods may be supplied to enable the user to select the length of the plurality of rods 15 which will be utilized upon the bobbin storage device.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1) A bobbin storage device, comprising:

a base;

a plurality of rods extending upwardly from the base;

the plurality of rods removable from the base via engagement with a plurality of apertures thereon;

each rod of the plurality of rods dimensioned to receive a bobbin thereon.

2) The bobbin storage device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rods comprises rods of different lengths.

3) The bobbin storage device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rods comprises rods of identical lengths.

4) The bobbin storage device of claim 1, further comprising a pin cushion disposed on the base adjacent to the plurality of rods.

5) The bobbin storage device of claim 4, wherein the pin cushion is removable from the base.

6) The bobbin storage device of claim 5, wherein the pin cushion comprises a wrist band.

7) The bobbin storage device of claim 5, wherein the pin cushion is removable from the base via a fastener.

8) The bobbin storage device of claim 7, wherein the fastener is a hook and loop fastener.

9) The bobbin storage device of claim 1, wherein the base is constructed of a durable material.

10) The bobbin storage device of claim 1, wherein the base is constructed of wood.

11) The bobbin storage device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rods are constructed of a durable material.

12) The bobbin storage device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rods are constructed of wood.

13) A bobbin storage device, comprising:

a base;

a plurality of rods extending upwardly from the base;

the plurality of rods removable from the base via engagement with an aperture thereon;

each rod of the plurality of rods dimensioned to receive a bobbin thereon;

wherein the plurality of rods comprises rods of different lengths;

a pin cushion disposed on the base adjacent to the plurality of rods;

wherein the pin cushion is removable from the base via a fastener;

wherein the pin cushion comprises a wrist band.