US3194459A

US3194459A - Tool and method for making ribbon decorations

Info

Publication number: US3194459A
Application number: US362001A
Authority: US
Inventors: William W Knox
Original assignee: Mag Nif Inc
Current assignee: Mag Nif Inc
Priority date: 1964-04-23
Filing date: 1964-04-23
Publication date: 1965-07-13
Anticipated expiration: 1982-07-13

Description

TOOL AND METHOD FOR MAKING RIBBON DECORATIONS Filed April 25, 1964 W. W. KNOX July 13, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. WILLIAM W. KNOX A if (9N2? J y 3, 1965 w. w. KNOX 3,194,459

TOOL AND METHOD FOR MAKING RIBBON DECORATIONS Filed April 23, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 42 FIG. 5

IO l2 34 23 V 20% "IP33 2 22 fi I /I/IIIlI\I I 4 6 l 34 55 5 IS INVENTOR. WILLIAM W.. KNOX United States Patent 3,194,459 TOOL AND METHOD FOR MAKING RIBBON DECORATIONS William W. Knox, Mentor on the Lake, Ohio, assignor to Mag-Nit, Inc., Painesville, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Filed Apr. 23, 1964, Ser. No. 362,001 Claims. (Cl. 22346) This invention relates to a tool and method for arrangdecorative ribbon material and more particularly to the art of making ornamental bow formations.

Professional looking bows for embellishing gift wrappings, table decorations, styrene plastic foam shapes, party favors or the like are generally made on automatic bow making machines wherein the operator turns a crank and a roll of colored ribbon material is fed to a rotating collet which forms evenly spaced bow loops of a given size. Such machines are relatively expensive and do not find wide acceptance in the home where their infrequent use would normally not justify the initial investment. However, domestic use of colored ribbon bows in large quantities as a decorative item is increasingly popular on special occasions, for example, green bows arranged on a white Styrofoam cone to resemble a Christmas tree.

It is a purpose of this invention to provide an inexpensive tool for use in the home, or elsewhere not having an automatic bow making machine available, which does not require special talents to operate but will enable the user to make ribbon decorations of consistent high quality challenging that of professionally made arrangements.

In accordance with the invention a tool is provided for use in making loops of a decorative ribbon material and arranging them into a bow formation and then ejecting the completed bow from the tool as a unit, such tool comprising a spindle having a rotatable work surface; a bow retention device releasably carried by the work surface adapted to grasp successive loops formed from the ribbon material as the bow formation is developed; and ejection means for releasing the bow retention device which includes an actuating surface, the spindle work surface and actuating surface being movable relative to each other to operate the ejection means whereby the bow and bow retention device are ejected as a unit from the tool.

It is also a purpose of the invention to prescribe a method by which the invention may be practiced that employs novel steps which will allow relatively unskilled persons to turn out high quality bows or the like of substantially duplicate size, shape and appearance thereby enhancing the eye appealing function of such decorations.

Thus, in accordance with the invention a method of making decorative ribbon formations is disclosed wherein decorative ribbon material is attached to a rotatable work surface; the work surface is rotated by increments using successive measured lengths of the standing portion of the ribbon material having sufficient stiffness to impart a torsional force to the work surface in the process of developing loops therein; and sequentially attaching the loops thus formed to the work surface upon each increment of rotation whereby evenly formed loops are layed out in an ornamental ribbon decoration.

Accordingly, the main object of the invention is to provide a device and method wherein persons not particularly gifted in the art of making ribbon decorations will be able to make professional looking displays of esthetic quality varying only according to the creative ability of the user.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tool for use in making ribbon decorations which cooperates in a novel way with the ribbon material which functions like a handle in operating the tool.

A more specific object is to provide a tool having a Patented July 13, 1965 rotatable spindle which is also reciprocative relative to an actuating surface whereby a function of the tool is to eject a completed ribbon formation which will retain its shape without aid of tape or adhesives.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method for use in making ribbon decorations in which the operator manually forms loops of any desired shape or size in the standing portion of a ribbon material attaching them successively to a rotatable work surface which cooperates in forming the loops and spacing them evenly in the ribbon decoration by rotating in increments as determined by the operator in feeding the ribbon.

These and other objects will appear more clearly by reference to the following description and drawings showing the preferred embodiments of the invention wherein;

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the inventive tool.

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the tool showing the bow pin storage compartments therein;

FIGURE 3 shows the operator preparing the tool to accept a bow pin;

FIGURE 4 is a partial, enlarged view of the tool work surface with a bow pin inserted thereon;

FIGURE 5 is a view taken along line 5-5 of FIGURE 4 showing the tool in the work position;

FIGURE 6 shows the operator holding the standing portion of the ribbon preparing to rotate the work surface of the tool;

FIGURE 7 shows the operator rotating the work surface as prescribed by the inventive method; and

FIGURE 8 shows the operator ejecting a bow pin which would normally carry with it a finished bow.

Referring to the drawings it is seen that the tool 10 basically comprises a base member 11 having a central spindle 12. The spindle is provided with an upper work surface 14 adapted to carry a bow pin to which a free end of a roll of ribbon material is attached. The roll of ribbon may be carried on a spool in a dispenser or merely layed out adjacent the tool with sufficient ribbon played out from the roll in the form of a standing portion having an approximate length required to make the desired ribbon formation. As will appear hereinafter, the standing portion of the ribbon is fed to the tool as loops are developed of a given size and shape therein as assisted by the tool. The completed bow is held intact on the work surface by the pin until the user removes it in a novel fashion to be described.

As shown in FIGURES 1-5 in more detail, the tool 10 comprises a base 11 of generally clover leaf shape having a bottom wall 16 joined by a closed side wall 18 providing radially extending hollow leg portions 20. In the center of the base, a column 22 is formed having a reduced diameter portion 23 through which projects an aligned vertically extending shaft 24. A cover 26 of the same general outline as the base 11 closes the hollow leg portions 20 forming a plurality of compartments therein. A bead 28 on the reduced diameter portion 23 is formed slightly larger than an opening 32 in the cover and prevents vertical movement of it relative to the column. The cover may be rotated manually on the shoulder 33 provided by the larger diameter portion of the column 22 thereby exposing the compartments in the legs 20 which as shown in FIGURE 2 for example, function as storage compartments for bow pins 34.

The fixed shaft 24 may be the same material as the column 2.2 and be integrally formed therewith, but is shown here is a rigid quill member pressed into a bore 30 in the reduced diameter portion 23 of the column. An upper bead 35 formed on the portion 23 cooperates with the spindle 12 in a manner to be described.

The spindle 12 is formed with a bottom flange 37 and has a bore 38 loosely sleeved over the reduced diameter portion 23 of the column. A head 40 near the lower end of the bore 38 engages the outer walls of the portion 23 and is spaced vertically with respect to the bead 35 to allow a given amount of reciprocal movement of the spindle with respect to the column 22. The bead spacing is an important feature with respect to the operation of the tool as will appear hereinafter. The spindle 12 includes the upper work surface 14 having a depending guide sleeve 42 rotatably received over the shaft. The guide sleeve opens into the work surface at a central opening 45. The end of the shaft 24 projects through the opening 45 and above the work surface as shown in FIGURE 1 when the spindle is in the idle position. The portion of the shaft 24 which projects above the work surface has a length approximately equal to the vertical spacing between the

beads

35 and 40 when in the idle position as shown in FIGURE 1 whereby when the spindle is raised, as shown in FIGURE 3, the bead will abut one another and the top surface 47 of the shaft, hereinafter referred to as the actuating surface, will be lowered within the guide sleeve 42 to a point at least level with the top of the work surface 14. Formed in tegrally with the spindle work surface are a plurality of flexible fingers 48 which are equally spaced about substantially two thirds of the periphery of the work surface leaving a gap 50 for entry of a bow pin as shown in FIGURE 3.

The bow pin has a fiat bottomed base 52 and an upstanding shank portion 54 provided with a pointed or barbed end 55. The base 52 has a diameter approximately equal to the spacing or gap 50 providing entry to the work surface 14. As best seen in FIGURE 4, the flexible fingers 48 extend upwardly and inwardly from the work surface 14 and overlie the edge of the base 52 of the bow pin when inserted.

In operation the spindle 12 is raised until the

beads

35 and 40 abut one another whereupon the actuating surface 47 of the shaft will be slightly below the level of the work surface 14. Held in this position as shown in FIGURE 3, the spindle is in the active or work position and a bow pin can be inserted through the opening 50 positioning the base 52 centrally over the actuating surface 47 of the shaft. After being released by the operator, the spindle is held in the active position with the actuating surface 47 bearing against the bottom of the pin. The flexible fingers 48 overlie the base of the pin preventing downward movement of the spindle. In this position, the shaft 24 supports the spindle and bow pin on the actuating surface which serves as a bearing for the spindle, the lower end of the spindle being guided by the

beads

35 and 40. In the work position, the spindle is freely rotatable since a minimum of friction is encountered between the near point bearing provided by the actuating surface and the near line contact between the beads and the column portion. A substantially frictionless rotation of the spindle is an important aspect of the invention as will be seen and if desired the actuating surface may be pointed to further reduce friction. The 'bow pin projects upwardly from the work surface such that the barbed or pointed end is exposed and the tool is now ready to begin making a how.

The style of bow or ribbon formation to be made may vary widely with the individual creative ability of the user, but for purposes of description, the method of making a star bow will be described. However, the method employed will basically be the same for whatever style 'bow is desired. Selecting a ribbon material is largely up to individual taste, but for illustration only it will be assumed that a three quarter inch wide ribbon is chosen of the general commercial satin variety in which the fabric strands run parallel to each other and are backed by an acetate or lacquer coating so that the ribbon has two sides, one being glossy and the other dull or satin finish.

In making the star bow, a loop is first formed in the free end of the ribbon material 60 resembling a shirt collar, generally indicated by the numeral 62 as shown in FIGURE 6, with the glossy side of the ribbon up such that the how will be formed upside down. Keeping the same side of the ribbon up, a second loop is developed in the standing portion 64 of the ribbon by taking a measured length thereof, say about five inches from the pin, and pushing in the general direction of the pin as shown in the FIGURE 7. In the process of developing the second loop, a torsional force will be imparted to the spindle causing it to rotate in the direction of the arrow an increment of about two thirds of a turn. The partially formed loop is then attached to the bow pin at an angle of about degrees to the first loop by puncturing the ribbon with the barbed end 55 of the pin leaving the standing portion of the ribbon in the operators hand ready to form a third loop. Thus, the standing portion of the ribbon serves as a sort of handle for turning the spindle since there is negligible frictional resistance with the spindle in the work or active position and the relatively short measured lengths of ribbon will therefore have sufiicient stiffness to impart a slight torsional force to the spindle as it is pushed toward the pin. Since the free end of the bow is always held by the pin, the operators other hand is free to hold the tool and adjust the loops of the bow as it is formed. After attaching a dozen or so loops to the pin, the bow begins to reach the desired size and the standing portion of the ribbon is cut from the bow.

The completed bow, held together by the bow pin, is ejected from the tool as a unit by depressing the spindle. As depicted in FIGURE 8, this movement forces the actuating surface 47 against the bottom of the bow pin with sufficient force to flex the fingers 48 upwardly and outwardly until the base 52 clears the fingers in snaprelease fashion, the natural resilience of the fingers returning them to their initial position ready to accept another pin. The pin thus serves as an expendable part of the tool as well as a bow retention means when detached. The bow being formed upside down is turned over and the barbed end of the pin may be used .to attach the bow to a package or the like by pressing it into the wrapping.

The hollow legs 20 provide a convenient storage compartment for a number of bow pins which can be removed therefrom by rotating the cover 26 to gain access to the compartments. If desired, suction cups or the like may be mounted on the bottom of legs to assist in holding the tool, but normally this is not necessary since only slight pressure is used in operating the tool. The entire tool may be formed with a minimum of simple, inexpensive, polypropylene or plastic parts which may be molded and extruded in a well known manner.

Having now described the preferred embodiment of the invention, it should be clear to those having ordinary skill in the art that various modifications may be made without actually deviating from the invention as defined by the appended claims except insofar as their scope may be limited by the prior art.

I claim:

1. In a bow making device, the combination of a tool and a decorative ribbon material cooperating to form loops of a bow formation, said tool comprising a rotatable work surface, fastener means thereon for holding a free end of said ribbon material, means for rotatably mounting the work surface, and means for causing rotation thereof which means includes the standing portion of the ribbon material, a measured length of said portion being sufficiently stiff to exert a torsional force on the work surface in the process of developing a loop therein whereby successive loops of the bow formation are formed out of said ribbon material by repeatedly engaging measured lengths thereof with the fastener means.

2. In a bow making device, the combination of a tool and a decorative ribbon material cooperating to form loops of a bow formation, said tool comprsing a rotatable work surface, means for rotatably supporting the work surface, detachable pin means supported on the work surface for holding a free end of said ribbon material, means rotatable with the work surface for releasably holding the pin means, and force applying means for causing rotation of the work surface which means includes the standing portion of the ribbon material, a measured length of said portion being sufficiently stiff to exert a torsional force on the work surface in the process of developing a loop therein whereby successive loops of the bow formation are formed out of said ribbon material by repeatedly engaging measured lengths thereof with said pin means which means serves to retain the bow formation when detached from the work surface.

3. A tool for use in manually arranging a decorative ribbon material comprising a rotatable work surface, means rotatably supporting the work surface, pin means removably attached to the work surface for holding a free end of said ribbon material, and force applying means for imparting a torsional force to the work surface causing rotation thereof which means consists of a measured length of the ribbon material having sufiicient stiffness to assist in rotating the work surface.

4. A tool for use in arranging loops of decorative ribbon material into a bow formation and then ejecting the completed bow comprising a rotatable spindle having a work surface, bow retention means carried on the work surface including means for grasping successive loops formed from the ribbon material as the bow formation is developed, and ejection means releasably securing said bow retention means including an actuating surface adjacent the work surface and flexible means carried by the work surface releasably securing said bow retention means, said work and actuating surfaces being movable relative to each other to actuate said flexible means freeing the bow retention means whereby the completed bow and bow retention means are ejected as a unit from the tool.

5. A tool according to claim 4 wherein said bow retention means includes a flat base resting on the work surface and said actuating surface is movcable through the work surface into engagement with the base, said flexible means comprising a plurality of fingers carried by the work surface and extending upwardly and inwardly into engagement with said base so that movement of the actuating surface with respect to the work surface causes the base of the bow retention means to press upwardly on said fingers to flex them in snap-release fashion when ejecting the completed bow unit.

6. A tool for manually arranging decorative ribbon material comprising a rotatable sleeve member adapted to be reciprocated between two positions and providing an annular surface, a plurality of flexible fingers projecting from said work surface, pin means receiving a free end of the decorative ribbon material and having a flattened head portion centrally secured by said fingers on the annular work surface when it is in one of said positions, spindle means reciprocally and rotatably supporting the sleeve member between said two positions and having an actuating surface thereon aligned and coplanar with said work surface in said one position, said actuating surface cooperating with the pin means head portion to provide a bearing for the sleeve member in said one position and to flex said fingers thereby snap-releasing the pin means and completed ribbon decoration as a unit when the spindle members are moved to said other position.

7. A tool according to claim 6 wherein said spindle member and flexible fingers are integrally formed of a plastic material.

8. A tool according to claim 6 in addition comprising leg means attached to said spindle means providingsupport therefore, said leg means being hollow and providing a storage compartment therein for a plurality of said pin means.

9. A method for making a decorative ribbon formation comprising the steps of attaching the free end of a decorative ribbon material to a rotatable work surface, rotating the work surface by increments using successive measuredlengths of the standing portion of the ribbon material having suflicient stiffness to impart a torsional force thereto in the process of developing loops therein, and sequentially attaching the loops formed from the standing portion at each increment of rotation of the work surface.

10. A method for making a decorative ribbon formation comprising the steps of attaching a decorative ribbon material to a rotatable work surface having an active position and an idle position, rotating the work surface by increments while in its active position using successive measured lengths of the standing portion of the ribbon material having suflicient stiffness to impart a torsional force thereto in the process of forming loops therein, sequentially attaching the thus formed loops at increments of rotation of the work surface, and ejecting the completed ribbon formation by moving the work surface to its idle position.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,982,452 5/61 Anderson 22346 ,044,670 7/62 Barefoot 22346 3,061,153 10/62 Rector 22346 3,129,861 4/64 Napier 223-46 3,136,459 6/64 Mashburn 22346 JORDAN FRANKLIN, Primary Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,194,459 July 13, 1965 William W. Knox It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 1, line 9, for "arrang-" read arranging column 2, line 15, for "embodiments" read embodiment column 6, line 1, after "annular" insert work line 2, after "said" insert annular line 9, before "work" insert annular line 14, for "spindle members are" read sleeve member is same column 6, line 15, for "spindle" read sleeve Signed and sealed this 26th day of April 1966.

FEAL) ttest:

RNEST W. SWIDER EDWARD J. BRENNER ttesting Officer Commissioner of Patents

Claims

1. IN A BLOW MAKING DEVICE, THE COMBINATION OF A TOOL AND A DECORATIVE RIBBON MATERIAL COOPERATING TO FORM LOOPS OF A BOW FORMATION, SAID TOOL COMPRISING A ROTATABLE WORK SURFACE, FASTENER MEANS THEREON FOR HOLDING A FREE END OF SAID RIBBON MATERIAL, MEANS FOR ROTATABLY MOUNTING THE WRORK SURFACE, AND MEANS FOR CAUSING ROTATION THEREOF WHICH MEANS INCLUDES THE STANDING POORTION OF THE RIBBON MATERIAL, A MEASURED LENGTH OF SAID PORTION BEING SUFFICIENTLY STIFF TO EXERT A TORSIONAL FORCE ON THE WORK SURFACE IN THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPING A LOOP THEREIN WHEREBY SUCCESSIVE LOOPS OF THE BOW FORMATION ARE FORMED OUT OF SAID RIBBON MATERIAL BY REPEATEDLY ENGAGING MEASURED LENGTHS THEREOF WITH THE FASTENER MEANS.