Fabric Handling Device for Quilting

Abstract

A fabric handling device for quilting used to aid in the handling of fabric during free motion quilting and sewing and the method for using the device. The device includes a gripping member, a strap, and a fastener. It allows the wearer greater control over the fabric and still allows the full dexterity of the fingers so that it does not need to be removed to manipulate small sewing instruments or items such as needles, bobbins, scissors, and thread.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to new and useful improvements in gripping devices used to handle and manipulate material or other objects. In particular, this invention relates to a device used to facilitate the handling and manipulating of fabric during crafting activities, such as free motion quilting, sewing, and the like.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Free motion quilting is a machine quilting technique in which one has complete freedom to sew in any direction. The technique is primarily used to perform quilting of curved or complex designs, but has many applications. In this form of quilting, the machine's feed mechanism is lowered and the movement and control of the fabric being quilted is performed solely by hand. The hand manipulation of fabric can be somewhat cumbersome and fatiguing when performed repeatedly over long durations because it requires increased effort to maintain enough friction on the fabric being manipulated to properly control and position it. In addition to hand manipulation of the fabric, free motion quilting often requires hand manipulation of the sewing implements such as needles, pins, scissors, bobbins etc. Unlike the manipulation of the fabric, the manipulation of sewing implements calls for greater tactile dexterity (and less friction) to perform, such as when threading a needle, winding a bobbin, etc. Accordingly, in free motion quilting, it is desirable for the individual to have the ability to impart greater friction on the fabric being manipulated without impeding the tactile dexterity provided by bare fingers. While the tactile dexterity issue may be resolved by removing and replacing a traditional type glove, the frequent removal and replacement of a glove is inconvenient and undesirable.

[0003] Because free motion quilting relies heavily upon the use of the hands, it is also advantageous for the hands of the individual be as comfortable as possible during the free motion quilting process. In that regard, the hands should be as unencumbered as possible so that they can exercise their full range of motion with limited restriction in the form of excessive materials, restrictive materials, or bulky materials. Further, leaving the hands substantially uncovered makes them less prone to sweating, itching, rashes, etc. and makes the free form quilting or sewing experience more enjoyable and efficient.

[0004] A variety of gripping devices are available for use. Some of these are similar to traditional gloves that are modified to enhance the grip of the wearer. These modifications include special coatings or materials positioned to provide additional friction needed to facilitate the manipulation of the fabric; however, they must be removed to perform dextrous tasks. In some cases, the devices that cover the entire hand may subject the wearer to sweating, itching, and/or rashes of the hand. It would be advantageous for the wearer to be able to perform all quilting and sewing tasks without having to don and doff the device repeatedly. It would also be advantageous to leave the hand substantially uncovered to prevent the discomfort that may result from sweating, itching, and rashes.

[0005] In some devices, glove material is removed so that one or more fingers are exposed to allow the wearer to maintain dexterity of the exposed fingers. In some cases, the prior art utilizes significantly less material, so as to only cover a portion of the hand; however, in those cases the prior art relies upon the use of finger and/or thumb loops to maintain the position of the glove. These approaches have certain disadvantages in that they may limit mobility of the hands; they may cause binding and discomfort after extensive use; they may limit versatility in positioning the device in accordance with an individual's personal comfort preferences; and they may not be capable of "one size fits all" applications. It would be advantageous for a device to be configured to allow full dexterity of the fingers, allow mobility of the hands, be comfortable to wear, be subject to positioning at the user's preference, and be capable of "one size fits all" applications.

[0006] In addition, some of these devices utilize complex shapes, configurations, or materials that require special manufacturing techniques to assemble and, therefore, may have increased costs of production. It would be advantageous for a gripping device to be adaptable, simple to manufacture, and economical.

[0007] Information relevant to attempts to address these problems can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,735,153 B1; 5,335,916; 5,770,297; 5,511,248; 6,098,199; and 6,279,165 B1 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US 2003/0037364 A1; US 2009/0282606 A1; and US 2009/0235430 A1. However, each one of these references suffers from one or more of the following disadvantages: they are bulky and/or cumbersome; they must be fitted; they are difficult or expensive to manufacture; they must be removed to perform dextrous tasks; they are uncomfortable to wear for extended periods; they are not subject to positioning at the user's preference; they limit the mobility of the user's hands; they are difficult to don and doff; and they cause discomfort in the form of sweating, itching and rashes. For these reasons, there is a need for a free motion quilting device that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.

SUMMARY

[0008] The present invention is directed to a fabric handling device for quilting that satisfies these needs because it provides additional friction to aid in manipulating fabric during free form quilting or sewing; it preserves the dexterity of the fingers as needed to perform manipulation of the sewing implements; it may be worn continuously throughout all free form quilting or sewing operations; it is light and comfortable; it allows versatility in positioning based on personal comfort; it is simple to manufacture; and it leaves the hand substantially uncovered to avoid the discomfort caused by sweating, itching, and rashes. Further, it is compact, easy to wear, essentially "one size fits all," economical, and adaptable. Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent as a description thereof proceeds.

[0009] The fabric handling device for quilting comprises a gripping member, a strap, and a fastener. The gripping member is constructed of two composite material layers and an adhesive layer. Each of the composite material layers have a foam layer and a fabric layer. The foam layer possess a coefficient of friction that facilitates gripping. The adhesive layer securely attaches the composite material layers to each other such that the fabric layers are adjacent to each other and the foam layers form the outwardly exposed surfaces. One end of the strap is securely attached to one end of the gripping member. The opposite end of the strap is removably attached to remaining free end of the gripping member using the fastener.

[0010] When configured for use, the fabric handling device forms a generally circular shape that is placed over the wearer's hand, generally positioned in the region where the palm of the hand transitions to the fingers such that the interior surface of the foam gripping member is substantially located on the palm side of the hand and the exterior surface of the foam gripping member can be placed against a material, such as fabric. The fastener is adjustable to allow the user to vary the range of tightness on the wearer's hand. The fabric handling device is normally worn as a pair, with one worn on each hand of the user. The fabric handling device is designed such that it can be worn on either the left hand or the right hand. The fabric handling device for quilting may be made in various sizes to accommodate user preferences.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the fabric handling device for quilting, according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates the fabric handling device for quilting (of FIG. 1) as worn on a hand and secured at the back of the left hand, according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates the fabric handling device for quilting (of FIG. 1) as worn on a hand as viewed from the palm side of the left hand, according to some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the exterior surface of the fabric handling device for quilting (of FIG. 1), according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the interior surface of the fabric handling device for quilting (of FIG. 1), according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a side view of the fabric handling device for quilting (of FIG. 1), according to some embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the gripping member of the fabric handling device for quilting (of FIG. 1), according to some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fabric handling device for quilting of (FIG. 1), according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] According to the present invention, a fabric handling device for quilting is disclosed. The fabric handling device for quilting is a device that allows the user to easily handle and manipulate fabric when performing free form quilting or sewing. The disclosed fabric handling device for quilting may attain many configurations. In one embodiment, the fabric handling device for quilting includes a gripping member, a strap, and a fastener. The gripping member provides the interface between the user's hands and the fabric to be manipulated. The gripping member is a thin flexible strip that is generally rectangularly shaped and is constructed of two composite material layers and an adhesive layer. The composite material layers are comprised of a fabric layer and a foam layer and are securely attached to each other using the adhesive layer such that the material layers are positioned adjacent to each other. The gripping member has the foam layer exposed on all outer surfaces. The foam layer has slip resistant characteristics that enable the user to easily manipulate the fabric during free motion quilting or sewing.

[0021] The strap is thin flexible strip generally rectangular in shape. One end of the strap is securely attached to one end of the gripping member and the other end of the strap is removably attached to the other end of the gripping member. The fastener is configured to allow the user to attach the strap to the hand in a range of tightness to the hand. The fabric handling device for quilting is typically used in pairs, with one device worn on each hand such that the gripping member is positioned generally over the upper palm of the hand, above the thumb and below the fingers. The slip resistant characteristics of the gripping member aid in maintaining the position of the fabric handling device for quilting on the hands of the user and also aid in applying frictional forces needed to handle and manipulate the fabric. The fabric handling device for quilting allows full range of motion of the hand and fingers so that the user may also perform tasks requiring greater dexterity without removing the device.

[0022] A fabric handling device for quilting 10, is illustrated in FIGS. 1-8. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the fabric handling device for quilting, according to some embodiments. FIG. 2 illustrates the fabric handling device for quilting (of FIG. 1) as worn on the left hand and secured at the back of the hand, according to some embodiments. FIG. 3 illustrates the fabric handling device for quilting (of FIG. 1) as worn on the left hand as viewed from the palm side of the hand, according to some embodiments. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the exterior surface of the fabric handling device for quilting (of FIG. 1), according to some embodiments. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the interior surface of the fabric handling device for quilting (of FIG. 1), according to some embodiments. FIG. 6 is a side view of the fabric handling device for quilting (of FIG. 1), according to some embodiments. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the gripping member of the fabric handling device for quilting (of FIG. 1), according to some embodiments. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fabric handling device for quilting of (FIG. 1), according to some embodiments.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1-8, the fabric handling device for quilting 10 includes a gripping member 12, a strap 22, and a fastener 24. The gripping member 12 is a thin flexible generally rectangularly shaped strip having the following approximate dimensions 6''×13/4''×1/4'', according to some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. Variations in these dimensions may be used to provide different sizes to accommodate user preferences. For example, a smaller version of the fabric handling device for quilting 10 may employ a gripping member 12 having approximate dimensions of 6''×11/2''×1/4''. One end of the gripping member 12 may be tapered as needed to ensure a comfortable fit for the wearer (Ref. FIG. 5).

[0024] The gripping member 12 is comprised of two composite material layers 14a and 14b and an adhesive layer 20 (Ref. FIGS. 6 and 7). The composite material layers 14a and 14b are comprised of foam layers 16a and 16b and fabric layers 18a and 18b. The two composite material layers 14a and 14b are secured to each other by the adhesive layer 20 such that the foam layers 16a and 16b form the exposed surfaces of the gripping member 12. The composite material layers 14a and 14b are made from 1/8'' commercially available material that is commonly used for upholstering headliners in automobiles, according to some embodiments. Other thicknesses of upholstering material may be suitable. The fabric layers 18a and 18b are nylon; however, other types of fabric, such as cotton, polyester, etc. may be substituted. The foam layers 16a and 16b may consist of polyurethane foam, polyether foam, or other similar material having a similar texture and a similar coefficient of friction. The adhesive layer 20 is manufactured by 3M under the trade name 3M Brand Top and Trim Adhesive® and is typically used in the automotive industry to secure headliner upholstery. Other adhesives, such as epoxies, glues, and resins, may be utilized to secure the fabric layers 18a and 18b to each other. Other means of securing the two fabric layers 18a and 18b to each other may be employed (i.e. sewing), provided the method selected does not impair the flexibility of the material or negatively affect the comfort of the wearer.

[0025] The strap 22 is a thin flexible strip having a generally rectangular shape and is composed of a commercially available elastic fabric used in the clothing industry (Ref. FIGS. 1 and 4). Other elastomeric materials such as rubber or plastic may serve as viable substitute materials for this component provided the strap 22 can be easily and securely attached to the gripping member 12 without interfering with the integrity or durability of the materials used for the strap 22. User comfort should also be factored into consideration when choosing alternate means of attachment. The approximate dimensions of the strap 22 are 23/4''×13/4''. A smaller version of the fabric handling device for quilting 10 may utilize a strap 22 that is approximately 21/4''×11/2''. It is preferred that the width of the strap 22 approximately match the width of the gripping member 12.

[0026] The strap 22 has serge stitching applied at both ends in order to keep the materials from fraying, a technique that is ordinarily used in the art. The strap 22 is securely attached to the gripping member 12 using a straight stitch, as is commonly known in the art. Other means of attachment may be employed provided that the attachment is secure and that the materials used do not interfere with the integrity or durability of the materials used for the strap 22 and gripping member 12. User comfort should also be factored into consideration when choosing alternate means of attachment.

[0027] The fastener 24 is comprised of a hook material 24a and a loop material 24b commonly used in the art (Ref. FIGS. 4 and 5). According to some embodiments, the hook material 24a is secured to the end of gripping member 12 using a straight stitch, as is common in the art, on the exterior surface. The loop material 24b is secured to the interior surface of the strap 22. The hook material 24a and loop material 24b are generally rectangular in shape. The dimensions of the hook material 24a and loop material 24b should be compatible with the width of the gripping member 12 and strap 22. The hook material 24a and loop material 24b should be of sufficient length to provide a secure attachment of the fabric handling device for quilting 10. Exemplary dimensions for the hook material 24a and loop material 24b are approximately 21/2''×13/4''. A smaller version of the fabric handling device for quilting 10 may utilize dimensions of approximately 21/4''×11/2'' for the hook material 24a and loop material 24b. Other conventional fasteners may serves as suitable fastening means, including without limitation snaps, buckles, magnets, buttons, clips, hooks and eyes, snaps, and the like.

[0028] According to some embodiments, indicia or advertising purposes and the like 26 may be positioned on the exterior surface of the gripping member 12 (Ref. FIG. 8). According to some embodiments, a small magnet 28 may be secured to the gripping member 12 to provide a stowage location for small quilting or sewing implements, such as needles and pins. The precise location of the indicia or advertising purposes and the like (26) may be varied to some degree as long as there is no interference with mobility, comfort, and functionality of the fabric handling device for quilting 10.

[0029] A fabric handling device for quilting 10, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, is worn on the hand 1 of the user so that the gripping member 12 is positioned over the palm 2 between the thumb 4 and fingers 5 with the fastener 24 located on the back 3 of the hand 1. The wearer has some latitude to position the fabric handling device for quilting 10 based upon their own personal preference so that they are able to manipulate the fabric being quilted or sewn while still retaining the desired amount of tactile dexterity of the fingers 5, as needed to manipulate small sewing implements such as needles, pins, thimbles, etc. without removing the device. The gripping member 12 is configured to provide additional friction against the hand 1 of the user as well as additional friction against the material being handled. This dual function aids in maintaining the position of the handling device for quilting 10 in the desired location while performing free motion quilting. The position of the handling device for quilting 10 is also maintained by the strap 22 which applies a tensile force to the handling device for quilting 10 due to the elastic properties of the material used. The strap 22 may be tightened or loosened by repositioning the fastener 24.

[0030] The fabric handling device for quilting 10 is manufactured by applying the adhesive layer 20 between fabric layers 18a and 18b, allowing it to dry, and then cutting the gripping member 12 to the desired size. If desired, one end of the gripping member 12 is cut to a tapered shape. The strap 22 of desired width is cut to the desired length and sewn on both ends with a serge stitch to prevent unraveling. Next, the strap 22 is sewn into place on the tapered end of the gripping member 12, if applicable, using a straight stitch. At this point, the magnet 28, if desired, may be placed under the indicia for advertising purpose and the like 26 which is sewn into place at one end of the gripping member 12 using a straight stitch. Next, the hook material 24a of desired dimensions is sewn into place on the opposite end of the gripping member 12 using a straight stitch. Then, the loop material 24b of desired dimensions is sewn into place on the free end of the strap 22 using a straight stitch.

[0031] The previously described versions of the present invention have many advantages. One advantage of the invention is that it allows the wearer to impart additional friction to aid in manipulating fabric during free form quilting or sewing while preserving the dexterity of the fingers as needed to perform manipulation of the sewing implements. Accordingly, the fabric handling device for quilting may be worn continuously throughout all free form quilting or sewing operations. Another advantage of the invention is that it is light and comfortable. In particular, it does not cover the hand entirely thereby minimizing unwanted sweating, irritation, and binding of the fingers or wrist. This invention also allows some versatility in positioning based on personal comfort because it is not specifically connected to the fingers or thumbs of the wearer.

[0032] Yet another advantage of this invention is that it is essentially a "one size fits all" device that may be worn by users with a variety of sizes of hands and may be worn on either hand. The invention is also simple to manufacture and economical due to its relatively simple design. Further, the materials needed to construct the fabric handling device for quilting are readily available.

[0033] While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous modifications and variations therefrom. The invention does not require that all the advantageous features and all the advantages need to be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state "means for" performing a specified function is not to be interpreted as a "means" clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. §112, 6.

Claims

1. A fabric handling device for quilting, the device comprising: a) a gripping member of generally rectangular shape; b) a strap of generally rectangular shape constructed of an elastic material secured to the gripping member; and c) a fastener that attaches the strap to the gripping member.

2. A fabric handling device for quilting, the device comprising: a) a gripping member of generally rectangular shape comprised of two composite material layers, each having a foam layer and fabric layer, being configured such that the foam layers form an interior gripping surface and an exterior gripping surface and allow a user to position the interior gripping surface against a hand and the exterior gripping surface against a material; b) a strap of generally rectangular shape constructed of an elastic material and secured to the gripping member; and c) a fastener that attaches the strap to the gripping member.

3. The fabric handling device defined by claim 1 wherein the gripping member has an interior gripping surface and an exterior gripping surface and is configured to allow a user to position the interior gripping surface against a hand and the exterior gripping surface against a material.

4. The fabric handling device defined by claim 1 wherein the gripping member has a tapered end.

5. The fabric handling device defined by claim 2 wherein the gripping member has a tapered end.

6. The fabric handling device defined by claim 1 wherein the fastener is comprised of hook and loop material.

7. The fabric handling device defined by claim 2 wherein the fastener is comprised of hook and loop material.

8. The fabric handling device defined by claim 1 wherein the gripping member has exposed surfaces comprised of polyurethane foam.

9. The fabric handling device defined by claim 2 wherein the foam layers are polyurethane foam.

10. The fabric handling device defined by claim 1 wherein the gripping member is flexible.

11. The fabric handling device defined by claim 2 wherein the wherein the gripping member is flexible.

12. The fabric handling device defined by claim 2 wherein the strap is made of nylon.

13. The fabric handling device defined by claim 2 wherein the foam layers are made of polyurethane foam.

14. Disposing a fabric handling device for quilting, the device comprising a gripping member of generally rectangular shape; a strap of generally rectangular shape constructed of an elastic material secured to the gripping member; and a fastener that attaches the strap to the gripping member wherein the fabric handling device is used to perform free motion quilting and sewing, the method comprising the steps of: Donning a pair of the fabric handling devices for quilting; Manipulating fabric using the fabric handling devices for quilting; Performing free motion quilting or sewing using a sewing machine having a feed mechanism in a lowered position; Performing dextrous tasks as needed to complete the free motion quilting or sewing operation; Repeating free motion quilting or sewing activities, as needed, using the sewing machine with the feed mechanism in the lowered position; Repeating dextrous tasks as needed to complete the free motion quilting or sewing operation; and Doffing the fabric handling devices for quilting.

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