Sewing clip

A sewing clip is provided. In one embodiment, the sewing clip securely clamps fabrics of various thicknesses, sizes, elasticity, and textures in assistance of a sewing operation. The sewing clip includes two rigid members and an elastic assembly. The two rigid members each have a first surface with a clamping and handling end and a hinge extension coupled to the first surface. When employed in a sewing operation, the clamping end of each rigid member has a tapering-width adapted to slide in a direction away from a stitching point. An elastic assembly couples the hinge extensions of each rigid member and biases the two rigid members so as to secure overlapping fabric between the clamping ends while avoiding unnecessary alteration or damage to the fabric. A recessed divot is also provided in the clamping end that allows for retention of surplus fabric.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for textiles and more particularly to an apparatus for a sewing operation.

During the process of sewing, small pieces of metal wire having at least one pointed end, such as straight pins, safety pins, and T-pins, are widely used and have been around for many years. These pins, generally known as sewing pins, are used to join or affix layers of fabric. For example, layers of material in temporarily held in place prior to and during stitching for the purpose of simulating where a line of stitching or a seam would be on an article of clothing.

The typical sewing pin is secured in place by alternately piercing the material and weaving above and below the layer(s) of fabric. As such, the pins cause unsightly pinholes in the material(s) and may also destroy the structural elasticity and integrity of some textiles. Additionally, if the sewing pin does not cleanly slide through the fabric, the pin can snag the threads of delicate materials.

Another disadvantage is that sewing pins lack durability and can easily break if handled with excess force. In a typical sewing operation, sewing pins hold the layer(s) of fabric in place up until right before a needle more permanently stitch the layer(s) of fabric. Due to the proximity of the sewing needle to sewing pins, sewing needles frequently come in contact with pins during a sewing operation. More specifically, a sewing machine (an appliance that automates the motion of a needle or needles to bind fabric with a stitch) can easily snap or bend a sewing pin if the machine's needle strikes the sewing pin. Likewise, sewing pins can disrupt the function of a sewing machine by breaking, dulling, or misaligning the sewing machine's needle(s). This contact during a sewing operation often damages the sewing needle, calling for frequent (and expensive) replacement.

The sewing pin's slight dimensions render a further disadvantage when lost or misplaced. In addition, a further disadvantage is the possibility of sustaining an injury from the sharp pointed end, wherein the piercing-end punctures the skin and causes blood to stain fabric. Furthermore, metal sewing pins are susceptible to rust and corrosion, causing problems for the user and the fabric. Moreover, the process of pinning in place, removing, and then safely stowing away entails additional time and care to prevent injury, loss, and breakage.

Another drawback to sewing pins is that the thin metal wire cannot completely penetrate or weave through excessively thick or bulky textiles such as leather hide or fur. In lieu of sewing pins, glues such as rubber cement and vinyl acetate, have commonly been employed to temporarily affix these textiles together. However, it has been found that these glues can clog sewing machine needles, break the thread, and cause skipped stitches. Moreover, these glues emit a toxic odor and are harmful to all whom are exposed to the fumes.

SUMMARY

The present invention is described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, apparatuses, and methods of varying scope. In addition to the aspects of the present invention described in this summary, further aspects of the invention will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by reading the detailed description that follows.

The multipurpose sewing clip facilitates all the different aspects and operations that sewing comprises including, but not limited to, fitting, adjusting, draping, hemming, display, and stitching. As described in greater detail below, in accordance with certain embodiments, the sewing clip securely clamps fabrics of various thicknesses, sizes, elasticity, and textures in assistance with a sewing operation.

The sewing clip overcomes many of the disadvantages associated with the sewing pin. There is no need for the sewing clip to pierce through fabric, subsequently causing unsightly pinholes. Additionally, by not having to pierce through fabric, the sewing clip minimizes the risk of snagging a thread and destroying the elasticity and structural integrity of textiles. The lack of a sharp pointed-end lessens the chance of a skin puncture and possible blood-stains. The functionality of the sewing clip allows for ease of use and avoids the time-consuming process of pinning in place, removing, and then stowing the sharp pointed-end away.

The scale of the sewing clip allows for users to easily see, hold, and handle the implement as well as allowing for greater resilience to breakage and loss. In addition, the clip's structure lessens the risk of a sewing machine needle coming in contact with the sewing clip. Moreover, the sewing clip accommodates many types of textiles including excessively thick or bulky materials such as leather and fur. As such, the sewing clip does not call for the use of toxic glues and subsequent problems with skipped stitches.

In one embodiment, an apparatus for sewing is provided. The sewing clip includes two rigid members and an elastic assembly. The two rigid members each have a first surface with a clamping end, a handling end, and a hinge extension coupled to the first surface. When employed in a sewing operation, the clamping end of each rigid member has a tapering-width adapted to slide in a direction away from a stitching point. An elastic assembly couples the hinge extensions of each rigid member and biases the two rigid members so as to secure overlapping fabric between the clamping ends while avoiding unnecessary alteration or damage to the fabric. A recessed divot in the clamping end is also provided that allows for retention of surplus fabric.

Embodiments of the invention presented are examples and illustrative in nature, rather than restrictive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In various embodiments, a sewing clip for securely clamping fabrics of various thicknesses, sizes, elasticity, and textures is provided. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures, and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the invention.

Reference in the specification to “an example,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments.

In various embodiments, the techniques introduced here enable home sewers, fashion students, garment manufacturers, and anyone who needs to join, affix, bind, hold, or retain textiles a multipurpose clip that facilitates all the different aspects and operations that sewing comprises including, but not limited to, fitting, adjusting, draping, hemming, display, embroidering, suturing, and stitching.

FIG. 1generally shows a sewing clip, generally depicted by reference numeral100. As shown inFIG. 1, the apparatus includes two substantially rigid members101, a recessed divot102, and an elastic assembly103.

FIG. 1also illustrates that each rigid member101includes a first surface104and a hinge extension105. Each rigid member101has at least one first surface104, but can have a plurality of surfaces. The first surface104is a planar or curved outermost boundary of a three-dimensional region. As an example,FIG. 2illustrates an embodiment of a first surface104with a planar outermost boundary having a generally elliptical shape. The hinge extension102is a joint that allows two components to be coupled together so that one can swing relative to the other.FIG. 1illustrates an example of a hinge extension105as a protruding tab having an aperture for receiving a pin. The first surface104in the embodiment inFIG. 1has three hinge extensions. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the first surface104requires at least one hinge extension105.

This first surface104, in further detail inFIG. 2, has a clamping end106and a handling end107. The clamping end106is the portion of a rigid member101that extends from the hinge extension105to the furthest point where materials are held or secured together. The handling end107is the portion of a rigid member101that extends from just above the hinge extension105to the farthest point where the apparatus is held when used or moved. The clamping end106and the handling end107may encompass, but is not limited to, the first surface104and can include multiple surfaces. The first surface104also includes an axis108which extends from the clamping end106to the handling end107.

In addition, the width (or a horizontal measurement taken at a right angle to the axis108) of the clamping end106tapers such that the width of the clamping end gradually becomes narrower.FIG. 2shows an embodiment of a clamping end106having a tapering width with a parabolic-like shape. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that other embodiments of a tapering width are conceivable.

Moreover, the tapering width is adapted to slide the clamping end106in a direction away from a stitching point109. For the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2,FIG. 3illustrates an example of the sewing clip's100movement in conjunction with a sewing machine. As the sewing clip100approaches the needle during a typical stitching operation, the force of the moving fabric compels a presser foot117of a sewing machine to press on the clamping end's106tapered-profile. This in turn slides the clamping end106in a direction away from the stitching point109. The shape of the clip, the position of the clip100as it is affixed to the fabric, the grade of the tapering, and the type of machine (e.g., stitching, embroidery, surging, etc.) dictate the corresponding arc and direction in which the clamping end106slides.

The substantially rigid members101and hinge extensions105may be constructed from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, wood, plastic, metal, and composites. The substantially rigid members101can be manufactured of any sturdy, relatively inflexible material such that a hinge extension105can act as a fulcrum about which the clamping ends106and handling ends107can pivot about the hinge extension105. The elastic assembly103, described below, may be constructed from any metallic, plastic, rubber element or compound.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the sewing clip may be compelled or biased into an open position by applying pressure to the handling ends107.FIG. 4illustrates a profile view of an embodiment of the invention in which two substantially rigid members101are biased in a fully-open position whereby the span between the furthest points of the clamping ends106is maximized to its fullest.FIG. 4shows a fully-open position as one in which the furthest points of the handling ends107are in contact. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that a fully-open position can also as be defined in other ways. In the same manner,FIG. 5illustrates a profile view of an embodiment of the invention in which two substantially rigid members101are biased in a fully-closed position.

FIG. 5also shows a recessed divot102on an embodiment of the invention. A recessed divot102is an indentation on a first surface104of a rigid member101that creates a cavity in which surplus fabric can be held in the clamping end106. Surplus fabric can be defined as, among other things, the addition of a new textile to the fabric already-held in the clamping end106or drawing-in more of the already-held fabric into the clamping end106. At a minimum, embodiments of the invention have at least one recessed divot102on at least one of the first surfaces104of the sewing clip100. However it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that there can be more than one first surface104having a recessed divot102as well as more than one recessed divot102on one first surface104.FIG. 5illustrates the former embodiment in which each first surface104of each substantially rigid member101contains one recessed divot102wherein the indentation is an arcuate cavity.

FIG. 6illustrates an example of an elastic assembly103in an embodiment of the invention. An elastic assembly103couples the hinge extensions105of the two substantially rigid members101. The elastic assembly103also biases the two rigid members101so as to secure layer(s) of overlapping fabric between the clamping ends106. Embodiments of the elastic assembly103can be a helical torsion spring and pin member, a hinge spring, a cantilever spring or other similar structures. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the elastic assembly103can be a combination of components or a single component. The elastic assembly103shown inFIG. 6includes a pin member111that couples the hinge extensions105of each rigid member101and a helical torsion spring110with annular coils mounted around the pin member111to bias the rigid members101in a fully-closed position that secures fabric.FIG. 2also illustrates this embodiment of the elastic assembly with a helical torsion spring110and pin member111. A cross-sectional view of the helical torsion spring110is shown inFIG. 7where the rigid members101apply sideway forces to the ends of the helical torsion spring to twist the coil tighter.

In addition to the elastic assembly103,FIG. 6also illustrates an example of the arrangement of hinge extensions105in an embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 6, the hinge extensions105from a first rigid member101interweaves with the hinge extensions105from a second rigid member101. For this type of interwoven arrangement, the location of hinge extensions105on this embodiment can be seen inFIG. 2on a singular rigid member101.FIG. 2illustrates an asymmetrical layout of the hinge extensions105on a singular rigid member101wherein the hinge extensions'105locations are not evenly positioned about a longitudinal axis108of a rigid member101. Although the rigid members108are not symmetrical, the first and second rigid members can still be coupled together. Moreover, the rigid members108can still be identical pieces for ease in manufacturing and assembly. Hinge extensions105with other arrangements and layouts different from this embodiment are also possible and apparent to a person skilled in the art.

The clamping end106of a substantially rigid member101accommodates a variety of materials with differing thicknesses, sizes, elasticity, and textures. As such, the clamping end's106first surface104may vary in design parameters in order to most suitably secure material between the clip or to prevent extensive movement or separation through the application of inward pressure. These design parameters include, but are not limited to: size, shape, surface area, texture. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the first surface104of the clamping end106may be covered with velvet or a rubber coating to prevent thin fabrics from slipping. In another embodiment of the invention, the first surface104of the clamping end106is similar to the surface of a hairbrush so as to immobilize fur materials. In another embodiment of the invention, the surface area of the clamping area106is corrugated to better grip a fabric. Lastly, the handling end107of the sewing clip can also be ergonomically designed to allow the user to more handily open and close the apparatus100.

FIG. 8illustrates a method116of assembling the sewing clip. From start112the method116comprises the coupling113of the two substantially rigid members101with an elastic assembly103and introducing114the elastic assembly103to the sewing clip100that couples the hinge extension(s)105of each rigid member101and that biases the rigid members101to secure fabric in the clamping ends106. In the coupling step113of the method116, the rigid members101each have a first surface104, hinge extension105, and a recessed divot102as described above. The steps of the method116do not necessarily occur in the order as written above, but can occur in any order. The method116finishes115upon completion of the coupling113and introducing step114.