Patent Publication Number: US-11021343-B2

Title: Container for thread distribution and needle storage

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/109,497 filed on Aug. 22, 2018, and titled CONTAINER FOR THREAD DISTRIBUTION AND NEEDLE STORAGE,” issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,435,267, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/553,678 filed on Sep. 1, 2017 and titled “CONTAINER FOR THREAD DISTRIBUTION AND NEEDLE STORAGE,” both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to storage and distribution of thread and other tools used during sewn in hair extension services or other sewing activities. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Sewn in extensions have and always will be one of many essential extension services. A sewn in extension service is executed by braiding the client&#39;s natural hair to their scalp in a cornrow fashion then sewing in a hair extension (also known as a weft) to the cornrow using needle and thread. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an isometric view of a first example embodiment of a container with the container top open; 
         FIG. 2  shows a front elevation view of the example container of  FIG. 1  with the container top open; 
         FIG. 3  shows a side elevation view of the example container of  FIG. 1  with the container top open; 
         FIG. 4  shows a top view of the example container of  FIG. 1  with the container top open; 
         FIG. 5  shows a front elevation view of the example container of  FIG. 1  with the container top closed; 
         FIG. 6  shows a side elevation view of the example container of  FIG. 1  with the container top closed; 
         FIG. 7  shows a top view of the example container of  FIG. 1  with the container top closed; 
         FIG. 8A  shows a first section view of the example container of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8B  shows a second section view of the example container of  FIG. 1  illustrating the storage and dispensing of thread; 
         FIG. 8C  shows a detail section of the example container of  FIG. 1  illustrating the placement of a bushing to form a threading hole; 
         FIG. 9  shows a section of a second example embodiment of a container; 
         FIG. 10  shows a section of a third example embodiment of a container; 
         FIG. 11  shows an isometric view of a fourth example embodiment of a container; 
         FIG. 12  shows a section view of the example container of  FIG. 11 ; and 
         FIG. 13  is a flow diagram of an example process for manufacturing a container for thread distribution and needle storage. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Overview 
     Sewing can involve the use of various different tools and items such as a needle, thread, and scissors. For example, a hair stylist may utilize such tools and items while sewing in hair extensions. Often, to effectively sew in the extensions, a hair stylist may access and handle more than one tool or item at a time, often using one available hand. For example, while holding a hair extension in place with one hand, a hair stylist may need to access needle and thread with the other hand. This can be challenging for the hair stylist performing the hair extension, particularly if the requisite tools and items are not readily at hand or organized. 
     To address these challenges, a container is introduced for storing various tools and items in an organized manner and facilitating the process of sewing (e.g., for hair extensions), for example, by distributing thread. In an example embodiment, a container comprises a housing within which one or more spools of thread can be stored on one or more spindles. The housing can be enclosed by a container top that includes a threading hole through which thread from the one or more spools can be extracted from the interior of the housing, while in use. Further, the container top can include a pin and/or needle holder such as a pin cushion. The container may include additional features such as a bracket for holding a pair of scissors and a drawer for stowing extra thread and/or needles. By arranging all of these elements in a single container, a user such as a hair stylist can easily access all the materials when sewing. Further, the portable nature of the container allows a user to easily transport all the materials. Note that while certain embodiments are described herein in the context of performing sewn in hair extensions, the disclosed container is not limited to such applications. Embodiments of the disclosed container can similarly be utilized for any other application that involves a needle and/or thread. 
     Example Embodiments of a Container for Thread Distribution and Needle Storage 
       FIGS. 1-8C  show several views of an example container  100 , according to some embodiments. Specifically,  FIGS. 1-4  show an isometric view, a front elevation view, a side elevation view, and a top view (respectively) of the example container  100  with its container top  110  in an open position.  FIGS. 5-7  show a front elevation view, a side elevation view, and a top view (respectively) of the example container  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 , but with the container top  110  in a closed position.  FIG. 8A-8C  show example sections of the example container  100 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , the example container  100  includes a housing  102  surrounding an interior space  104 , a spindle  106  arranged within the interior space  104  for holding one or more spools of thread, and a container top  110  configured to open and close to enable access to the interior space  104  of the container  100 , while in use. 
     The housing  102  comprises one or more walls surrounding and defining an interior space  104  of the container  100 . In the example depicted in  FIG. 1 , the housing  102  comprises a plurality (e.g., four) of side walls  102   a  that along with a bottom wall  102   b  define the interior space  104 . The interior space  104  is open to the exterior on at least one face where the container top  110  or other type of door mechanism is arranged to enclose the interior space  104  for storing items while enabling access to the interior space  104 . In the example depicted in  FIG. 1 , the interior space  104  is open to the exterior at a top opening defined by the top edges  103  of each of the side walls  102   a . The housing  102  may be formed from a single piece or from multiple pieces of any material suitable to provide a supportive structure, such as metal, plastic, wood, etc. In certain embodiments, the housing  102  can be manufactured as a single piece, for example, through an injection molding or milling process. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the housing  102  may be manufactured by affixing multiple pieces together to form the structure. Means for affixing multiple pieces of material to form the housing  102  will depend on the materials used, but may include, for example, adhesives, welding, mechanical fasteners (e.g., clips, screws, bolts, etc.), structural joints, or any other type of permanent or temporary means for affixing pieces together. Note that the housing  102  depicted in  FIG. 1  is an example provided for illustrative purposes and is not to be construed as limiting. In other embodiments, the housing  102  may include more or fewer side walls, may include a single side wall (e.g., in a cylindrical configuration), may be dimensioned differently, proportioned differently, and/or may include ornamental features not depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
     The interior space  104  defined by the housing  102  can be of any shape or dimension configured to accommodate one or more units of thread. In the example depicted in  FIG. 1 , the housing  102  is arranged to form an interior space  104  that is generally a rectangular cuboid volume having dimensions capable of accommodating at least one spool of thread for use, for example, in sewing hair extensions (e.g., as depicted in  FIG. 8B ). Other embodiments may include a housing  102  arranged to form an interior volume of space of a different shape such as a generally cylindrical volume. 
     Enclosing the interior space  104  of the housing  102  is a container top  110  or some other type of door or hatch operable to enclose the interior space  104  when closed and provide a user access to the interior space  104  when opened. As previously mentioned,  FIGS. 1-4  show several views of the example container  100  with the container top  110  in an open position and  FIGS. 5-8C  show several views of the example container  100  with the container top  110  in a closed position. In the example container  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 , the container top  110  is connected to a top edge  103  of one of the side walls  102   a  of the housing  102  by way of a hinge  112 . The hinge  112  is rotatable about an axis thereby allowing the container top  110  to move between open and closed positions. The hinge  112  may be any type of hinge suitable for opening and closing the container top  110 . Example hinge types include a butt hinge, a piano hinge, a butterfly hinge, a spring hinge, a pivot hinge, etc. Although represented as one component, the hinge  112  may comprise two or more separate hinge elements, for example, arranged at opposing ends of one side of the container top  110 . In some embodiments, the container top  110 , hinge  112 , and at least a portion of the housing  102  may be formed of a single piece of material. For example, an embodiment is contemplated in which the container top  110  and at least a portion of the housing  102  are formed of a single piece of plastic (e.g., through injection molding), and the hinge  112  represents a region of material formed or cut a certain way so as to allow a portion of the piece of plastic comprising the container top  110  to rotate relative to a portion of the piece of plastic comprising the housing  102 . 
     The container top  110  and housing  102  can include corresponding latch elements  114   a  and  114   b  (respectively) configured to connect to each other, thereby fastening the container top  110  in place when in a closed position. In the example depicted in  FIG. 1 , a first latch element  114   a  is affixed to a center of a front edge of the container top  110  and a second latch element  114   b  is affixed to a center of a top edge  103  of the side wall  102   a  of housing  102 . The first latch element  114   a  includes a slot configured to detachably couple to the second latch element  114   b . The latch  114   a - b  shown in  FIG. 1  is an example provided for illustrative purposes. Other embodiments may include different types of components (e.g., magnets or a hook and loop fastener system) for fastening the container top  110  to the housing  102 . 
     Arranged on a top surface of the container top  110  is a cushion  116  configured to hold pins and/or needles. The cushion  116  may cover a substantial portion of the top surface of the container top  110  (as depicted in  FIG. 8A ) thereby providing sufficient surface area for a user to store multiple pins and/or needles in an organized and easily accessible manner. The cushion  116  may comprise a cover made of a pliable porous material such as a fabric that surrounds a region of stuffing material such as sand, sawdust, plastic beads, cotton, steel wool, etc. To store, a user inserts the needles into the cushion  116  such that they pass through the cover and into the stuffing material that holds them in place. For example,  FIG. 8B  depicts a couple of pins  860  inserted into the cushion  116  on the top surface of the container top  110 . The cushion  116  depicted in  FIGS. 1-8C  is an example provided for illustrative purposes, however other types of features may similarly be implemented to enable a user to easily store pins and/or needles, while in use. For example, the top surface of the container top  110  may be coated in a magnetic material or otherwise include magnets to which pins and/or needles can be detachably affixed. 
     In some embodiments, the container  100  can include mechanisms or structures for securing other tools, such as scissors, that may be accessed by a user such as hair stylist when sewing (e.g., to perform hair extension). For example, container  100  depicted in  FIG. 1  includes a bracket  108  configured to secure a pair of scissors to an exterior of one of the side walls  102   a  of the housing  102 . The bracket  108  may be constructed of the same material as the housing  102 . In some embodiments, the bracket  108  may be formed as part of the housing  102 , for example, through an injection molding process. In some embodiments, the bracket  108  may comprise or be replaced with a strap formed of a flexible material such as plastic or rubber cable extending and constricting to accommodate tools of different sizes. In any case, the bracket  108  may be configured to temporarily secure a tool to the container  100  thereby providing a user (e.g., a hair stylist) with easy access to the tool, while in use. The bracket  108  may be dimensioned and positioned so as to enable the user to easily secure and remove the tool with one hand without excessive exertion. In alternative embodiments, a bracket  108  may be replaced with other means of securing a tool such as a magnet (operable to secure metal tools), removable adhesives (e.g., a hook and loop fastener system), etc. 
     In some embodiments, the container  100  includes a mechanism or structure arranged within the interior space  104  for securing one or more spools of thread. For example, the container  100  depicted in  FIG. 1  includes a spindle structure  106  in the form of a vertical dowel or rod about which a spool of thread can be secured, while in use. In the example depicted in  FIG. 1 , the spindle structure  106  comprises a dowel that is arranged vertically within the interior space  104  of the housing  102  and affixed at one end to an interior surface of a bottom wall  102   b  of the housing  102 , for example, as more clearly depicted in the section view shown in  FIG. 8A . As shown in  FIG. 8A , the spindle structure  106  extends from an interior surface of a bottom wall  102   b  of the housing  102  towards the top of the housing  102 . In the example depicted in  FIG. 8A , the spindle structure  106  extends approximately ⅔ of the height of the housing  102 ; however, this is just an example configuration provided for illustrative purposes. In general, the arrangement of the spindle structure  106  within the interior space  104  of the container  100  will depend on the interior dimensions of the container housing  102  as well as the types of thread spools used. For example, depending on the height of the container housing  102 , the spindle structure  106  may be configured to accommodate at least two spools of thread arranged one on top of the other. 
     The spindle structure  106  may be formed from a single piece or from multiple pieces of any material suitable to provide a supportive structure, such as metal, plastic, wood, etc. In some embodiments, the spindle structure  106  is formed as part of the housing structure  102  from a single piece of material, for example, through an injection molding or milling process. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the spindle structure  106  and housing  102  may be manufactured as separate pieces that are later assembled. In such embodiments, means for affixing the spindle structure  106  to the housing  102  will depend on the materials used, but may include, for example, adhesives, welding, mechanical fasteners (e.g., clips, screws, bolts, etc.), structural joints, or any other type of permanent or temporary means for affixing pieces together. 
     In some embodiments, the spindle structure  106  can be configured to be easily removable and replaceable by a user. For example, in some embodiments, the container  100  may be configured so as to allow a user to swap in and out different spindle structures (or other fastening structures) so as to accommodate different types of spools of thread. 
     Other types of structures or mechanisms may similarly be used to secure one or more spools of thread within the interior space  104  of the container  100 , while in use. For example, in some embodiments, the spindle structure  106  may comprise a dowel arranged horizontally instead of vertically within the interior space  104  (e.g., as depicted in  FIG. 8A ). 
       FIG. 8B  shows another section view, similar to the section view depicted in  FIG. 8A , except with a spool of thread  820  in place about the spindle structure  106 . The spool of thread  820  may include a cylindrical structure about which thread  822  is wound. The cylindrical structure of the spool  820  includes an open slot (not shown in  FIG. 8B ) that extends the length of the spool  820  and that is configured to accommodate the spindle structure  106 . To install the spool  820  in the container  100 , a user opens the container top  110  to gain access to the interior space  104  and places the spool  820  on the spindle structure  106  by sliding the open slot of the spool  820  over the vertical dowel of the spindle structure  106 . When in place, the spool  820  is free to rotate about the spindle structure  106 , for example, when thread  822  is unwound from the spool  820 . 
     The container  100  can be configured to hold spools of different types of thread that may be used, for example, in performing hair extension services. Types of thread used can include, for example, all-purpose sewing thread, braiding thread, upholstery thread, carpet thread, etc. Further, the thread can be made of any suitable material such as cotton, polyester, silk, wool, etc. The term “thread” is used in this disclosure to refer to any type of continuous length fibrous material and shall be understood to include other terms such as “yarn,” “string,” “cord,” “twine,” “rope,” etc. 
     The container top  110  includes a threading hole  118  through which thread  822  can be pulled from a spool  820  that is in place within the interior space  104  of the container  100  for distribution. As shown in  FIG. 8B , the threading hole  118  passes through the container top  110  (as well as the cushion  116 ) so that thread  822  can be extracted from the spool  820  while the container top  110  is in a closed position. By arranging the container  100  such that the thread  822  emerges from the interior space  104  (via the threading hole  118 ) in close proximity to needles/pins  860  placed in the cushion  116 , a user is able to easily access both, for example, using only one hand. This is particularly beneficial in certain contexts, such as when performing hair extension services, where a user&#39;s other hand may be occupied. 
     In the example depicted in  FIG. 8B , the threading hole  118  is arranged so as to be substantially in line with the vertical dowel of the spindle structure  106 . In this example configuration, the threading hole  118  is therefore arranged at approximately the centroid of the rectangular container top  110 , for example, as shown in  FIG. 7 . This may allow the thread  822  to be unwound from the spool  820  without risk of snagging, but is not necessarily required in all embodiments. For example, other embodiments may include a threading hole  118  arranged at a location other than the centroid of the container top  110 . Further, in some embodiments, the threading hole  118  may be arranged through one of the side walls  102   a  of the housing  102  instead of through the container top  110 . The particular configuration of the threading hole  118  in a given embodiment will depend on a number of factors such as the shape and dimension of the container housing  102  and container top  110 , the type of thread  822  used, as well as user preferences. For example, the threading hole  118  may be depicted in the Figures with an exaggerated diameter relative to the dimension of the housing  102 . In practice, the diameter of the threading hole  118  need only be greater than the diameter of thread used. 
     In some embodiments, the openings of the threading hole  118  on the bottom and top surfaces of the container top  110  may be beveled to prevent snagging of the thread during distribution. In some embodiments the threading hole  118  may comprise a hollow bushing  119  (or sleeve) (e.g., made of metal, plastic, etc.) with an interior diameter configured to accommodate one or more threads, for example as depicted in  FIG. 8C . During manufacture, a hole is drilled through (or formed as part of) the container top  110  into which the bushing  119  is placed. The bushing  119  forming the threading hole  118  may include beveled edges to prevent snagging. 
     In some embodiments, the container top  110  may include multiple threading holes through which multiple threads can be extracted from spools stored in an interior space.  FIG. 9  shows a section view of an example embodiment of a container  900  similar to the container  100  described with respect to  FIGS. 1-8C . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the example container  900  includes a housing  902  (analogous to housing  102 ) enclosing an interior space  904  (analogous to interior space  104 ), a container top  910  (analogous to container top  110 ) including a cushion  916  (analogous to cushion  116 ) and rotatably attached to the housing  902  via a hinge  912  (analogous to hinge  112 ) and securable with a latch  914   a - b  (analogous to latch  114   a - b ). 
     The example container  900  differs from container  100  in that the container top  910  includes multiple threading holes  918   a - b . In the example container  900  depicted in  FIG. 9 , multiple spools of thread  920   a  and  920   b  are stacked one over the other on the spindle structure  906  (analogous to spindle structure  106 ) located within the interior space  904 . The first spool  902   a  may be of a first type or color and the second spool  920   b  may be of a second type or color. Thread  922   a  from the first spool  920   a  can be extracted from the interior space  904  via a first threading hole  918   a  and thread  922   b  from the second spool  920   b  can be extracted via a second threading hole  918   b.    
       FIG. 10  shows a second view of another example embodiment of a container  1000  that also includes multiple threading holes. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the example container  1000  includes a housing  1002  (analogous to housing  102 ) enclosing an interior space  1004  (analogous to interior space  104 ) and a container top  1010  (analogous to container top  110 ) including a cushion  1016  (analogous to cushion  116 ). Note, certain components such as a hinge and latch are not shown in  FIG. 10  for illustrative clarity, however the example container  1000  may nevertheless include such elements. 
     The example container  1000  differs from container  100  in that the container top  1010  includes multiple threading holes  1018   a - c  and the interior space  1004  includes multiple spindle structures  1006   a - c . In the example container  1000  depicted in  FIG. 10 , multiple spools of thread  1020   a - c  in place about multiple spindle structures  1006  (respectively) located within the interior space  1004 . The first spool  1020   a  may be of a first type or color, the second spool  1020   b  may be of a second type or color, and the third spool  1020   c  may be of a third type or color. Thread  1022   a  from the first spool  1020   a  can be extracted from the interior space  1004  via a first threading hole  1018   a , thread  1022   b  from the second spool  1020   b  can be extracted via a second threading hole  1018   b , and thread  1022   c  from the third spool  1020   c  can be extracted from the interior space  1004  via a third threading hole  1018   c.    
     The alternative embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 9 and 10  are provided to illustrate some example configurations for including multiple spools of thread that are extractable from multiple threading holes, however these examples are not to be construed as limiting. As previously mentioned, other embodiments may include more of fewer threading holes and/or spindle structures and may arrange the threading holes and/or spindle structures differently. 
     In some embodiments, the interior space of the container may be divided into multiple compartments. Multiple compartments may allow for organized storage of different tools and materials within a container. For example, the spools of thread can be stored in one compartment of the container, while tools such as needles are stored in another. As another example, spools of thread that are in use can be stored in one compartment, while extra spools of thread are stored in another. 
       FIG. 11  shows an isometric view of an example container  1100  that includes multiple storage compartments.  FIG. 12  shows a corresponding section view of the example container  1100 . Example container  1100  is similar to example container  100  in many respects. For example, similar to container  100 , the example container  1100  includes a housing  1102  (analogous to housing  102 ) including a plurality of side walls  1102   a  and a bottom wall  1102   b  surrounding a first interior space  1104   a  (analogous to interior space  104 ), a spindle  1106  (analogous to spindle  106 ) arranged within the first interior space  1104   a  for holding one or more spools of thread, and a container top  1110  (analogous to container top  110 ) configured to open and close to enable access to the first interior space  1104   a  of the container  1100 , while in use. The container top  1110  is connected to one of the side walls  1102   a  of the housing  1102  by way of a hinge  1112  (analogous to hinge  112 ). Arranged on a top surface of the container top  1110  is a cushion  1116  (analogous to cushion  116 ). The container top  1110  and housing  1102  can include corresponding latch elements  1114   a  and  1114   b  (respectively) (analogous to latch elements  114   a - b ) configured to connect to each other, thereby fastening the container top  1110  in place when in a closed position. The container top  1110  also includes a threading hole  1118  (analogous to threading hole  118 ) through which thread can be pulled from a spool that is in place within the first interior space  1104   a  of the container  1100 . 
     The example container  1100  of  FIG. 11  differs from the example container  100  in that the housing  1102  encloses another interior space  1104   b  that is adjacent to, but separate from, the first interior space  1104   a . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 11-12 , in addition to a plurality of side walls  1102   a  and a bottom wall  1102   b , the example container  1100  also includes an interior wall  1102   c  that is substantially parallel with the bottom wall  1102   b  and arranged at a point between the bottom wall  1102   b  and the top edges  1103  of the side walls  1102   a . The interior wall  1102   c  separates the first interior space  1104   a  from the second interior space  1104   b . Further, the spindle  1106  is affixed to the top surface of the interior wall  1102   c  such that it extends vertically within the first interior space  1104   a  towards the top edges  1103  of the side walls  1102   a.    
     In the example depicted in  FIGS. 11-12 , the second interior space  1104   b  is open to the exterior via an opening in one of the side walls  1102   a  of the housing  1102 . In some embodiments, this side opening into the second interior space  1104   b  may include a door or some other type of cover similar to the container top  1110  that is operable to enclose the second interior space  1104   b  when in a closed position and provide a user with access to the second interior space when in an open position. Alternatively, and as shown in  FIGS. 11-12 , the second interior space  1104   b  may include a drawer  1132  operable to slide horizontally in and out of the second interior space  1104   b . The drawer  1132  includes a housing (e.g., constructed of the same or similar material as housing  1102 ) that defines a compartment  1134  that can be used, for example, to store supplies such as additional spools of thread, pins/needles, etc. The drawer  1132  also includes a handle  1144  arranged along an exterior side wall of the housing  1102 . To gain access to the compartment  1134 , a user can pull on a handle  1144  to slide the drawer  1132  in and out of the second interior space  1104   b  (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 12 ). 
     Example Method for Manufacturing a Container for Thread Distribution and Needle Storage 
       FIG. 13  shows a flow diagram of an example process  1300  for manufacturing a container for thread distribution and needle storage, for example, similar to any of the example containers described with respect to  FIGS. 1-12 . For clarity, process  1300  is described in the context of manufacturing the container  100  described with respect to  FIGS. 1-8C , but can also be applied to the manufacture of alternative embodiments. Further, the example process  1300  is described for illustrative purposes and is not to be construed as limiting. A container in accordance with the present disclosure may be manufactured by other processes that, for example, include fewer or more steps than example process  1300 , combine or separate out steps differently than example process  1300 , and/or order steps differently than example process  1300 . 
     Process  1300  begins at step  1302  with forming a housing  102  of the container  100 . As previously discussed, the housing  102  can include a bottom wall  102   b  and a plurality of side walls  102   a  that, along with the bottom wall  102   b , form an interior space  104  of the housing  102  with a top opening opposite the bottom wall  102   b , the top opening defined by a top edge  103  of the side walls  102   a . In some embodiments, the housing  102  may also include an interior wall  1102   c  that separates the interior space into a first interior space  1104   a  and a second interior space  1104   b . In some embodiments housing  102  can be formed of a single piece of any type of material suitable to provide a supportive housing, such as metal or plastic. A unitary housing  102  can be forged, molded (e.g., injection molding), machined, or otherwise processed into a desired shape. Alternatively, in some embodiments, housing  102  may be formed of several prefabricated structural components configured and fastened together to form the desired shape. 
     Process  1300  continues at step  1304  with installing a spindle  106  within the interior space  104 . As previously discussed, the spindle  106  may comprise a cylindrical dowel that includes a proximate end and a distal end. Accordingly, this step may involve affixing the proximate end of the dowel to an interior surface of the bottom wall  102   b  of the housing  102  such that when in place the dowel extends vertically within the interior space towards the top edge  103  of the side walls  102   a . Alternatively, in some embodiments, the spindle  106  may be formed as part of the housing  102  at step  1302 . For example, a housing  102  formed of a single piece of material through an injection molding process. The mold utilized to form the housing  102  may be configured such that a cylindrical structure extends from an interior surface of the bottom wall  102   b  of the housing  102 , thereby constituting the spindle  106 . 
     Process  1300  continues at step  1306  with forming a container top  110  configured to enclose the top opening of the housing  102 . In other words, the container top  110  may be dimensioned based on the top edges  103  of the side walls  102   a  of the housing  102 . In an embodiment, the container top  110  is a substantially flat piece of material (e.g., the same material as housing  102 ) of a thickness similar to that of the side walls  102   a  and/or bottom wall  102   b . As with the housing  102 , the container top  110  can be formed of a single piece of any type of suitable material such as metal or plastic. A unitary container top  110  can be forged, molded (e.g., injection molding), machined, or otherwise processed into a desired shape. Alternatively, in some embodiments the container top  110  may be formed of several prefabricated pieces configured and fastened together to form the desired shape. In some embodiments, the container top  110  may be formed as part of the housing  102 . For example, a unitary housing  102  may be formed of a single piece of plastic through injection molding. The container top  110  may represent a leaf or portion that extends from one of the side walls  102   a . An area of the housing  102  between the side wall  102   a  and container top  110  portion may be scored, etched, or otherwise formed so as to allow the container top portion  110  to bend at a 90 degree angle so as to close the top opening of the housing  102 . In such an embodiment, this area between the container top portion  110  and the side wall  102   a  at which point the bending occurs would functionally replace any separate hinge mechanism  112 . 
     As also previously discussed, the container top  110  includes at least one threading hole  118  for thread distribution. In some embodiments, the threading hole  118  through the container top  110  may be formed as a feature when the container top  110  is formed. For example, a mold used in an injection molding process may be configured such that the resulting container top  110  piece has a threading hole  118 . Alternatively, the threading hole  118  may be created after the container top  110  is formed, for example, by drilling or punching a hold through the material of the formed container top  110 . In some embodiments, the step of creating the threading hole  118  may include forming a bushing  119  (e.g., though injection molding or machining depending on the material) and installing the bushing  119  in the hole created in the container top  110  (e.g., as depicted in  FIG. 8C ). 
     Process  1300  continues at step  1308  with affixing a pin cushion  116  to the container top  110 . The pin cushion  116  may be a prefabricated pin cushion (i.e., comprising a porous cover surrounding a region of stuffing material) that is affixed to a surface of the container top  110  using an adhesive such as a glue. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the pin cushion  116  may be fabricated as part of the container top  110 , for example by placing or affixing the stuffing material to a surface of the container top  110  and then wrapping the combination of the container top  110  and stuffing material (partially or completely) with a porous cover material such as a fabric. Note that in order to allow thread to pass through the container top, the pin cushion  116  is affixed to the container top  110  in such a way so as not to block the threading hole  118 . In other words, in some embodiments, when the pin cushion  116  is affixed to the container top, the threading hole  118  extends through both the container top  110  and pin cushion  116  so as to allow thread to pass from the interior space  104  of the container to the exterior. 
     Process  1300  concludes at step  1310  with installing the container top  110  (with the affixed pin cushion  116 ) to the housing  102 . Specifically, in some embodiments, the container top  110  may be affixed to the housing  102  via a hinge  112  at a top edge  103  of one of the side walls  102   a  such that the container top  110  is able to move between an open and closed position. 
     REMARKS 
     The foregoing description of various embodiments has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Embodiments were chosen and described in order to best describe the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the relevant art to understand the claimed subject matter, the various embodiments, and the various modifications that are suited to the particular uses contemplated. 
     Although the above Detailed Description describes certain embodiments and the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the embodiments can be practiced in many ways. Details of the apparatus and methods may vary considerably in their implementation details, while still being encompassed by the specification. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of various embodiments should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless those terms are explicitly defined herein. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the embodiments under the claims. 
     The language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this Detailed Description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based hereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of various embodiments is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the embodiments, which is set forth in the following claims.