Patent Publication Number: US-11028511-B1

Title: Sewing template device and system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This patent specification relates to the field of devices and systems configured to aid a user in guiding the movement of a sewing machine foot. More specifically, this patent specification relates to a system that is configured to position one or more templates, relative to a sewing workpiece, across which a user may move the foot of a sewing machine thereby guiding the movement of the sewing machine foot. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The placing of precise stitches to secure the layers of a quilt and other large workpieces that require sewing by machine have evolved. The use of a workpiece support frame with a Longarm sewing machine integrated inside is a popular option. This may include designs that are followed with a pointer, stylus or laser usually on the back side of the frame. This makes it hard to see where the stitches are on the fabric while monitoring the stylus and patterns. Robotics are used but are expensive. The use of templates on the surface of the quilt that guide the sewing machine foot against the edges are popular. Sometimes this is referred to as ruler work. It involves a platform under the quilt to support the template. The templates often have a non slip surface to reduce the chance for the rulers to move. Templates require some coordination and strength. Since the sewing machine moves under the quilt layers, if a user pushes too hard on the template the sewing machine will not move. Conversely, if a user does not push hard enough the ruler is apt to slip ruining the design. This requires the user to balance the amount of pressure applied while typically holding and moving the templates in awkward positions. 
     Therefore, a need exists for novel devices and systems configured to aid a user in guiding the movement of a sewing machine foot. A further need exists for novel devices and systems configured to aid a user in guiding the movement of a sewing machine foot that do not require the user to constantly balance the amount of pressure applied to a template. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A sewing template system and device is provided which may be configured to position one or more guide surfaces, relative to a sewing workpiece, across which a user may move the head of a sewing machine thereby guiding the movement of the sewing machine head. 
     According to one aspect consistent with the principles of the invention, a sewing template system is provided which may be for use with a workpiece support frame that is configured to support a workpiece on a first support rail and a second support rail so that a sewing machine, having a sewing machine foot, is able to sew a portion of the workpiece positioned between the first support rail and second support rail. The system may include a frame base configured to rest on the first support rail. A first extension having a first proximal end and a first distal end, and the first proximal end coupled to the frame base and the first distal end extending away from the frame base. A second extension having a second proximal end and a second distal end, and the second proximal end coupled to the frame base and the second distal end extending away from the frame base. The first extension and second extension may be parallel to each other, and the first extension and second extension may be coupled to the frame base so that the first extension and second extension are separated from each other. A first rail retainer may be coupled to the first distal end and configured to rest on the second support rail, and a second rail retainer may be coupled to the second distal end and configured to rest on the second support rail. A frame top having a first end and a second end, in which the first end is configured to be coupled to the first distal end, and the second end is configured to be coupled to the second distal end. A frame aperture may be formed by the frame base, first extension, second extension, and frame top when the first end is coupled to the first distal end and the second end is coupled to the second distal end. A guide that extends across the frame aperture between the first extension and the second extension, and the guide is supported above the workpiece by the first extension and the second extension. 
     According to another aspect consistent with the principles of the invention, a sewing template device is provided which may be for use with a workpiece support frame that is configured to support a workpiece on a first support rail and a second support rail so that a sewing machine, having a sewing machine foot, is able to sew a portion of the workpiece positioned between the first support rail and second support rail. The device may include a frame base configured to rest on the first support rail. A first extension having a first proximal end and a first distal end, and the first proximal end coupled to the frame base and the first distal end extending away from the frame base. A second extension having a second proximal end and a second distal end, and the second proximal end coupled to the frame base and the second distal end extending away from the frame base. The first extension and second extension may be parallel to each other, and the first extension and second extension may be coupled to the frame base so that the first extension and second extension are separated from each other. A first rail retainer may be coupled to the first distal end and configured to rest on the second support rail, and a second rail retainer may be coupled to the second distal end and configured to rest on the second support rail. A frame top having a first end and a second end, in which the first end is configured to be coupled to the first distal end, and the second end is configured to be coupled to the second distal end. A frame aperture may be formed by the frame base, first extension, second extension, and frame top when the first end is coupled to the first distal end and the second end is coupled to the second distal end. A guide that extends across the frame aperture between the first extension and the second extension, and the guide is supported above the workpiece by the first extension and the second extension. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an example of a sewing template system having a sewing template device being used with a workpiece according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an example of a frame base, first extension, second extension, and frame top of a sewing template device being supported on a workpiece support frame, having a first support rail and a second support rail according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 3  shows a top plan view of an example of a frame base, first extension, second extension, and frame top of a sewing template device according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a bottom plan view of an example of a frame base, first extension, second extension, and frame top of a sewing template device according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a first side view of some example elements of sewing template device according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 5B  depicts a second side view of some example elements of sewing template device according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 6  shows a top plan view of an example of a frame base, first extension, and second extension of a sewing template device according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 7A  depicts a top plan view of an example of a frame top according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a side elevation view of an example of a frame top according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 7C  shows a bottom plan view of an example of a frame top according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 8A  depicts a top plan view of an example of a guide and a template according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates a side elevation view of an example of a guide and a template according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 8C  shows a bottom plan view of an example of a guide and a template according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 9A  shows a perspective view of an example of a template having a rotating plate according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 9B  depicts a perspective view of the example template of  FIG. 9A  in which the rotating plate has been rotated approximately ninety degrees relative to its position in  FIG. 9A  according to various embodiments described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims. 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “rear,” “front,” “side,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, one will understand that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Therefore, the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first element may be designated as the second element, and the second element may be likewise designated as the first element without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. Additionally, as used in this application, the term “substantially” means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, particularly within about 5% of the actual desired value and especially within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein. 
     A new sewing template system and device are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. 
     The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below. 
     The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments.  FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a sewing template system (“the system”)  100  according to various embodiments. A sewing template system  100  preferably may be used with a workpiece support frame  200  that is configured to support a workpiece  300  on a first support rail  201  and a second support rail  202  so that a sewing machine  400 , having a sewing machine foot  401 , is able to sew a portion of the workpiece  300  positioned between the first support rail  201  and second support rail  202 . Generally, a workpiece support frame  200  may comprise a first support rail  201 , that may be positioned relatively closer to a user  500 , and a second support rail  202 , that may be positioned relatively farther from the user  500 . A workpiece  300  is typically draped over the first support rail  201  and under the second support rail  202  so that the portion of the workpiece  300  that is between the rails  201 ,  202 , may be supported or suspended by the rails  201 ,  202 . A sewing machine  400  having a sewing machine foot  401  may be positioned so that the sewing machine foot  401  is in contact with the portion of the workpiece  300  that is between the rails  201 ,  202 . The sewing machine base  402  is positioned below the sewing machine foot  401  on the opposite side of the workpiece  300  so that the sewing machine foot  401  and sewing machine base  402  may interact to sew or apply stitching to the workpiece  300 . 
     In some embodiments, the system  100  may comprise a sewing template device (“the device”)  10  that may include a frame base  11  that may be configured to rest on the first support rail  201 . A first extension  12  and a second extension  15  may be coupled to the frame base  11 . The first extension  12  may have a first proximal end  13  and a first distal end  14 , and the first proximal end  13  may be coupled to the frame base  11  and the first distal end  14  may extend away from the frame base  11 . The second extension  15  may have a second proximal end  16  and a second distal end  17 , and the second proximal end  16  may be coupled to the frame base  11  and the second distal end  17  may also extend away from the frame base  11  in a direction generally parallel to the first distal end  14  so that the first extension  12  and second extension  15  may be parallel or substantially parallel (plus or minus 5 degrees) to each other. A first rail retainer  61  may be coupled to the first distal end  14  and configured to rest on the second support rail  202 , and a second rail retainer  62  may be coupled to the second distal end  17  and configured to rest on the second support rail  202 . A frame top  21 , having a first end  22  and a second end  23 , may be coupled to the distal ends  14 ,  17 , with the first end  22  configured to be coupled to the first distal end  14 , and the second end  23  configured to be coupled to the second distal end  17 . A frame aperture  90  may be formed by the frame base  11 , first extension  12 , second extension  15 , and frame top  21  when the first end  22  is coupled to the first distal end  14  and the second end  23  is coupled to the second distal end  17 . A guide  31  may extend across the frame aperture  90  between the first extension  12  and the second extension  15  so that the guide  31  is able to be supported above the workpiece  300  by the first extension  12  and the second extension  15 . 
     The device  10  may comprise a frame base  11  which may be used to couple the first extension  12  and second extension  15  together while allowing the extensions  12 ,  15 , to be separated from each other. Preferably, a frame base  11  may be generally flat planar in shape, such as by being formed of ¼ inch thick Polycarbonate and Acrylic plastic sheet material. More, preferably, a frame base  11  may be made from or may comprise a generally clear or transparent material, such as clear Polycarbonate and Acrylic plastic sheet material which may be sold under the trade names of LEXAN™ and Plexiglass™. However, a frame base  11  may be configured in any shape and any size and may be made from or may comprise any substantially rigid material, such as other plastics, aluminum or other metals, etc. 
     A frame base  11  may comprise a base upper surface  51  and an opposing base lower surface  52 . Preferably, all or portions of the base upper surface  51  and base lower surface  52  may be generally flat or planar in shape. Generally, a base lower surface  52  may rest on or otherwise be supported by a first support rail  201 . For example, a base lower surface  52  may rest directly on a first support rail  201  or indirectly on a first support rail  201  by resting on a portion of a workpiece  300  that is resting on or draped over the first support rail  201 . 
     In some embodiments, a frame base  11  may comprise one or more non-slip pads  63  which may be coupled to the base upper surface  51  and/or base lower surface  52 . Preferably, a frame base  11  may comprise one or more non-slip pads  63  which may be coupled to the frame bottom surface  11 B and positioned to contact the first support rail  201  or a portion of a workpiece  300  that is resting on or draped over the first support rail  201 . 
     A non-slip pad  63  may be made from and/or may comprise a resilient material which when placed into contact with another material may contribute to a relatively high friction of coefficient between the resilient material and the other material. Preferably, a resilient material may be a natural and/or synthetic material, which is flexible to allow slight deformation and resilient so as to return to its original shape after deformation. Example resilient materials include latex rubber, silicone rubber, forms of the organic compound isoprene, such as polyisoprene, Butyl rubber, Polyacrylate Rubber, Ethylene-acrylate Rubber, Polyester Urethane, Bromo Isobutylene Isoprene, Polybutadiene, Chloro Isobutylene Isoprene, Polychloroprene, Chlorosulphonated Polyethylene, Epichlorohydrin, Ethylene Propylene, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, Polyether Urethane, Perfluorocarbon Rubber, Fluoronated Hydrocarbon, Fluoro Silicone, Fluorocarbon Rubber, Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene, Polyisoprene, Isobutylene Isoprene Butyl, Acrylonitrile Butadiene, Polyurethane, Styrene Butadiene, Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene Copolymer, Polysiloxane, Vinyl Methyl Silicone, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Carboxy Monomer, Styrene Butadiene Carboxy Monomer, Thermoplastic Polyether-ester, Styrene Butadiene Block Copolymer, and Styrene Butadiene Carboxy Block Copolymer. In further embodiments, a non-slip pad  63  may be made from and/or may comprise any material which when placed into contact with another material may contribute to a friction of coefficient greater than 0.3, and more preferably greater than 0.5, between the material of the non-slip pad  63  and the other material. 
     The device  10  may comprise one or more extensions, such as a first extension  12  and a second extension  15 , which may each be coupled to the frame base  11  and to a frame top  21 . Generally, extensions  12 ,  15 , may be used to couple the frame base  11  and frame top  21  together while allowing the frame base  11  and frame top  21  to be separated from each other so that portions of a frame aperture  90  may be formed between the frame base  11  and frame top  21  and the extensions  12 ,  15 . Preferably, an extension  12 ,  15 , may be generally flat planar in shape, such as by being formed of ¼ inch thick Polycarbonate and Acrylic plastic sheet material. More preferably, an extension  12 ,  15 , may be made from or may comprise a generally clear or transparent material, such as clear Polycarbonate and Acrylic plastic sheet material which may be sold under the trade names of LEXAN™ and Plexiglass™. However, an extension  12 ,  15 , may be made from or may comprise any substantially rigid material, such as other plastics, aluminum or other metals, etc. 
     A first extension  12  may comprise a first extension upper surface  55  and an opposing first extension lower surface  56 . Preferably, all or portions of the first extension upper surface  55  and first extension lower surface  56  may be generally flat or planar in shape. Likewise, a second extension  15  may comprise a second extension upper surface  57  and an opposing second extension lower surface  58 . Preferably, all or portions of the second extension upper surface  57  and second extension lower surface  58  may be generally flat or planar in shape. 
     Frame extensions  12 ,  15 , may be configured in any shape and size. Generally, the longer an extension  12 ,  15 , is, the greater the distance a frame  21  may be positioned away from a frame base  11 . In preferred embodiments, the device  10  may comprise a first extension  12  and a second extension  15  which may be generally elongated and rectangular in shape and which may be coupled to the frame base  11  so that the distal ends  14 ,  17 , may extend away from the frame base  11  in a direction generally parallel to each other. For example, the extensions  12 ,  15 , may be generally elongated and rectangular in shape and may be coupled to the frame base  11  and frame top  21  in a generally perpendicular manner. In other embodiments, the device  10  may comprise two or more extensions  12 ,  15 , which may be angled relative to the frame base  11  and frame top  21 . For example, the distal ends  14 ,  17 , of the extensions  12 ,  15 , may be relatively closer together proximate to the frame top  21  or relatively closer together proximate to the frame base  11 . 
     In some embodiments, the device  10  may comprise one or more rail retainers, such as a first rail retainer  61  and a second rail retainer  62 , which may be configured to rest on an extension  12 ,  15 , frame top  21 , or other element to a workpiece support frame  200 . In preferred embodiments, rail retainer  61 ,  62 , may be configured to rest on and secure or otherwise removably couple an extension  12 ,  15 , frame top  21 , and/or other element to a workpiece support frame  200 . In preferred embodiments, a first rail retainer  61  may be coupled to the distal end  14  of a first extension  12 , and a second rail retainer  62  may be coupled to the distal end  17  of a second extension  15  with the rail retainers  61 ,  62 , configured to secure or otherwise couple each extension  12 ,  15 , to a second support rail  201  of workpiece support frame  200 . 
     A rail retainer  61 ,  62 , may comprise any suitable coupling device or method. Preferably, a rail retainer  61 ,  62 , may be configured to rest on secure and secure or otherwise removably couple an extension  12 ,  15 , to a generally cylindrically shaped second support rail  202  by having a retainer surface  61 A,  62 A, formed by the rail retainer  61 ,  62 , that is concave in shape so that the retainer surface  61 A,  62 A, is configured to wrap around convex portions of the cylindrically shaped second support rail  202 . For example, a first rail retainer  61  may have a first retainer surface  61 A having a concave shape and a second rail retainer  62  may have a second retainer surface  62 A having a concave shape, and the retainer surfaces  61 A,  62 A, may enable the rail retainers  61 ,  62 , (and therefore the device  10 ) to slide right and left along the rail  201  the cylindrically shaped second support rail  202  while generally preventing the frame base  11  from moving towards and away from the second support rail  202 . This may enable a user  500  to easily move the device  10  to desired portions of a workpiece  300  that is supported by the support rails  201 ,  202 , that the device  10  is resting on. 
     The device  10  may comprise a frame top  21  that may be configured to be coupled to a first extension  12  and a second extension  15 . Preferably, a frame top  21  may be generally flat planar in shape, such as by being formed of ¼ inch thick Polycarbonate and Acrylic plastic sheet material. More preferably, a frame top  21  may be made from or may comprise a generally clear or transparent material, such as clear Polycarbonate and Acrylic plastic sheet material which may be sold under the trade names of LEXAN™ and Plexiglass™. However, a frame top  21  may be made from or may comprise any substantially rigid material, such as other plastics, aluminum or other metals, etc. 
     A frame top  21  may comprise a top upper surface  53  and an opposing top lower surface  54 . Preferably, all or portions of the top upper surface  53  and top lower surface  54  may be generally flat or planar in shape. Generally, the upper surfaces  51 ,  53 ,  55 ,  57 , may all be facing away from a workpiece  300  that the device  10  is positioned over while the lower surfaces  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 , may be facing or oriented towards the workpiece  300 . 
     A frame top  21  may be configured in any shape any size. Generally, the longer a frame top  21  is, the greater the distance a first distal end  14  of a first extension  12  may be positioned away from a second distal end  17  of a second extension  15 . In some embodiments, a frame top  21  may have a first end  22  and a second end  23 , and the first end  22  may be configured to be coupled to the first distal end  14  of a first extension  12  and the second end  23  may be configured to be coupled to the second distal end  17  of a second extension  15 . In further embodiments, one end  22 ,  23 , of a frame top  21  may be movably coupled to the other distal end  14 ,  17 , while the other end  22 ,  23 , of a frame top  21  may be removably coupled to the other distal end  14 ,  17 . 
     In preferred embodiments, a first end  22  may be configured to be removably coupled to the first distal end  14  of a first extension  12  and/or the second end  23  may be configured to be removably coupled to the second distal end  17  of a second extension  15 . 
     In further preferred embodiments, the device  10  may comprise one or more male protrusions  64  and female indentions  65  which may be used to removably couple one or more ends  22 ,  23 , of a frame top  21  to one or more extensions  12 ,  15 . Optionally, the first end  22  of the frame top  21  may comprise a first male protrusion  64  and the first distal end  14  may comprise a first female indention  65  that is complementary in shape to the first male protrusion  64 , and the first male protrusion  64  may be received in the female indention  65  when the first end  22  is coupled to the first distal end  14 . Likewise, the second end  23  of the frame top  21  may comprise a second male protrusion  64  and the second distal end  17  may comprise a second female indention  65  that is complementary in shape to the second male protrusion  64 , and the second male protrusion  64  may be received in the second female indention  65  when the second end  23  is coupled to the second distal end  17 . 
     Generally, a male protrusion  64  may be received or inserted into a female indention  65 , and the male protrusion  64  may be slightly smaller and complementary in shape to the female indention  65  that is configured to receive the male protrusion  64 . For example, a female indention  65  may comprise a generally rounded shaped indentation or depression in an extension  12 ,  15 , and a male protrusion  64  may comprise a generally rounded shaped protrusion in a frame top  21  and the female indention  65  and male protrusion  64  may interlock similar to two complementary shaped puzzle pieces that are mated or joined together. As another example, a female indention  65  may comprise a generally rounded shaped indentation or depression in a frame top  21  and a male protrusion  64  may comprise a generally rounded shaped protrusion in an extension  12 ,  15 , and the female indention  65  and male protrusion  64  may interlock similar to two complementary shaped puzzle pieces that are mated or joined together. In this manner, the male protrusion  64  may be configured to preferably tightly or snuggly fit into the female indention  65  so that movement of the male protrusion  64  in the female indention  65  may be substantially prevented. As a further example, the device  10  (and therefore the system  100 ) may comprise an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis as shown in  FIGS. 1, 3, and 5A , and a male protrusion  64  may be prevented or substantially prevented (movement of less than 2 millimeters) from moving in the x-axis (direction towards and away from the first extension  12 , second extension  15 , etc.) and y-axis (direction towards and away from the frame base  11 , frame top  21 , support rails  201 ,  202 , etc.) when it is received in the female indention  65 , and the male protrusion  64  may be released from the female indention  65  by moving the male protrusion  64  in the z-axis (up and down directions). 
     In some embodiments, the device  10  may comprise one or more stop plates  66  which may be configured to limit the ability of a male protrusion  64  to be moved in one direction in the z-axis when the male protrusion  64  is received and being positioned in a female indention  65 . A stop plate  66  may be configured in any shape and size. In preferred embodiments, a stop plate  66  may be coupled to one side of a male protrusion  64  and the stop plate  66  may be configured with a size and shape that is larger than the male protrusion  64  and female indention  65 . The side of the male protrusion  64  that is not coupled to the stop plate  66  may then be inserted into the female indention  65  (such as in the down direction of the z-axis) while the stop plate  66  prevents the male protrusion  64  from passing or falling through female indention  65 . Preferably, a stop plate  66  may be coupled to each male protrusion  64 . 
     In some embodiments, the device  10  may comprise one or more plate locks  67  which along with a stop plate  66  may be configured to block movement of a male protrusion  64  to be moved in the z-axis when the male protrusion  64  is received and being positioned in a female indention  65 . Generally, a plate lock  67  may block movement of a male protrusion  64  in the z-axis in a direction that is opposite to the direction that a stop plate  66  is preventing movement of the plate lock  67 . In this manner a plate lock  67  and stop plate  66  may govern the ability of a protrusion  64  to be moved in the z-axis into and out of a female indention  65 . In preferred embodiments, a stop plate  67  may be movably coupled to an element of the device  10 , such as to an extension  12 ,  15 , so that the stop plate  67  is movably between an open position  71  ( FIG. 6 ), in which the plate lock  67  is not positioned over a stop plate  66  that is coupled to a male protrusion  64  when the male protrusion  64  is positioned in a female indention  65 , and a closed position  72  ( FIG. 3 ), in which the plate lock  67  is positioned over a stop plate  66  that is coupled to a male protrusion  64  when the male protrusion  64  positioned in a female indention  65 . In the open position  71 , the plate lock  67  may not interfere with the ability of the male protrusion  64  is positioned in and out of a female indention  65 , while in the closed position  72  so that it is placed over the stop plate  66 , the plate lock  67  may block the ability of stop plate  66 , and therefore the male protrusion  64 , to be removed out of a female indention  65  that the male protrusion  64  is positioned in. Any suitable movable coupling may be used to movably couple a plate lock  67  to an extension  12 ,  15 , or other element of the device  10 , such as a pivot pin  68 , hinge, tongue-and-groove slide lock, turn lock, etc. 
     The device  10  may comprise a frame aperture  90  which may be formed by the frame base  11 , first extension  12 , second extension  15 , and frame top  21 . A frame base  11  may comprise a base interior perimeter  41 ; a first extension  12  may comprise a first extension interior perimeter  42 ; a second extension  15  may comprise a second extension interior perimeter  43 ; and frame top  21  may comprise a top interior perimeter  44 . The interior perimeters  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 , may form and bound the frame aperture  90 . The interior perimeters  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 , may be configured in any size and shape to form a frame aperture  90  of any size and shape. Preferably, the frame aperture  90  may be generally rectangular in shape with the two extension perimeters  42 ,  43 , being approximately linear or straight and parallel to each other while each being approximately coupled to the base  41  and top  42  interior perimeters in an approximately perpendicular manner with the base  41  and top  42  interior perimeters being straight and parallel to each other. In other embodiments, one or more interior perimeters  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 , may be angled, curved, comprise a series of indexing notches, or comprise any other shape. 
     While a frame aperture  90  may be configured in any shape and size, in preferred embodiments, a frame aperture  90  may comprise an aperture width dimension (AW) and an aperture length dimension (AL) as shown in  FIG. 3 . An aperture width dimension (AW) may describe the largest distance between two extension perimeters  42 ,  43 , while an aperture length dimension (AL) may describe the largest distance between the base  41  and top  42  interior perimeters. As an example, for extension perimeters  42 ,  43 , that are generally parallel, the AW may be approximately consistent or uniform along the lengths of the extension perimeters  42 ,  43 . 
     In some embodiments, the AL of a frame aperture  90  may be between approximately 200 millimeters and 1 meter, more preferably, between approximately 400 millimeters and 600 millimeters, and even more preferably, approximately 460 millimeters. However, in other embodiments, the AL of a frame aperture  90  may be configured in any other length. In some embodiments, the AW of a frame aperture  90  may be between approximately 200 millimeters and 1 meter, more preferably, between approximately 400 millimeters and 600 millimeters, and even more preferably, approximately 460 millimeters. However, in other embodiments, the AW of a frame aperture  90  may be configured in any other length. 
     In some embodiments, the device  10  may comprise a guide  31  that is configured to extend across a frame aperture  90 , and one or more templates  80  and/or a sewing machine foot  401  may be placed into contact with the guide  31  and/or templates  80  so that a user  500  may guide the movement of the sewing machine foot  401  by moving the sewing machine foot  401  across surfaces of the guide  31  and/or templates  80 . A guide  31  may be configured in any shape and size. 
     In some embodiments, a guide  31  may comprise a top brace  32 , and the top brace  32  may be configured to extend across the frame aperture  90  and rest on both the first extension  12  and the second extension  15  so that the guide  31  is supported by the first extension  12  and the second extension  15 . The guide  31  may comprise a guide length dimension (GL) that may describe the length of the guide  31  as shown in  FIG. 8B . In preferred embodiments, the length of the top brace  32  may form the guide length dimension (GL) so that the top brace  32  may form the longest element of the guide  31 . 
     In preferred embodiments, the GL may be greater than the AW of the frame aperture  90  so that the guide  31  may extend across the frame aperture  90  and rest on both the first extension  12  and second extension  15  so that the guide  31  is supported by the first extension upper surface  55  of the first extension  12  and the second extension upper surface  57  of the second extension  15 . In further embodiments, the GL may be greater than the AL of the frame aperture  90  so that the guide  31  may extend across the frame aperture  90  and rest on both the base upper surface  51  of the frame base  11  and top upper surface  53  of the frame top  21  so that the guide  31  is supported by the frame base  11  and frame top  21 . 
     A top brace  32  may be configured in any shape and size. In preferred embodiments, a top brace  32  may be generally rectangular in shape, such as by being made from a sheet of rectangular metal, plastic, etc. Optionally, a top brace  32  may comprise one or more top brace apertures  33  of any size and shape, such as circular. 
     In some embodiments, a guide  31  may comprise a bottom brace  34  which may be coupled to a top brace  32 . A bottom brace  34  may be configured in any size and shape. In some embodiments, a bottom brace  34  may be smaller in length than the AW and/or AL of a frame aperture  90 . In further embodiments, a bottom brace  34  may be approximately equal in length dimension to the top brace  32 . In still further embodiments, the bottom brace  34  may be larger in length than the top brace  32  so that the length of the bottom brace  34  forms the GL. 
     A bottom brace  34  may be configured in any shape and size. In preferred embodiments, a bottom brace  34  may be generally rectangular in shape, such as by being made from a sheet of rectangular metal, plastic, etc. Optionally, a bottom brace  34  may comprise one or more bottom brace apertures  35  of any size and shape, such as circular. 
     In some embodiments, a guide  31  may comprise one or more tensioners  36  which may be configured to couple the bottom brace  34  and the top brace  32  together. In preferred embodiments, a guide  31  may comprise one or more tensioners  36  which may be configured to couple the bottom brace  34  and the top brace  32  together by tensioning the bottom brace  34  towards the top brace  32 . For example, a tensioner  36  may comprise thumb knob having threading  37  which may be used to threadedly engage a bottom brace  34  and the top brace  32  together such that by turning the tensioner  36  in a first direction the bottom brace  34  and the top brace  32  may be increasingly tensioned together and by turning the tensioner  36  in a second direction the tension between the bottom brace  34  and the top brace  32  may be decreased so as to allow the bottom brace  34  and the top brace  32  to be increasingly separated from each other even up to being uncoupled from each other. Other example tensioners  36  may include wingnuts, bolts, nuts, screws, other threaded fasteners, or any other device or fastening method which may be used to tension a bottom brace  34  and the top brace  32  together. 
     In some embodiments, a guide  31  may be movably and removably coupled to one or more other elements of the device  10  (such as a frame base  11 , first extension  12 , second extension  15 , and/or frame top  21 ) by positioning portions of the one or more elements between the top brace  32  and the bottom brace  34  and then tensioning the braces  32 ,  34 , together so that the one or more elements are positioned and/or optionally tensioned between the braces  32 ,  34 . 
     In some embodiments, a guide  31  may comprise one or more non-slip pads  63  which may be used to control the amount of friction between the guide  31  and portions of the frame base  11 , first extension  12 , second extension  15 , and/or frame top  21  that the guide  31  may be in contact with. One or more non-slip pads  63  may be coupled to a top brace  32  and/or the bottom brace  34  and positioned so that the non-slip pads  63  may contact portions of the frame base  11 , first extension  12 , second extension  15 , and/or frame top  21  that the guide  31  may be in contact with thereby increasing the coefficient of friction between the guide  31  and one or more of the frame base  11 , first extension  12 , second extension  15 , and/or frame top  21 . In this manner, non-slip pads  63  may help the user  500  control the movement of the guide  31  across the portions of the frame base  11 , first extension  12 , second extension  15 , and/or frame top  21  that the guide  31  may be in contact with. In further embodiments, one or more non-slip pads  63  may be coupled to a top brace  32  and/or the bottom brace  34  and positioned so that the non-slip pads  63  are between the braces  32 ,  34 , when the braces  32 ,  34 , are coupled together. This may allow those non-slip pads  63  to grip portions of a template  80 , frame base  11 , first extension  12 , second extension  15 , and/or frame top  21  which may be positioned between the braces  32 ,  34 . 
     In some embodiments, the device  10  may comprise one or more templates  80 , such as a first template  80 A ( FIGS. 8A-8C ), a second template  80 B ( FIGS. 9A and 9B ), etc. which may be placed into contact with a guide  31  and which may be used by a user  500  to guide the movement of a sewing machine foot  401  by moving the sewing machine foot  401  across surfaces of the templates  80 . A template  80  may be configured in any shape and size. Generally, a template  80  may comprise one or more guide surfaces  81 ,  82 ,  83 , which may be shaped and contoured to allow a sewing machine foot  401  to easily move across the guide surfaces  81  so that the sewing machine  400  may create desired patterns on a workpiece  300  that is supported between a first support rail  201  and second support rail  202  on a workpiece support frame  200 . 
     In preferred embodiments, a template  80  may comprise a first guide surface  81 , a second guide surface  82 , a third guide surface  83 , etc. The guide surfaces  81 ,  82 ,  83 , may be distinguished from each other in that the guide surfaces  81 ,  82 ,  83 , do not meet each other. Guide surfaces  81 ,  82 ,  83 , may be configured in any size and shape. Guide surfaces  81 ,  82 ,  83 , with the suffixes of “A” and “B” simply designate different embodiments of the guide surfaces  81 ,  82 ,  83 , so that guide surfaces  81 A,  81 B,  82 A,  82 B,  83 A,  83 B, read on the teachings of guide surfaces  81 ,  82 ,  83 ). 
     Referring to the example template  80 A of  FIGS. 8A-8C , the template  80 A may comprise a first guide surface  81 A and a second guide surface  82 A which may be shaped differently than each other. In this example, the first guide surface  81 A comprises a series of alternating arcs and the second guide surface  82 A also comprises a series of alternating arcs while the first guide surface  81 A comprises a number of arcs that are relatively larger than the arcs of the second guide surface  82 A. In this manner, when a user  500  moves a sewing machine foot  401  across or along the first guide surface  81 A the sewing machine  400  may produce stitching with a scallop or wave pattern that has relatively larger arcs than the scallop or wave that may be produced by moving the sewing machine foot  401  across or along the second guide surface  82 A. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , another example of a template  80 B having a first guide surface  81 B and a second guide surface  82 B which may be shaped differently than each other is illustrated. In this example, the first guide surface  81 B comprises a heart shape and the second guide surface  82 B comprises a compound shape having a number of straight sides and curved sides. In this manner, when a user  500  moves a sewing machine foot  401  across or along the first guide surface  81 B the sewing machine  400  may produce stitching with a heart pattern or shape while a different pattern or shape that is not a heart pattern or shape may be produced by moving the sewing machine foot  401  across or along the second guide surface  82 B. For example, by placing the sewing machine foot  401  in contact with the second guide surface  82 B and by rotating a rotating plate  84  that the second guide surface  82 B is formed into, stitching in a series of three concentric circles or arcs may be produced. Optionally, a guide surface, such as a third guide surface  83 B in this example, may comprise indexing indicia  85  which are indicators of distance which may be used by the user  500  to guide a sewing machine foot  401  a desired distance across or along the third guide surface  83 B and/or guide placement of the template  80 B on a workpiece  300 . 
     In some embodiments, a template  80 B may comprise a rotating plate  84 , which may be movably coupled to other portions of the template  80 B, and one or more guide surfaces  81 B,  82 B, may be formed in portions of the rotating plate  84  as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . Preferably, a rotating plate  84  may be generally circular in shape and may be positioned in a slightly larger circular shaped template aperture  86  so that the rotating plate  84  may be pivoted or rotated within the template aperture  86 . Optionally, a captivating plate  87  may be coupled to the rotating plate  84  which may comprise one or more portions that may extend across the template aperture  86 . Similar to the function of a stop plate  66  in preventing a male protrusion  64  from falling through a female indention  65 , a captivating plate  87  may prevent a rotating plate  84  from falling through a template aperture  86  while allowing the rotating plate  84  to be rotated and positioned in and out of the template aperture  86  from above a workpiece  300  that the template  80 B is being supported over by the device  10 . 
     In some embodiments, the device  10  may comprise one or more templates  80  which may be removably coupled to a guide  31 . In preferred embodiments, a template  80  may be removably coupled to a guide  31  by being tensioned between a top  32  and bottom  34  brace of the guide  31 . For example, a guide  31  may include a tensioner  36  that may comprise threading  37  which may be used to threadedly engage a bottom brace  34  and top brace  32  together while portions of a template  80  are positioned between the braces  32 ,  34 . By turning the tensioner  36  in a first direction the bottom brace  34  and top brace  32  may be increasingly tensioned together thereby tensioning and coupling the template  80  and braces  32 ,  34 , together. By turning the tensioner  36  in a second direction the tension between the bottom brace  34  and the top brace  32  may be decreased so as to allow the bottom brace  34  and the top brace  32  to be increasingly separated from each other and to allow the template  80  to be uncoupled from the braces  32 ,  34 . In other embodiments, any other suitable coupling method may be used to removably couple a guide  31  and template  80  together. 
     In some embodiments, the device  10  may comprise one or more tensioner channels  38  which may be formed into a frame base  11 , first extension  12 , second extension  15 , and/or frame top  21  and which may be configured to allow portions of a tensioner  36  to be inserted through the tensioner channels  38 . Tensioner channels  38  may be configured in any size and shape. In some embodiments, portions of a tensioner channel  38  in contact with and proximate to an extension lower surface  56 ,  58 , may be wider than opposing portions of the tensioner channel  38  in contact with and proximate to an extension upper surface  55 ,  57 , and the wider portions may allow portions of a tensioner  36  to be received in and/or countersunk below the extension lower surface  56 ,  58 . For example, a tensioner  36  may comprise a flat head bolt or screw, round head bolt or screw, button head bolt or screw, hex head bolt or screw, etc. which may form threading  37  of the tensioner  36 , and the wider portions of the tensioner channel  38  may receive the head to allow the head to be positioned flush with or below the extension lower surface  56 ,  58 , so that all of the head may be received in the tensioner channel  38  while not allowing the head to pass through the tensioner channel  38 . As another example, a tensioner  36  may comprise a countersunk head bolt or screw (typically having a v-shaped head in profile) which may form threading  37  of the tensioner  36 , and the wider portions of the tensioner channel  38  may be generally v-shaped in profile tapering towards the narrower portions of the tensioner channel  38  which may allow the head to be flush with or below the extension lower surface  56 ,  58 , so that all of the head may be received in the tensioner channel  38  while not allowing the head to pass through the tensioner channel  38 . 
     In preferred embodiments, a tensioner channel  38  may comprise an elongated shape so that once portions of a tensioner  36  are inserted through the tensioner channel  38  the tensioner  36  may be moved a distance along the frame base  11 , first extension  12 , second extension  15 , and/or frame top  21  that it is formed in. For example, a first extension  12  may comprise a first tensioner channel  38  that may be elongated and which may extend generally parallel with a second elongated tensioner channel  38  that may be formed in a second extension  15 . A guide  31  may comprise two tensioners  36  and each tensioner  36  may be received in a tensioner channel  38  so that the guide  31  may be moved towards and away from the frame base  11  and frame top  21  while the tensioners  36  are received in their respective tensioner channel  38 . In other embodiments, a tensioner channel  38  may comprise a generally circular shape that may be slightly larger than the portions of the tensioner  36  that may be received in it so that movement of the tensioner  36  relative to the frame base  11 , first extension  12 , second extension  15 , and/or frame top  21  that it is formed in may be limited or substantially prevented. 
     Preferably, a template  80  (with the suffixes of “A” and “B” designating different embodiments of the template  80 , so that the templates  80 A and  80 B read on the teachings of template  80 ), rotating plate  84 , and captivating plate  87  may be generally flat planar in shape, such as by being formed of ¼ inch thick Polycarbonate and Acrylic plastic sheet material that is preferably clear or transparent material. However, a template  80 , rotating plate  84 , and captivating plate  87  may be made from or may comprise any substantially rigid material, such as other plastics, aluminum or other metals, etc. 
     While some exemplary shapes and sizes have been provided for elements of the device  10 , it should be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that the frame base  11 , first extension  12 , second extension  15 , frame top  21 , guide  31 , template  80 , and any other element described herein may be configured in a plurality of sizes and shapes including “T” shaped, “X” shaped, square shaped, rectangular shaped, cylinder shaped, cuboid shaped, hexagonal prism shaped, triangular prism shaped, or any other geometric or non-geometric shape, including combinations of shapes. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible alternatives, equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms and proposed shapes used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes, such as to size and shape, may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
     Additionally, while some materials have been provided, in other embodiments, the elements that comprise the device  10  may be made from or may comprise durable materials such as aluminum, steel, other metals and metal alloys, wood, hard rubbers, hard plastics, fiber reinforced plastics, carbon fiber, fiberglass, resins, polymers or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. Additionally, one or more elements may be made from or may comprise durable and slightly flexible materials such as soft plastics, silicone, soft rubbers, or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. In some embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device  10  may be coupled or connected together with heat bonding, chemical bonding, adhesives, clasp type fasteners, clip type fasteners, rivet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, other types of fasteners, or any other suitable joining method. In other embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device  10  may be coupled or removably connected by being press fit or snap fit together, by one or more fasteners such as hook and loop type or Velcro® fasteners, magnetic type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, snap fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, a slide-to-lock type connection method or any other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. In further embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device  10  may be coupled by being one of connected to and integrally formed with another element of the device  10 . 
     Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.