Patent Abstract:
A portable hand-held pleating apparatus for fabric material consisting of two halves containing a total of ten to twenty fingers adapted to allow fabric material to be pleated into numerous uniform pleats, specifically accordion pleats. The pleating apparatus can hold fabric material to allow for pleating by any user weaving said material through said fingers and then being removed by a simple upward motion. The pleating apparatus can be adjusted to enable variable pleat widths in a facile way.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0005]    This invention relates to a portable hand-held pleating apparatus of the type adapted to create pleats within any fabric material. 
         [0006]    2. Prior Art 
         [0007]    Inventors have discovered several industrial methods to create pleats within (1) draperies, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,824,964 to Ryan (1974), 4,042,155 to Sprong (1977), and 4,157,775 to Soto (1979); (2) fabric materials, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,906,441 to Liebeskind (1959), 4,917,277 to Hibbard (1990), and 5,114,056 to Frye (1992); (3) paper, such as U.S. Pat. No. 7,465,267 to Goodrich (2008); and (4) sheet-like material, such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,493 to Kato (2001). All of these inventions are large, bulky and meant mainly for industrial use. All of these differ greatly from the hand-held pleating apparatus described herein where the objective is a compact light-weight pleating apparatus for use by any individual anywhere. 
         [0008]    Additionally, inventors have established methods for creating the appearance of pleats within draperies such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,191,665 to Rosenbaum (1965), 4,170,053 to Rosenzweig (1979), and 6,041,481 to Martin (2000). These inventions only create an illusion of pleated fabric material and do not provide a method for actually generating uniform pleats within any fabric. 
         [0009]    No compact portable apparatuses are known for creating uniform pleats within fabric material. Additionally, there is no known mechanism to aid in the proper wearing of a traditional sari, dhoti, or long scarf where many meters of fabric must be pleated for the garment to be worn. 
       OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
       [0010]    The primary object of this invention is to provide a hand-held pleating apparatus that overcomes the above-mentioned problem associated with no known portable hand-held tool for creating pleats and which, nevertheless, provides a straightforward mechanism of creating uniform pleats of varying widths within any fabric material in a facile way. One form of fabric material is a sari, dhoti, sarong or long scarf where many meters of fabric material are required to be pleated to be worn. 
         [0011]    Currently a sari, usually between 5.5 to 8 meters long, is worn with multiple uniform pleats being created manually and many times with aid from an additional person. Wearing a sari requires frequent practice and dexterity and there is no tool to assist this process. With this invention, fabric material such as a sari is manually tucked around the body whereby the hand-held pleating apparatus is then used to create uniform pleats of all required material, is removed from the fabric material, and the resulting pleats are then tucked and secured with aid from a safety pin or broach resulting in proper wearing of the garment. 
         [0012]    More specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide a pleating apparatus construction, which includes a pleat creating attachment in the form of fingers adapted to facilitate insertion of fabric material of varying thickness to be woven through the pleating apparatus by the user. The two rigid support arms are designed such that the narrower arm can slide within the wider arm and lock at varying widths with the narrowest resulting pleat width exceeding the width of a single arm. Each arm of the pleating apparatus contains five to ten laterally spaced fingers that allow for insertion of any fabric material to be woven alternatively through opposing and adjacent fingers to form multiple uniform pleats. The pleating apparatus is portable, compact, and can be carried in a pocket or handbag. Embodiments of the pleating apparatus could exist as two sliding arms with fingers that fold for compact handling, pull apart through pressure fits and separate into three or four segments, or exist as a single solid unit in multiple increasing sizes. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0013]    In accordance with the present invention a portable hand-held pleating apparatus comprises a central rigid body and two sets of opposing multiple finger elements adapted for weaving a selected section of any fabric material alternatively between and around adjacent and opposing fingers to create pleats within said fabric. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       Figures 
         [0014]    Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a fragmentary front elevational view of a fabric material having pleats formed therein by means of the hand-held pleating apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the pleated fabric material shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of pleating apparatus with rigid member attachment mounted thereon and one embodiment of the locking mechanism demonstrated. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the pleating apparatus. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the wider arm of the pleating apparatus. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of the wider arm of the pleating apparatus. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the wider arm of the pleating apparatus. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the narrower arm of the pleating apparatus. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a front elevational view of the narrower arm of the pleating apparatus. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the narrower arm of the pleating apparatus. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the pleating apparatus. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a side elevational view of the pleating apparatus with an illustrative fabric shown. 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  A-D is an illustrative diagram on wearing a sari (saree). 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the pleating apparatus. 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the pleating apparatus. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Preferred Embodiment 
       [0030]    Referring first to  FIGS. 5 through 7 , the hand-held pleating apparatus of the present invention is preferably formed by a first of two rigid support arms, designated  20 , and includes five to ten fingers coated with an agglutinative substance taken from a group consisting essentially of but not limited to plastic, rubberized, and flocking, illustrated as eight fingers designated M ( 22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ). All fingers are arranged laterally and imbedded into arm  20  at a preferred 90 degree right angle. As shown in  FIG. 6 , fingers M flare slightly outwardly in an upward direction. Likewise, as shown in  FIG. 5  in one embodiment the outer fingers  22  and  36  can slope slightly rearwardly relative to the plane of the inner fingers  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  in an upward direction. 
         [0031]      FIG. 6  illustrates how arm  20  is wider and curves up and over the said second arm, designated  21 , in  FIG. 8 . This feature prevents the pleating apparatus from twisting resulting in asymmetrical pleats. Additionally, one preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5 to 7 , the arm has a slit or small clip, designated  40 , which can grip a corner of the fabric material to be pleated.  FIGS. 5 and 7  also illustrate one preferred embodiment having an aperture within arm  20  applied to adjust the width of the pleating apparatus and thusly affecting the width of the resulting pleats. An alternative embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 11  where arm  20  is modified to having alternating a plurality of protrusions and aperatures designated  58 ,  59 ,  60 ,  61 ,  62 ,  63 . 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIGS. 8 through 10 , the hand-held pleating apparatus of the present invention is preferably formed by a second rigid support arm, designated  21 , and includes five to ten fingers coated with a substance to increase tackiness taken from a group consisting essentially of but not limited to plastic, rubberize and flock, illustrated as eight fingers designated N ( 23 ,  25 ,  27 ,  29 ,  31 ,  33 ,  35 ,  37 ). All fingers are arranged laterally and imbedded into arm  21  at a preferred 90 degree right angle. As shown in  FIG. 9 , fingers N flare slightly outwardly in an upward direction. Likewise, as shown in  FIG. 8  in one embodiment the outer fingers  23  and  37  can slope slightly rearwardly relative to the plane of the inner fingers  25 ,  27 ,  29 ,  31 ,  33 ,  35  in an upward direction. 
         [0033]      FIG. 9  illustrates how this arm, designated  21 , is slightly narrower than the first arm of the pleating apparatus and can fit within the curve of the wider arm  20 . This feature prevents the pleating apparatus from twisting resulting in asymmetrical pleats. Additionally, one preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8 to 10 , the arm has a slit or small clip designated  41  that can grip a corner of the fabric material to be pleated.  FIGS. 8 and 10  also illustrate one preferred embodiment having a plurality of apertures parallel to the lateral edge of the arm designated  43 ,  45 ,  47 ,  49 ,  51 ,  53 ,  55 ,  57  are applied to adjust the width of the pleating apparatus and thusly affecting the width of the resulting pleats. Additional embodiments may allow for rigid support arm  21  to slide within arm  20  and lock into place at varying widths. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 9 , the cross-section width of a single finger M and N is not critical but a preferred embodiment is to be thin and any shape circular, square, and hexagonal. The nubbin at the end of each finger is optional and is applied to prevent snagging of fabric. The length of each finger is optional and all fingers M and N are preferred to be uniform in dimension. The resultant pleat penetrates into a certain length of fabric and is dependent upon the length of fingers M and N. The lateral spacing between fingers must be slightly larger than at least two times the thickness of the fabric to be pleated to provide for ease of insertion and weaving. In alternate embodiments the fingers M and N can fold, pull or separate making the apparatus conveniently portable. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 3 and 4  show the assembled hand-held pleating apparatus where the narrower arm  21  is inserted within the wider arm  20 . Aligning apertures and inserting a releasable locking mechanism not limited to a screw with washer/nut, locking ring, velcro, and having protrusions with corresponding apertures adjust the width of the ensemble. Illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is alignment of aperture  42  with  49 . Fabric material is woven alternately through opposing and adjacent fingers contained within rigid arms  20  and  21 . 
         [0036]    The invention includes various alternative embodiments that may be constructed of a variety of the same or different materials. In one embodiment the hand-held pleating apparatus consists of a single molded plastic device in which the finger elements are integral with the central gripping section as illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . In another embodiment the apparatus may consist of metal prongs embedded in a penetrable material such as a wood block or drilled material for pressure fitting the prongs. Still other embodiments may be constructed of multiple components with the finger elements releasably attached to the central gripping member. Alternatively, the finger elements may be attached by hinged devices to provide a foldable apparatus. In one-piece devices such as the single molded plastic, illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the pleating width is predetermined by the distance chosen for the center gripping section between the opposing finger-like elements. Any suitable distance may be chosen though generally for a sari the distance will be between about three to eight inches. In still other embodiments with multiple components, the distance between the opposing finger elements may be adjustable to allow for producing pleated fabric of different pleat widths depending on the setting of the adjustable center section. Additionally, other means for varying the distance between the respective finger elements may be employed as are readily available to those skilled in the art. 
         [0037]    Obviously the apparatus of the invention may be fitted with or constructed from decorative elements and may be combined with other functional elements such as a lint brush or other surface attached to the central gripping portion. All of such optional devices are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. 
         [0038]      FIG. 12  illustrates weaving a fabric material through the pleating apparatus to create accordion pleats. Select the desired pleat width for appearance purposes by sliding and locking rigid support arm  21  within arm  20 . Starting with one corner of the fabric to be woven, secure the end within clip  40  and weave through finger  22 . The lateral edge O of the fabric is maintained parallel to the plane of interlocked support arms  20  and  21  throughout the weaving process. The fabric is then wrapped around opposing finger  23  and woven between adjacent fingers  22  and  24 . The pleat created within the fabric penetrates the length of fingers  22  and  23 . The fabric is then wrapped around opposing finger  24  and woven between adjacent fingers  23  and  25 . The third pleat is created by wrapping the fabric around opposing finger  25  and weaving between adjacent fingers  24  and  26 . The fabric is then woven around finger  26  and back across to opposed and adjacent fingers  25  and  27 . Wrapping around finger  27  and weaving between opposed and adjacent fingers  26  and  28  illustrate continuation of the motion. As viewed from the front, the pleat thus formed has the appearance illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As viewed from the top, the pleat thus formed has the appearance of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0039]    One form of fabric material for immediate application with the herein described pleating apparatus is a sari. The traditional steps to wearing a sari are illustrated in  FIG. 13 . A sari is bought and sold as a one-size-fits-all garment and can vary from 5.5 to 8 meters in length. Saris are composed of fabric material ranging from cotton, silk, chiffon, georgette, and polyester blends. The wearer customizes the fit of the sari for her body by modifying the pleat width and number of pleats taken with the fabric material.  FIG. 13A  shows that a sari is worn by beginning to tuck edge O into the right side of a petticoat. The lower edge of the sari, P, should be grazing the floor. The sari is tucked around the waist into the petticoat. Next the entire length of the sari is wrapped around the body once coming back in front on the right side.  FIG. 13B  illustrates creating five to eight uniform pleats of equal width, approximately 5 inches wide, and gathering the pleats together ensuring that the lower edge of the pleats are uniform as well. The pleats may be secured with a safety pin to prevent the pleats from scattering. The pleats, along edge O, are then tucked within the petticoat. The herein described pleating apparatus will play an essential role in this step. Creating uniform pleats requires practice, dexterity and patience. The pleating apparatus will assist the user by quickly creating uniform pleats within the fabric material. Drape the remaining fabric around the hips once more from left to right and bring the material to the front holding the top edge O of the sari as shown in  FIG. 13C . The width of the sari is then manually pleated and brought up and over the left shoulder so that the end Q of the sari falls to the back of the knees as shown in  FIG. 13D . The herein described pleating apparatus will also play an essential role in this step by increasing the ease at which uniform accordion pleats will be created. The sari may be secured to the shoulder by a small safety pin or broach.

Technology Classification (CPC): 3