Bobbin management system

Abstract

The utility model provides a bobbin management system which comprises a bobbin top cover and a multi-cavity bobbin frame. The bobbin top cover is provided with a central disc, supporting columns extend upwards and downwards from the central disc, the top of each supporting column is provided with a mushroom-shaped supporting block, and a chamfering flange is arranged in the middle of each supporting column. The upwardly protruding strut is adapted to mate with the axial through-hole of the spool and to secure the spool, and the downwardly protruding strut is adapted to pass through the axial central through-hole of the supply spool and to be secured to the supply spool.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sewing machines, and in particular to a spool management system. Background Technology

[0002] Sewing machines are no longer just simple, practical tools for stitching fabric together. Today, they can quilt, automatically make buttonholes, design embroidery, create piping, and perform a wide variety of decorative stitches. Sewing machines are also typically equipped with a wide variety of needles, accessories, needle plates, and presser feet, including buttonhole feet, hem feet, blind stitch feet, pleat feet, zipper feet, gauges, rulers, tape, seam guides, clips, rollers, and threading devices. Therefore, the days when seamstresses could carry everything in a sewing basket and use it whenever they had a spare moment are long gone.

[0003] Especially when used for decorative designs such as embroidery, sewing machine users often use a variety of different styles, weights, types, and colors of thread to express their artistic creativity. In many applications, users use matching thread on the spool and the supply spool. Typically, before using a specific thread, the user winds a suitable amount of thread from the supply spool onto the spool. Generally, the amount of thread wound onto the spool should be sufficient to ensure that the user doesn't run out of thread when sewing a specific stitch. Therefore, users prefer to wind more thread onto the spool rather than less, and since it's impractical to unwind thread from the spool, a considerable amount of thread remains on the spool after the intended sewing is completed. Therefore, spools are usually sold in packs of 10 to 50, as users may typically have dozens of spools containing thread at any given time. For embroiderers, pre-wound spools are sold in packs of 144. Similarly, spool organizers that can hold more than 25 spools are also available to help keep items organized. In some applications, the spool does not need to match the face thread, but in other cases, users will prefer to use a spool that is exactly the same color and weight as the supply thread. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a spool management system to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, this utility model adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A spool management system includes a multi-cavity spool holder and a spool top cover. The spool holder has multiple lower end receiving portions on its first surface, each suitable for receiving the lower end of a cylindrical supply spool. Each lower end receiving portion contains a fixing post adapted to enter the central through-hole of the cylindrical supply spool. The spool holder also has multiple double-layered upper end receiving portions on its second surface. The upper wall of each upper end receiving portion is the lowermost part of one of the lower end receiving portions. In each upper wall, a shoulder is formed 12 mm below the upper surface of the double-layered upper end receiving portion, forming a spool receiving portion suitable for receiving the spool.

[0007] When a spool top cover is used, which passes through the spool through-hole and the central through-hole of the cylindrical supply spool, the spool top cover mounts the spool to the upper end of the cylindrical supply spool, and the spool receiving portion is adapted to accommodate the upper end of the cylindrical supply spool;

[0008] The spool holder is made of a semi-transparent or transparent polymer.

[0009] Furthermore, multiple lower receiving portions are adapted to receive the lower ends of cylindrical supply spools with diameters ranging from 19 mm to 38 mm, and upper receiving portions are adapted to receive the upper ends of cylindrical supply spools with a maximum diameter of 38 mm.

[0010] Furthermore, the spool holder is made of a polymer selected from transparent polystyrene polymer or semi-transparent polypropylene polymer.

[0011] Furthermore, the diameter of the cylindrical supply spool is in the range of 19 mm to 42 mm; the diameter of the central through hole of the cylindrical supply spool is in the range of 6.9 mm to 7.8 mm; the outer diameter of the spool is at most 26 mm, and the height is in the range of 8.6 mm to 12 mm. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0013] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same numbers denote similar components. In these drawings:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a front view of the spool top cover of this utility model;

[0015] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Rear view of the centerline shaft top cover;

[0016] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Top view of the centerline axis top cover;

[0017] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Bottom view of the centerline axis top cover;

[0018] Figure 5 Viewed from above Figure 1 Isometric drawing of the centerline axis top cover;

[0019] Figure 6 For viewing from below Figure 1 Isometric drawing of the centerline axis top cover;

[0020] Figure 7 This is an isometric view of the multi-cavity bobbin frame of this utility model as viewed from above;

[0021] Figure 8 for Figure 7 An isometric view of a multi-cavity bobbin holder from above, showing the supply bobbins inside the holder, with the bobbins passing through... Figure 1-6 The top cover of the spool shown in the image secures the spool.

[0022] Figure 9 For two Figure 7 An isometric view of multi-cavity bobbin holders stacked together, viewed from above. The bobbin holders contain supply bobbins, which are then loaded with... Figure 1-6 The top cover of the spool shown in the image secures the spool.

[0023] Figure 10 for Figure 7 Multi-cavity spool carrier along Figure 7 Sectional view along line 10-10;

[0024] Figure 11 for Figure 1 The dimensioned version shows the preferred dimensions of a specific embodiment of a spool top cover according to this utility model;

[0025] Figure 12 for Figure 3 The dimensioned version shows the preferred dimensions of a specific embodiment of the multi-cavity bobbin holder of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 13 for Figure 10 The dimensioned version shows the preferred dimensions of a specific embodiment of the multi-cavity bobbin holder of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 14 Approximate measurement dimensions for various spools in the US retail market.

[0028] Figure 15 Approximate measurement dimensions for various spools in the US retail market.

[0029] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0030] Top cover of spool (20); central disc (22); peripheral edge (24); upper surface (26); spool support (28); spool support shaft (30); spool flange (32); mushroom cap (34); lower surface (36); supply spool support (38); supply spool support shaft (40); supply spool flange (42); truncated conical foot (44); fixing slit (46); multi-cavity spool holder (60); multi-cavity spool holder (61); fixing post (62); lower end receiving part (64); spool receiving part (66); upper end receiving part (68); shoulder (69); spool (80); spool end (85); supply spool (90). Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present utility model or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0032] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0033] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0034] exist Figure 1-6 In this design, the spool top cover 20 includes a central disk 22 with an upwardly extending peripheral edge 24 surrounding an upper surface 26 and a lower surface 36. A spool support 28 projects upward from the central disk 22, with a spool flange 32 at its center and a mushroom cap 34 at its top. A supply spool support 38 projects downward from the central disk 22, with a supply spool flange 42 at its center and a truncated conical foot 44 at its end. The spool top cover 20 is preferably made of a resilient material, allowing the spool support 28 to be inserted into and secured therein by friction in a cylindrical bore with a diameter between approximately 5.5 and 6.4 mm, a range that covers many (if not almost all) spools in the US consumer market. See also Figure 14 and Figure 15 Approximate measured dimensions of various spools available in the US retail market. Because manufacturers appear to treat the precise dimensions of the spools as confidential information, these dimensions are not easily determined through internet searches.

[0035] Furthermore, Singer manufactures at least three types of "Touch & Sew" series holeless spools, making them unsuitable for use with the spool top cover of this invention. It should be noted that manufacturers typically consider the exact dimensions of their spools confidential information, making them difficult to obtain through internet searches. Therefore, all dimensions given in this document were obtained through actual measurements using a digital micrometer. Due to factors such as measurement methods and slight differences in the spools themselves, these dimensions may have some degree of inaccuracy. Even if the dimensions are recorded with precision down to one-hundredth of a millimeter, the actual measured value may not truly achieve such accuracy.

[0036] Ideally, the spool support 30 on the spool top cover 20 has a diameter of approximately 4 mm to 5.5 mm, the spool flange 32 on the spool support 30 has a diameter of approximately 6.5 mm to 8 mm, the length of the spool flange 32 is approximately 1.5 mm to 5 mm, the mushroom cap 34 has a diameter of approximately 6 mm to 8 mm, and the length of the portion of the mushroom cap 34 with a diameter greater than 2 mm is 1 mm to 5 mm. Particularly ideally, the diameter of the spool flange 32 is approximately 6.45 mm to 6.65 mm, and the diameter of the mushroom cap 34 is between 5.65 mm and 6.35 mm. Surprisingly, it has been found that supports with these dimensions, made of the elastomer described herein, can easily fit and secure spools with bore diameters between 5.55 mm and 6.4 mm. The lower surface 31 of the mushroom cap 34 is preferably approximately 8 mm to 12 mm away from the upper surface 26 of the central disk 22 so that the mushroom cap 34 can be securely inserted into the bore of the spool. The diameter of the central disk 22 (excluding the peripheral edge 24) is preferably between 19 mm and 27 mm, more preferably between 19.2 mm and 26 mm, and most preferably between 19.7 mm and 25.5 mm. The thickness of the peripheral edge 24 is preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm, more preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm, and most preferably about 2 mm, as are the thickness of the central disk 22 and the height of the peripheral edge 24. The diameter of the spool support 38 is preferably between 5 mm and 6.85 mm, most preferably between 5.5 mm and 6.8 mm, and further preferably between 5.75 mm and 6.7 mm. The length of the spool support 38 is between 10 mm and 35 mm, more preferably between 10 mm and 25 mm, and most preferably between 12 mm and 15 mm. The diameters of the truncated conical foot 44 and the spool flange 42 are between 7.8 mm and 8.5 mm, and most preferably between 7.9 mm and 8.3 mm. In some cases, the diameter of the supply spool flange 42 is approximately 0.5 mm larger than the truncated conical foot 44. Crucially, these specific dimensions are chosen to allow the spool support 28, spool flange 32, and mushroom cap 34 to be easily inserted into various intended spool through-holes and held in place by friction, while also allowing the user to easily remove them from the spool as needed; while the supply spool support 38, truncated conical foot 44, and supply spool flange 42 can be easily inserted into the center through-hole of the desired supply spool. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The dimensions shown have been confirmed for Figure 14 The spools described in the text and Figure 15 The spools described herein meet these standards very well. Figure 11 and Figure 12Preferred dimensions and angles not explicitly marked in the drawings can be calculated proportionally from the dimensions and angles explicitly marked in the drawings. While it is simplest to mold the spool top cover 20 as a body of revolution, this is not mandatory. If it is desired that components such as the spool flange 32, mushroom cap 34, spool supply flange 42, truncated conical foot 44, or other parts described as bodies of revolution are not perfectly circular, suitable performance can still be obtained as long as the maximum width of these components conforms to the diameter standards given herein. It should also be noted that, for ease of observation, Figure 1 and Figure 11 The fixed slit 46 is depicted as wider, but in reality, the width of the fixed slit 46 should be smaller than the diameter of ordinary sewing thread. In most cases, unless an object is inserted, the two walls of the fixed slit 46 are usually in contact with each other.

[0037] Figures 7 to 10 A multi-cavity spool holder 60 suitable for implementation of this invention is shown. The spool holder can be made of any convenient polymer. Preferably, the multi-cavity spool holder 60 will be made of a thermoplastic elastomer, while in other cases, it will be made of a more rigid polymer. Since the color of the sewing thread is very important, the multi-cavity spool holder 60 is preferably made of a translucent or transparent material so that the color of the thread on each spool can be easily determined. In this embodiment, the multi-cavity spool holder 60 is made of a polymer of transparent polystyrene or translucent polypropylene. A lower end receiving portion 64 is formed on the upper surface of the multi-cavity spool holder 60, while a spool receiving portion 66 and an upper end receiving portion 68 are formed on the lower surface. A spool retaining post 62 located in a central position extends from the upper surface of the multi-cavity spool holder 60 into the lower end receiving portion 64, and is adapted to mate with the central through-hole of spools commonly supplied in the US retail market. Therefore, the maximum width of the spool fixing post 62 is preferably no more than 7.2 mm, more preferably no more than 7 mm, and most preferably no more than 6.9 mm; while the minimum width of the lower receiving portion 64 and the upper receiving portion 68 is at least about 19.5 mm, more preferably at least about 29 mm, even more preferably at least about 35 mm, still more preferably at least about 40 mm, and most preferably at least about 42.5 mm. Figure 8 In the multi-cavity spool holder 60, a supply spool 90 is installed. The central through hole of the supply spool 90 passes through the fixing post 62 on the multi-cavity spool holder 60, so that the lower end of the supply spool 90 is fixed to the lower end receiving portion 64 of the multi-cavity spool holder 60. A spool 80 is installed on the spool top cover 20. The supply spool support 38 of the spool top cover 20 is inserted into the central through hole of the supply spool 90, and the spool support 30 of the spool top cover 20 is inserted into the through hole of the spool 80, so that the spool 80 is fixed to the upper end of the supply spool 90. The user can associate each supply spool 90 with a spool 80 with a thread end 85. The thread end 85 on each spool 80 is fixed in the thread fixing slit 46 on the peripheral edge 24 of the corresponding spool top cover 20. Figure 9 Two multi-cavity bobbin holders 60 and 61 are shown, each holding a bobbin 80 and a supply bobbin 90. The multi-cavity bobbin holder 61 is positioned above the multi-cavity bobbin holder 60. The upper end of the supply bobbin 90 in the multi-cavity bobbin holder 60 is nested within an upper receiving portion 68 formed on the lower surface of the multi-cavity bobbin holder 61. The bobbin 80, placed on the supply bobbin 90 in the multi-cavity bobbin holder 60, is received by a bobbin receiving portion 66 on the lower surface of the multi-cavity bobbin holder 61. Figure 10 As shown, a shoulder 69 is formed at the intersection of the larger diameter upper receiving portion 68 and the smaller diameter spool receiving portion 66.

[0038] In other embodiments (not shown in the figures), a peripheral elastic support pad is provided near the lower end of the upper receiving portion 68 to help secure the inserted spool 80. Similarly, a peripheral elastic support pad can be added to the upper end of the lower receiving portion 64 to help secure the placed supply spool 90. These support pads can be placed as needed using a known two-color injection molding process.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself.

[0040] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0041] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0042] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A spool management system comprising a multi-cavity spool holder (60) and a spool top cover (20), characterized in that, The first surface of the spool holder (60) is provided with a plurality of lower end receiving portions (64), each lower end receiving portion (64) is adapted to receive the lower end of a cylindrical supply spool (90), and each lower end receiving portion (64) is provided with a fixing post (62), the fixing post (62) is adapted to enter the central through hole of the cylindrical supply spool (90); the second surface of the spool holder (60) is provided with a plurality of double-layer upper end receiving portions (68), the upper wall of each upper end receiving portion (68) is the lowermost part of one of the lower end receiving portions (64), and in each upper wall, a shoulder (69) is formed 12 mm below the upper surface of the double-layer upper end receiving portion (68), the shoulder (69) forms a spool receiving portion (66), adapted to receive the spool (80); When a spool top cover (20) is used, which passes through the through hole of the spool (80) and the central through hole of the cylindrical supply spool (90), the spool top cover (20) mounts the spool (80) on the upper end of the cylindrical supply spool (90), and the spool receiving part (66) is adapted to receive the upper end of the cylindrical supply spool (90); The spool holder (60) is made of a semi-transparent polymer or a transparent polymer.

2. The spool management system of claim 1, wherein, Multiple lower end receiving portions (64) are adapted to receive the lower end of a cylindrical supply spool (90) with a diameter ranging from 19 mm to 38 mm, and an upper end receiving portion (68) is adapted to receive the upper end of a cylindrical supply spool (90) with a maximum diameter of 38 mm.

3. The spool management system of claim 2, wherein, The spool holder (60) is made of a polymer selected from transparent polystyrene polymer or semi-transparent polypropylene polymer.

4. The spool management system of claim 1, wherein, The spool holder (60) is made of a polymer selected from transparent polystyrene polymer or semi-transparent polypropylene polymer.

5. The spool management system of claim 1, wherein, The diameter of the cylindrical supply spool (90) is in the range of 19 mm to 42 mm; the diameter of the central through hole of the cylindrical supply spool (90) is in the range of 6.9 mm to 7.8 mm; the outer diameter of the spool (80) is a maximum of 26 mm and the height is in the range of 8.6 mm to 12 mm.

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