Decorative bead threading device

Abstract

A decorative bead threading device having a top portion that stores stacks of beads inside tubes that are selectable. A bottom portion with an outer shell encapsulating an internal portion. The internal portion is engaged by two user operated buttons that extend through the outer shell and drive a lever inside the outer shell. The lever of the internal portion pushes a bead pusher that selects one heishi bead at a time from a selected stack of beads that are encapsulated in tubes that comprise the tower portion. The heishi beads that are selected thread down a threader that is removable and outside the outer shell that is connected to a string. The string can be pulled from a spool inside the outer shell and cut to create jewelry accessories with the heishi beads that are selected.

Description

DECORATIVE BEAD THREADING DEVICETechnical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bead threading toy that is adjustable and allows users to store and select from multiple colors of beads to create beaded jewelry.Background

[0002] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] Decorative beads have been used for a long time to create jewelry and accessories. However, the beads can be small, difficult to keep separated from each other, and difficult to keep organized in a color-coded manner without proper preparation.

[0004] Even with color-coded separation, decorative beads often need to be threaded individually to a thread or string before jewelry or accessories can be made. The threaded accessories may have a large number of beads along the same string causing the creation of the accessory to take a very long time.

[0005] One example of decorative beads which can be employed use the device and the present invention are known as Heishi beads. Heishi beads often are small and tend to be rounded making it particularly difficult to handle and thread.Summary

[0006] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0007] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0008] In a broad aspect of the present embodiment, a decorative bead threading device may comprise: a top portion having at least one tube, which may be configured to receive a plurality of beads; and a base portion, which may be disposed below the top portion and may include a threader assembly, wherein the threader assembly may include a threader. Furthermore, a releasing mechanism may be operable by a user to release a bead from the at least one tube onto the threader.

[0009] In some embodiments, the at least one tube of the decorative bead threading device may comprise a plurality of tubes such that the top portion includes the plurality of tubes each for containing a stack of the plurality of beads.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of tubes of the decorative bead threading device may be arranged in a carousel rotatable along a center axis, and a singular tube of the carousel may be in a selected position to have a singular bead be released by the releasing mechanism.

[0011] In some embodiments, the singular tube of the carousel in the selected position may allow the singular bead to be released by the releasing mechanism, wherein the releasing mechanism may thread the bead to the threader assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the threader assembly may be attachable to a string and the threader assembly may be removably attachable to the base portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the base portion may further comprise a funnel releasably connectable to the base portion. The funnel may have a funnel aperture, which may be configured to interface with a tube opening of each one of the plurality of tubes, and wherein the funnel may be configured to store a spool for receiving the string. Furthermore, the funnel may have a side opening for releasing the string from the spool.

[0014] In some embodiments, the threader assembly may further comprise a threader holder, which may be configured to hold the threader near a bottom of the threader. Furthermore, the releasing mechanism may comprise a bead pusher and an actuator, which may be connectable to the bead pusher to move the bead pusher from a retracted position to a bead release position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the threader holder may be configured to hold the threader such that a tip of the threader may be offset towards the retracted position. The threader assembly may further comprise a threader pusher, which may be movable with the bead pusher, wherein the threader pusher may be configured to center and align the tip of the threader with a hole of the bead released from the at least one tube.

[0016] In some embodiments, the releasing mechanism may further comprise a metal spring connectable to the bead pusher.

[0017] In some embodiments, the threader may further comprise a notch configured to be held by at least one tab of a plurality of tabs of the threader holder, wherein the notch may allow to align the threader with a body of the base portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the threader may further comprise a threader attachment locatedat an end of the threader opposite to the tip. Furthermore, the threader attachment may be configured to be connectable at the end of the threader and to receive the string.

[0019] In some embodiments, the threader assembly may further comprise a lever, which may be connectable to the bead pusher and the threader pusher.

[0020] In some embodiments, the threader pusher may further comprise a first extended portion, which may be configured to stop the bead released by the releasing mechanism from moving down the threader, when the bead threading device may be in the retracted position, and release the bead onto the threader, when the bead threading device may be in the bead release position.

[0021] In some embodiments, the top portion may further comprise a cap, which may be configured to be positioned atop of the carousel and encapsulate the plurality of beads located inside the plurality of tubes.

[0022] In some embodiments, the cap may comprise a rim portion for encapsulating the plurality of beads inside the plurality of tubes and a flap for encapsulating an internal cavity of the top portion.

[0023] In some embodiments, each one of the plurality of tubes may comprise a plurality of elongated apertures, which may be located on an outwardly projecting side of each one of the plurality of tubes.

[0024] In some embodiments, bead threading device may further comprise a pin, which may be configured to interface with the elongated apertures to align the plurality of beads contained inside the at least one tube.

[0025] In some embodiments, each tube of the plurality of tubes may comprise a side aperture allowing to release the bead when said releasing mechanism is engaged.

[0026] In some embodiments, the top portion may be made of a transparent rigid material, allowing for a visual confirmation of a color and a quantity of the plurality of beads.

[0027] In a broad aspect of the present invention, a method of assembling an accessory may comprise the following steps: (a) inserting beads into at least two tubes of a plurality of tubes of a top portion; (b) connecting a threader to a first end of a string and placing the threader into a threader holder of a threader assembly comprised within a base portion; (c) rotating the top portion or the base portion to align one tube of the at least two tubes with a threader; (d) engaging an actuator to cause a releasing mechanism release one of a plurality of beads from the one tube ontoa threader; and (e) repeating steps (c) and (d) to complete a pattern of the accessory. Moreover, step (e) may further comprise breaking the string to create a second end and joining the first end and the second end together to finish assembling an accessory.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] The invention will be better understood by way of the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1A schematically illustrates ascended perspective view of the decorative bead threading device of the present invention;

[0030] Figure IB schematically illustrates a side view of the decorative bead threading device of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a fully exploded view of the decorative bead threading device of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a partially exploded view of the decorative bead threading device of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4A schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the decorative bead threading device of the present invention in a first position (or a retracted position);

[0034] Figure 4B schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the decorative bead threading device of the present invention in a second position (or a bead release position);

[0035] Figure 5A schematically illustrates a front view of the decorative bead threading device of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5B schematically illustrates a back view of the decorative bead threading device of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6A schematically illustrates a top view of the decorative bead threading device of the present invention; and

[0038] Figure 6B schematically illustrates a bottom view of the decorative bead threading device of the present invention.Detailed Description

[0039] It is explicitly stated that all features disclosed in the description and / or the claims are intended to be disclosed separately and independently from each other for the purpose of original disclosure as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed invention independent of the composition of the features in the embodiments and / or the claims. Example embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0040] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0041] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0042] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms suchas "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0043] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below", or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0044] A decorative bead threading device 10, as shown in Figures 1A and IB, will now be described. It may be appreciated that bead threading device 10 may be provided by a portable and self-contained device, which may be configured to adjustably release from at least one column or tube 30 of a plurality of tubes, a variety of stored beads 12 (i.e., a plurality of beads 12, which may be stacked in tube 30), which may be stored inside tube 30, to be threaded along thread or string 14 for making jewelry or accessories (e.g., bracelets, necklaces, keychains, etc.). It may further be appreciated that beads 12 may, for example, be provided by flat sided beads (e g., Heishi beads), which may have a cylindrical shape, allowing to place them on top of each other to create a stack). Suitable beads may be made of plastic (rigid or flexible), ceramic, glass, metal, wood, shell, rubber, or the like.

[0045] As illustrated in Figures 1A and IB, schematically showing a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a device described herein, bead threading device 10 may include top portion 16 and base portion 17, wherein top portion 16 may engage with base portion 17 (for example, top portion 16 may be releasably connectable or permanently attached to base portion 17). Base portion 17 may comprise outer shell 18, which may encapsulate internal portion 20 (as further illustrated in Figure 2), and may provide structural support for top portion 16.

[0046] Furthermore, top portion 16 may be provided by carousel 26, which may be formed by a plurality of tubes or columns 30 (further referred to as tubes 30) arranged in a circular pattern(i.e., tubes 30 may be arranged side-by-side in a circular manner). Each one of tubes 30 of top portion 16 may serve as a container for beads 12 to be released onto threader 22 attached to thread or string 14. It may further be appreciated that tubes 30 may have the same length and may be aligned vertically or offset some degree from vertically. Furthermore, each one of tubes 30 may be hollow and may have a tube opening with a diameter allowing for receiving, storing and stacking beads 12 (for example, a used may fill each tube of tubes 30 with beads 12 of a particular color, which may allow to separate beads of different colors and create a color palette for a future accessory). Beat threading device 10 then may release beads 12 one-by-one onto thread or string 14

[0047] It may be appreciated that top portion 16 and base portion 17 of bead threading device 10 may be made of plastic, metal, or another suitable material, or a combination of materials, allowing bead threading device 10 to maintain the general structure while being handled by a user and allow for threading of beads 12. Furthermore, it may be appreciated that top portion 16 may be transparent, allowing a user to see the color and quantity of beads 12 located inside tubes 30 of carousel 26. Moreover, the outer shell 18 of base portion 17 may be opaque (i.e., have a solid color), which may allow components contained within internal portion 20 of base portion 17 to be non-visible to a user.

[0048] As further illustrated in Figures 1A and IB, base portion 17 may comprise front body 34, rear body 36, upper body 28, and funnel 38, which may be releasably connectable to the bottom of base portion 17 and may serve as a container for spool 60 (as shown in Figures 2 and 3). Furthermore, base portion 17 may be configured to accommodate threader 22, which may be releasably connectable to base portion 17 and may be configured to receive thread or string 14.

[0049] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a full exploded view of an embodiment of bead threading device 10. As illustrated in Figure 2, top portion 16 may comprised an internal cavity 15, which, may serve as a storage container for extra beads 12, or extra thread or spool 60, or any other items or materials selected by a user, which may be used as a refill or any other useful component in the process of creating a piece of jewelry or an accessory. Furthermore, each one of tubes 30, forming a circular pattern of carousel 26, may have outward projecting side 25 and inward projecting side 27, wherein outward projecting side 25 may face a user, and inward projecting side 25 may face internal cavity 15 created by tubes 30. It may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that top portion 16 may comprise a bottom part, which may enclose cavity15 and may be configured to be connectable to upper body 28 of base portion 17.

[0050] Top portion 16 may also include cap 24, which may be configured to engage with carousel 26 at a position atop tubes 30. Cap 24 may comprise rim portion 51 and flap 53. It may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that rim portion 51 may encapsulate beads 12 separately from internal cavity 15, which may prevent beads 12 from escaping tubes 30, for example, when flipping bead threading device 10 upside down. Moreover, flap 53 of cap 24 may be used to further encapsulate internal cavity 15 (for example, when top portion 16 is attached to base portion 17, allowing to store extra materials for creating an accessory within internal cavity 15). Furthermore, top portion 16 may be releasably or permanently connectable to upper body 28 of base portion 17, wherein upper body 28 may be located below carousel 26 and may function as a bottom encapsulation for stacks of beads 12 inside tubes 30, as well as provide bottom encapsulation of a cavity created by inwardly projecting sides 27 of tubes 30 (i.e., encapsulation of internal cavity 15).

[0051] Furthermore, cap 24, carousel 26, and upper body 28 may be aligned vertically along center axis 32. Carousel 26 may be rotatably adjusted by a user along the center axis 32, in order to select one of tubes 30, i.e., to select beads 12 of a particular color. It may be appreciated that upper body 28 may not spin along with carousel 26, when a user rotates carousel 26, but instead upper body 28 may support carousel 26 and may allow it to rotate atop base portion 17 and to be selectable in a segmented manner, i.e., when carousel 26 is rotated, upper body 28 may serve as a stopper, to place one of a plurality tubes 30 into a position aligned with threader 22. When carousel 26 is rotated, upper body 28 may serve, for example, as a stopper, in order to place one tube 30 of a plurality tubes into a position aligned with threader 22. It may be appreciated that rotation in a segmented manner may be understood as an indexed rotation (for example, clockwise or counterclockwise), wherein a user may experience tactile detent feedback when one of a plurality of tubes 30 is aligned with threader 22.

[0052] As further illustrated in Figure 2 (see also Figure 3 showing a partially exploded view), upper body 28 may act as an interface between top portion 16 to base portion 17. As mentioned above, base portion 17 may include outer shell 18, threader 22, and internal portion 20. Outer shell 18 may provide a structural support for top portion 16 and may encapsulate internal portion 20. Furthermore, outer shell 18 may include upper body 28, front body 34, rear body 36, and funnel

[0053] Front body 34 and rear body 36 of base portion 17 may directly oppose each other and may interface (e.g., front body 34 and rear body 36 may be releasably connectable), allowing to encapsulate internal portion 20. It may be appreciated that front body 34 and rear body 36 may be made of plastic, or another suitable rigid material, and may comprise side slots 46 that snap together to form j oint 48 as schematically illustrated in Figure 3. Moreover, front body 34 and rear body 36 may be held together with fasteners 88, which, for example, may be provided by threaded fasteners that thread through rear body 36 and engage in at least two of four separate locations of the front body 34, which, in this example, may be provided by threaded holes 37. When front body 34 and rear body 36 are securely snapped together to form joint 48, upper slot 50 and lower slot 52 may be created. Then, upper body 28 may then be snapped into upper slot 50, and funnel 38 may be snapped into lower slot 52.

[0054] It may further be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that, in bead threading device 10 described herein, funnel 38 may be configured to be repeatedly attached and detached from bead threading device 10. Furthermore, funnel 38 may comprise projections 41, which may allow to secure spool 60 in place, when thread or string 14 may need to be released the use of bead threading device 10. Moreover, funnel 38 may comprise funnel aperture 39, which may slot and interface with one of a plurality of tubes 30 at a time, when cap 24 is removed and funnel 38 is positioned on top of tube 30 to refill the latter one with beads 12 (i.e., drop beads 12 into tube 30 to create a stack of beads). Moreover, in some embodiments of bead threading device 10, funnel 38 may further comprise at least one post 43 (in this example, two posts 43 as illustrated), which may slot or interface with at least one tube 30, which is not being refilled with beads 12, allowing to further secure funnel 38 in place during the refill process. It may also be appreciated that funnel 38 may comprise side opening 86, which may be dimensioned to receive and release thread or string 14 from spool 60, allowing a user to adjust the length of the released thread or spring 14, depending on the size of a piece of jewelry or accessory.

[0055] As further illustrated in Figure 2, internal portion 20 may comprise lever 56, bead pusher 62, thread pusher 68 (further referred to as threader pusher 68), metal spring 76, and buttons 42 (or any other suitable actuator), which may constitute a part of releasing mechanism 95 operable by a user to release one bead 12 at a time from tube 30 and then thread it onto thread or string 14. It may be appreciated that metal spring 76, or any other suitable biasing mechanism, may be connectable between bead pusher 62, which may also constitute a part of releasing mechanism 95,and upper body 28 (e.g., in proximity to rear body 36, or directly to rear body 36), in order to allow bead pusher 62 to move laterally towards the interior of front body 34 or the interior of rare body 36 (i.e., in parallel to flat surface 29 of upper body 28). Furthermore, spring 76 may be connectable to upper body 28 in proximity to the rear body 36.

[0056] It may be appreciated that, in this embodiment, bead threading device 10 may comprise two buttons 42, wherein a first button may be located on the left side of front body 34 and a second button may be located on the right side of front body 34. It may be appreciated that a user may push or engage only one of buttons 42 or may push or engage both buttons 42 at the same time, which may yield the same result, as further described in Figures 4A and 4B. In some embodiments of bead threading device 10, only one of two buttons 42 may be present. Therefore, it may be appreciated that having two buttons 42, which are positioned as described herein, may account for the handedness of a user, and may allow both a right-handed user and a left-handed user to comfortably operate bead threading device 10 to create a piece of jewelry or an accessory.

[0057] It may be appreciated that threader holder 84 which may comprise tabs 85 that may extend from internal portion 20 through front body 34, when base portion 17 is assembled (for example, as shown in Figure 3). Thus, threader 22 may be releasably connectable to front body 34 of base portion 17 of bead threading device 10 using tabs 85 of threader holder 84. It may be appreciated that notch 82 of threader 22 may contact the lower tab of tabs 85 (i.e., the lower tab of tabs 85 may be in proximity to threader attachment 23), when threader 22 is connected to front body 34. Notch 82 may allow a user to ensure that threader 22 has been positioned correctly with respect to lower body 17 (i.e., threader 22 may be aligned with a body of base portion 17) and has been properly aligned. It may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that, although, in this example two tabs 85 are illustrated, threader holder 84 may comprise any other suitable number of tabs, which may allow for a proper functionality bead threading device 10.

[0058] Furthermore, threader 22 may comprise tip 71 and end 72, which may be connectable to threader attachment 23 (in this example, end 72 of threader 22 may be permanently connected to threader attachment 23 via string connection 54). Furthermore, threader 22 allows beads 12 to thread along thread or string 14 that may be attached to threader attachment 23 to create a piece of jewelry or an accessory.

[0059] As further shown in Figure 2, lever 56 may have upper end 90, lower end 92, connection mechanism 78, which may be disposed at upper end 90, lever arms 57, and pivot point80 disposed between upper end 90 and lower end 92, wherein pivot point 80 may be configured to connect to thread pusher 68. It may be appreciated that, in this example, pivot point 80 may be provided by but is not limited to a hook, which may be configured to engage with bar 63 of threader pusher 68, allowing for further pivoting of lever 56. Furthermore, threader pusher 68 may comprise extended portion 70 (further referred to as first extended portion 70), which may extend through front opening 35 of front body 34 (as schematically illustrated, for example, in Figures 1A and 3).

[0060] It may further be appreciated that bead pusher 62 may be connectable to connection 78 (further referred to as connection mechanism 78) of lever 56. It may be appreciated that bead pusher 62 may comprise flat selecting position 64 (further referred to as flat portion 64) and extended portion 66 (further referred to as second extended portion 66). Flat portion 64 of bead pusher 62 may be aligned with flat surface 29 of upper body 28, which may assist with the encapsulation of beads 12 in tubes 30.

[0061] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 2, each tube may comprise at least one stopper 33, which may be used to prevent beads 12 from escaping tubes 30 from the bottom part of top portion 16 (i.e., the part of top portion 16, which may contact base portion 17), when top portion 16 is detached from base portion 17 (for example, when a user refills tubes 30 with beads 12). In this example, two stoppers 33 are illustrated. It may further be appreciated that at least one stopper 33 may define a width of side aperture 67, i.e., a slot that may be slightly narrower than the diameter of beads 12, which may allow rigid of flexible beads 12 to only be pushed through side aperture 67 when pressure is applied by bead pusher 62.

[0062] It may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the shape and number of tubes 30 may vary depending on the type of beads 12. For example, tubes 30 may be oval-shaped, or star-shaped, or have any other shape, as long as beads 12 may be stacked inside them. This implies that beads 12 may have flat or slightly curved sides, allowing them to create stacks inside tubes 30. However, to allow for different types of beads, side aperture 67 of each tube 30 may be dimensioned accordingly. Moreover, second extended portion 66 of bead pusher 62 may be dimensioned to push bead 12 out of tube 30.

[0063] As further illustrated in Figure 2, front body 34 may have two openings 40, which may be dimensioned to accommodate buttons 42 (as further shown, for example, in Figures 1A, IB, and 3). It may be appreciated that buttons 42 may be connectable to lever arms 57 of lever 56 be pushed or engaged by a user, which may allow one of beads 12 located atop flat portion 64 of beadpusher 62 to be pushed from tube 30 by second extended portion 66 of bead pusher 62 through side aperture 67 and threaded along threader 22. It may be appreciated that while, in this embodiment bead pusher 62 is configured to push bead 12 out of tube 30 towards the exterior of outer shell 18, bead pusher 62 may also be configured to push bead 12 towards the interior of outer shell 18. Moreover, threader 22 may be configured to be inserted into a hole of bead 12, before the latter is pushed out of tube 30. Furthermore, threaded 22 may be configured to be inserted into a hole of bead 12 and then push bead 12 out of tube 30.

[0064] It may be appreciated that, in some embodiments, front body 34 may further comprise at least one cavity 45 (in this example, two cavities 45 are illustrated), which may be dimensioned to accommodate the user’ s fingers when removing or installing threader 22 to be released or locked in place by tabs 85 of threader holder 84. It may be appreciated that tabs 85 may be received by tab slots 87 located on front body 34. Moreover, front body 34 may further comprise pocket 44 may be located at the top of front body 34. Pocket 44 may serve as a temporary compartment for bead 12 when it is pushed out of tube 30, in order to align the hole of bead 12 with threader 22 (however, not yet release bead 12 onto threader 22, while at least one of buttons 42 is pressed or engaged by a user).

[0065] It may further be appreciated that each one of a plurality of tubes 30 may have a plurality of elongated apertures 31, which may be vertically arranged along outward projecting sides 25. In this embodiment, each tube may have five apertures 31, which may be equally spaced, and may allow a user to manipulate beads 12, that are stacked inside each tube 30, for example, using pin 98, which may be stored inside funnel 38 (for example, pin 98 may be placed and secured inside a cavity of spool 60 which faces lower slot 52 when funnel 38 is attached to base portion 17, or be stored inside internal cavity 15 of top portion 16). This may be useful, for example, when a user refills tube 30 with beads 12, and beads 12 are not properly aligned with each other (i.e., each bead has a hole or an aperture in the middle which may be aligned with the hole of an adjacent bead in the stack). Therefore, pin 98 may be inserted into elongated aperture 31 to push and slide beads 12, which are not properly aligned, in order to properly align beads 12 and prevent them from being stuck inside of tube 30, interrupting their further interaction with bead pusher 62 and proper sliding onto threader 22.

[0066] It may be appreciated that threader 22, lever 56, threader pusher 68 may form a threader assembly 96. Furthermore, threader holder 84 may also be a part of threader assembly 96.

[0067] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, schematically illustrating a cross-sectional view of bead threading device 10 along an imaginary plane passing through threader 22 and the central axis 32, bead threading device 10 may be either in a first position (or a retracted position, i.e., when buttons 42 are released by a user allowing them to retract towards the user), when at least one of buttons 42 is released or no longer engaged by a user (see Figure 4A) or a second position (or a bead release position), when at least one of buttons 42 is pressed or engaged by a user (see Figure 4B), allowing bead 12 to be released onto threader 22. It may be appreciated that, in order to achieve the first position of bead threading device 10, both buttons 42 may be released or not engaged a user. For example, when a user only engages or presses one of buttons 42, i.e., when bead threading device 10 is in the second position, a user may further release that button and make sure that the other button also remains non-engaged, allowing bead threading device 10 to return to the first position.

[0068] It may be appreciated that a user may start from rotating top portion 16, i.e., carousel 26, in order to select tube 30, which contains beads 12 of a desired color. While, in this embodiment, a user may rotate top portion 16 with respect to base portion 17, it may be appreciated that a user may also alternatively rotate base portion 17 with respect to top portion 16 to select one of tubes 30. When one tube of a plurality tubes 30 is selected by a user (i.e., tube 30 is aligned with threader 22), bead 12 located inside tube 30, may be pushed by bead pusher 62, when a user pushes at least one of buttons 42. More specifically, when a user presses at least one of buttons 42, lower end 92 of lever 56 may be driven by lever arms 57 in a lateral direction towards the interior of rear body 36. Simultaneously, while lever 56 rotates around pivot point 80 (which serves as a connection to thread pusher 68 and, in this embodiment, may be provided by a hook connectable to bar 63 of threader pusher 68), connection mechanism 78 of upper end 90 may drive bead pusher 62 in the opposite direction (i.e., towards the interior of front body 34), causing second extended portion 66 of bead pusher 62 to push bead 12 out of tube 30 into pocket 44 of front body 34; also, at the same time, pivot point 80 may pull bar 63 of threader pusher 68, causing first extended portion 70 of threader pusher 68 to retract and hide inside base portion 17 (i.e., be comprised within internal portion 20). As mentioned above, pressing at least one of buttons 42 may drive bead threading device 10 from a first position to a second position, while simultaneously causing upper end 90 of lever 56 to pull metal spring 76 (i.e., causing tension in metal spring 76 pulled against lever 56).

[0069] Furthermore, when a user releases at least one of two buttons 42, causing lower end 92 of lever 56 to retract in a lateral direction towards the interior of front body 34, and simultaneously releases the tension in metal spring 76. Simultaneously, first extended portion 70 may again extend through front opening 35 of front body 34, and connection mechanism 78 of upper end 90 may drive bead pusher 62 in the opposite direction (i.e., towards the interior of rear body 36), allowing bead 12 to be released from pocket 44 and travel down along threader 22 to be stopped by first extended portion 70 of thread pusher 68, indicating that bead threading device 10 is returned from the second position to the first position, which brings buttons 42 back to their resting position which is aligned with the front body 34.

[0070] When at least one of two buttons 42 is actuated again, first extended portion 70 of thread pusher 68 may be retracted inside base portion 17 (i.e., be comprised within internal portion 20), causing bead 12 located on top of first extended portion 70 to travel down along threader 22 (for example, to join other beads 12 already present on threader 22), and another bead 12 may be pushed inside pocket 44.

[0071] Furthermore, it may be appreciated that first extended portion 70 of threader pusher 68 may comprise first recess 81, and flat portion 64 of bead pusher 62 may comprise second recess 83, wherein first recess 81 and second recess 83 may be dimensioned to accommodate threader 22. When none of buttons 42 is engaged or pushed by a user (i.e., when bead threading device 10 is in the first position, as illustrated in Figure 4A), first extended portion 70 of threader pusher 68 may apply pressure on threader 22, causing threaded 22 to align perpendicularly to central axis 32. When at least one of buttons 42 is engaged or pushed by a user, first extended portion 70 may retract towards internal portion 20 of base portion 17, and simultaneously flat portion 64 of bead pusher 62 may move towards the user, such that, for example, when first recess 81 of first extended portion 70 is no longer in contact with threader 22 and second recess 83 of flat portion 64 has not yet contacted threader 22, i.e., tip 71 of threader 22 may tilt or incline towards central axis 32. This may be understood as threader 22 achieving its resting position, i.e., a position of threader 22 when it is held by tabs 85, and no other components of threader assembly 96 contact threader 22. Furthermore, it may be appreciated that depending on structural deviations that may occur during manufacturing of bead threader device 10, threader 22 may also incline towards any other directions (e.g., to the left or to the right of central axis 32). It may be appreciated that pushing portions (i.e., portions that come in direct contact with threader 22) of first extended portion 70 ofthreader pusher and second extended portion 64 of bead pusher 62 may have but not limited to a V-shape, which may allow to steer threader 22 into a position parallel to central axis 32.

[0072] It may be appreciated that such a functionality of threader pusher 68, allowing to achieve a slight tilt of threader 22, may allow to compensate for any misalignment of threader 22 by moving tip 71 of threader 22 towards central axis 32 or towards a user, to ensure proper alignment of threader 22 with a hole of bead 12 in order to catch it. Furthermore, it may allow for threader 22 to become accustomed to allowable tolerances or variations in physical dimensions, geometry, or surface quality to ensure that bead threading device 10 functions as intended despite inevitable deviations that occur during casting, molding, or other processes, which may be used to manufacture bead threader device 10.

[0073] Moreover, as, for example, illustrated in Figure 3, threader 22 may be made of flexible material (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.), and first extended portion 70 of thread pusher 68 may apply pressure onto threader 22, which would slightly bend threader 22, so that tip 71 of threader 22 may be tilted towards a user causing threader 22 to slightly bend.

[0074] However, when, in a resting position, threader 22 is always positioned parallelly with respect to central axis 32 (i.e., there is no misalignment of threader 22 in the first place), threader 22 may always be aligned with a hole of pushed bead 12. Thus, threader pusher 68 may be an optional component of threader assembly 96.

[0075] It may be appreciated that extended portion 70 may also be dimensioned to catch bead 12, which has been received by threader 22, and then release bead 12, allowing it to travel along threader 22 to create a piece of jewelry or an accessory. It may be appreciated that first extended portion 70, which may be used to catch or temporarily stop bead 12 from sliding down threader 22, may provide a user with a visual confirmation that a chosen bead 12 currently located on top of first extended portion 70 is of a desired color. A user may remove threader 22 any time and remove or reposition beads 12 located on threader 22 to achieve a desired pattern.

[0076] It may further be appreciated that first bead 12 may slide onto threader 22 until it reaches end 72 or even threader attachment 73 of threader 22, and any other bead 12 released from tube 30 may be stacked along threader 22. Once the capacity of threader 22 has been reached, i.e., there is no place for new beads 12, a user may remove threader 22 from tabs 85 of threader holder 84 and push beads further onto thread or string 14. This process may be repeated multiple times until a pattern of a desired piece of jewelry, or an accessory is completed, and the latter is ready tobe fully assembled. It may further be appreciated that when a user has finished creating a piece of jewelry or an accessory, a user may cut or break thread or sting 14 and then secure both ends of thread or string 14, by, for example, attaching them together (e.g., joining both ends together by creating a knot, securing both ends using a suitable clasping mechanism, etc.). Furthermore, a user may detach funnel 38 from outer shell 18 to refill string or thread 14 of spool 60, or swap spool 60 with already refilled spool 60. Moreover, a user may further use funnel 38 to refill tubes 30 with beads 12.

[0077] Figures 5A and 5B further schematically illustrate a front view and a rear view of bead threading device 10, respectively. As shown in Figure 5B, four fasteners 88 that enter the rear body 36 and fasten to the front body 34. As mentioned above, fasteners 88 may securely connect front body 34 to rear body 36 of base portion 17, which may allow for encapsulating the components of the internal portion 20.

[0078] Figures 6A and 6B schematically illustrate a top view and a bottom view of bead threading device 10, respectively. As shown in Figure 6A, the top of cap 24 may further optionally include logo 99. As illustrated in Figure 6B, the exterior of funnel 38 may further optionally include visual guides 47, which may allow a user to align funnel 38 with tubes 30, allowing to properly position funnel aperture 39 with one of tubes 30 during the refilling process (i.e., visual guides 47 may help to properly engage at least one post 43).

[0079] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A decorative bead threading device, comprising: a top portion having at least one tube configured to receive a plurality of beads; and a base portion disposed below the top portion and includes a threader assembly, wherein the threader assembly includes a threader, a releasing mechanism operable by a user to release a bead from the at least one tube onto the threader.

2. The decorative bead threading device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one tube comprises a plurality of tubes such that the top portion includes said plurality of tubes each for containing a stack of the plurality of beads.

3. The decorative bead threading device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of tubes are arranged in a carousel rotatable along a center axis and a singular tube of the carousel is in a selected position to have a singular bead be released by the releasing mechanism.

4. A decorative bead threading device according to claim 3, wherein the singular tube of the carousel in the selected position allowing the singular bead to be released by the releasing mechanism threads the bead to the threader assembly.

5. The decorative bead threading device according to claim 1, wherein the threader assembly is attachable to a string, and wherein the threader assembly is removably attachable to the base portion.

6. The decorative bead threading device according to claim 5, wherein the base portion further comprises a funnel releasably connectable to the base portion, said funnel having a funnel aperture configured to interface with a tube opening of each one of the plurality of tubes, and wherein the funnel is configured to store a spool for receiving the string, the funnel is having a side opening for releasing the string from the spool.

7. The decorative bead threading device according to claim 1, wherein the threader assembly further comprises a threader holder configured to hold the threader near a bottom of the threader, said releasing mechanism comprising a bead pusher and an actuator connectable to the bead pusher to move the bead pusher from a retracted positionto a bead release position.

8. The decorative bead threading device according to claim 7, wherein the threader holder is configured to hold the threader such that a tip of the threader is offset towards the retracted position, the threader assembly further comprises a threader pusher movable with the bead pusher, wherein the threader pusher is configured to center and align the tip of the threader with a hole of the bead released from the at least one tube.

9. The decorative bead threading device according to claim 7, wherein the releasing mechanism further comprises a spring connectable to the bead pusher.

10. The decorative bead threading device according to claim 7, wherein the threader further comprises a notch configured to be held by at least one tab of a plurality of tabs of the threader holder, wherein the notch allows to align the threader with a body of the base portion.

11. The decorative bead threading device according to claim 8, wherein the threader further comprises a threader attachment located at an end of the threader opposite to the tip, the threader attachment configured to be connectable at the end of the threader and to receive the string.

12. The decorative bead threading device according to claim 8, wherein the threader assembly further comprises a lever connectable to the bead pusher and the threader pusher.

13. The decorative bead threading device according to claim 8, wherein the threader pusher further comprises a first extended portion configured to stop the bead released by the releasing mechanism from moving down the threader, when the bead threading device is in the retracted position, and release the bead onto the threader, when the bead threading device is in the bead release position.

14. The decorative bead threading device according to claim 2, wherein the top portion further comprises a cap configured to be positioned atop of the carousel and encapsulate the plurality of beads located inside the plurality of tubes.

15. The decorative bead threading device according to claim 14, wherein the cap comprises a rim portion for encapsulating the plurality of beads inside the plurality of tubes and a flap for encapsulating an internal cavity of the top portion.

16. The decorative bead threading device according to claim 2, wherein eachone of the plurality of tubes comprises a plurality of elongated apertures located on an outwardly projecting side of each one of the plurality of tubes.

17. The decorative bead threading device according to claim 16, wherein said bead threading device further comprises a pin configured to interface with the elongated apertures to align said plurality of beads contained inside the at least one tube.

18. The decorative threading device according to claim 2, wherein each tube of the plurality of tubes comprises a side aperture allowing to release the bead when said releasing mechanism is engaged.

19. The decorative bead threading device according to claim 1, wherein the top portion is made of a transparent rigid material, allowing for a visual confirmation of a color and a quantity of the plurality of beads.

20. A method of assembling an accessory, the method comprising:(a) inserting beads into at least two tubes of a plurality of tubes of a top portion;(b) connecting a threader to a first end of a string and placing said threader into a threader holder of a threader assembly comprised within a base portion;(c) rotating the top portion or the base portion to align one tube of said at least two tubes with a threader;(d) engaging an actuator to cause a releasing mechanism release one of a plurality of beads from said one tube onto a threader; and(e) repeating steps (c) and (d) to complete a pattern of the accessory; wherein (e) further comprises breaking the string to create a second end and joining said first end and said second end together to finish assembling an accessory.

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