Quilt Binding Assistance Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/682,365, which was filed on Aug. 13, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of quilting. More specifically, the present invention relates to a quilting assist device that suspends and stabilizes large quilts during the binding process by securing them from an overhead structure, enabling easier handling and accurate binding application. Featuring a main suspension rope with adjustable height, a swivel for free rotation, and secondary ropes with secure fasteners, the device distributes quilt weight evenly, reducing fabric strain and enhancing control for a professional finish. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

The process of binding a quilt represents a crucial yet challenging step in quilt-making, especially for larger quilts such as those made for queen and king-sized beds. Binding involves sewing a folded strip of fabric around the quilt's perimeter to encase its edges, giving the quilt a finished look and preventing fraying. However, this process can be arduous and time-consuming due to the weight and bulk of large quilts, which significantly complicates the task. Typically, binding requires two rounds of stitching: one to attach the binding to the quilt top and a second to secure it to the back. During these stages, the quilter must handle both the sewing and the physical support of the quilt itself, resulting in a heavy workload that often hinders accuracy and efficiency. Without adequate support, the weight of the quilt can cause it to pull on the binding, making it difficult to sew a clean, straight line, thereby affecting the overall quality of the finished piece.

In addition to the technical challenges, binding a large quilt places physical strain on the quilter, particularly when working at a sewing machine. The continuous need to reposition and lift the quilt disrupts workflow and leads to fatigue, which further impacts the precision of the stitching. The shifting of the fabric as a result of the quilt's weight can cause the binding to twist, fold, or buckle, leading to a suboptimal result that may not lay flat along the quilt's edges. Additionally, without a secure method to suspend the quilt, quilters may find it challenging to maintain even pressure around the entire perimeter, often resulting in inconsistent stitching. Due to these issues, the binding process is frequently viewed as a difficult stage in quilt-making, one that can detract from the overall satisfaction and quality of the completed project. These problems highlight the need for an innovative solution that can support the quilt's weight and streamline the binding process.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a quilt binding assistance device that supports the weight of a heavy quilt during binding. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a quilt binding assistance device that keeps the quilt's binding straight and flat by minimizing fabric movement. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a quilt binding assistance device that allows for convenient access to the entire perimeter of the quilt during sewing, reducing user strain and improving finished results.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a quilt binding assistance device. The device is designed to support the weight and facilitate the binding of large quilts, such as queen or king sizes, by suspending them securely from an overhead structure. The device comprises a main suspension rope, equipped with an adjustable fastener, that allows users to modify the height relative to a sewing table for optimal positioning. A ceiling fastener, such as an eye bolt, anchors the device, while an attached swivel permits free quilt rotation to avoid twisting during binding. The main rope extends into secondary ropes with fasteners, which grip and distribute the quilt's weight evenly, maintaining alignment and reducing fabric distortion. This configuration allows users to sew the binding around the quilt's perimeter with ease, minimizing strain and enhancing accuracy for a professional finish.

In this manner, the quilt binding assistance device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a reliable support for the quilt's weight with clips that suspend the quilt from the ceiling, distributing its weight evenly. The device further addresses the issue of fabric shifting by utilizing a swivel feature that enables seamless rotation, allowing the user to access the quilt's perimeter without compromising the binding. Additionally, the adjustable length of the hanging portion, whether using a paracord or lightweight chain, allows the device to align with the height of any sewing table, offering flexibility and ease of use for sewing heavy textiles, including quilts, sails, or boat covers. Consequently, the device offers a solution that simplifies the binding process, enhancing both the efficiency and quality of the final product.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a quilt binding assistance device. The quilting assist device provides essential support for binding quilt perimeters, particularly useful for handling the full weight of large quilts. The device is engineered to hold, stabilize, and position the quilt, enabling users to sew binding efficiently with improved accuracy.

The device comprises a main suspension rope that serves as the primary support for the quilt, is made from durable material such as paracord or lightweight chain and includes an adjustment fastener for modifying the rope length. This adjustability allows for optimal alignment of the quilt with the sewing table, reducing strain during the binding process.

A ceiling fastener, typically an eye bolt, secures the device to an overhead structure like a ceiling rafter. Positioned below the ceiling fastener, a swivel enables the quilt to rotate freely, preventing tangling as users sew along the perimeter. A connector fastener, such as a carabiner, links the swivel to the main rope, providing a secure yet removable connection for easy setup and takedown.

In the preferred design, the main rope splits into multiple secondary ropes at the opposite end, each equipped with a fastener, such as a pinch clip, to grip the quilt edges securely. This configuration evenly distributes the quilt's weight, maintaining alignment and preventing stretching, enhancing both accuracy and the finished quilt's appearance.

The device also includes a method for use, which involves securing the ceiling fastener to an overhead structure, attaching the swivel, and positioning the secondary ropes to distribute the quilt's weight evenly. The user attaches each fastener to the quilt edge, supporting the fabric securely to facilitate binding. The swivel allows free movement around the quilt, while the main and secondary ropes maintain the quilt's tension, ensuring a straight, professional finish. The rope lengths may be adjusted to optimize positioning relative to the sewing table, reducing user strain and enhancing control during the binding process.

Accordingly, the quilt binding assistance device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a reliable support for the quilt's weight with clips that suspend the quilt from the ceiling, distributing its weight evenly. The device further addresses the issue of fabric shifting by utilizing a swivel feature that enables seamless rotation, allowing the user to access the quilt's perimeter without compromising the binding. Additionally, the adjustable length of the hanging portion, whether using a paracord or lightweight chain, allows the device to align with the height of any sewing table, offering flexibility and ease of use for sewing heavy textiles, including quilts, sails, or boat covers. Consequently, the device offers a solution that simplifies the binding process, enhancing both the efficiency and quality of the final product.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a quilt binding assistance device of the present invention while hanging from a ceiling and while attached to a quilt in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of a first end of one potential embodiment of a quilt binding assistance device of the present invention while hanging from a ceiling in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of a second end of one potential embodiment of a quilt binding assistance device of the present invention while hanging from a ceiling in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a quilt binding assistance device of the present invention while hanging from a ceiling and while attached to a quilt in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a quilt binding assistance device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a quilt binding assistance device that supports the weight of a heavy quilt during binding. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a quilt binding assistance device that keeps the quilt's binding straight and flat by minimizing fabric movement. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a quilt binding assistance device that allows for convenient access to the entire perimeter of the quilt during sewing, reducing user strain and improving finished results.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a quilt binding assistance device. The quilting assist device provides essential support for binding quilt perimeters, especially valuable for managing the weight of large quilts. The device holds, stabilizes, and positions the quilt, enabling users to sew binding accurately and efficiently.

The device includes a main suspension rope as the primary quilt support, made from durable material like paracord or lightweight chain, with an adjustable fastener for length modification. This adjustability ensures proper alignment with the sewing table, reducing strain during binding.

A ceiling fastener, typically an eye bolt, secures the device to an overhead structure. Below this fastener, a swivel allows the quilt to rotate freely, preventing tangling while sewing along the perimeter. A connector fastener, such as a carabiner, links the swivel to the main rope, providing a secure yet detachable connection for easy setup and takedown.

In the preferred design, the main rope divides into multiple secondary ropes, each with a fastener, like a pinch clip, to grip the quilt edges. This setup evenly distributes the quilt's weight, ensuring alignment and preventing stretching, which enhances both accuracy and the final quilt appearance.

The method of use involves securing the ceiling fastener, attaching the swivel, and positioning secondary ropes for even weight distribution. Each fastener is attached to the quilt edge, supporting the fabric securely for binding. The swivel allows unrestricted movement, while the main and secondary ropes maintain tension, ensuring a straight, professional finish. Rope lengths are adjustable to optimize height relative to the sewing table, enhancing user comfort and control.

Overall, this quilt binding assist device offers robust support with clips that suspend the quilt from the ceiling and evenly distribute weight. The swivel feature prevents fabric shifting, providing smooth rotation for easy access to the quilt's perimeter. The adjustable suspension aligns with various table heights, supporting efficient sewing of heavy textiles like quilts, sails, or boat covers. This device simplifies the binding process, improving both productivity and the quality of the finished product.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a quilt binding assistance device 100 of the present invention while hanging from a ceiling and while attached to a quilt 10 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 provides essential support for the final steps in the quilt-making process, particularly binding the quilt perimeter. This process, which requires sewing a folded-over piece of fabric around the entire quilt edge, often involves handling the full weight of the quilt—particularly challenging with larger sizes such as queen or king quilts. The device 100 is engineered to hold the quilt 10 weight, stabilize its position, and allow the quilter to sew binding efficiently with minimal effort and greater accuracy.

The device 100 is comprised of at least one main suspension rope 110, which serves as the primary support structure to suspend the quilt 10. This rope 110 may be any durable length and material suitable for carrying substantial weight, such as paracord, braided cord, or lightweight chain. For length adjustability, the rope 110 may include at least one adjustment fastener 112. The adjustment fastener 112 may be a buckle, ratchet mechanism, or cord lock, allowing users to modify the rope length to achieve optimal positioning relative to a sewing table height. This adjustment capability enables users to align the quilt's 10 working area evenly with the table, reducing strain and making the binding process more manageable.

The device 100 is comprised of at least one ceiling fastener 126 that can be used to secure the device 100 to a ceiling or an overhead structure such as a rafter or wall-mounted swing arm. The ceiling fastener 126 is preferably an eye bolt, which is easily screwed into wooden or other secure ceiling materials. However, depending on the installation requirements, other types of secure fixtures, such as toggle bolts, hook anchors, or adhesive-backed hooks, may be used.

Directly below the ceiling fastener 126, at least one swivel 124 is positioned and attached to the fastener 126, as seen in FIG. 2. This swivel 124 allows the quilt 10 to rotate freely, accommodating the continuous movement required to sew along the quilt's 10 entire perimeter without twisting or tangling. The swivel 124 thus enhances accessibility and smooth operation, essential for achieving a flat and evenly applied binding. A connector fastener 122 is attached to the swivel 124 and links it to the first end 120 of the main rope 110 (to which the fastener 122 is preferably fixedly attached). This connector fastener 122 is preferably a carabiner or snap clip, providing a secure yet removable connection point, simplifying the setup and takedown process.

In the preferred embodiment, the second end 130 of the main rope 110 splits into four secondary ropes 132, each of which is preferably of the same or a similar material as the main rope 110, though alternative materials are possible depending on user preference. Each secondary rope 132 terminates in at least one fastener 134 that is preferably a pinch clip or clamp designed to securely grip the quilt 10 edges, as seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The fasteners 134 provide a robust hold to prevent slippage, supporting the quilt's 10 full weight and enabling even distribution to reduce strain on any single point. This distributed support maintains the binding alignment and prevents unwanted stretching or distortion during the binding process, enhancing both the accuracy and appearance of the finished quilt 10.

The present invention also comprises a method of using 200 the Quilting Assist Device 100, as seen in FIG. 5. First, a device 100 is provided, comprising a main suspension rope 110 with a ceiling fastener 126, a swivel 124, and at least one secondary rope terminating in at least one fastener 134 [Step 202]. Next, the ceiling fastener 126 is attached to a secure overhead structure, such as a ceiling rafter [Step 204]. Then, the swivel 124 is connected to the ceiling fastener 126, allowing for free rotation of the device 100 and ensuring unrestricted movement around the quilt perimeter [Step 206]. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of secondary ropes 132 are positioned so that each fastener 134 aligns with a different section of the quilt 10, ideally around the quilt's 10 perimeter to provide even weight distribution [Step 208]. Each fastener 134 is then attached to the quilt's 10 edges, gripping the fabric securely to support the quilt's weight and prevent shifting during the binding process [Step 210]. Once the quilt 10 is securely suspended, the user begins sewing the binding around the perimeter, moving freely around the quilt while the swivel 124 prevents twisting or tangling [Step 212]. As the user progresses around the quilt edge, the device 100 maintains tension on the quilt, keeping the binding straight and flat for a consistent, professional finish. Optionally, the user may adjust the length of the main rope 110 or secondary ropes 132 via the adjustment fastener 112 to position the quilt at the optimal height relative to the sewing table, reducing strain and enhancing control during the binding process [Step 214].

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “quilt binding assistance device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the quilt binding assistance device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the quilt binding assistance device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the quilt binding assistance device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the quilt binding assistance device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the quilt binding assistance device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the quilt binding assistance device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.