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| CN202008329U | 2011-10-12 | |||
| US20040154175A1 | 2004-08-12 | |||
| CN206186621U | 2017-05-24 |
| Claims What is claimed is: 1. A multipurpose folding ruler comprising a first body section including a top surface having a measurement graduation on the long sides of the body section connected with a hinge to a second body sections with a different shape. 2. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 1 where there are a plurality of body sections connected by hinges with a calculator embedded in any of the body sections. 3. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 1 where the hinges are connected at the distal ends of respective body sections. 4. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 3 where the hinges allow body sections to rotates 360 degrees. 5. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 1 where the body sections are detachable where joined by the hinges. 6. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 1 where the detachable body sections can be used separately once detached. 7. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 1 where all of the functions are accessible at the same time. 8. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 1 where the body sections have a plurality of holes all the way through the surface. 9. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 7 where the holes have shapes such as circles, ellipses, ovals, polygons, curves and spirals. 10. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 1 where each body section has a different shape. 11. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 9 where the body section shapes could be one or more of the following: a. a straight ruler b. an L-shape ruler c. a hip curve d. a French curve e. a spiral 12. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 1 where a calculator is embedded in any one of the body sections. |
| AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 17 June 2019 (17.06.2019) What is claimed is: 1. A multipurpose sewing ruler comprising of a first body section, including a top surface having measurement graduations on the long sides of the body section, connected with collapsible hinges and /or detachable connectors to a second body section with a different shape which is connected to a plurality of body sections, with a plurality of calculators embedded in any of the body sections and a plurality of holes in the body sections. 2. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 1 where the hinges are connected at the distal ends of respective body sections. 3. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 1 where the collapsible hinges allow body sections to rotates 360 degrees. 4. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 1 where the body sections are detachable where joined by the connectors. 5. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 1 where the detachable body sections can be used separately once detached. 6. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 1 where all of the functions are accessible at the same time. 7. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 1 where a calculator is embedded in any one of the body sections. 8. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 1 where the body sections have a plurality of holes all the way through the surface. 9. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 8 where the holes have shapes such as circles, ellipses, ovals, polygons, curves and spirals. 10. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 1 where each body section has a different shape. 11. A multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with claim 10 where the body section shapes could be one or more of the following: a. a straight ruler b. an L-shape ruler c. a hip curve d. a French curve e. a spiral |
By: Rhona Jack
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a sewing ruler. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a multipurpose sewing ruler that features a collapsible and/or detachable structure, allowing for ease of portability while maintaining full functionality as a multipurpose sewing ruler.
BACKGROUND
In sewing, garment professionals utilize numerous types of rulers in order to provide measurements for the construction of a garment. For instance, a sewing professional, or student or other amateur or hobbyist for that matter, may use a L-shape ruler, a French curve ruler and a French hip curve ruler. These rulers can be large and consume a significant amount of space, making them inconvenient for travel or other situations where portability is desired.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a portable ruler that could provide the same functionality as multiple rulers without the need to carry around each ruler individually. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be explained and will become obvious to one skilled in the art through the summary of the invention that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a rear view of a multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a front view of a multipurpose sewing ruler in a semi-collapsed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a bottom-elevation view of a multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a top-elevation view of a multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a top-left-elevation view of a multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a right elevation view of a multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a multipurpose sewing ruler in a semi-collapsed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a multipurpose sewing ruler in an almost collapsed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a multipurpose sewing ruler in a collapsed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 is an exploded view showing hinges connection of a multipurpose sewing ruler in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a multipurpose sewing ruler in three different semi- collapsed state and one in full-collapsed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a multipurpose sewing ruler in three different reverse semi- collapsed state and one in full-collapsed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a multipurpose sewing ruler, the hinge has been designed to allow free movement of 360 degrees range of motion. Due to the ruler’s unique design parameters and its form function, a double jointed hinge was utilized to accommodate the thickness of the material, thus allowing for its unique folding design in both directions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the hinge placed on piece of material showing semi-flat and folded position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
DETAILED SPECIFICATION
The present invention generally relates to a sewing ruler. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a multipurpose sewing ruler that features a collapsible and/or detachable structure, allowing for ease of portability while maintaining full functionality as a multipurpose sewing ruler.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the multipurpose sewing ruler provides the functionality of a L-square, a French hip curve and a French curve ruler all in one combined form. Further, preferred embodiments of the present invention have a calculator integrated or formed on a portion of the multipurpose sewing ruler.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the multipurpose sewing ruler is configured to collapse into a diminutive state via folding at one or more hinges located on portions of the body of the multipurpose sewing ruler, detaching at one or more detachable connection points, or any combination thereof.
In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the multipurpose sewing ruler comprises four individual body sections and three hinges, allowing for the multipurpose sewing ruler to collapse into a diminutive state that is convenient for travel and portability purposes. The body sections are comprised of the following:
• A first body portion formed as a regular straight ruler with three inner-circular holes.
• A second body portion formed as a regular straight ruler.
• A third body portion formed with one straight side and one side with a slight bowing out with an inner-curve.
• A fourth body portion formed with a straight body portion ending in a curved bulbous end and an inner-straight slot on the straight body portion with a calculator at the bulbous end.
The first and second body portion work together to function as an L-shape ruler. The third and fourth body portion work together to work as a French hip curve ruler. The fourth body portion functions as a French curve ruler. In this first preferred embodiment, the hinges are located between the first and second body portions, the second and third body portions and the third and fourth body portions. In combination, the hinges allow the body portions to collapse 360 degrees on themselves and form a low-profile and easy to transport device. The different figures illustrate how the hinges may be arranged and allow for the collapsing of the device.
In a second preferred embodiment, the multipurpose sewing ruler comprises four individual body sections and three detachable connection means. The four individual body sections are the same as the four individual body sections in the first preferred embodiment. The detachable connection means are used in lieu of the hinges to hold the individual body portions together during operation.
However, when not in use, the detachable connection means allow for the body sections of the multipurpose sewing ruler to be disconnected from one another. Detachable connection means include, but are not limited to, magnetic connectors, double sided receptacles (e.g., interference fit receptacles), sockets, or any combination thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous types of detachable connection means that could be used with embodiments of the present invention, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any appropriate detachable connection means.
According to a third embodiment of the present invention, the multipurpose sewing ruler comprises four individual body sections and three hinges which are also detachable connection means. In this embodiment, a user of the ruler can either fold or detach the various individual body sections as they desire.
In other embodiments of the present invention, configurations using fewer or additional body sections, hinges, detachable connection means or any combination thereof:
For instance, the first preferred embodiment could be modified to include only a single hinge or two hinges, allowing for a partial collapse of the individual body sections.
In yet another example, an embodiment could include three body sections instead of four, with a first body section being similar to the first body section in the first embodiment, a second body section being the combination of the second and third body section from the first embodiment and the fourth body section being similar to the fourth body section of the first embodiment. This exemplary embodiment would also only use two hinges or detachable connection means. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous configurations of body sections, hinges and connection means that could be utilized with embodiments of the present invention, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any appropriate configuration.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the multipurpose ruler is further configured with a calculator component. In a preferred embodiment, the calculator component is a solar powered calculator formed upon a top surface of the fourth body portion. In other embodiments, the calculator could be battery operated or otherwise alternatively powered. In still further embodiments, the calculator could be removably attachable to a body portion (i.e., any of body portions one-four) of the multipurpose sewing ruler. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous types of calculators and means for the calculator component to be attached, integrated or secured on a body portion of the multipurpose sewing ruler, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for all such configurations.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the body portions of the multipurpose sewing ruler could be made from any number of materials, including, but not limited to, plastic, ceramic, wood, faux wood, polymers, or any combination thereof. For instance, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the body portions could be constructed from teak wood. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous types of materials that the multipurpose sewing ruler could be made from, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any appropriate materials.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the various body portions may comprise measuring lines, such as those found on rulers. These measuring lines allow a user of the device to be able to accurately take measurements using the multipurpose sewing ruler. Measuring lines could be denoted in metric terms, imperial terms or any combination thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous ways the measuring lines could be incorporated onto the body portions, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any appropriate configuration of such measuring lines.
It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well- known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. The invention is capable of myriad modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
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