Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SEWING TEMPLATE
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to tools for marking
or cutting cloth, and in particular to a template having a
plurality of aperture sets to facilitate the marking and/or
manufacture of articles of various sizes with a single template.
Backqround of the Invention
It has long been the practice of tailors, seamstresses,
quilters, and others who make articles from cloth to use a paper
pattern to mark and/or cut pieces from the cloth which are later
joined in the manufacture of the article.
Paper patterns are typically made of a very thin paper, such
as tissue paper, and are usually flimsy and susceptible to
wrinkling and tearing. Also, the patterns are normally attached
to the cloth or fabric with straight pins, and the slightest
tugging on the pattern causes a tear at the point of entry of the
pins. As a result, paper patterns are usually used only once and
then discarded.
Paper patterns are typically used to make an article of a
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particular size. The cloth is usually marked along the perimeter
of the pattern. A disadvantage of most paper patterns is that
only one size article may be made with each individual pattern.
A further problem with paper patterns arises both because
they are flexible and because they must be affixed to the cloth
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workpiece. If either the pattern or the cloth is wrinkled or
gathered, inaccurate cutting results.
Still another problem with paper patterns arises because
they are usually opaque or, at best, translucent. It is
sometimes necessary t~ precisely align the pattern above certain
designs in the underlying fabric. This is difficult to do if the
pattern is opaque.
These and other problems have been addressed over the years.
In 1938, Wilhela Cushman obtained a patent for a garment pattern
which comprised Cellophane. The patent cites the advantages of
Cellophane as "pliable, ductile, clearly transparent, likewise,
due to its moisture proof nature, it will not contract and expand
as in the case of paper." (United States Patent No. 2,123,881,
col. 1, lines 25-28.)
United States Patent No. 2,553,847 was issued to Harry
Collins in 1951, and discloses a transparent plastic clothing
pattern comprising a plurality of pieces which are sewn together
with chain stitching. The advantage of this invention according
to the patent is that it enabled the home sewer to try on the
pattern before making the garment to assure proper fit.
In 1957, Erna Berlin received United States Patent No.
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2,795,047 for her invention entitled, "Transparent Clingable
Dress Patterns" which comprised a pattern made of a thin self-
adhering transparent plastic material which clinged to the form
of the wearer's body.
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Thus, it is seen that transparent patterns have been known
in the art for quite some time. However, the above-recited
patents all disclose patterns intended to make garments of only
one size, and all of the patterns are made of flexible material.
A transparent pattern used to make slip covers of various
dimensions is disclosed in United States Patent No. 2,105,123,
issued in 1934 to Samuel Krasnov. Mr. Krasnov's pattern is also
made of a flexible material such as Celluloid. A disadvantage of
Mr. Krasnov's invention, in addition to the problems inherent
with a flexible pattern as explained earlier, is that the slip-
cover maker must take measurements of the furniture to be covered
and then transfer those measurements to the pattern.
A rigid transparent template for quilting is disclosed in
United States Patent No. 4,945,642, issued in 1990 to Susan
Saulietis. The template is used for guiding a cutting tool about
its perimeter for cutting cloth, paper, or the like.
Unfortunately, the template is useful only for making articles of
one particular size.
Thus, it will be appreciated that, despite the long known
problems associated with paper patterns, and the several attempts
to overcome these problems, a need still exists for a semi-rigid,
reusable, substantially transparent pattern designed to make
articles of more than one size.
Brief Summary of the Invention
The present invention comprises a sewing template for
marking or cutting material comprising a semi-rigid,
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substantially transparent template body having a group of
aperture sets therein, wherein each aperture set comprises a
plurality of apertures in the body, and wherein each aperture set
corresponds to a desired characteristic in an article to be
manufactured using the template. In a preferred embodiment, the
body of the template contains a different color pigmentation
surrounding each aperture set to distinguish the aperture sets.
This color coding facilitates the marking of different size or
shape articles. In one embodiment, the template of the invention
further includes a plurality of groups of aperture sets.
Accordingly, the general object of the invention is to
provide a sewing template which is durable and may be used
repeatedly.
Another object of the invention is to provide a sewing
template which is substantially transparent so that the user can
view the material (cloth, fabric, plastic, etc.) under the
template.
A further object of the invention is to provide a sewing
template which is semi-rigid to avoid the problems caused by the
wrinkling of material or wrinkling or tearing of paper patterns.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a sewing
template which does not need to be affixed to the material (e.g.,
by straight pins, etc.) to be marked or cut.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a sewing
template with a body containing color-coded aperture sets, where
each color-coded set corresponds to a desired characteristic
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(i.e., size, shape, style, etc.) in the article to be
manufactured.
These and other objects and advantages will become apparent
from the specification, the drawings, and the appended claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 is a top view of a template used in the manufacture
of pillows and/or chair cushions;
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along
line 2-2 of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a top view of a template used in the manufacture
of a decorative bow;
Figure 4 is a top view of a template used in the manufacture
of a decorative bow;
Figure 5 illustrates a decorative bow manufactured using the
templates illustrated in Figures 3 and 4;
Figure 6 illustrates a color-coded template used to
manufacture a variety of sizes and styles of slacks;
Figure 7 is a fractional view of the template shown in
Figure 6 showing only one aperture set, with the individual
apertures slightly enlarged;
Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7, but showing
one additional aperture set for a straight leg;
Figure 9 is a view similar to that of Figure 8, but showing
one additional aperture set for a particular pant length;
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Figure 10 is a view similar to that of Figure 9, but showing
one additional aperture set for pant rise and for darts;
Figure 11 is a view similar to that of Figure 10, but with
an aperture set for flare leg substituted for the aperture set
for a straight leg;
Figure 12 is a fragmentary enlarged view of a section of
template 40 as shown in Figure 6, illustrating the color-coded
feature of the template.
Detailed Description of the Invention
At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like
reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural
elements, portions or surfaces consistently throughout the
several drawing figures, as such elements, portions or surfaces
may be further described or explained by the entire written
specification, of which this detailed description is an integral
part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to
be read together with the specification, and are to be considered
a portion of the entire "written description" of this invention,
as required by 35 U.S.C. 112.
Figure 1 is a top view of a template 10 used in the
manufacture of pillows and/or chair cushions. The template is
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comprised ~of a semi-rigid, substantially transparent plastic.
The template may be substantially rigid or even rigid. The
template must be rigid enough such that it will not tear or
wrinkle. In a preferred embodiment, the template has a Shore
durometer rating of 75A - 75D. Also, in a preferred embodiment,
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the template is .0015 - l.OooO inches in thickness and is made of
plastic, or similar material. The transparency of the template
enables it to be precisely placed over the fabric to be marked
and/or cut. For example, it may be desired to center or
otherwise align area 20 of the template over a floral design on
the fabric. The template contains a plurality of apertures
which, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 comprise thin slits in
the plastic template. The slits may be approxlmately .006 inches
in width (or wider) to facilitate a marking pen or cutting
instrument.
The apertures are arranged in sets, and each set corresponds
to a particular size or other characteristic of a product to be
manufactured using the template. The template shown in Figure 1
comprises three aperture sets 11, 12 and 13, respectively.
Aperture set 11 comprises apertures llA, llB, llC, llD, llE, llF,
llG and llH. Aperture set 12 comprises apertures 12A, 12B, 12C,
12D, 12E, 12F, 12G and 12H. Aperture set 13 comprises apertures
13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, 13F, 13G and 13H~ Aperture set 11
corresponds to the smallest size pillow or cushion cover which
may be manufactured using the template 10. Similarly, aperture
set 13 corresponds to the largest size pillow or cushion cover
which may be manufactured using the template 10, while aperture
set 12 corresponds to a cover which is larger than that made with
set 11 but smaller than that made with set 13.
The aperture sets of the template shown in Figure 1 are
configured as essentially concentric squares, and each set is
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used to make a different size pillow cover. In use, the template
is simply placed and aligned over the material (i.e., cloth,
fabric, etc.) and a marking or cutting instrument is inserted
into each aperture of a particular aperture set. Because the
template is rigid, it does not wrinkle or tear. Also, it is
heavy enough that it does not need to be secured to the
underlying fabric (i.e., no pinning is required.)
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along
line 2-2 of Figure 1, and clearly shows the individual apertures
llC, 12C and 13C. In a preferred embodiment, the apertures are
approximately .oo6 inches in width, which is wide enough for
insertion of a marking pen or cutting instrument.
Figure 3 is a top view of a template 34 used in the
manufacture of a decorative bow. Plurality of aperture sets 33
comprises six aperture sets arranged concentrically.
Figure 4 is a top view of a template 30 used in the
manufacture of a decorative bow. The template includes plurality
of aperture sets 31 and 32, respectively. Plurality of aperture
sets 32 comprises six aperture sets. Each set contains six
apertures arranged in a hexagon. The six aperture sets are
arranged concentrically. Plurality of aperture sets 31 also
comprises six aperture sets, and each set contains four apertures
arranged in a square. The six aperture sets are arranged
concentrically.
Figure 5 illustrates decorative bow 35 manufactured using
the templates illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. Knot 31' of bow 35
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was made using one of the aperture set of plurality of sets 31;
horizontal member 3Z' was made using one of the aperture sets of
plurality of sets 32; and vertical member 33' was made-using one
of the aperture sets of plurality of sets 33.
Figure 6 illustrates a color-coded template 40 used to
manufacture a variety of sizes and styles of slacks. Template 40
comprises five different aperture groups 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45,
and each individual aperture group contains a plurality of
aperture sets. Each group corresponds to either a size of the
slacks, a size of a portion or section of the slacks, or a
specific characteristic or shape of some portion of the slacks.
Each set within each group corresponds to a specific size,
feature or characteristic. Each set comprises a plurality of
apertures.
For example, group 41 relates to the various available
widths of the pant leg; group 42 corresponds to straight leg
segments of various sizes; group 43 corresponds to flare leg
segments of various sizes; group 44 corresponds to pant length
regardless of whether the pants are straight leg or flare leg;
and group 45 relates to pant rise and darts.
Group 41 contains six aperture sets, and each set
corresponds to a different pant width. Group 42 contains six
aperture sets, and each set corresponds to a different width
straight bottom pant leg. Group 43 contains six aperture sets,
and each set corresponds to a different width flare leg. Group
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44 contains six aperture sets corresponding to six different pant
lengths.
Group 45 contains three aperture sets corresponding to three
different pant rises.
The template of Figure 6 is used to mark and/or cut material
(e.g., fabric or cloth) to manufacture slacks of six different
widths, six different lengths, three different rises, in either
straight leg or flare leg. Each individual aperture set is color
coded to distinguish it from all the other sets within the group,
and to make it easy for the seamstress or tailor to mark the
fabric using the proper apertures. The individual aperture
groups may be color-coded as well.
Figure 7 is a fractional view of the template shown in
Figure 6 showing only one aperture set 41A, with the individual
apertures slightly enlarged. Aperture set 41A is used to mark
the smallest pant width, and comprises a plurality of individual
apertures. Aperture set 41A comprises individual apertures 41A1,
4lA2, 4lA3, 4lA4, 4lA5, 4lA6, 4lA7, 4lA8, 4lA9, 4lA10, 4lA11,
41A12, 41A13, 41A14, 41A15, 41A16 and 41A17.
Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7, but showing
one additional aperture set 42A (in addition to aperture set 41A)
used to mark/cut a straight leg. Aperture set 42A comprises
individual apertures 42A1, 42A2, 42A3 and 42A4.
Figure 9 is a view similar to that of Figure 8, but showing
one additional aperture set 44A used to determine a particular
pant length, in this case the shortest available pant length with
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template 40. Aperture set 44a comprises individual apertures
44A1, 44A2, 44A3, 44A4, 44A5, 44A6, 44A7, 44A8, 44A9, 44A10,
44A11, 44A12, 44A13, 44A14, 44A15, 44A16, 44A17, 44A18.
Obviously, this aperture set is used to mark the shortest pant
length regardless of pant width.
Figure 10 is a view similar to that of Figure 9, but showing
one additional aperture set 45A for pant rise and for darts.
Aperture set 45A comprises individual apertures 45A1, 45A2 and
45A3 corresponding to pant rise, and individual apertures 45A4,
45A5, 45A6, 45A7, 45A8, 45A9, 45A10, 45A11, 45A12, 45A13, 45A14,
45A15, 45A16 and 45Al7 corresponding to darts.
Figure 11 is a view similar to that of Figure 10, but with
an aperture set 43A for flare leg substituted for the aperture
set 42A for a straight leg. Aperture set 43A comprises
individual apertures 43A1, 43A2, 43A3, 43A4, 43A5, 43A6, 43A7,
43A8, 43A9, 43A10, 43All, 43Al2 and 43A13.
Figure 12 is a fragmentary enlarged view of a section of
template 40 as shown in Figure 6, illustrating the color-coded
feature of the template. Shown in the drawing is a section of
aperture group 41, which comprises six aperture sets 41A, 41B,
41C, 41D, 41E and 41F. Also shown are sections of apertures 41A4
and 4lA5 of aperture set 4lA; apertures 4lB4 and 4lB5 of aperture
set 4lB; apertures 4lC4 and 41C5 of aperture set 41C; apertures
41D4 and 41D5 of aperture set 41D; apertures 41E4 and 41E5 of
aperture set 4lE; and apertures 4lF4 and 4lF5 of aperture set
41F.
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As shown in the drawing, body 49 of template 40 contains
color pigmentation surrounding the apertures of each aperture set
to dlstinguish each aperture set from every other set. For
example, aperture set 41F is surrounded by violet pigmentation.
The area of body 49 which is colored violet ls deslgnated 41FC.
Aperture set 4lE is surrounded by brown plgmentatlon in an area
designated 41EC. Aperture set 41D is surrounded by red
pignentation ln an area deslgnated 4lDC. Aperture set 4lC is
surrounded by green pigmentation ln an area designated 41CC.
Aperture set 4lB is surrounded by orange pigmentation in an area
designated 41BC. Finally, aperture set 41A ls surrounded by blue
pigmentation in an area designated 41AC.
The color-coded aperture sets enables the user to easily
mark the fabric. One need only follow the same color aperture
pattern to mark a particular size article, a partlcular size of a
sec.ion of the article, a partlcular shape, style, characteristic
or feature of an article or a partlcular shape, style,
characteristlc or feature of a sectlon of an article to be
manufactured using the template. The template may be used to
mar~ the cloth or fabric, or may be used to cut the cloth, fabric
or other material directly.
Although the present invention has been described herein
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with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood
that the present disclosure has been made as an exemplification
of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the
scope thereof is r.ot considered limited by that description, but
rather, is defined by what is hereinafter claimed.
