US 2008/0173643 A1 · THREAD CADDY SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention relates to thread storage and dispensing systems which allow thread to be stored and used while positioned in the same location. A thread caddy of the present invention includes one or more drawers that can be opened and closed, and can move from a retracted storage position to an expanded usage position. The drawers can include a thread tray that has locations for positioning multiple spools of thread. A positioning system may also be included to reorient the thread tray between multiple orientations. In a first orientation, the tray may be retracted so that a drawer can be moved to its closed position. In a second orientation, the drawer may be expanded so that the drawer cannot be closed. The positioning system may also be retractable within the drawer. A retractable feed guide can also be included which can feed multiple threads simultaneously.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A thread caddy for storing and using thread, comprising:

one or more drawers, wherein said one or more drawers are movable between a retracted position and extended position, and wherein said one or more drawers include:
a thread tray having a plurality of thread positions;
and
a positioning system for reorienting said thread tray between at least a first orientation and a second orientation, wherein said one or more drawers are movable to said retracted position when said thread tray is in said first orientation, and wherein said one or more drawers are substantially prevented from moving to said retracted position when said thread tray is in said second orientation.

1 more element

A thread caddy operating as a storage and usage system in which spools of thread are storable, usable, and identifiable in a single location, and without needing to remove the spools of thread from the thread caddy, the thread caddy comprising:

a cabinet body;
a plurality of drawers slideably disposed within said cabinet body;
a retractable feed guide;
and
for each of said plurality of drawers, a thread storage system and use system that includes:
a thread tray, wherein said thread tray has a plurality of shelves, at least some of said plurality of shelves including spindles for receiving spools of thread, wherein said thread tray has a storage orientation and a use orientation,
wherein said storage orientation enables a respective drawer to be in, and moved between, an extended position and a retracted position;
and
wherein said use orientation enables said respective drawer to be in said extended position but not said retracted position, and to feed thread from spools of thread one said spindles through said retractable feed guide;
and
a support mechanism for maintaining said thread tray in at least one of said storage orientation or said use orientation.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Thread caddy system

Life of this patent

Thread caddy system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20