Thread tensioner for a sewing machine
AssigneeHandi Quilter, Inc.
InventorsGary James Konzak, Bryan K. Ruggles
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Thread tensioner for a sewing machine. In one example embodiment, a thread tensioner for a sewing machine includes a first disk, a second disk, a spring, a mechanism, and a sensor. The second disk is positioned next to the first disk. The spring is configured to apply tension to a thread positioned between the first disk and the second disk by exerting a force against the second disk. The spring defines a first end, a second end, and a length between the first end and the second end. The mechanism is configured to cause the length of the spring to shorten and to allow the length of the spring to lengthen. The sensor is configured to track a current length of the spring by measuring a dimension of at least a portion of the spring.
Claims20
A thread tensioner for a sewing machine, the thread tensioner comprising:
- a first disk;
- a second disk positioned next to the first disk;
- a spring configured to apply tension to a thread that is positioned between the first disk and the second disk by exerting a force against the second disk, the spring defining a first end, a second end, and a length between the first end and the second end;
- a mechanism configured to cause the length of the spring to shorten and to allow the length of the spring to lengthen;
- and
- a sensor configured to track a current length of the spring by measuring a dimension of at least a portion of the spring.
A sewing machine comprising:
- a spool holder;
- a needle bar configured to have a needle attached thereto;
- an electric motor configured, while the needle is threaded with a top thread from a spool on the spool holder, to repeatedly drive the threaded needle through a fabric to form a row of stitches in the fabric;
- and
- a thread tensioner comprising:
- a first disk;
- a second disk positioned next to the first disk;
- a spring configured, while the top thread is positioned between the first disk and the second disk, to apply tension to the top thread by exerting a force against the second disk, the spring defining a first end, a second end, and a length between the first end and the second end;
- a mechanism configured to cause the length of the spring to shorten and to allow the length of the spring to lengthen;
- and
- a sensor configured to track a current length of the spring by measuring a dimension of at least a portion of the spring;
- a processor in electronic communication with the sensor and configured to determine a current tension that is being applied to the top thread given the current length of the spring;
- and
- a display device in electronic communication with the processor and configured to display the current tension.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.