Rug Hooking Device

Abstract

A rug hooking device is disclosed, wherein the device assists with handling and completing rug hooking projects. The rug hooking device comprises a base component that is configured in a wooden square with a square hole in the center and provides enough room to staple on backing. The base component includes two wooden claws with a board screwed in between the wooden claws. The wooden claws are then inserted onto a table edge and secured via a C-style clamp to tighten it to the table surface. The base component includes two slots which allow for accessory plates to be slid in to accommodate extra project sizes.

Claims

1. A rug hooking device that provides a user with a tool for assisting with handling rug hooking projects, the rug hooking device comprising: a base component; and a pair of wooden claws; wherein the pair of wooden claws are secured to ends of the base component; and further wherein the pair of wooden claws are inserted onto a table edge and secured, extending the base component out from the table and allowing users to complete rug projects on the base component with ease.

2. The rug hooking device of claim 1, wherein the base component is configured in a square or rectangle with a square or rectangular through-hole in a center.

3. The rug hooking device of claim 2, wherein the base component comprises an open rectangular or square frame having spaced parallel side members, a lower member and an open top area.

4. The rug hooking device of claim 3, wherein the pair of wooden claws are C-shaped and secured to a bottom edge of each side member of the base component.

5. The rug hooking device of claim 4, wherein a board extends between the pair of wooden claws and is secured to each claw portion of the pair of wooden claws.

6. The rug hooking device of claim 5, wherein a board is positioned at a top claw portion and a board is positioned at a bottom claw portion.

7. The rug hooking device of claim 6, wherein the boards span the pair of wooden claws and secures them in a parallel position.

8. The rug hooking device of claim 7, wherein a C-style clamp is secured around the table edge and boards, to tighten the boards to the table.

9. The rug hooking device of claim 8, wherein the base component includes two slots which allow for accessory plates to be slid in to accommodate extra projects.

10. The rug hooking device of claim 9, wherein at least one of the accessory plates is configured to store accessories.

11. A rug hooking device that provides a user with a tool for assisting with handling rug hooking projects, the rug hooking device comprising: a base component configured in a square or rectangle with a square or rectangular through-hole in a center; and a pair of wooden claws that are C-shaped; and wherein the base component comprises an open rectangular or square frame having spaced parallel side members, a lower member and an open top area; wherein the pair of wooden claws are secured to a bottom edge of each side member of the base component; wherein a board extends between the pair of wooden claws and is secured to each claw portion of the pair of wooden claws; wherein the pair of wooden claws are inserted onto a table edge and secured via a C-style clamp which is secured around the table edge and boards, to tighten the boards to the table; wherein the base component includes at least one slot which allows for an accessory plate to be slid in to accommodate extra project sizes; and further wherein the base component is extended out from the table and allows users to complete rug projects on the base component with ease.

12. The rug hooking device of claim 11, wherein a board is positioned at a top claw portion and a board is positioned at a bottom claw portion.

13. The rug hooking device of claim 12, wherein the boards span the pair of wooden claws and secures them in a parallel position.

14. The rug hooking device of claim 13, wherein the pair of wooden claws are inserted onto a table edge, such that the boards rest above and below the table surface.

15. The rug hooking device of claim 11, wherein there are two slots within the base component.

16. The rug hooking device of claim 15, wherein there are two accessory plates which are inserted into the two slots.

17. The rug hooking device of claim 16, wherein at least one of the accessory plates is configured to store accessories.

18. The rug hooking device of claim 11 wherein the rug hooking device and its components are manufactured from wood, metal, or plastic.

19. The rug hooking device of claim 11 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

20. A method of assisting with the handling of rug hooking projects, the method comprising the following steps: providing a rug hooking device comprising a base component with two wooden claws to secure to a table; inserting the wooden claws onto a table edge; securing the wooden claws to the table via a C-style clamp; sliding in accessory plates into the slots of the base component; stapling on backing to the base component when making a rug project; removing the project by pulling on duct tape, causing the staples to stay in the duct tape; and cutting off the sides, such that the project is ready to block/steam with an iron and put in a frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the rug hooking device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the rug hooking device of the present invention showing how the device is secured to a table in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the rug hooking device of the present invention showing how accessories are stored within the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the rug hooking device of the present invention showing the multiple accessory plates in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the rug hooking device of the present invention showing the device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of assisting with the handling of rug hooking projects in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0030] 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 in order 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 in order 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.

[0031] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a rug hooking device that provides users with a rug hooking assistance tool designed to attach to any table or flat surface. There is also a long felt need in the art for a rug hooking device that functions as an educational rug hooking tool for beginners, allowing users to maintain a comfortable position in their chair while rug hooking. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a rug hooking device that allows users to easily stop and restart their rug hooking projects. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that saves considerable time and effort when working on and completing rug hooking projects, from the very beginner to the most avid rug hookers. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a rug hooking device that stores rug hooking supplies. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a rug hooking device that includes accessory plates to accommodate extra project sizes.

[0032] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel rug hooking device. The rug hooking device comprises a base component that is configured in a wooden square with a square hole in the center and provides enough room to staple on backing. The base component includes two wooden claws with a board screwed in between the wooden claws. The wooden claws are then inserted onto a table edge and secured via a C-style clamp to tighten it to the table surface. The base component includes two slots which allow for accessory plates to be slid in to accommodate extra project sizes. The device also includes a sliding gripper strip top so it can be made bigger for various projects. The present invention also includes a novel method of assisting with the handling of rug hooking projects. The method includes the steps of providing a rug hooking device comprising a base component with two wooden claws to secure to a table. The method also comprises inserting the wooden claws onto a table edge. Further, the method comprises securing the wooden claws to the table via a C-style clamp. The method also comprises sliding in accessory plates into the slots of the base component. The method comprises stapling on backing to the base component when making a rug project. The method also comprises removing the project by pulling on duct tape, causing the staples to stay in the duct tape. Finally, the method comprises cutting off the sides, such that the project is ready to block/steam with an iron and put in a frame.

[0033] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the rug hooking device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the rug hooking device 100 is an improved rug hooking device 100 that provides a user with a tool for assisting with handling and completing rug hooking projects. Specifically, the rug hooking device 100 comprises a base component 102 with a pair of wooden claws 104, which are inserted onto a table edge 110 and secured. Further, the base component 102 includes two slots 106 which allow for accessory plates 108 to be slid in to accommodate extra project sizes.

[0034] Generally, the rug hooking device 100 provides users with a rug hooking assistance tool designed to attach to any table 112 or flat surface with an overhang. The rug hooking device 100 allows users to maintain a comfortable position in their chair while rug hooking and functions as an educational rug hooking tool for beginners. Further, during use, the rug hooking device 100 allows users to easily stop and restart their rug hooking projects. Thus, the device 100 saves considerable time and effort when working on and completing rug hooking projects, from the very beginner to the most avid rug hookers.

[0035] Furthermore, the rug hooking device 100 comprises a base component 102 that is configured in a square or rectangle with a square or rectangular through-hole 114 in the center. Specifically, the base component 102 comprises an open rectangular or square frame 116 having spaced parallel side members 118, a lower member 120 and an open top area 122. Frame members 118, 120 have upper surfaces in a common plane. Thus, the base component 102 is a square/rectangular frame 116 that can be available in a variety of sizes, depending on the size of the rug hooking projects being done. Typically, the base component 102 is sized and shaped to provide enough room for the user's rug project and for the user to staple on backing for their rug project. The general rule is leaving approximately 3-4 inches from the design edge for backing, but any suitable amount of backing can be utilized as is known in the art.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the base component 102 includes two wooden claws or open arm components 104 which are C-shaped and secured to the base component 102, such that one wooden claw or open arm component 104 is secured to a bottom edge 200 of each side member 118 of the base component 102. In position, the wooden claws or open arm components 104 extend outward from the base component 102. The wooden claws 104 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, as long as the wooden claws 104 can fit around a table edge 110 or other flat surface edge.

[0037] Further, a board 202 extends between the pair of wooden claws or open arm components 104 and is secured to each wooden claw 204 of the pair of wooden claws 104. The board 202 is screwed in between the wooden claws 104, securing them together, with a board 202 positioned at the top claw portion 204 and a board 202 positioned at the bottom claw portion 204. Thus, in position, the boards 202 span the pair of wooden claws 104 and secures them in a parallel position. The boards 202 can be any size and shape, as long as they can span across the wooden claws 104 and secure to each claw portion 204. The wooden claws 204 are then inserted onto a table edge 110 or other flat surface, such that the boards 202 rest above and below the table surface.

[0038] Additionally, a C-style clamp 206 is secured around the table edge 110 and boards 202, to tighten the boards 202 to the table 112. Any other suitable securing means can be utilized as is known in the art. Once in position, the base component 102 is extended from the table edge 110, allowing a user to work on the rug project with ease. The C-style clamp 206 allows the base component 102 to be secured in position, off the table edge 110, and then removed when needed for transport or storage.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the base component 102 includes two slots 106 which allow for accessory plates 108 to be slid in to accommodate extra project sizes. The accessory plates 108 are configured in square shapes to be able to slide within the interior walls of the base component 102 within the slots 106. Any suitable number of slots 106 and accessory plates 108 can be included within the base component 102 interior walls as desired by a user. Further, the accessory plates 108 can be utilized to store accessories and tools for the rug project, as well as to allow rug projects of varying sizes to be completed on the device 100.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, in operation, a user inserts the pair of wooden claws 104 onto a table edge 110, such that the board 202 that spans the claws 104 is positioned above and below the table surface. A C-style clamp 206 is then utilized to secure the boards 202 to the table 112, allowing the base component 102 to extend outwards from the table 112 for use with a user's rug project. A user then spans the rug base fabric 502 and/or backing across one of the accessory plates 108 via duct tape and staples, as needed. The user then slides the accessory plate 108 into one of the slots 106 of the supported base component 102 to begin work on the rug project with ease. Once the rug project is complete, users can pull the duct tape, wherein the staples stay in the duct tape during this removal. The rug project can then be cut off at the sides from the accessory plate 108. The rug project is then ready to block/steam with an iron and put in a frame.

[0041] In one embodiment, the rug hooking device 100 and its components are manufactured from wood, metal, plastic, or other suitable materials as is known in the art, or a combination of such materials.

[0042] In yet another embodiment, the rug hooking device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The base component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the base component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be rug, hooking, or brand related.

[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of assisting with the handling of rug hooking projects. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a rug hooking device comprising a base component with two wooden claws to secure to a table. The method also comprises at 602, inserting the wooden claws onto a table edge. Further, the method comprises at 604, securing the wooden claws to the table via a C-style clamp. The method also comprises at 606, sliding in accessory plates into the slots of the base component. The method comprises at 608, stapling on backing to the base component when making a rug project. The method also comprises at 610, removing the project by pulling on duct tape, causing the staples to stay in the duct tape. Finally, the method comprises at 612, cutting off the sides, such that the project is ready to block/steam with an iron and put in a frame.

[0044] 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 users 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 rug hooking device, rug device, hooking device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the rug hooking device 100 of the present invention.

[0045] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the rug hooking device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the rug hooking device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the rug hooking device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the rug hooking device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the rug hooking device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0046] 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 of 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.

[0047] 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.