AUTOLOOM

Abstract

A device for forming an item from closed loop elastic bands includes a guide having a cam surface and at least two poles spaced apart from each other. The poles are configured to hold at least one closed loop elastic band therebetween. A slider including at least two arms is movable relative to the at least two poles of the guide. Each of the at least two arms include a finger portion having a hook and a push surface. The hook is configured to pick a lowermost elastic band supported on a corresponding one of each of the at least two poles and the push surface configured to push the picked elastic band over the outwardly extending flange. Movement of the slider relative to the guide automatically drives movement of the fingers to lift and release an elastic band to form a link a linked item.

Claims

1. A kit for forming an item from closed loop elastic bands, the kit comprising: a plurality of closed loop elastic bands; and a device comprising: a guide including at least two poles spaced apart from each other, the two poles including an outward extending flange configured to hold at least one closed loop elastic band therebetween; and a slider having at least two arms movable relative to the at least two poles, each of the at least two the arms including a finger portion having a hook and a push surface, the hook configured to pick a lowermost elastic band supported on a corresponding one of each of the at least two poles and the push surface configured to push an elastic band over the outwardly extending flange.

2. The kit as recited in claim 1, wherein the guide includes a cam surface and each of the at least two arms of the slider include a lobe surface that engages the cam surface of the guide to define relative movement of each of the at least two arms to a corresponding one of the at least two poles in response to movement of the slider relative to the guide, wherein the defined relative movement includes movement of the at least two arms in a manner that removes a closed loop elastic band placed across the at least two poles.

3. The kit as recited in claim 2, wherein the cam surface includes a first portion configured to move the at least two arms away from a corresponding one of the at least two poles.

4. The kit as recited in claim 3, wherein each of the at least two poles include a guide groove that extends through the outward extending flange and the cam surface comprises a portion of a bottom surface of the guide groove.

5. The kit as recited in claim 1, wherein each pole of the at least two poles include a band support area configured to position an elastic band relative to a corresponding one of the at least two arms.

6. The kit as recited in claim 1, wherein each outwardly extending flange includes a ramp for guiding a captured elastic band over the outwardly extending flange and a back side for holding an elastic band for release from the at least two arms.

7. The kit as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the at least two poles include a guide groove that extends through the outward extending flange and wherein a corresponding arm of the at least two arms slide within the guide groove of a corresponding one of the two poles.

8. The kit as recited in claim 1, wherein the guide includes an opening and the slider includes a guide tab that extends into the guide for guiding movement of the slider.

9. The kit as recited in claim 8, wherein the guide includes a bias hook and wherein the guide tab and the bias hook are configured to hold an elastic member therebetween to bias the slider toward an initial position.

10. The kit as recited in claim 9, further including a cover attachable to the guide for holding at least a portion of the slider within the guide.

11. The kit as recited in claim 10, wherein the slider includes an actuation portion from which each of the at least two arms extend, the actuation portion configured for manipulation by an operator to move the slider relative to the guide.

12. The kit as recited in claim 11, wherein each of the at least two arms include a spring portion that generates an inward bias of the at least two arms.

13. The kit as recited in claim 1, wherein the slider comprises a single unitary integral part.

14. The kit as recited in claim 1, further comprising a clip for securing a first end closed loop elastic band of the item formed from at least some of the plurality of closed loop elastic bands to a second end closed loop elastic band of the item.

15. A device for forming an item from closed loop elastic bands, the device comprising: a guide having at least two poles spaced apart from each other, the two poles configured to hold at least one closed loop elastic band therebetween; and a slider having at least two arms movable relative to the at least two poles, each of the at least two the arms including an end include a finger portion having a hook and a push surface, the hook configured to pick a lowermost elastic band supported on each of the at least two poles and the push surface is configured to push an elastic band off of the corresponding one of the at least two poles.

16. The device as recited in claim 15, wherein the guide further includes a cam surface and each of the at least two arms includes a lobe surface that engages the cam surface of the guide to define relative movement of each of the at least two arms to a corresponding one of the at least two poles in response to movement of the slider relative to the guide and a spring portion that generates an inward bias on the at least two arms that holds the lobe surface against the cam surface of the guide, wherein the defined relative movement includes movement of the at least two arms in a manner that removes a closed loop elastic band placed across the at least two poles.

17. The device as recited in claim 16, wherein each pole of the at least two poles includes an outward extending flange and a guide groove, wherein each outwardly extending flange includes a ramp for guiding a captured elastic band over the outwardly extending flange and a back side for holding an elastic band for release from the at least two arms and the guide groove extends through the outward extending flange and a corresponding arm of the at least two arms slides within the guide groove of a corresponding one of the two poles.

18. The device as recited in claim 17, wherein the cam surface includes a first portion configured to move the at least two arms away from each other and a second portion configured to move the at least two arms toward each other, and wherein the second portion defines a bottom surface of the guide groove.

19. The device as recited in claim 18, wherein each of the at least two poles include a band support area disposed between the outwardly extending flange and a lower ledge, wherein the cam surface is configured to cause outward movement of the hook beginning at the lower ledge to facilitate engagement of a lower most elastic band disposed at the lower ledge.

20. The device as recited in claim 19, including a biasing member disposed between the guide and the slider for biasing the slider toward an initial position, wherein each of the hooks are disposed below the lower ledge in the initial position.

21. A method of forming a Brunnian link using a closed loop elastic band, the method comprising: placing at least two closed loop elastic bands across at least two poles; moving one arm of at least two arms relative to each of the at least two poles to generate outward movement of each arm relative to the at least two poles; picking one of the at least two closed loops off the at least two poles with the at least two arms with the outward movement of each arm; extending each of the at least two arms upward and outward over an outwardly extending flange on each of the at least two poles such that the one closed loop elastic band picked by off the at least two poles slides over the outwardly extending flange; retracting the arms downwardly back past the outwardly extending flange to release the picked one closed loop elastic band from the at least two arms and links to the other of the at least two closed loop elastic bands remaining on the at least two poles; and repeating the above steps with at least one additional closed loop elastic band to create additional links.

22. The method as recited in claim 21, further comprising guiding a lobe on each of the least two arms along a cam surface to generate the outward movement of the at least two arms.

23. The method as recited in claim 22, further comprising picking the one of the at least two closed loop elastic bands from the at least two poles with a finger portion on each of the at least two arms.

24. The method as recited in claim 23, further comprising moving the one of the at least two closed loop elastic bands over a ramp of the outwardly extending flange to release the picked closed loop elastic band from the at least two poles and releasing the picked closed loop elastic band from the at least two arms by engagement with a back side of the outwardly extending flange.

25. The method as recited in claim 21, further comprising generating outward and inward movement of the at least two arms relative to the at least two poles in response to sliding movement in a direction transverse to the outward and inward movement of the at least two arms.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an example kit for creating linked articles from elastic bands.

[0008] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an example autoloom embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a view of inner features of the example autoloom in a first condition.

[0010] FIG. 4 is another view of inner features of the example autoloom in a second position.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a guide of the example autoloom.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the guide.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a top view of flanges of the guide.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a slider of the example autoloom.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the slider.

[0016] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of a finger of the slider.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a view of the autoloom in an initial position.

[0018] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the autoloom in the initial position.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a view of the autoloom in a position to pick a first elastic band.

[0020] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a finger portion in the position to pick the first elastic band.

[0021] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the autoloom in the position to pick the first elastic band.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a view of the autoloom in a position that expands the picked elastic band.

[0023] FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the autoloom in the position that expands the picked elastic band.

[0024] FIG. 18 is a view of the autoloom in a position moving the elastic band over a flange.

[0025] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the autoloom in the position to move the elastic band over the flange.

[0026] FIG. 20 is a top view of the flange where the autoloom is in the position to move the elastic band over the flange.

[0027] FIG. 21 is a view of the autoloom where the elastic band is released from the flange.

[0028] FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the autoloom with the elastic band released from the flange.

[0029] FIG. 23 is a view of a finger and elastic band with the autoloom in the position shown in FIGS. 21 and 22.

[0030] FIG. 24 is a view of the autoloom in a position where the elastic band is ready for release from a finger.

[0031] FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the autoloom in the position shown in FIG. 24.

[0032] FIG. 26 is a top view of a flange with the autoloom and elastic band in the position shown in FIGS. 24 and 25.

[0033] FIG. 27 is a view of the autoloom in a position where the elastic band is released from the finger and linked to other elastic bands.

[0034] FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of the autoloom in the position shown in FIG. 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a kit 20 for forming a linked article from closed loop elastic bands. The kit 20 includes an autoloom 22, elastic bands 24, and clips 26, 28. The autoloom 22 provides an easy repeatable means of creating linked items from closed loop elastic bands 24. The autoloom 22 provides for the automatic picking and linking of elastic bands to simplify and speed up the creation of linked items.

[0036] The clips 26, 28 may be of any shape that provides for the securement of loose ends of the elastic bands 24. For example, the clips 26 are generally C-shaped and the clips 28 are generally S-shaped. Both the C-shaped clips 26 and the S-shaped clips 28 include features for holding ends of an article formed from closed loop elastic bands. The elastic bands 24 are used to form a series of links that form a linked article. The autoloom 22 supports elastic bands to provide for creation of links with simple repeatable steps.

[0037] In one disclosed example, the links are formed as a series of Brunnian links. A Brunnian link is formed between two continuous closed looped structures such as the example elastic bands 24 without forming an actual knot. Each link is formed by capturing ends of one elastic band 24 with a mid-portion of another elastic band 24. Each link depends on the previous and subsequent links to maintain a desired linked article. The autoloom 22 provides for the creation of Brunnian links in a quick, efficient, and repeatable manner.

[0038] The example autoloom 22 includes a slider 32 that is disposed within a guide 30 and a cover 34. The cover 34 attached to the guide 30 and defines a space within which the slider 32 moves. The guide 22 includes a first post 36A spaced apart from a second post 36B. The first post 36A includes a first flange 40A. The second post 36B includes a second flange 40B. The flanges 40A-B extend outward from each corresponding post 36A-B. The flanges 40A-B prevent the errant release of elastic bands that are stretched between the posts 36A-B. The slider 32 includes a first arm 38A and a second arm 38B. The first and second arms 38A-B are moved relative to a corresponding one of the posts 36A-B to lift an elastic band from the posts 36A-B and around the corresponding one of the flanges 40A-B. Upward and outward movement of the arms 38A-B is defined to grasp and release an elastic band to form a link with other elastic bands supported across the posts 36A-B.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, with continued reference to FIG. 1, the parts of the autoloom 22 are shown in an exploded view. The slider 32 fits within a space defined between the guide 30 and the cover 34. The guide 30 includes the posts 36A-B with flanges 40A-B. A first guide groove 44A extends through the first post 36A and the first flange 40A. A second guide groove 44B extends through the second post 36B and the second flange 40B. The corresponding first and second arms 38A-B fit and move within the corresponding guide groove 44A-B.

[0040] The first arm 38A includes a first finger 50A. The second arm 38B includes a second finger 50B. The first and second fingers 50A, 50B are disposed at ends of the corresponding arms 38A-B and are shaped to grasp a lower-most elastic band from a corresponding one of the posts 36A-B.

[0041] The slider includes a guide tab 56 and the guide 30 includes a bias hook 54. A biasing member 48 is attached across the guide tab 56 and the bias hook 54 to bias and hold the slider 32 in an initial position as shown in FIG. 1. In the initial position, the slider 32 is biased downwardly such that an actuation tab 58 extends from the guide 30 and cover 34. In use, the actuation tab 58 is used to move the slider 32 upwardly relative to the guide 30. The guide tab 56 moves within an opening 52 that is defined within the guide 30. The cover 34 includes a stop 62 and guide ribs 64 that correspond with the opening 52 and the guide tab 36 to aid in guiding and maintaining a desired relative position between the slider 32 and the guide 30 during use.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, with continued reference to FIG. 2, the slider 32 is shown within the guide 30 with the cover 34 removed. First and second elastic bands 92, 94 are held across the posts 36A-B. In the illustrated example, the first elastic band 92 is disposed below the second elastic band 94 and a series of previously formed links 96 is supported between the posts 36A-B. The specific function of how the links 96 are formed will be described in detail once the structures of the autoloom 22 are descried.

[0043] Movement of the arms 38A-B is precisely defined to pick only one of the elastic bands 92, 94 from the posts 36A-B. Specifically, the lower-most band 92 is picked from the posts 36A-B as will be explained below. The defined movement is provided by an interaction between first and second lobes 42A-B on each arm 38A-B and a cam surface 46 defined by the guide 30. Upward movement of the slider 32 drives the lobes 42A-B along the cam surface 46 such that the arms 38A-B expand outward at a desired precise position relative to the posts 36A-B.

[0044] The first post 36A includes a first band retention area 66A and the second post 36B includes a second band retention area 66B. Each band retention area 66A, 66B includes a corresponding one of a first and second bottom edge 68A, 68B. The finger 50A, 50B of each of the arms 38A-B moves outwardly relative to the respective bottom edge 68A, 68B in response to upward movement of the slider 32. The lobes 42A-B guide along the cam surface 46 to cause outward movement of each of the arms 38A-B, and thereby the corresponding fingers 50A, 50B. The outward movement of the arms 38A-B is defined relative to the bottom edges 68A, 68B and the flanges 40A-B.

[0045] In the disclosed example, movement of the arms 38A-B is initially outward to pick the lower-most elastic band from the band retaining area 66A, 66B. The arms 38A-B than move inwardly in response to further upward movement. Movement is defined along the cam surface 46. The example cam surface 46 is a continuous surface that extends upwardly to merge with a bottom surface of the guide grooves 44A-B (FIG. 2) within the posts 36A-B.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, with continued reference to FIG. 3, the slider is shown in an upper position where the fingers 50A, 50B have grasped the elastic band 92 and moved past the flanges 40A, 40B. The arms 36A-B have also moved outwardly relative to the flanges 40A-B. The other elastic band 94 and the linked item 96 remain on the posts 36A-B. Only the lower most elastic band 92 was lifted off the posts 36A-B.

[0047] Release of the upward force on the slider 32 allows the biasing member to move the slider downwardly. Downward movement of slider 32 causes the elastic band 92 to be released from the fingers 50A, 50B and from the flanges 40A-B such that it becomes part of the linked item 96. Additional elastic bands are assembled across the posts 36A-B and the process repeated until a desired length and structure of the linked item is obtained.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 with continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the example guide 30 is a single integral part with features for supporting elastic bands and defining movement of the arms 38A-B. The guide 30 includes the posts 36A-B that are spaced a distance 74 apart. The distance 74 is sized relative to a size of elastic band used in forming the linked item.

[0049] The cam surface 46 extends from a bottom point 98 through an expansion portion 70 to a retraction portion 72. A nesting point 100 is provides where the lobes 42A-B set when the slider 32 is in an initial position. The cam surface 46 expands outwardly in the expansion portion 70 to drive the arms 38A-B outward. The expansion portion 70 extends from the nesting point 100 upward to the retraction portion 72. The retraction portion extends from the end of the expansion portion upward into to each of the posts 36A-B. A bottom surface of each of the guide grooves 44A-B is part of the retraction portion 72 of the cam surface 46. The retraction portion 72 provides for inward movement of the arms 38A-B.

[0050] Accordingly, the portions of the cam surface 46 define movement of the arms 38A-B relative to the posts 36A-B. In one disclosed example, the interaction between the cam surface 46 and the lobes 42A-B of the arms 38A-B define movement transverse to upward sliding movement.

[0051] The flanges 40A-B includes features that prevent errant release of elastic bands, permit lifting off with the fingers 50A, 50B and subsequent release when the fingers 50A, 50B are moved back downward. First and second ramp portions 76A, 76B provide for the elastic bands to slide off in response to upward movement when grasped by the fingers 50A, 50B. First and second straight back surfaces 78A, 78B catch the elastic bands to enable release from the corresponding Finger 50A, 50B with further downward movement. The guide groove 44A-B extends through the flange 40A-B to provide the space form movement of the fingers 50A, 50B through the flange 40A-B.

[0052] The guide 30 further includes first and second return surfaces 82A-B, that guide the arms 38A-B of the slider 32 back to the initial position. The return surfaces 82A-B push inward against outer edges of the arms 38A-B to fixe them in the initial, start position.

[0053] The guide 30 and the cover 34 snap together with features such as the tabs 90 provided along the bottom of the guide 30. Additional tabs and snap fit structures are arranged about the periphery of the guide 30 and cover 34 to facilitate securement to each other.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 8, 9 with continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the slider 32 is shown separate from the guide 30. The slider 32 includes the arms 38A-B that extend from the actuation tab 58. The arms 38A-B includes a spring portion 60A-B that provides both for expansion outward and a return to the default relaxed position shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. A thickness 84 in the spring portions 60A-B is different than along the full length of each arm 38A-B. The thickness 84 is defined to provide flexibility of the arms 38A-B that facilitates outward movement. Moreover, the spring portions 60A-B define the flexible portions of the arms 38A-B such that the remainder of the arms 38A-B remain substantial straight during operation. As appreciated, the elastic bands exert a bias toward a relaxed condition. Stretching of the elastic bands as is performed upon lifting from the corresponding posts 36A-B exerts a force on the arms 38A-B. The arms 38A-B are therefore sized and configured to limit bending, but for in the spring portions 60A-B.

[0055] The biasing hook 56 is disposed between the arms 38A-B and engages the biasing member 48 (FIG. 1) utilized to automatically return the slider to the initial start position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 10, with continued reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 8 and 9, one of the fingers 50A-B is shown enlarged. The example finger 50A-B includes a hook portion 86 that is configured to pick a single elastic band from the post 36A-B. The example hook 86 is disposed at an angle 80 relative to an inner side 102 of each arm 38A-B. The example angle 80 is approximately 45 relative to the inner side 102. The angle 80 is set to correspond with upward and outward movement of the finger 50 relative to the lower edge 66A-B of the retaining space 68A-B on each post 36A-B. The configuration of the finger 50A-B and the hook 86 are set to precisely lift only one of many elastic bands from the posts 36A-B. It should be appreciated that although an angle of 45 is disclosed by way of example, other angles could be utilized and are within the contemplation of this disclosure.

[0057] Each finger 50A-B also includes a lift surface 88. The lift surface 88 provides for pushing of a grasped elastic band upward and around the flanges 40A-B. In operation, the elastic band is picked from the post 36A-B by the hook 86. The captured elastic band will ride down along an inner surface 106 onto the lift surface 88. The lift surface 88 includes a small retainer bump 104 that aids in preventing the elastic band from riding entirely off the lift surface 88. Tension exerted by the elastic band will hold the elastic band against inner surface 106 until upward movement pushes the elastic band onto the lift surface 88. The bump 104 assures that the elastic band remains in place but is not so great of an obstruction to prevent release from the finger 50A-B when required.

[0058] FIGS. 11-28 illustrate an example sequence of operation of the autoloom 22 to pick and release an elastic band from posts 38A-B to form a link. Operation begins by loading elastic bands across the posts 36A-B. In one example, a first band is stretched across the posts 36A-B and twisted to form an X-shape. At least one additional band is then assembled stacked above the first elastic band. Additional elastic bands may be added along with the first two elastic bands. In the example disclosed operation, three elastic bands are shown. Two elastic bands, or more than three elastic bands could be utilized depending on the desired link configuration. The example operation is described below beginning once the elastic bands are loaded to the posts 36A-B.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, operation of the autoloom 22 begins with the slider 32 in an initial position. In the initial position, the lobes 42A-B of the slider 32 are set in the nesting point 100. The arms 38A-B are fully set inward against the returns 82A-B. Elastic bands 92 and 94 are set on the posts 36A-B in the retention areas 66A-B below each of the flanges 40A-B.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, upon initial engagement of a force in the direction shown by arrow 106, the lobes 42A-B are moved along the cam surface 46 and expand outwardly such that the fingers 50A-B engage the lower-most elastic band 92. As the arms 38A-B are driven upward and outward, the hook 86 of each finger 50A-B picks and begins pulling the elastic band 92 outwardly as indicated by arrows 108.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the fingers 50A-B are shown expanded further outward with the elastic band 92. The fingers 50A-B are also moving upward as a result of the pushing force exerted on the slider 32 in the direction indicated by arrow 106. The outward movement of the arms 38A-B is generated by the interface between the lobes 42A-B and the cam surface 46. The elastic band 92 has slide downward from the hook 86 toward the lift surface 88.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 18, 19 and 20, further upward movement of the slider 32 as indicated by arrow 106 moves the fingers 50A-B upward past respective flanges 40A-B. The elastic band 92 is fully seated on the lift surface 88 and pushed upward over the flanges 40A-B. The upward push drives the elastic band 92 along ramp surfaces 76A-B of each flange 40A-B. The ramp surfaces 76A-B allow the elastic band 92 to slide over and around the corresponding flange 40A-B. The lobes 42A-B are moves upward further along the cam surface 46 toward the retraction portion 72 corresponding to the guide grooves 44A-B (Best shown in FIG. 5).

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 21, 22 and 23, the elastic band 92 is pulled free of the corresponding flange 40A-B. At this point, the slider 32 is near the upward limit and may being moving back downward toward the initial position. The arms 38A-B move back inwardly enough to facilitate release of the elastic band 92.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 24, 25 and 26, continued retracting downward movement of the slider 32 results in engagement of the elastic band 92 with a back surface 78A-B of each flange 40A-B. The back surface 78A-B is a straight part that hooks the elastic band 92 as the finger 50A-B moves downward past the flange 40A-B. Trapping of the elastic band 92 provides for release from the finger 50A-B. Because the elastic band 92 had been previously released from the flange 40A-B, the subsequent release from the finger 50A-B frees the elastic band to become part of the linked article 96.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, further downward retraction of the slider 32 frees the elastic band 92 such that it links to the elastic bands of the linked item 96. The slider 32 is shown in a position that is moving toward the initial position shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The fingers 50A-B have moved past the corresponding one of the flanges 40A-B and will are moving inwardly upon engagement with the return surfaces 82A-B.

[0066] Once the slider 32 has returned to the initial position, additional elastic bands are loaded onto the posts 36A-B and the process repeated. The movement of the arms 36A-B is defined and repeatable to speed the creation of a liked item.

[0067] Accordingly, the disclosed example autoloom 22 provides for the creation of a linked item with precise defined movement of the slider 32 relative to the guide 30. Moreover, the autoloom 22 provides for creation of linked items by provides features that support elastic bands and that uses simple repeatable steps.

[0068] Although an example embodiment has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this disclosure. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the scope and content of this disclosure.