PATTERN LOOM FOR ELASTIC BANDS

Abstract

A kit for forming an item from threads and beads. The kit includes a loom with a first part and a slider for holding a thread therebetween. The slider is movable to adjust a distance from the first part. A tray is supported within a base between the slider and the first part. The tray provides for storage of beads when creating an item and for threading beads onto ends of thread.

Claims

1. A kit for forming a predefined shape from closed loop elastic bands, the kit comprising: a plurality of closed loop elastic bands; and a loom comprising: a base comprising a front end, a rear end, a first side, a second side; and a plurality of pins extending from the base, each of the plurality of pins include an outward extending flange for holding elastic bands during creation of a link and a slot that extends through the outwardly extending flange, wherein the plurality of pins are arranged on the base according to a predefined pattern that mimics a figure.

2. The kit as recited in claim 1, wherein the pins are arranged to include at least two columns that extend parallel to a longitudinal length of the base that include a different number of pins.

3. The kit as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of pins includes a first spacing between at least two of the plurality of pins and a second spacing between at least two pins of the plurality of pins that is different than the first spacing.

4. The kit as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of pins are arranged according to at least two different patterns.

5. The kit as recited in claim 4, wherein the plurality of pins in each of the at least two patterns are arranged in a different spacial relationship to each other to form different shapes.

6. The kit as recited in claim 5, wherein the different spatial relationships include at least one of a triangular pattern, a rectangular pattern, and an irregularly shaped pattern.

7. The kit as recited in claim 4, wherein that at least two different patterns comprise at least a first pattern that includes a first spacing between some of the plurality of pins and a second pattern that includes a second spacing between others of the plurality of pins that is different than the first spacing.

8. The kit as recited in claim 4, wherein the at least two patterns include at least a first pattern that comprises at least two of the plurality of pins all with the slots facing in a common direction corresponding to a longitudinal length of the base.

9. The kit as recited in claim 4, wherein the at least two patterns include a second pattern that comprises at least one of the plurality of pins with a slot facing at an angle relative to the longitudinal length of the base.

10. The kit as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of pins are arranged on the base such that at least two of the plurality of pins include slots that face in different directions.

11. The kit as recited in claim 10, wherein the slot on one of the at least two pins faces in a direction parallel to the longitudinal length of the base and the slot of the other of the two pins faces in a direction different than the direction parallel to the longitudinal length.

12. The kit as recited in claim 1, wherein the base and the plurality of pins comprise a one-piece integral part.

13. The kit as recited in claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of pins are separately inserted into the base and some of the plurality of pins are integral to the base.

14. The kit as recited in claim 1, further comprising at least one insert for assembly to an item formed from elastic bands on the loom.

15. The kit as recited in claim 1, further comprising a hook tool for manipulating elastic bands arranged across the plurality of pins for forming a link.

16. A loom for forming a predefined shape from closed loop elastic bands, the loom comprising: a base including a top surface and a curvilinear periphery; and a plurality of pins extending from the base, each of the plurality of pins including an outwardly extending top flange and a slot extending through the outwardly extending top flange, wherein the plurality of pins are arranged on the base according to at least one of a first pattern having a first orientation between a first group of the plurality of pins and a second pattern having a second orientation between a second group of the plurality of pins that is different than the first spacing.

17. The loom as recited in claim 16, wherein the first pattern comprises pins all with the slots facing in a common direction corresponding to a longitudinal length of the base and the second pattern comprises pins with at least two pins that include the slots facing at an angle relative to the longitudinal length of the base.

18. The loom as recited in claim 16, wherein the first orientation comprises a first spacing and the second orientation comprises a second spacing between adjacent ones of the plurality of pins is greater than the first spacing.

19. The loom as recited in claim 16, wherein the plurality of pins are arranged in a plurality of columns extending in a direction corresponding to a longitudinal length of the base and at least one of the plurality of columns include more of the plurality of pins than another of the plurality of columns.

20. The loom as recited in claim 16, wherein the base and the plurality of pins are formed as a single integrated part.

21. A kit for creating a figurine from closed loop elastic bands, the kit comprising: a plurality of closed loop elastic bands; a loom including a plurality of pins each including an outwardly extending top flange and a slot extending through the outwardly extending top flange, wherein the plurality of pins are arranged to define at least two different paths for linking closed loop elastic bands together to define a portion of a figurine.

22. The kit as recited in claim 21, wherein the slot for each of the pins in each of the at least two different paths face in a direction corresponding with a direction of a corresponding one of each of the at least two paths.

23. The kit as recited in claim 21, wherein one of the at least two paths extend in a direction parallel with a longitudinal length of the loom and a second one of the at least two paths includes a portion that extends in a direction transvers to the longitudinal length.

24. The kit as recited in claim 21, wherein the loom further comprises a base with a curvilinear outer periphery and at least some of the plurality of pins are aligned with the curvilinear outer periphery.

25. The kit as recited in claim 24, wherein the curvilinear outer periphery includes a first curvilinear portion that is different than a second curvilinear portion to define portions of the figurine.

26. The kit as recited in claim 21, further comprising an accessory item that is insertable into a plurality of links formed from the plurality of closed loop elastic bands.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an example kit for forming links from elastic bands.

[0007] FIG. 2 is perspective view of an example figurine.

[0008] FIG. 3 a schematic view of a series of Brunnian links.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example loom.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a side view of the example loom.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a top view of an example pin.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the example pin.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a top view of an example loom.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another example loom embodiment including openings and insertable additional pins.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a top view of the example loom embodiment of FIG. 9.

[0016] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of an example coupling between the additional pin and base of the loom embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0017] FIG. 12 is another enlarged view of the example coupling showing an insertable additional pin coupled to the base of the loom embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0018] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of one example coupling between an insertable additional pin and the base.

[0019] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of another example coupling between an insertable additional pin and the base.

[0020] FIG. 15 is a top view of the example loom illustrating a direction for linking elastic bands to form features of a completed figurine.

[0021] FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of assembling elastic bands across pins of a loom in preparation of creating a linked article.

[0022] FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of forming links by removing elastic bands from the pins of the loom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] FIG. 1 schematically shows a kit 20 for making a linked item from a plurality of elastic bands 22. The kit 20 includes a loom 34, elastic bands 22 and clips 26, 28. The kit 20 further includes a hook tool 28 for manipulating elastic bands 22 set on the loom 34. The loom 34 is shaped to mimic the shape of a figurine with arms, legs, a body, and a head. The shape of the loom 34 along with the orientation of the ins 62 provides for the creation of a figurine formed from linked elastic bands 22.

[0024] The example kit 20 further includes accessory items 30, 33, 32 and 34 that may be used to define features of a completed figurine. In one example embodiment, the kit may include either, or both a C-shaped clip 26 or an S-shaped clip 28. Either the C-shaped clip 26 and the S-shaped clip 28 provides for the securement of ends of links formed from the elastic bands 22.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2 with continued reference to FIG. 1, the example kit 20 provides for the formation of a figurine 36 formed from elastic bands. The figurine 36 is formed from a plurality of elastic bands arranged to form a body portion 45, leg portions 40, arm portions 42 and a head portion 44. The loom 34 is arranged and configured to provide for the creation of linking structures that form the portions of the figurine 36. The example kit 20 further includes the accessory items that are assembled into the figurine to form feature, or accessories to dress up the figurine 36. In one example embodiment, the accessory items include a mouth 38, sunglasses 32, eyes 37, and footwear 30. Each of the accessory items includes a pin that is insertable between elastic bands that form the figurine 36. The example sunglasses 32 include stems 33, the example mouth 38 includes stem 39. The stem 33, 39, are inserted into the completed article between elastic bands. The eyes 37 include stems 35. Friction with the elastic bands hold the accessory items in place. The footwear 30 includes stems 31 that extend upward and aid in holding a completed figurine 36 upright. Although several accessory items are shown and disclosed by way of example, other accessory items and features could be utilized and are within the scope and contemplation of this disclosure.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 3, with continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the elastic bands that form the figurine 36 are linked together utilizing a Brunnian link. A Brunnian link is formed from a continuous looped structure, such as the elastic bands 22, without forming an actual knot. FIG. 3 shows several elastic bands 50A-C linked together with a Brunnian link 48 form a series of links 46. The series of links 46 can be fashioned and combined in many different ways to form many different linked articles. In the simplified example shown in FIG. 3, three closed looped elastic bands 50A-C are shown linked together to define a very simple linked item and illustrates how a Brunnian link is formed.

[0027] Each of the links 48 is formed by folding an elastic band 50A-C on to itself to define end portions 52A-C that are captured by a corresponding mid-portion 54A-C of another of the elastic bands 50A-B. The end portions 52A-C are not terminal ends as a closed loop structure does not include ends. Accordingly, the term end as it relates to the end portions 52A-C and as used in this disclosure, are the sections of an elastic band that is captured by another elastic band as show in FIG. 3. Each link 48 depends on the previous and subsequent links 48 to maintain the desired linked structure 46 as shown. The series of links 46 is shown by way of example and many variations are possible to includes multiple elastic bands captured within each link 48.

[0028] The disclosed loom 34 supports the elastic bands in a defined relative orientation and pattern to enable many different linking variations based on the simplified Brunnian link shown in FIG. 3 to form the figurine 36. The shape and orientation of the pins 62 define a pattern for forming the figurine 36.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the example loom 34 includes a plurality of pins 62 that extend from a base 56. The base 56 includes an outer periphery 58 that is shaped to correspond with a shape of desired figurine. An example shape is shown, however, other shapes of the loom 34 are possible to form figurine of different shapes and sizes and are within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, with continued reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, Each of the pins 62 includes a top end 80 that includes an outwardly extending flange 82, a pin body portion 78, and an access slot 84. The access slot 84 extends along the height 92 of each pin 62. Each of the pins 62 further includes bottom rib portions 86. The slot 84 extends through the top end 80 and the outwardly extending flange 82 such that each of the pins 62 are generally U shaped when viewed from the top as shown in FIG. 6.

[0031] The pins 62 are supported on the base 88 and extend upward past a top surface 88 of the base 88. In one example embodiment, each of the pins 62 are partially surrounded by an opening 90 through the top surface 88 of the base 56. In another example embodiment, each of the pins 62 are integral to the base 88.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 8, with continued reference to FIGS. 4-7, the loom 34 includes a plurality of columns 64 of pins 62. The plurality of columns 64 extend parallel to an overall longest length 60 of the loom 34. Each of the plurality of columns 64 include varying numbers of pins 62 that correspond with a defined pattern to form a figurine. In the disclosed example, the loom 34 includes features to provide for the formation of a head, body, arms, legs, and feet of a figurine. Each of the features are formed from a group, or pattern of pins that form that feature. In the example embodiment, the pins 62 are arranged in patterns to form a head portion 92, arm portions 94, a body portion 96 and leg portions 98.

[0033] The example loom 34 is symmetric about a centerline 114. The symmetry about the centerline 114 provides for each of the head portion 92, arm portions 94, a body portion 96 and leg portions 98 are formed from the same number and pattern of pins 62 on either side of the centerline 114. Although the example loom 34 is symmetric, it is within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure that non-symmetric patterns of the pins 62 may be used to form differently shaped figures.

[0034] The example periphery 58 is not straight, but is instead curvilinear with different portions having different shapes depending on the desired figurine shape. As shown in FIG. 8, the head portion 92, arm portions 94, a body portion 96 and leg portions 98 are of different shapes to mimic the form of the final figurine creation. The pins 62 are arranged in a manner corresponding to each portion.

[0035] The pins 62 are arranged in different patterns that mimic features of the completed figurine. Each of the patterns include pins with spacing that correspond to that feature. The patterns are a plurality of pins that are grouped and aligned to define a feature of a completed figure. The patterns may extend entirely between ends of the loom. The patterns may only includes a few pins 62 to define a small feature, such as for example, a hand or a foot. The patterns are formed with the pins 62 arranged to define a series of linked bands that form portions of the completed figurine.

[0036] Accordingly, the spacing within each pattern varies. Moreover, the spacing within the pattern may also vary. In one example embodiment, a first pattern 66 includes pins 62 that all face in a common direction that is parallel to the length 60. As used and described in this disclosure, a pin 62 faces in a direction that corresponds to the open side formed by the slot 84. For example, the pins 62 disposed within the first pattern 66 all face in a common direction from the head portion 92 toward the leg portions 98 and parallel to the length 60 as indicated by arrow 116. In the first pattern 66, two adjacent pins 70 are spaced a first distance 68 apart. A second pattern 72 is also shown within the heat portion 92 and includes adjacent pins 76 that are spaced a second distance 74 apart. The second distance 74 is different than the first distance 68. In one disclosed example embodiment, the second distance is greater than the first distance 68. A third pattern 100 is shown in the arm portion 94 and includes adjacent pins 104 that are spaced apart a third distance 102. The third distance 102 is different than either of the first distance 68 and the second distance 76.

[0037] Although a number of patterns and spacings are shown and disclosed by way of example, additional patterns and spacing may be used to form features of completed figurine with different configurations and shapes.

[0038] The pins 62 may face in different directions to provides for the desired pattern formation. In one example embodiment, at least one of the pins includes an angle 106 relative to a line parallel with the length 116. In one example embodiment, the angle 106 is 45 degrees. In other example embodiment, the angle 106 may be between 30 and 75 degrees.

[0039] The angle 106 is the direction at which the slot 84 faces. The direction that the slot 84 faces sets the orientation of that portion of the linked article and corresponds with the portion of the pattern for the completed figurine.

[0040] Another pin 62 is set at an angle 110 relative to a line parallel to the length 60 of the loom 34. In one example embodiment, the angle 110 is 90 degrees to the line parallel with the length 60.

[0041] In another example embodiment, adjacent ones of the pins 62 are set at different angles relative to each other. One of the pins 62 indicated at 118 is disposed at an angle 108 relative to an adjacent pin indicated at 120. The angle 108 provides for the shape of the arm 94. As appreciated the angle 108 provides for the formation and shape of a completed figurine.

[0042] In one example embodiment, at least one of the plurality of columns 64 include a different number of pins 62 from at least on other of the plurality of columns 64. At least two of the plurality of columns 64 that have more than at least two pins 62, include different numbers of pins 62. Other of the pins 62 are arranged at an end of a pattern and therefore are not part of a column including other pins 62.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, another example loom 134 includes a plurality of pins 162 that are integrally formed with a base 156. The base 156 further includes openings 138 configured to receive an insertable pin 136. Additional pins 136 may be inserted into the other openings 138. Each of the additional pins 136 includes a top end 180, an outward extending flange 182 and a slot 184. The slot 184 extends through the top end 180 and the flange 182. The addition of pins 136 provides for the modification of the pattern defined by the loom 134. In one configuration that includes only the fixed pins 162, the loom 134 defines a pattern for a first version of a character. Insertion of additional pins 136 in each of the openings 138 defines a second pattern for a second version of a character. The addition of the insertable pins 136 enable one loom to be used for several different versions of a character. The number and placement of the openings 138 may vary to define other possible variations of features.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 with continued reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the pin 136 includes a key 140 that fits into the opening 138. The example openings include an inner surface 142 that is shaped to receive the key 140. The example inner surface 142 provides for the selective circumferential orientation of the pin 136 relative to the base 156. The slot 184 of each of the pins 136 may be arranged to face in a direction that corresponds to a desired pattern. The coupling configuration of the key 140 and the inner surface 142 provides for placing the pin in a desires circumferential position. The example key 140 and inner surface 142 are configured to provides for incrementing the slot 184 at predefined incremented circumferential position. In one example embodiment, the circumferential position of the pin 136 is set to provides 45 degree increments. As appreciated, other rotational increments may be used and are within the scope and contemplation of this disclosure.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 14, another disclosed example embodiment of an additional pin 144 is shown and includes an opening 146. A base 150 includes a key 148. The opening 146 is configured to receive the key 148 and provide for setting the pin 144 on the base 150 in a desired circumferential position. In this example., the key 148 is part of the base 150 and the opening 146 is formed within the pin 144. The opening 146 and key 148 provide for a coupling to enable the addition of pins to the loom to define additional patterns or variations of patterns. Although example shapes for the key 148 and opening 146 are shown, other shapes that provide for incremental circumferential positioning of the pin 144 is within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 15, the loom provides for the formation of patterns where the bands are assembled to the pins 62 in one direction and the removed in the opposite direction. The pins 62 are arranged from top to bottom and left to right on the loom 34 in patterns where bands are first assembled onto and across adjacent pins 62. The bands are then removed according to the predefined patters as is indicated by arrows 122.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 16 with continued reference to FIG. 15, bands 120A-C are first assembled onto corresponding ones of the pins 62 in a direction corresponding with the arrow 112. Assembly of the bands 120A-C proceeds as shown in FIG. 10, where a first band 120A is stretched between a first pin 62A and a second pin 62B. A second band 120B is than assembled across the second pin 62B and a third pin 62C. The second band 120B is disposed above the first band 120A on the second pin 62B as is shown. A third band 120C is than placed on the third pin 62C above the second band 120B. This process is repeated along the loom 34 from the start to the end for each of the patterns.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 17, with continued reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the bands 120A-C are removed in a direction 118 that is opposite that of the direction 112 in which the bands 120A-C were first assembled. Removal of the bands to create the links occurs by lifting a bottom one of the bands 120A-C through an upper one of the bands and placing that band onto the adjacent pin. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the second band 120B was lifted off the third pin 62C and through the third band 120C such that a portion of the third band 120C is trapped by the folded over second band 120B. The second band 120B is than held on the second pin 62B as shown. The first band 120A is than pulled upward through the second band 120B in the direction indicated by the arrow 118. The lifting and pulling through of the bands 120A-C is repeated along the loom 34 in the direction indicated by the arrow 118.

[0049] Once all of the bands 120A-C are linked, the entire linked article may be removed and any loose ends secured. Removal of the linked elastic bands from the loom 34 frees the bands to contract onto each other such that the bands become tightly secured to each other. Securement of the ends of any links may include the use of the clips or tying of elastic bands. Accessories that depict eyes, mouth, sunglasses, shoes, boots, or any other item may be inserted into the finished figurine.

[0050] In one example embodiment as is shown in FIG. 2, accessory items are inserted into the linked elastic article and remain in place due to friction between the elastic bands and one or more pins or other extending attachment features. As shown in FIG. 1, the footwear accessory 30 may include stems 31 that are elongated to provides for holding the completed linked figurine article upright. The other accessory items 32, 34 includes posts 33 and 35, respectively for that are held in place between the linked elastic bands.

[0051] Accordingly, the example kit 20 and loom 34 provides for the formation of many variations of linked structures with individually installable and rotationally orientated pins 34.

[0052] 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.