US2983467A - Thread protector - Google Patents

Description

y 1961 H. G. RETHERFORD 2,983,467

THREAD PROTECTOR Filed Nov. 24, 1958 i i i INVENTOR. #05465 G. ZEWZZFJZD A7702A/EY l United dtates Patent THREAD PROTECTOR Horace G. Retherford, Rte. 1, Box 309, Corona, Calif. Filed Nov. 24, 1958, Ser. No. 775,746

2 Claims. emu-137.1

This invention relates to a thread protecting device, and it particularly relates to a device for protecting thread while on a spool.

It is well known that it is often difficult to keep the thread on a spool straight and untangled. However, the cost of using any complex device for preventing this would be entirely disproportionate to the value of the thread. Consequently, no means has heretofore been devised to adequately perform this function.

It is one object of the present invention to provide a simple device for preventing tangling of thread on a spool, which device is easy to use and contains no complex parts.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a protective device of the aforesaid type which is adaptable to a variety of spool sizes and which permits the thread to be exposed to view.

Other objects of the present invention are to provide an improved protective device, of the character described, that is easily and economically produced, which is sturdy in construction, and which is highly eflicient in operation.

With the above and related objects in view, this invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts, as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of a protective device embodying the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an end view taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is an end view, similar to Fig. 2, but with the spool removed.

Referring in greater detail to the drawings, wherein similar reference characters refer to similar parts, there is shown a protective device, generally designated 10, comprising a hollow sleeve 12 constructed of a resilient or flexible material which is also preferably transparent or translucent. A very acceptable material for this purpose is. polyethylene, although other materials may be used as desired.

The sleeve 12 is generally somewhat cylindrical in shape and, as illustrated, includes a somewhat cylindrical side wall and an end wall 14 at one end, the opposite end being open.

2,983,467 Patented May 9, 1961 The open end 16 of the sleeve 12 is normally elliptical in shape (as best shown in Fig. 5) and is defined by a rim having oppositely-disposed, beaded ribs or ridges 18.

In use, the spool 20 with thread 22 wound thereon in such manner that a free end portion 24 of the thread shape (as best shown in Fig. 2).

The thread 22 on the spool 20 is kept in position on the spool while it is in the sleeve 12; however, the free end 24 of the thread extends freely through the opening 16 in a position accessible to the user.

The transparent or translucent nature of the sleeve 12 permits visual inspection ofthe thread on the spool to determine its nature, quality, color or other characteristics, while the closed end 14 acts as a protective means against dust, dirt and the like, especially when the device is turned to stand on the open end 16 of the sleeve 12. However, if desired, the device may be constructed of opaque material. Also, if desired, the closed end 14 of the sleeve 12 may be made somewhat open.

The flexible nature and construction of the protector 10 permits it to be used with spools of various dimensions; and the simplicity joined with the effectiveness of the device makes it of utmost economic feasibility.

, Although this invention has been described in considerable detail, such description is intended as being illustrative rather than limiting, since the invention may be variously embodied, and the scope of the invention is to be determined as claimed.

Having thus set forth and disclosed the nature of this invention, what is claimed is:

1. In combination, a flexible unitary sleeve of generally somewhat cylindrical shape, a normally elliptical opening at one end of said sleeve, the area of said unitary sleeve adjacent said elliptical opening being an elliptical extension of said somewhat cylindrical sleeve, and a spool having thread wound thereon within said sleeve,

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 204,758 Rice June 11, 1878 744,846 Williams Nov. 24, 1903 900,464 Alfred Oct. 6, 1908 2,125,354 Meier Aug. 2, 1938 2,498,202 Dingman Feb. 21, 1950 Stiller Feb. 2, 1954

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