Retractable quilt clamp apparatus

摘要

A retractable quilt clamp apparatus is disclosed having a clamp attached to a strap, and a strap retraction mechanism attached to the strap. The strap retraction mechanism is configured to retract and retain at least part of the strap. The strap retraction mechanism includes a case, a spool, a spiral spring, and a brake. The case at least partially houses and retains the spool. The case and the spool retain the spiral spring. The strap is attached to the spiral spring, which biases the strap to be wound about the spool. The case includes a brake region for retaining and guiding movement of the brake. The brake is configured to press against the strap when in a locked position, and to allow clearance for the strap to move relative to the case when in an unlocked position. A bracket is used to attach the apparatus to a quilting frame, such as a quilting frame of a longarm quilting system.

主权项

1. A quilt clamp apparatus comprising:
a clamp configured for grabbing and releasably holding a sheet during use of the apparatus; a strap including a first strap end and a second strap end,
the first strap end being attached to the clamp; a strap retraction mechanism including a case, a spool, a spiral spring, and a brake,
the case includes a first case half attached to a second case half, the case at least partially housing and retaining the spool, the first case half having a central case post extending therefrom and at least partially within the spool, the central case post having a slit formed therein,the spiral spring having a first spring end and a second spring end,the second strap end being attached to the first spring end,the second spring end extending at least partially through the slit of the central case post to retain the second spring end,the spool having an inner drum region at least partially housing and retaining the spiral spring,at least part of the strap being wound about an outer region of the spool when at least part of the strap is retracted into the case,the case includes a brake region for retaining and guiding movement of the brake, andthe brake being configured to press against the strap when in a locked position and being configured to allow clearance for the strap to move in and out of the case when in an unlocked position; and an adjustable bracket configured for attachment to a quilting frame during use of the apparatus, wherein at least part of the adjustable bracket is an integral part of at least one portion of the case.