U.S. patent application number 14/272038 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-12 for quilting fabric cutting template and associated method of using the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Joan Breuker. Invention is credited to Joan Breuker.
Application Number | 20150322609 14/272038 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54367323 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150322609 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Breuker; Joan |
November 12, 2015 |
Quilting Fabric Cutting Template and Associated Method of Using the
Same
Abstract
A quilting fabric cutting template adapted for the generation of
a four-pointed star quilting block having a square base upon
association of eight adjacent sides of the four-pointed star
including: a substrate having a first outer side, a second outer
side, a third outer side, a fourth outer side, a fifth outer side,
a sixth outer side, a seventh outer side, an eighth outer side, a
ninth outer side, a tenth outer side, an eleventh outer side, a
twelfth outer side, a top surface, and a bottom surface; wherein
the substrate forms the general shape of a four-pointed star; and
wherein the first outer side, the fourth outer side, the seventh
outer side, and the tenth outer side are concave.
Inventors: |
Breuker; Joan; (Zeeland,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Breuker; Joan |
Zeeland |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54367323 |
Appl. No.: |
14/272038 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
33/565 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D05D 2305/08 20130101;
D05B 97/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D05B 97/12 20060101
D05B097/12 |
Claims
1. A quilting fabric cutting template adapted for the generation of
a four-pointed star quilting block having a square base upon
association of eight adjacent sides of the four-pointed star,
comprising: a substrate having a first outer side, a second outer
side, a third outer side, a fourth outer side, a fifth outer side,
a sixth outer side, a seventh outer side, an eighth outer side, a
ninth outer side, a tenth outer side, an eleventh outer side, a
twelfth outer side, a top surface, and a bottom surface; wherein
the substrate forms the general shape of a four-pointed star; and
wherein the first outer side, the fourth outer side, the seventh
outer side, and the tenth outer side are concave.
2. The quilting fabric cutting template according to claim 1,
wherein the substrate forms the shape of a four-pointed dodecagonal
star.
3. The quilting fabric cutting template according to claim 2,
wherein the substrate forms the shape of a frusto-tipped
four-pointed dodecagonal star.
4. The quilting fabric cutting template according to claim 2,
wherein the second outer side and the third outer side are fixedly
connected such that the second outer side and the third outer side
intersect at an angle that is less than 180 degrees and wherein the
second outer side and the third outer side each include a channel
that extends past the point of their intersection, wherein the
fifth outer side and the sixth outer side are fixedly connected
such that the fifth outer side and the sixth outer side intersect
at an angle that is less than 180 degrees and wherein the fifth
outer side and the sixth outer side each include a channel that
extends past the point of their intersection, wherein the eighth
outer side and the ninth outer side are fixedly connected such that
the eighth outer side and the ninth outer side intersect at an
angle that is less than 180 degrees and wherein the eighth outer
side and the ninth outer side each include a channel that extends
past the point of their intersection, and wherein the eleventh
outer side and the twelfth outer side are fixedly connected such
that the eleventh outer side and the twelfth outer side intersect
at an angle that is less than 180 degrees and wherein the eleventh
outer side and the twelfth outer side each include a channel that
extends past the point of their intersection.
5. The quilting fabric cutting template according to claim 4,
wherein the substrate further comprises a circular hanging aperture
positioned equal distance from a midpoint of each one of the first
outer side, the fourth outer side, the seventh outer side, and the
tenth outer side.
6. The quilting fabric cutting template according to claim 4,
wherein at least one of the outer surface and the inner surface
includes a protective film, wherein the protective film is
fabricated from an elastomeric material.
7. The quilting fabric cutting template according to claim 6,
wherein the elastomeric material comprises an at least partially
transparent elastomeric flurosilicone.
8. The quilting fabric cutting template according to claim 7,
wherein the protective film is coated with a composition comprising
at least one of a carboxylic acid, an alcohol, an aldehyde,
chlorhexidine, octenidine, and a polymer opal film.
9. The quilting fabric cutting template according to claim 8,
wherein the protective film is coated with a composition comprising
a chlorhexidine and a polymer opal film.
10. The quilting fabric cutting template according to claim 1,
wherein the first outer side, the fourth outer side, the seventh
outer side, and the tenth outer side each include a pair of
elastomeric edges for accommodating a rotary cutter.
11. A process for preparing a quilting block, comprising the steps
of: providing a cutting mat; placing a plurality of stacked pieces
of quilting fabric on the cutting mat; placing a cutting template
on the plurality of stacked pieces of quilting fabric, wherein the
cutting template comprises a substrate having a first outer side, a
second outer side, a third outer side, a fourth outer side, a fifth
outer side, a sixth outer side, a seventh outer side, an eighth
outer side, a ninth outer side, a tenth outer side, an eleventh
outer side, a twelfth outer side, a top surface, and a bottom
surface, wherein the substrate forms the general shape of a
four-pointed star, wherein the first outer side, the fourth outer
side, the seventh outer side, and the tenth outer side are concave,
wherein the second outer side and the third outer side are fixedly
connected such that the second outer side and the third outer side
intersect at an angle that is less than 180 degrees, wherein the
second outer side and the third outer side each include a channel
that extends past the point of their intersection, wherein the
fifth outer side and the sixth outer side are fixedly connected
such that the fifth outer side and the sixth outer side intersect
at an angle that is less than 180 degrees, wherein the fifth outer
side and the sixth outer side each include a channel that extends
past the point of their intersection, wherein the eighth outer side
and the ninth outer side are fixedly connected such that the eighth
outer side and the ninth outer side intersect at an angle that is
less than 180 degrees, wherein the eighth outer side and the ninth
outer side each include a channel that extends past the point of
their intersection, wherein the eleventh outer side and the twelfth
outer side are fixedly connected such that the eleventh outer side
and the twelfth outer side intersect at an angle that is less than
180 degrees, and wherein the eleventh outer side and the twelfth
outer side each include a channel that extends past the point of
their intersection; and cutting the plurality of stacked pieces of
quilting fabric with a rotary cutter by following an outer
peripheral geometry of the cutting template and channels associated
therewith.
12. The process according to claim 11, further comprising the steps
of: sewing the second outer side and the third outer side together;
sewing the fifth outer side and the sixth outer side together;
sewing the eighth outer side and the ninth outer side together; and
sewing the eleventh outer side and the twelfth outer side together,
thereby forming a first quilting block having a square base and a
generally square upper aperture.
13. The process according to claim 12, further comprising the step
of: introducing batting through the aperture of the first quilting
block and subsequently tying off the aperture.
14. The process according to claim 13, further comprising the step
of: sewing the first quilting block to a second quilting block.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates in general to cutting
templates and, more particularly, to cutting templates for quilting
fabric and associated methods of use, that facilitate rapidly
cutting a plurality of pieces of fabric into predetermined shapes
(e.g., four-pointed dodecagonal stars), to, in turn, reduce the
time needed to prepare and assemble, for example, a quilt, a duvet
cover, a coverlet, a comforter, a bedspread, a runner, a blanket, a
throw, etcetera.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] Quilting, while widely known throughout the world as both a
popular hobby and occupation, is extremely time
consuming--especially the preparatory steps prior to piecing,
wherein small pieces of cloth are sewn into patterns or blocks. As
such, quilting accessories directed toward efficiency and/or
enhancing a quilter's experience have been known in the art for
years and are the subject of numerous patents, including but not
limited to: U.S. Pat. No. 3,037,293 entitled "Spiral Curve Drafting
Instrument;" U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,062 entitled "Quilting Template;"
U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,086 entitled "Template and Cutter Guide System
for Cutting Quilting Pieces;" U.S. Pat. No. 6,925,724 entitled
"Quilting Ruler;" U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,412 entitled "Template for
Measuring, Marking and Cutting of Construction Materials, and
Method of Using Same;" U.S. Pat. No. 7,383,640 entitled "Quilting
Template System;" U.S. Pat. No. 7,568,295 entitled "Quilt Tool;"
U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,073 entitled "Quilt Template;" U.S. Pat. No.
8,186,072 entitled "Quilting Templates;" U.S. Pat. No. 8,499,470
entitled "Template for Cutting Quilting Fabrics;" United States
Patent Application Publication Number 2011/0048186 entitled
"Cutting Guide with Seam Allowance Recess;" and United States
Patent Application Publication Number 2012/0204437 entitled
"Quilting Template and Ruler"--all of which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety, including all references
cited therein.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,037,293 appears to disclose a spiral curve
drafting instrument and an object to provide an improved drawing or
template aid with a precisely graduated curve. The instrument
appears to be made of any suitable transparent sheet material, such
as a transparent plastic, sometimes commercially known as
"Plexiglas" and also by other commercial names, or other similar
material, preferably although not necessarily about 1/16'' thick
and 111/2'' in diameter.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,062 appears to disclose a transparent
flat sheet template which facilitates joining and cutting of pieces
of fabric used to make conventional quilting units, prior to
assembly of the units into a quilt. The template comprises a first
edge having a first straight edge portion and a concave edge
portion, the concave edge portion being a portion of a circle. The
template has second and third straight edges disposed
perpendicularly to each other, and a fourth edge disposed parallel
to the second edge. The template also includes an arcuate guideline
which is generally similar in size and shape to the concave edge
portion, and a grid of first and second sets of straight guidelines
marked on the template. The first set of guidelines are parallel to
each other and to the first straight edge portion of the template.
The second set of guidelines are parallel to each other and to the
second edge of the template. The straight guidelines are used to
align the template with edges of a square of fabric. The concave
edge portion facilitates accurate centering of a fabric circle on
the square of fabric, and the arcuate guideline facilitates
accurate cutting of the sewn fabric circle and square of fabric to
produce quilting units.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,086 appears to disclose an improved
system for cutting a quilting piece from fabric, which quilting
piece has a constant width sewing expanse around the exposed area
of the quilting piece for sewing quilting pieces together. The
system includes a template conforming to the shape of the exposed
area of the quilting piece and a cutter guide having a rail
positioned along one edge of the cutter guide. The width of the
rail is selected to correspond to the desired sewing expanse. The
template is first positioned on the fabric to be cut and a cutter
guide is positioned on top of the template with the inner guide
edge of the rail positioned in abutting relation with an edge of
the template. The fabric is then cut with a cutter along an outside
cutting edge of the rail of the cutter guide.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,925,724 appears to disclose a quilting ruler
that is square or rectangular in shape and has first, second, third
and fourth edges with a first set of equally spaced rulings running
parallel to the first and third edges of the ruler and at right
angles to a second set of equally spaced rulings running parallel
to the second and fourth edges of the ruler. The first line of the
first set of rulings is spaced from the first edge of the ruler by
a different interval from the interval by which the last line of
that set of rulings is spaced from the third edge of the ruler, and
the distance of each line of the first set of rulings from the
first edge and of each line of the second set of rulings from the
second edge is marked so as to be visible when the first and second
edges of the ruler are in use and the distance of each line of the
first set of rulings from the third edge and of each line of the
second set of rulings from the fourth edge is marked so as to be
visible when the third and fourth edges of the ruler are in
use.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,412 appears to disclose a template for
determining the shape and size of construction materials that
should be cut to substantially match an irregularly shaped area to
be covered by the construction materials. The template is a single
layer material having lines that permit snapping off parts of the
template without a cutting instrument. The template also has pegs
on periphery edges of the template to assist in positioning the
template. The invention also relates to a method of installing
construction materials into an irregularly shaped area with the
template.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 7,383,640 appears to disclose a quilting
template system and a method for selecting a template which
facilitates quilting a border-like area of a craftwork with
length-sides and width-sides meeting at corners. The template
system includes a set of templates each having an edge of repeated
patterns of equal pattern-length but differing in pattern-length
from template to template, and a correlator indicating which
template(s) of the set are usable for the craft-work without
fractional-pattern use on either the length-sides or the
width-sides thereof. The method includes a sequence of steps for
selecting a template by using the correlator to indicate which
templates are usable for quilting the entire border-like area
without fractional pattern use. The system preferably includes
groups of templates, templates of each group each having patterns
of equal pattern-length but differing in pattern-shapes from
template to template within the group. Another aspect of the
invention involves assemblages of templates on trays in uniplanar
organized arrangement with adjacent templates having complementary
edges. Yet another aspect involves a template for establishing a
continuous stitch-line of repeated portions each with halves of
inverted symmetry.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 7,568,295 appears to disclose a quilting tool
that has a transparent, parallelogram plate and a first set of
guidelines. The plate has at least a first major surface, a second
major surface, a first side, a second side parallel to the first
side, a third side and a fourth side parallel to the third side.
The first set of guidelines has at least a plurality of individual
guidelines imprinted on the first major surface of the plate. The
individual guidelines are parallel to the first side of the plate
and extend from the third side to the fourth side of the plate. The
individual guidelines are spaced from the first side based on the
equation (FB/NP)+(2.times.SA). FB is the finished block edge
length. NP is the number of patches wanted along FB. SA is the seam
allowance.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,073 appears to disclose a quilt template
for producing a plurality of quilt pieces. The quilt template
comprises a template plate for positioning over a first and second
layer material. A marking groove traverses the template plate and
receives a writing instrument. A first cutting groove traverses the
template plate and receives the cutting instrument for cutting the
first and second layer of material. A second cutting groove
traverses the template plate and receives the cutting instrument
for cutting the first and second layer of material. The marking
groove is positioned between the first cutting groove and the
second cutting groove. The marking groove and the first cutting
groove define a first quilt pattern on the template plate. The
marking groove and the second cutting groove define a second quilt
pattern on the template plate.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 8,186,072 appears to disclose a plurality of
templates that include cutting and sewing lines for forming a
plurality of various pieces of two coordinating fabrics for use in
quilt making. The template is made of a relatively rigid sheet of
transparent or semi-transparent material such as acrylic. The
cutting and sewing lines are formed by a plurality of spaced
openings extending through the sheet material.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 8,499,470 appears to disclose templates used
to aid in cutting, marking, or otherwise guiding a tool along two
edges that intersect in an inside corner. The edges are extended
past the point of intersection with channels so that the cutting,
marking, or other operation may proceed fully up to the point of
intersection or past the point of intersection if desired.
[0016] United States Patent Application Publication Number
2011/0048186 appears to disclose a cutting guide having a seam
allowance recess and methods of cutting a piece of material with
such cutting guide.
[0017] United States Patent Application Publication Number
2012/0204437 appears to disclose a combined template and ruler for
use in quilting that is formed from a rigid plastic material and
includes a plurality of spaced slots that correspond to cutting and
sewing lines that are marked on layers of fabric using the
template. The cutting and sewing lines are positioned such that a
plurality of half square triangles of two ply material are formed
without cutting the thread. A template and method of forming
snowball blocks in a similar fashion is also disclosed.
[0018] While a plurality of quilting accessories are known in the
art, their configurations remain problematic because they do not
provide a quilter with a material opportunity to facilitate
efficient preparation and assembly of a quilted article--especially
those based upon a four-pointed dodecagonal star that generates a
square yo-yo.
[0019] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a cutting template for quilting fabric and associated
methods of use that facilitate rapidly cutting a plurality of
pieces of fabric into predetermined shapes (e.g., four-pointed
dodecagonal stars), to, in turn, reduce the time needed to prepare
and assemble, for example, a quilt.
[0020] These and other objects of the present invention will become
apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and
drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The present invention is directed to, in one embodiment, a
quilting fabric cutting template adapted for the generation of a
four-pointed star quilting block having a square base upon
association of eight adjacent sides of the four-pointed star
comprising: (a) a substrate having a first outer side, a second
outer side, a third outer side, a fourth outer side, a fifth outer
side, a sixth outer side, a seventh outer side, an eighth outer
side, a ninth outer side, a tenth outer side, an eleventh outer
side, a twelfth outer side, a top surface, and a bottom surface;
(b) wherein the substrate forms the general shape of a four-pointed
star; and (c) wherein the first outer side, the fourth outer side,
the seventh outer side, and the tenth outer side are concave.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
substrate forms the shape of a four-pointed dodecagonal star.
[0023] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the substrate forms the shape of a frusto-tipped four-pointed
dodecagonal star.
[0024] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the second outer side and the third outer side are
fixedly connected such that the second outer side and the third
outer side intersect at an angle that is less than 180 degrees and
wherein the second outer side and the third outer side each include
a channel that extends past the point of their intersection,
wherein the fifth outer side and the sixth outer side are fixedly
connected such that the fifth outer side and the sixth outer side
intersect at an angle that is less than 180 degrees and wherein the
fifth outer side and the sixth outer side each include a channel
that extends past the point of their intersection, wherein the
eighth outer side and the ninth outer side are fixedly connected
such that the eighth outer side and the ninth outer side intersect
at an angle that is less than 180 degrees and wherein the eighth
outer side and the ninth outer side each include a channel that
extends past the point of their intersection, and wherein the
eleventh outer side and the twelfth outer side are fixedly
connected such that the eleventh outer side and the twelfth outer
side intersect at an angle that is less than 180 degrees and
wherein the eleventh outer side and the twelfth outer side each
include a channel that extends past the point of their
intersection.
[0025] In one aspect of the present invention, the substrate
further comprises a circular hanging aperture positioned equal
distance from a midpoint of each one of the first outer side, the
fourth outer side, the seventh outer side, and the tenth outer
side.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least
one of the outer surface and the inner surface includes a
protective film, wherein the protective film is fabricated from an
elastomeric material and/or an at least partially transparent
elastomeric flurosilicone. In this embodiment, the protective film
is preferably coated with a composition comprising at least one of
a carboxylic acid, an alcohol, an aldehyde, chlorhexidine,
octenidine, and a polymer opal film.
[0027] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the first outer side, the fourth outer side, the seventh outer
side, and the tenth outer side each include a pair of elastomeric
edges for accommodating a rotary cutter.
[0028] The present invention is also directed to, in one
embodiment, a process for preparing a quilting block, comprising
the steps of: (a) providing a cutting mat; (b) placing a plurality
of stacked pieces of quilting fabric on the cutting mat; (c)
placing a cutting template on the plurality of stacked pieces of
quilting fabric, wherein the cutting template comprises a substrate
having a first outer side, a second outer side, a third outer side,
a fourth outer side, a fifth outer side, a sixth outer side, a
seventh outer side, an eighth outer side, a ninth outer side, a
tenth outer side, an eleventh outer side, a twelfth outer side, a
top surface, and a bottom surface, wherein the substrate forms the
general shape of a four-pointed star, wherein the first outer side,
the fourth outer side, the seventh outer side, and the tenth outer
side are concave, wherein the second outer side and the third outer
side are fixedly connected such that the second outer side and the
third outer side intersect at an angle that is less than 180
degrees, wherein the second outer side and the third outer side
each include a channel that extends past the point of their
intersection, wherein the fifth outer side and the sixth outer side
are fixedly connected such that the fifth outer side and the sixth
outer side intersect at an angle that is less than 180 degrees,
wherein the fifth outer side and the sixth outer side each include
a channel that extends past the point of their intersection,
wherein the eighth outer side and the ninth outer side are fixedly
connected such that the eighth outer side and the ninth outer side
intersect at an angle that is less than 180 degrees, wherein the
eighth outer side and the ninth outer side each include a channel
that extends past the point of their intersection, wherein the
eleventh outer side and the twelfth outer side are fixedly
connected such that the eleventh outer side and the twelfth outer
side intersect at an angle that is less than 180 degrees, and
wherein the eleventh outer side and the twelfth outer side each
include a channel that extends past the point of their
intersection; and (d) cutting the plurality of stacked pieces of
quilting fabric with a rotary cutter by following an outer
peripheral geometry of the cutting template and channels associated
therewith.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
process further comprises the steps of: sewing the second outer
side and the third outer side together; sewing the fifth outer side
and the sixth outer side together; sewing the eighth outer side and
the ninth outer side together; and sewing the eleventh outer side
and the twelfth outer side together, thereby forming a first
quilting block having a square base and a generally square upper
aperture.
[0030] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the process further comprises the step of introducing batting
through the aperture of the first quilting block and subsequently
tying off the aperture.
[0031] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the process further comprises the step of sewing the
first quilting block to a second quilting block.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The invention will now be described with reference to the
drawings wherein:
[0033] FIG. 1 of the drawings is an isometric view illustrating a
quilting fabric cutting template in accordance with the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 2 of the drawings is an isometric view illustrating a
cutting mat, a plurality of stacked pieces of quilting fabric, a
quilting fabric cutting template, and a a rotary cutter in
accordance with the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 3 of the drawings is an isometric view illustrating an
unassembled quilting fabric block in accordance with the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 4 of the drawings is a top isometric view of a quilt
fabricated utilizing a quilting fabric cutting template in
accordance with the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 5 of the drawings is a bottom isometric view of a quilt
fabricated utilizing a quilting fabric cutting template in
accordance with the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 6 of the drawings is an isometric view illustrating a
quilting fabric cutting template in accordance with the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 7 of the drawings is a top isometric view of a quilt
fabricated utilizing a quilting fabric cutting template in
accordance with the present invention; and
[0040] FIG. 8 of the drawings is a bottom isometric view of a quilt
fabricated utilizing a quilting fabric cutting template in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be
described herein in detail, one or more specific embodiments with
the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered
as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
[0042] It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or
components, referred to herein, are identified throughout the
drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be
understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations
of one or more embodiments of the invention, and some of the
components may have been distorted from their actual scale for
purposes of pictorial clarity.
[0043] Referring now to the drawings, and to FIG. 1 in particular,
quilting fabric cutting template 10 is shown which is adapted for
the generation of a four-pointed star quilting block. In one
embodiment of the present invention, quilting fabric cutting
template 10 generates a quilting block that includes a
substantially square and/or square base (See FIG. 3).
[0044] Quilting fabric cutting template 10 is preferably fabricated
from at least partially transparent natural and/or synthetic
plastics (e.g., acrylic, polyurethane, polystyrene, etcetera)
and/or rubbers, saturated and/or unsaturated rubbers, such as
polyisoprene, butyl rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicones, and
flurosilicones. While quilting fabric cutting template 10 has been
disclosed for illustrative purposes only as comprising specific
materials, other materials are likewise suitable for use in
accordance with the present invention, such as wood, metals,
alloys, compressed paper products, and/or glass--just to name a
few.
[0045] Quilting fabric cutting template 10 generally comprises a
substrate having first outer side 12, second outer side 14, third
outer side 16, fourth outer side 18, fifth outer side 20, sixth
outer side 22, seventh outer side 24, eighth outer side 26, ninth
outer side 28, tenth outer side 30, eleventh outer side 32, twelfth
outer side 34, top surface 36, and bottom surface 38. As is best
shown in FIG. 1, quilting fabric cutting template 10 preferably
generally conforms to the shape of a four-pointed dodecagonal star,
wherein first outer side 12, fourth outer side 18, seventh outer
side 24, and the tenth outer side 30 are preferably concave and
form frusto-tips of the four-pointed star.
[0046] In one aspect of the present invention, second outer side 14
and third outer side 16 are fixedly connected such that second
outer side 14 and third outer side 16 intersect at an angle that is
less than 180 degrees and second outer side 14 and third outer side
16 each include channel 40 that extend past the point of their
intersection.
[0047] Additionally, fifth outer side 20 and sixth outer side 22
are preferably fixedly connected such that fifth outer side 20 and
sixth outer side 22 intersect at an angle that is less than 180
degrees and fifth outer side 20 and sixth outer side 22 each
include channel 40 that extend past the point of their
intersection.
[0048] Moreover, eighth outer side 26 and ninth outer side 28 are
preferably fixedly connected such that eighth outer side 26 and
ninth outer side 28 intersect at an angle that is less than 180
degrees and eighth outer side 26 and ninth outer side 28 each
include channel 40 that extend past the point of their
intersection.
[0049] Furthermore, eleventh outer side 32 and twelfth outer side
34 are preferably fixedly connected such that eleventh outer side
32 and twelfth outer side 34 intersect at an angle that is less
than 180 degrees and eleventh outer side 32 and twelfth outer side
34 each include channel 40 that extend past the point of their
intersection.
[0050] As is best shown in FIG. 1, quilting fabric cutting template
10 preferably comprises circular hanging aperture 42 positioned
equal distance from a midpoint of each one of first outer side 12,
fourth outer side 18, seventh outer side 24, and tenth outer side
30.
[0051] Quilting fabric cutting template 10 preferably includes a
protective film associated with the top and/or bottom surfaces. One
example of such a protective film is an elastomeric material, such
as an at least partially transparent elastomeric flurosilicone. It
will be understood that the protective film enhances product
longevity by protecting the substrate from direct exposure to the
rotary cutter. Additionally, first outer side 12, fourth outer side
18, seventh outer side 24, and tenth outer side 30 each preferably
include a pair of elastomeric edges for accommodating a rotary
cutter, and, in turn, facilitating displacement of a rotary cutter
around cutting template 10.
[0052] In accordance with the present invention the protective film
associated with the top and/or bottom surfaces and/or the top
and/or bottom surfaces themselves may be at least partially covered
with anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and/or
combinations thereof, coatings or agents.
[0053] In accordance with the present invention, anti-microbial
agents comprise chemical compositions that at least substantially
inhibit microbial growth and/or kill bacteria, fungi and/or other
microorganisms. A plurality of inorganic and/or organic chemical
compositions which display anti-microbial activity are suitable for
use with the present invention. Non-limiting examples of suitable
organic substances that possess anti-microbial activity are
carboxylic acids, alcohols and/or aldehydes, most of which appear
to act by protein precipitation and/or by disruption of microbial
cell membrane.
[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, the
anti-microbial activity of suitable inorganic substances is
generally related to the ions, toxic to other microorganisms, into
which they dissociate. The anti-microbial activity of various metal
ions, for example, is often attributed to their affinity for
protein material and the insolubility of the metal proteinate
formed. Metal-containing salts are thus preferred among the
inorganic substances that act as anti-microbial agents.
[0055] Metal inorganic salts, including simple salts of metal
cations and inorganic anions like silver nitrate, are often soluble
and dissociable and, hence, offer ready availability of potentially
toxic ions.
[0056] Metal salts or complexes of organic moieties such as organic
acids, on the other hand, are often less soluble and, therefore,
are less dissociable than the soluble metal inorganic salts. Metal
organic salts or complexes generally have a greater stability with
respect to extraneous organic matter, and anions present in the
environment of the living cell than metal inorganic salts, but have
less toxic potential by virtue of their greater stability.
[0057] Silver ion is an example of a preferred metal ion which
possess anti-microbial activity. To the best of Applicant's
knowledge silver ions react with a variety of anions as well as
with chemical moieties of proteins. Precipitation of proteins,
causing disruption of the microbial cell membrane and complexation
with DNA, is likely the basis of the anti-microbial activity.
Silver ions in high concentration will form insoluble silver
chloride and thereby deplete chloride ions in vivo.
[0058] Anti-bacterials are antiseptics that have the proven ability
to act against bacteria. Non-limiting examples of anti-bacterials
suitable for use in accordance with the present invention include
alcohols such as ethanol (20-99.sup.+%), 1-propanol (20-99.sup.+%)
and 2-propanol/isopropanol (20-99.sup.+%) or mixtures of these
alcohols. They are commonly referred to as "surgical alcohol". Used
to disinfect the skin before injections are given, often along with
iodine (tincture of iodine) or some cationic surfactants
(benzalkonium chloride 0.05-0.5%, chlorhexidine 0.2-4.0% or
octenidine dihydrochloride 0.1-2.0%). Other common anti-bacterials
include quaternary ammonium compounds known as Quats or QAC's,
include the chemicals benzalkonium chloride (BAC), cetyl
trimethylammonium bromide (CTMB), cetylpyridinium chloride (Cetrim,
CPC) and benzethonium chloride (BZT). Benzalkonium chloride is used
in some pre-operative skin disinfectants (conc. 0.05-0.5%) and
antiseptic towels. The anti-microbial activity of Quats is
inactivated by anionic surfactants, such as soaps. Related
disinfectants include chlorhexidine and octenidine.
[0059] It will be understood that cutting template 10 may be single
or double sidedly dip or spray coated with the anti-microbial,
anti-bacterial, and/or anti-viral agent, or alternatively cutting
template 10 may also be impregnated with one or more of the
aforementioned agents.
[0060] Additionally, the protective film may include one or more
visual indicators of use (not shown), for example, nanomaterials
such as photonic crystals or polymer opal films which are disclosed
in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,105,715, which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety including all
references cited therein. These visual indicators of use may
include color changing properties incorporated within cutting
template 10 to indicate whether cutting template 10 should be
cleaned and/or replaced. For example, cutting template 10 may
include a visual indicator that changes the color of cutting
template 10 from substantially transparent to any color such as
red, green, blue, and the like.
[0061] In another embodiment, cutting template 10 includes indicia,
including, but not limited to, ruler and/or measurement markings,
etcetera.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, the present invention is also
directed to a process for preparing a quilting block, comprising
the steps of: providing cutting mat 44; placing a plurality of
stacked pieces of quilting fabric 46 on cutting mat 44; placing
cutting template 10 on the plurality of stacked pieces of quilting
fabric 46, cutting the plurality of stacked pieces of quilting
fabric 46 with rotary cutter 48 by following an outer peripheral
geometry of cutting template 10 and channels 40 associated
therewith, to, in turn, generate quilting block 50. Once quilting
block 50 is generated, and based upon the cutting template
terminology, corresponding second and third outer sides, fifth and
sixth outer sides, eighth and ninth outer sides, as well as
eleventh and twelfth outer sides of quilting block 50 are sewn
together along their respective adjacent sides, thereby forming a
first quilting block having a square base and a generally square
upper aperture (not shown). Notably, the process of the present
invention provides a quilter with an opportunity to efficiently
prepare several blocks at one time toward substantially reducing
the time required to prepare a quilted article.
[0063] After the quilting block has been sewn, it forms a tipi type
structure having an upper aperture which allows the quilting block
to be filled with, for example, batting. Once the batting has been
introduced into the tipi type structure, then the top of the
structure is preferably tied off to enclose the filled, square
based block or square yo-yo.
[0064] After a plurality of square yo-yos have been prepared, they
are sewn along a side to create a quilted pattern (See FIGS. 4 and
5).
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 6, quilting fabric cutting template
100 is shown which is adapted for the generation of a triangular
and/or frusto-triangular quilting block. In one embodiment of the
present invention, quilting fabric cutting template 100 generates a
quilting block that includes a substantially triangular base. Such
a quilting block generates a quilt in accordance with FIGS. 7 and
8.
[0066] The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates
the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except
insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in
the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make
modifications without departing from the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *