Sewing Machine Foot Switch Operating Device

1. The Field of the Invention

This invention relates to foot switch operating devices and more particularly to that class providing an adjustable nest accomodating variously shaped foot switches.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The prior art abounds with a variety of foot switch operating brackets or foot treadles. U.S. Pat. No. 3,103,905 issued on Sept. 17, 1963 to H. E. Althens et al. teaches a foot treadle operating a foot switch there below. U.S. Pat. No. 3,327,662 issued on June 27, 1967 to P. J. Abate et al. discloses a foot switch operated by a foot treadle which is pivotably fixed to a sewing machine table. All of the aforementioned patents suffer the common deficiency of accomodating only one size foot switch whose housing must be fixedly secured to the foot switch operating mechanism disclosed therewithin.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a foot switch operating device which accomodates various size foot switches. Another object of the present invention is to provide a nest, easily adjustable in size over a wide dimensional range.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a foot switch operating treadle whose weight is biased away from the foot switch thus preventing the inadvertant operation thereof.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an operating pedal which can be operated utilizing both feet of the user and including a heel rest therefor.

Foot switches, utilized on sewing machines, are generally small and lightweight in construction. The operator frequently must grope with one foot for the elusive and constantly position changing foot switch. The instant invention includes a nest which retains the foot switch therewithin and is of sufficient weight and size to remain in a given position and location and can be conveniently operated by the user.

These objects, as well as other objects of the present invention, will become more readily apparent after reading the following description of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the present invention with the foot treadle removed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the instant invention with the foot treadle shown in the vertical position.

The structure and method of fabrication of the present invention is applicable to a U shaped frame member, for resting on the floor, having a plurality of slots in each of the three bar members. A treadle is hinged along the center member, comprising a plate whose marginal edges substantially conform with the overall dimensions of the three sided frame member. A projection, utilized as heel support, extends upwardly from the uppermost surface of the treadle and is located along the marginal edge thereof that is hingeably secured to the center member of the U shaped frame. A tapered wedge-like bar is secured to the undermost surface of the treadle and is utilized for depressing the foot switch located therebelow when the treadle is depressed.

A fourth bar member is adjustably secured along the length of the two side bar members of the U shaped frame utilizing bolts passing through the longitudinal slots therewithin. A pair of threaded rods pass through slots in the center member of the U shaped frame and slots in the fourth member. The two threaded rods may be located, in parallel relationship to one another, varying distances apart and may be locked into position utilizing locking nuts which engage the outermost surface of the composite frame-like member, thus providing an adjustable nest for the foot switch, having a selected width and length. A rubber-like strip is secured to the uppermost surface of the framework, preferably on the center member of the U shaped frame, providing a bias force, acting on the treadle urging it upwardly and having a moderate magnitude easily overcome when the operator allies a downward force on the treadle utilizing one or both feet therefor.

Now referring to the figures and more particularly to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 showing the present invention comprising a treadle 12 and a heel rest 14 affixed to the uppermost lateral surface 16 thereof. Treadle 12 is hingeably affixed to bar 18. Slot 20 has threaded rods 22 emerging therefrom. Slot 20 may be unitary or comprise two slots. Slot 24 has screw 26 passing therethrough engaging bar 28.

FIG. 2 shows bar 18 and threaded rods 22 passing therethrough with nuts 30 engaging bar 18. Rods 22 also pass through bar 28 and are in touching engagement therewith utilizing nuts 32 therefor. Bar 28 can move in the direction of arrows 34 when screws 26 are loosened and moved along slot 24, shown in FIG. 1. Rods 22 can move in the direction of arrows 36 when nuts 32 are loosened, permitting the rods to slide along slot 20 shown in FIG. 1 and slots, 50 and 52 shown in bar 28 of FIG. 3, through which rods 22 pass. A void is provided, of adjustable dimension, for the foot switch, not shown, by the opposed surfaces of rods 22 and the opposed surfaces of bars 18 and 28. Hinges 38 are utilized to secure treadle 12 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the treadle 12 in the upright position with heel rest 14 extending outwardly therefrom. Tapered wedge 40 is secured to the undermost surface 42 of treadle 12, and is used to operate the foot switch positioned therebelow between bars 18, 28, 44, and 46. Rubber-like member 48 biases treadle 12 upwardly. Rods 22, as shown in FIG. 2, pass through slot 20 and slots 50 and 52. Screws 26 secure bar 28 in a preferred position along the length of bars 44 and 46.

One of the advantages of the present invention is a foot switch operating device which accomodates various size foot switches.

Another advantage of the present invention is a nest easily adjustable in size over a wide dimensional range.

Still another advantage of the present invention is a foot switch operating treadle whose weight is biased away from the foot switch thus preventing the inadvertent operation thereof.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is an operating pedal which can be operated utilizing both feet of the user and including a heel rest therefor.

Thus, there is disclosed in the above description and in the drawings, an embodiment of the invention which fully and effectively accomplishes the objects thereof. However, it will become apparent to those skilled in the art, how to make variations and modifications to the instant invention. Therefore this invention is to be limited, not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appending claims.

The embodiment of the invention in which an exclusive privilege or property is claimed are defined as follows: