Machine quilting hand control

Abstract

Sewing machines use a foot control pedal for power and speed. When using a machine quilting frame, one balances on one foot while controlling the speed and power of the sewing machine and moving the sewing machine from side to side and to and fro on a carrier. This invention solves these control problems in one hand guided device, permitting a more comfortable two-footed balance. The Machine Quilting Hand Control handle is angled and contoured for ease of use. A governor sets a maximum speed of sewing. A variable speed trigger switch controls the speed. Hook and loop tape attaches the Hand Control to the sewing machine. The cord plugs into the foot control outlet of the sewing machine. The adapter has several input plugs for use with different sewing machines. An inline fuse shuts off the circuit if there is an electrical short or power surge.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A machine quilting hand control comprising a contoured handle, a governor, a variable speed trigger switch, industrial strength sticky-back hook and loop tape, a plug-in attachment to be inserted in place of the foot control, an adapter to fit the foot control input on most sewing machines, and a fuse.  
     
     
         2 . A contoured handle that is angled and contoured and contoured of ergonomic design for ease of use 
 a. the contoured handle in  claim 2  may be mounted in any location on a sewing machine, be it top, side, front, or back of the machine    b. the contoured handle in  claim 2  is of adequate length and height to permit the hand to grasp it with ease for use and maneuverability of the component elements    
     
     
         3 . A governor is located near the top front of the handle 
 a. the governor in  claim 3  is an electric thumbwheel speed control that allows variable setting of the sewing machine's sewing speed    b. the governor in  claim 3  maintains the sewing machine motor speed as set    
     
     
         4 . A variable speed trigger switch is located on the underside, near the front of the handle 
 a. the variable speed trigger switch in  claim 4  controls the speed of the sewing machine from zero to the speed that is set on the governor    
     
     
         5 . Sticky-back hook tape is attached to the bottom of the hand control for the purpose of affixing the hand control to the sewing machine  
     
     
         6 . Sticky-back loop tape is provided to be affixed to the sewing machine for attachment of the hand control to the sewing machine  
     
     
         7 . A cord that is attached to the governor and the trigger switch runs from the handle of the hand control to the foot control inlet of the sewing machine  
     
     
         8 . An adapter fits on the end of the cord in  claim 7  and has several different input plugs to insert into the foot control inlet of various sewing machines  
     
     
         9 . An inline fuse is installed on the cord to shut off the circuit if there is an electrical short or power surge