Thread caddy system

Abstract

The present invention relates to thread storage and dispensing systems which allow thread to be stored and used while positioned in the same location. A thread caddy of the present invention includes one or more drawers that can be opened and closed, and can move from a retracted storage position to an expanded usage position. The drawers can include a thread tray that has locations for positioning multiple spools of thread. A positioning system may also be included to reorient the thread tray between multiple orientations. In a first orientation, the tray may be retracted so that a drawer can be moved to its closed position. In a second orientation, the drawer may be expanded so that the drawer cannot be closed. The positioning system may also be retractable within the drawer. A retractable feed guide can also be included which can feed multiple threads simultaneously.

1 . A thread caddy for storing and using thread, comprising:
 one or more drawers, wherein said one or more drawers are movable between a retracted position and extended position, and wherein said one or more drawers include:
 a thread tray having a plurality of thread positions; and 
 a positioning system for reorienting said thread tray between at least a first orientation and a second orientation, wherein said one or more drawers are movable to said retracted position when said thread tray is in said first orientation, and wherein said one or more drawers are substantially prevented from moving to said retracted position when said thread tray is in said second orientation. 
   
   
   
       2 . A thread caddy as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said thread tray has a plurality of shelves, and wherein each of said plurality of shelves are adapted to have multiple thread positions. 
   
   
       3 . A thread caddy as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said plurality of shelves define a set of tiered shelves when said thread tray is in said second orientation. 
   
   
       4 . A thread caddy as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said plurality of shelves are substantially horizontal when said thread tray is in said first orientation. 
   
   
       5 . A thread caddy system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said thread tray includes a spindle at said plurality of thread positions. 
   
   
       6 . A thread caddy system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein at said first orientation, said thread tray is substantially contained within said one or more drawers, and said thread positions are adapted to maintain thread spools in an angled position. 
   
   
       7 . A thread caddy system as recited in  claim 6 , wherein at said second orientation, said thread tray is at least partially elevated relative to said one or more drawers, and said thread positions are adapted to maintain thread spools in a substantially vertical position. 
   
   
       8 . A thread caddy system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said positioning system includes a support member pivotally connected to said thread tray. 
   
   
       9 . A thread caddy system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said positioning system is retractable to a storage position contained within said one or more drawers. 
   
   
       10 . A thread caddy system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a feed guide. 
   
   
       11 . A thread caddy system as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said feed guide is connected to said tray. 
   
   
       12 . A thread caddy system as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said feed guide is retractable to a storage position and contained within said one or more drawers. 
   
   
       13 . A dual-use thread caddy system in which spools of thread are located for both storage and usage, comprising:
 one or more retractable thread drawers, wherein said one or more retractable thread drawers are configured to store spools of thread when said thread drawers are in a retracted position, and to facilitate usage of said thread when said thread drawers are in an extended position;   a plurality of thread positions within said one or more retractable thread drawers; and   a feed guide, wherein said feed guide is retractable between an operating position and a storage position, wherein at said operating position, said feed guide facilitates feeding of thread during usage of said thread, and wherein at said storage position, said feed guide is retracted for storage within said one or more retractable thread drawers.   
   
   
       14 . A dual-use thread caddy system as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said feed guide includes a plurality of feed positions for simultaneously feeding thread from multiple spools of thread. 
   
   
       15 . A dual-use thread caddy system as recited in  claim 14 , wherein said plurality of thread positions are arranged in at least one of columns or rows within said retractable thread drawers, and wherein said plurality of feed positions are substantially aligned with at least one of said columns or rows of thread positions. 
   
   
       16 . A dual-use thread caddy system as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said feed guide is pivotally connected to move between said operating position and said storage position. 
   
   
       17 . A thread caddy operating as a storage and usage system in which spools of thread are storable, usable, and identifiable in a single location, and without needing to remove the spools of thread from the thread caddy, the thread caddy comprising:
 a cabinet body;   a plurality of drawers slideably disposed within said cabinet body;   a retractable feed guide; and   for each of said plurality of drawers, a thread storage system and use system that includes:
 a thread tray, wherein said thread tray has a plurality of shelves, at least some of said plurality of shelves including spindles for receiving spools of thread, wherein said thread tray has a storage orientation and a use orientation,
 wherein said storage orientation enables a respective drawer to be in, and moved between, an extended position and a retracted position; and 
 wherein said use orientation enables said respective drawer to be in said extended position but not said retracted position, and to feed thread from spools of thread one said spindles through said retractable feed guide; and 
 
 a support mechanism for maintaining said thread tray in at least one of said storage orientation or said use orientation. 
   
   
   
       18 . A thread caddy as recited in  claim 17 , wherein at said storage orientation, said thread tray, and spools of thread thereon, are substantially disposed within said respective drawer, and said spools of thread recline on said spindles at an angle. 
   
   
       19 . A thread caddy as recited in  claim 17 , wherein at said use orientation, at least a portion of said thread tray, and spools of thread thereon, are elevated with respect to said respective drawer, and said spools of thread are substantially vertical on said spindles. 
   
   
       20 . A thread caddy as recited in  claim 17 , wherein each spindle defines a thread position, and wherein each thread position further includes an identification area for providing indicia indicating, for a spool of thread at said thread position, at least one of thread color or thread style.