Novel Fabric Mending Device And Methods Of Use Thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for mending an article of fabric by placement of a barbed thread across an area to be mended, such that the barbs engage the fibers of the fabric forming a secure closure.#

1 . A fabric mending device comprising:
 – a needle having a hollow channel;   – a cap having an aperture to receive the proximal end of said needle; and   – a length of thread having a plurality of barbs positioned with said hollow channel, and wherein the terminal end of said thread is secured within the internal compartment of said cap such that said needle is separable from said cap and said thread.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the distal end of said needle comprises a tapered end. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said thread comprises a thread having a plurality of barbs. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said barbs comprises a plurality of barbs positioned around the circumference of said thread. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said thread includes a midline. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein said midline separates a proximal barbed section and a distal barbed section. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein said the barbs of said proximal barbed section and a distal barbed section are oriented in an opposing configuration. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said proximal end of said thread is unbarbed, and/or said distal end of said thread is unbarbed. 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said needle is secured in said cap by a coupler. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said needle comprises a flexible needle having a hollow channel. 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A fabric mending device comprising:
 – a flexible tube having a hollow channel;   – a cap having an aperture to receive the proximal end of said flexible tube; and   – a length of thread having a plurality of barbs positioned with said hollow channel, and wherein the terminal end of said thread is secured within the internal compartment of said cap such that said flexible tube is separable from said cap and said thread.   
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the distal end of said flexible tube comprises a tapered end. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein said thread comprises a thread having a plurality of barbs. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein said barbs comprises a plurality of barbs positioned around the circumference of said thread. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein said thread includes a midline. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein said midline separates a proximal barbed section and a distal barbed section. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein said the barbs of said proximal barbed section and a distal barbed section are oriented in an opposing configuration. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein said proximal end of said thread is unbarbed, and/or said distal end of said thread is unbarbed. 
     
     
         21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein said flexible tube is secured in said cap by a coupler. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein said cap comprises a cap selected from the group consisting of: a plastic cap, a rubber cap, a foam cap, or a combination of the same. 
     
     
         24 - 49 . (canceled)