The Needle Threader: A Seat for the Needle and a Hook Through the Eye

"My invention relates to improvements in needle-threading devices, and has for its object to provide a device of this character of a simple and inexpensive construction and arranged to be conveniently and quickly operated to thread the needle without placing any strain upon the eyes of the operator such as commonly caused by threading needles. My device is of such simple and efficient construction that a blind person may easily learn to use it." The tube has "a slot 11 ... This slot enables the thread to be readily withdrawn with the needle after it has been threaded and obviates the danger of cutting or fraying it in so doing." The needle-seat is "an ellipsoidal recess provided to contain the rounded portion of the needle extending above the eye", keeping "the eye of the needle when inserted in the needle-seat in the proper position for threading." "Projecting above the mouth of the tube 6 and integral therewith is a funnel-shaped portion 13, so formed as to facilitate the insertion of the needle".

Take ten needles of the same size. Thread five by hand in good light, counting the tries each takes and timing them. Thread the other five with a needle threader, counting and timing too. Now do both again blindfolded (with someone to hand you the needles). Record the tries and time for each method. The threader's advantage grows as sight is taken away — the point of Felson's patent.

**Arthur M. Felson** of Gouverneur, New York, filed US 652,175 on 28 December 1899; it is dated 19 June 1900. **Honest limits.** The simulation is a simple model of aiming; the eye and thread sizes and the hand spreads are examples, not measurements. Your tries and times are the measurement.