EP2718491B1 - Knitting needle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a braided needle for producing braided knit products comprising a shank portion, a first shank-shaped portion extending in a first extension direction, having an outwardly directed first free end and a second shank-shaped portion extending in a second extension direction, with an outwardly directed second end, the two leg-shaped sections being rigidly connected to one another via the shaft section, the first extension direction and the second extension direction having an angle φ between 60 ° and 120 ° with respect to one another.

From the prior art (see, eg US2404855 ) Zopfnadeln are known for the production of poppy-like knit products, which have a trough-like depression in its central region. The free ends of such knitting needles form an angle of 180 ° and are thus formed in a straight line, with the exception of Verticfung. The depression serves to receive the stitches while knitting a row. The disadvantage, however, proves that the depression is too short; so that in particular with large embroidery products, such as pullovers, there is a risk of losing the recorded and sedated stitches by sliding down from the knitting needle again. The lost stitches have to be taken up again with difficulty in order to be able to continue with the knitting.

A knitting needle is out TW 385 347 B The knitting needle comprises a shaft portion, a hook portion extending in a first extension direction, an outwardly directed first free end, and a handle portion extending in a second extension direction, with an outwardly directed second end the hook region and the grip region are rigidly connected to one another via the shaft section, the first extension direction and the second extension direction having an angle φ of 90 ° to one another.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a braid needle, by means of which the production of cable-like knit products is easier, faster and safer than is possible with conventional braid needles. This object is achieved by the device side by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The first extension direction and the second extension direction have an angle between 60 ° and 120 ° to each other. This is advantageous because at least one leg-shaped section, depending on the knitting direction, serves to receive and immobilize the knitted stitches. Thus, it is advantageously ensured that all entangled, immobilized stitches can be picked up. Due to the angular orientation of the two extension directions and thus also the slanted sections to each other, the recorded, immobilized meshes can be fixed and held without slipping. This saves time and increases the knitting quality, as lost stitches do not always cause misalignments in the knitted product. In the present invention, the extending direction of the respective leg-shaped portion refers to the longitudinal direction thereof.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the angle has a size of 80 ° to 100 °, preferably from 85 ° to 95 °. Most preferred is an angle of about 90 °. This is advantageous because thus the recorded stitches are kept in the angular range and do not slip off the knitting needle. According to the invention, the angle range corresponds at least in part to the shaft portion, the center of gravity of the knitting needle according to the invention being arranged in the shaft portion.

Furthermore, an advantageous embodiment of the invention is designed such that the shaft portion, which connects the first leg-shaped portion and the second leg-shaped portion with each other, is curved. Advantageously, this curvature is designed such that it causes the angle between 60 ° and 120 °, which have the first extension direction and the second extension direction to each other. This is advantageous since the recorded resting stitches are thus held in the region of the shaft section until a complete row is knitted.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the shank portion and / or the two leg-shaped portions have a cylindrical cross-section, wherein the free ends of the two leg-shaped portions are tapered outwardly in their cross-section. Preferably, the free ends are formed as rounded tips. This is advantageous because the stitch pickup is simplified during the knitting process and also knitted stitches can be further entangled. The cylindrical cross section is used for easy and low-wear mesh during the knitting process. The shaft portion and / or the two leg-shaped portions and / or the free ends may be hollow, solid or formed from a combination thereof. Of course, the cross section of the knitting needle according to the invention is not limited to round, but expandable to further embodiments. According to the invention, the design is such that the center of gravity of the knitting needle according to the invention between the leg-shaped portions, in the shaft portion, is arranged so that a balancing of the weight of the respective leg-shaped portions is achieved.

Furthermore, it would be conceivable for an area of at least one leg-shaped section to be curved inwards or outwards with its outwardly directed free end. This is advantageous, since thus the thread is easier to absorb and entangle even with complex Zopfstrickmustem.

Preferably, the cross section of the shaft-like portion and the two leg-shaped portions is formed round. In this embodiment, the cross section has a size of 0.5 to 30 mm, preferably from 1 to 20 mm, more preferably from 1 to 10 mm and most preferably from 2 to 7 mm. The cross section corresponds to the needle size.

Furthermore, an advantageous embodiment according to the invention shows that at least one free end, preferably both free ends, and / or the shank portion and / or the first limb-shaped portion and / or the second limb-shaped portion at least partially have a flattened cross-section. The cross section is thus different from around. Advantageously, such a flattening takes place in the longitudinal direction of the knitting needle so uniformly, so that there is a constant cross-section in the flattened area. If, in particular, the two free ends have a flattened cross-section, this results in a simplified mesh take-up and facilitates the knitting process. For the production of cable-like knit products, a flattened cross-section has proven to be advantageous in at least one free end, which in the range of 1 to 4 cm, preferably in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 cm from the end portions of the free ends to the each leg-shaped portion is formed.

According to the flattened cross-section is formed such that the plane area caused thereby is arranged on the knitting needle outside of the knitting needle according to the invention. Under Stricknadelaußenseite here is the angle facing away from the area of the knitting needle according to the invention to understand. The interior area is to be understood as meaning the area of the knitting needle according to the invention facing the angle. Thus, during the knitting process, the stitches are advantageously taken up by the curved cross-sectional area of the corresponding free end. The flattened cross-sectional area is zugwandt the knitted product arranged. The stitches thus enclose the curved portion of the corresponding free end, whereas the flattened portion remains substantially exposed. Thus, the insertion of a free end of another knitting needle is facilitated in the knitting process, as between the recorded mesh and the flattened area requires a space in which the corresponding free end of the other needle can be inserted and thus can easily entangle the mesh, as well in very tight knitted mesh through the space an insertion remains conditional.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the knitting needle according to the invention is integrally formed. This is advantageous, since thus no interruptions, for example in the form of edges, impair the quality of the knitted product.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the two leg-like sections with their free ends are substantially the same length and preferably each have a length of 5 cm to 25 cm and more preferably a length of 5 cm to 10 cm and most preferably of 8 cm on. This is advantageous since the leg-shaped sections are thus mutually formed for receiving the stitches. Thus, eliminates the additional step of the needle turning and the recorded mesh dwell in the shaft portion due to the disposed within the shaft portion Focal point of the knitting needle according to the invention and the resulting balance of the knitting needle according to the invention.

According to the invention, the center of gravity of the knitting needle according to the invention is arranged within the shaft section. This is advantageous because thus the knitting needle according to the invention is balanced and the two leg-shaped sections are in equilibrium. This prevents slipped down, immobilized stitches from the shaft portion. The center of gravity is arranged in the simplest embodiment in the region of the maximum curvature of the shaft portion, but is not limited thereto. The arrangement of the center of gravity in the shaft section is advantageous, since the two leg-shaped sections can thus be independent of one another or can also have different lengths or cross-sections and thus a material independence and / or a length independence from each other is achieved.

In the simplest case, the shank portion has a continuous cross section, for example round or oval. Furthermore, however, it is conceivable that the shank portion has two or more mutually different cross sections and thus represents the transition region from a thin first leg-shaped portion into a second thick leg-shaped portion.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, shaft portion and / or the leg-shaped portions are formed undulating. Under undulating here is wavy curved to understand, so that at least one maximum or minimum forming curvature is provided. Thus, an inventive leg-shaped portion in its longitudinal direction in the simplest case linear, rectilinear design. For large knit products such as pullovers, it is therefore advantageous that at least one leg-shaped portion, preferably both leg-shaped portions are formed ondulierend and in their course in their longitudinal direction in each case at least one to 10 maxima and corresponding plus or minus a minimum. For example, it is conceivable that the course of at least one leg-shaped section is designed in the form of a sine or cosine curve. Of course, the embodiment is not limited thereto, but may also have different strong trained maxima and minima. Preferably, the maxima or minima are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least one leg-shaped portion, but may also be formed twisted around these. The wavy curved design of the at least one leg-shaped portion is advantageous, since thus a further additional number of stitches can be taken and kept quiet without the stitches sliding down during the knitting movement of the needle according to the invention. The maxima and minima provided as ondulation thus each form holding devices for the stitches taken up.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the shaft section and / or at least one of the two leg-shaped sections, preferably both, and / or their respective ends comprise natural and / or synthetic materials.

Preferably, the materials are selected from the group of wood, horn, metal, in particular aluminum, plastic, bamboo, composites and / or a combination thereof. This is advantageous because the knitting needle according to the invention is universally applicable and is not limited depending on the material to be entangled.

According to the invention, both the first cup-shaped portion and the second cup-shaped portion have the same weight. This is advantageous since the knitting needle according to the invention is thus balanced and does not slide off the recorded stitches.

Fig. 1

eine aus dem Stand der Technik bekannte Stricknadel;

Fig. 2

eine Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Stricknadel;

Fig. 3

eine weitere Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Stricknadel;

Fig. 4

eine weitere Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Stricknadel;

Fig. 5

eine weitere Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Stricknadel;

Fig. 6

eine weitere Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Stricknadel; und

Fig. 7

schematische Beispiele für einen abgeflachten Querschnittsbereich einer erfindungsgemäßen Stricknadel.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the accompanying drawings. Show:

Fig. 1

a known from the prior art knitting needle;

Fig. 2

an embodiment of a knitting needle according to the invention;

Fig. 3

a further embodiment of a knitting needle according to the invention;

Fig. 4

a further embodiment of a knitting needle according to the invention;

Fig. 5

a further embodiment of a knitting needle according to the invention;

Fig. 6

a further embodiment of a knitting needle according to the invention; and

Fig. 7

schematic examples of a flattened cross-sectional area of a knitting needle according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a conventional knitting needle 102 for the production of braided knit products. The knitting needle 102 has a shaft portion 104, which connects a first leg-shaped portion 106 and a second leg-shaped portion 108 with each other. The free ends 109 and 110 have an angle α of about 180 ° to each other. The knitting needle 102 is formed in a straight line L in its longitudinal direction.

The shank portion 104 is trough-shaped and has a downwardly formed recess 112 in the image plane. Due to the flat curvature of the shaft-like portion 104 received mesh slide from the knitting needle 102 down, as no sufficient holding function is given.

Fig. 2 shows a knitting needle 200 according to the invention in its simplest form. The shaft-like region 204 is curved. The two adjoining leg-shaped sections 206, 208, like the shaft section 204, have a round cross-section. Furthermore, it would also be conceivable that the cross section of approximately different formed, for example, ellipsoidal. The first leg-shaped portion 206 extends in an extension direction A and converges tip-like toward its free end 209. Advantageously, the resulting tip is rounded designed to avoid a risk of injury when knitting. The second leg-shaped portion 208 extends in its extending direction B and is tip-like toward its free end 210. Advantageously, the resulting tip is rounded designed to avoid a risk of injury when knitting. First and second extension direction A and B have an angle φ to each other, which is substantially 90 °.

If, for example, stitches are taken with the first free end 209 in the knitting process, they slide over the first leg-shaped section 206 toward the shaft section 204 and are held there by the second leg-shaped section 208 from sliding down. Thus, according to the invention, no stitches are lost by sliding down. In the region of the shaft portion 204, the center of gravity S of the knitting needle 200 according to the invention is arranged so that a balancing takes place such that the first leg-shaped portion 206 and the second cam-shaped portion 208 are in equilibrium, starting from the center of gravity S. In the simplest embodiment, the Center of gravity S in the curved region, most preferably arranged in the region of the maximum curvature of the shaft portion 204. Furthermore, however, it is also conceivable to arrange the center of gravity S as desired within the shaft section 204, for example more in the extension direction A of the first leg-shaped section 206.

In Fig. 3 a further embodiment of the knitting needle 200 according to the invention is shown. The same reference numerals as in the above figures are not explained again. The difference from the knitting needle 200 according to the invention Fig. 2 this embodiment shows a different design of the free ends 209 and 210. These are not tapered here, but rounded. This is particularly advantageous when thicker threads are knitted so as not to split them with the needle point when knitting.

Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of the knitting needle 200 according to the invention. The same reference numerals as mentioned above are not explained again. The two cylindrical leg-shaped portions 206, 208 are formed shortened in their respective extension direction A, B. In the direction of extension A, a region 212 which is flattened in its cross section adjoins the first limb-shaped section 206, which region is permanently connected to the first limp-like section 206 via a step-like element 216. In the direction of extension B, a region 214 which is flattened in its cross section adjoins the second limb-shaped section 208, which region is permanently connected to the second limp-shaped section 208 via a step-like element 218. Advantageously, the step-like elements 216, 218 are rounded, so that the stitches during the knitting process from the free ends 209, 210 can slide on the leg-shaped portion 206 and 208, respectively, without being braked. This is advantageous, since thus a constant mesh quality is achieved during the knitting process. Preferably, the free ends 209 and 210 are sharpened in this case and also have a flattened cross-section. The flattened regions 212 and 214 are preferably formed in the longitudinal direction in the range from 1 cm to 4 cm, and preferably from 1.5 to 2.5 cm. Depending on the application, both flattened regions 212, 214 can have the same length in their longitudinal direction or can also be designed differently from one another. The length of the flattened regions 212, 214 is advantageously selected such that the balancing takes place via the center of gravity S in the shaft section.

Furthermore, only a flattened region can be provided in the knitting needle 200 according to the invention. Advantageously, the flattened portion 212 or 214 is disposed between a free end 209 or 210 and between a leg portion 206 or 208, but is not limited thereto, of course. Thus, it is conceivable that the entire knitting needle 200 according to the invention has a flattened cross-section and is therefore different from round. It has also proven to be advantageous if the flattened region 212 or 214 is rounded at its peripheral edges. This is advantageous because thus the thread undergoes no friction during the knitting process and its quality remains the same.

In the knitting process, it also proves to be advantageous if the flattened regions 212, 214 are formed on the knitting needle outside 220 facing away from the angle φ. This is advantageous because during the knitting process the stitches continue to be taken up with the round peripheral area of the respective free end 209 or 210 and a free space between knitted product and free end 209, 210 results due to the flattened cross section in which the free ends 209, 210 easy to insert and thus easier to pick up and knit new stitches. Thus, the recorded mesh with the circular peripheral area on a common contact surface.

In Fig. 5 another knitting needle 200 according to the invention is shown. The shaft portion 204 is curved here. The illustrated knitting needle has flattened areas 212 and 214 and sharpened, free ends 209, 210 on. The leg-shaped portions 206, 208 are formed ondulierend. By undulating here is to be understood wave-shaped. Both leg-shaped sections 206, 208 are not rectilinear in their direction of extent A, B, but by way of example each have a convex curvature 226, 228 projecting from the inner side of the knitting needle 222, which forms a minimum. Depending on the application, the bends 226, 228 may be more or less strong.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the curvatures 226, 228 are concave, convex or formed in a combination thereof. For example, the first curvature 226 may be convex and the second curvature 228 may be concave.

Of course this is the simplest example. The knitting needle 200 according to the invention is not limited thereto, but may also have a plurality of such curvatures 226, 228, preferably between one and 10 curvatures, which may be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically and may also be designed differently strong to each other. The curvatures 226, 228 are to be understood as minimums or maximums depending on the design.

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of a knitting needle 200 according to the invention. According to the invention, the first and second leg-shaped sections 206 and 208 have a comparable weight. In the present case, the first limb-shaped portion 206 is shortened in its extension direction A compared to the second limb-shaped portion 208 and has an enlarged cross-section. Advantageously, the shank portion 204 of substantially the same cross-section as the second leg-shaped portion 208 and widens in its cross-section only with transition into the first leg-shaped portion 206, wherein such an extension is advantageously formed funnel-shaped. The angle φ is about 90 ° here. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the shaft portion 204 itself has different cross-sections, so that the transition from a thin second leg-shaped portion 208 into a thicker first leg-shaped portion 206 within the shaft portion 204 and vice versa. The design of the leg-shaped sections 206, 208 and the shaft section 204 advantageously takes place in such a way that the center of gravity S of the knitting needle 200 according to the invention is arranged within the shaft section 204 is, so that the two leg-shaped portions 206, 208 are arranged in a balanced manner, in order to prevent slipping of picked-up stitches.

For balancing the knitting needle 200 according to the invention in the shaft-like region 204, it is conceivable to manufacture both leg-shaped sections 206, 208 from different materials with different dead weight. For example, material combinations of bamboo / plastic or plastic / metal would be conceivable. Such a knitting needle 200 according to the invention proves to be advantageous since different thread sizes can be entangled with only one knitting needle 200 according to the invention. Furthermore, it is also conceivable, in the case of equally long leg-shaped sections 206, 208, to also produce these from mutually different materials.

Preferably, the knitting needle 200 according to the invention is to be understood as a pigtail needle, which is particularly suitable by its shape to easily and quickly knit pigtail knitting pattern, without recorded, sedated stitches sliding down and causing misalignments.

According to the invention, the knitting needle 200 has an overall length of 10 to 45 cm, preferably 14 to 18 cm, and most preferably 16 cm.

In Fig. 7 For illustrative purposes, examples of flattened regions 212 according to the invention are shown. These are of course transferable to the flattened area 214 and not limited to the examples shown, but arbitrarily expandable. Depending on the application, the flattened region 212, 214 may be formed more or less strong.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

102

Knitting needle from the prior art

104

shank portion

106

first leg-shaped section

108

second leg-shaped section

109

first free end

110

second free end

112

deepening

200

knitting needle according to the invention

204

shank portion

206

first cup-shaped section

208

second leg-shaped section

209

first free end

210

second free end

212

first flattened area

214

second flattened area

216

first step-like element

218

second step-like element

220

Needle outside

222

Needle inside

226

curvature

228

further curvature

L

longitudinal direction

A

first extension direction

B

second direction of extension

α

angle

φ

another angle

Claims (10)

1. Cable needle (200) for producing plait-pattern knitware, including a shaft portion (204), a first limb-like portion (206), which extends in a first direction of extent (A), with a first, outwardly directed free end (209) and a second limb-like portion (208), which extends in a second direction of extension (B), with an outwardly directed second end (210), wherein both limb-like portions (106; 208) are rigidly connected to one another via the shaft portion (204), characterized in that the first direction of extent (A) and the second direction of extent (B) form an angle ϕ relative to one another between 60° and 120°, and in that the centre of gravity S of the cable needle (200) is arranged within the shaft portion (204).
2. Cable needle according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle ϕ has a size of 80° to 100°, preferably of 85° to 95°.
3. Cable needle according to claim 1, characterized in that the shaft portion (204) is curved.
4. Cable needle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shaft portion (204) and/or both limb-like portions (206; 208) have a cylindrical cross section, wherein the free ends (209; 210) are formed to taper outwardly in their cross sections.
5. Cable needle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one free end (209; 210), preferably both free ends (209, 210), and/or the shaft portion (204) and/or the first limb-like portion (206) and/or the second limb-like portion (208) have at least partially a flattened cross section.
6. Cable needle according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that this is formed as one piece.
7. Cable needle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that both limb-like sections (206; 208) with their free ends (209; 210) are substantially the same length and preferably have a length of 5 cm to 25 cm and particularly preferably, have a length of 5 cm to 10 cm and most preferably, have a length of 8 cm.
8. Cable needle according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaft portion (204) and/or the limb-like portions (206; 208) are crimped.
9. Cable needle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaft portion (206) and/or at least one of the two limb-like portions (206; 208), preferably both (206; 208), and/or their respective ends (209; 210) have natural and/or synthetic materials.
10. Cable needle according to claim 9, characterized in that the materials are selected from the group consisting of wood, horn, metal, in particular aluminum, plastic, bamboo, composite materials, and/or a combination thereof.

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