SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A KNITTING NEEDLE

Abstract

Some implementations of the described invention relate to a knitting needle. While this first knitting needle can have any suitable characteristic or component, in some cases, it defines a groove that extends longitudinally along a length of the knitting needle. In some cases, the groove opens near a point end (or distal end) of the first needle. Thus, in some cases, a tip of a second knitting needle can run through the groove, such that the tip of the second needle is able to readily pass under a portion of yarn (or other material) that is on the first knitting needle. In some cases, a proximal end of the knitting needle comprises an object that is wider than a width of a shaft of the needle. In some cases, the described knitting needle is coupled with another needle via a non-resilient coupler. Other implementations are described.

Claims

1. A knitting apparatus, comprising: a first knitting needle, wherein the first knitting needle defines a first groove extending along a portion of a length of the first knitting needle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first knitting needle comprises an elongated shaft, wherein the elongated shaft comprises a substantially flat exterior surface, and wherein the first groove is defined in the substantially flat exterior surface.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first knitting needle comprises an elongated shaft, wherein a portion of the elongated shaft comprises a polygonal shape, wherein a first surface of the polygonal shape defines the first groove, and wherein a second surface of the polygonal shape defines a second groove that extends along the portion of the length of the first knitting needle.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first knitting needle comprises an elongated, square shaped shaft, wherein the first groove is defined in a first face of the square shaped shaft, and wherein a second, third, and fourth groove are respectively defined in a second, third, and fourth face of the elongated, square shaped shaft.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first knitting needle further comprises: a distal end having a pointed tip; and a proximal end comprising an object that is wider than a width of an elongated shaft of the first knitting needle.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second knitting needle, wherein the second knitting needle defines a second groove extending along a portion of a length of the second knitting needle, wherein the first and second knitting needles are coupled together with a flexible coupler.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the flexible coupler has comprises a non-resilient material.

8. A knitting system comprising, a first knitting needle comprising an elongated shaft having: a distal end comprising a pointed tip of the first knitting needle; a proximal end; and a first groove defined in an exterior surface of the elongated shaft, wherein the first groove extends from a distal portion of the elongated shaft, proximally along a length of the elongated shaft, and wherein the first groove is configured to receive a pointed tip of a second knitting needle.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the first groove is longer than about 2 cm.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the elongated shaft defines a second groove that extends from the distal portion of the elongated shaft, proximally along the length of the elongated shaft.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein: the elongated shaft comprises a four-sided shaft, the first groove is defined in a first side of the four-sided shaft, and a second, third, and fourth groove are respectively defined in a second, third, and fourth side of the four-sided shaft.

17. The system of claim 8, further comprising the second knitting needle, and wherein the first knitting needle comprises a first distinguishing feature that readily distinguishes the first knitting needle from the second knitting needle.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising the second knitting needle, wherein the proximal end of the first knitting needle and a proximal end of the second knitting needle are coupled together via a non-resilient coupler.

14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first groove opens at its distal end to allow the pointed tip of the second knitting needle to slide distally out of the first groove.

15. A knitting system comprising: a first knitting needle comprising a four-sided, elongated shaft having: a proximal end; a pointed distal end; and a first, second, third, and fourth groove, that each extend from a distal portion, and longitudinally along a length, of the four-sided, elongated shaft, with the first, second, third, and fourth groove respectively being defined in a first, second, third, and fourth face of the four-sided, elongated shaft.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a second knitting needle, wherein the proximal end of the first knitting needle and a proximal end of the second knitting needle are coupled together via a non-resilient coupler.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the first knitting needle comprises a first distinguishing feature that readily distinguishes the first knitting needle from the second knitting needle.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the first knitting needle comprises a first dominant color, and wherein the second knitting needle comprises a second dominant color that is readily distinguishable from the first dominant color.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the first groove opens at its distal end to allow a pointed tip of a second knitting needle to slide distally through and out of the first groove.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein the proximal end of the first knitting needle an object that is wider than a width of four-sided, elongated shaft of the first knitting needle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] In order that the manner in which the above recited and other features and advantages of the present invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are not, therefore, to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0037] FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate various instances of tension and/or uneven tension;

[0038] FIGS. 2A-2B (prior art) illustrate instances of yarn splitting and conventional knitting;

[0039] FIGS. 3A-3B (prior art) illustrate examples of a set of small double pointed needles overlapping end to end in order to knit a piece having a small circumference;

[0040] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a grooved needle in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0041] FIGS. 4B-4D respectively illustrate cross-sectional views of some embodiments of the grooved needle;

[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing grooved knitting needles in use in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0043] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the grooved knitting needle in accordance with some representative embodiments;

[0044] FIG. 7 shows a portion of the grooved knitting needle having a piece of yarn (or other material) wrapped around the needle in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates a distal portion of the grooved knitting needle in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates a proximal end of the grooved knitting needle in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 10 illustrates a distal elevation view of the grooved knitting needle with a piece of yarn wrapped around the needle in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0048] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a representative embodiment of the grooved knitting needle;

[0049] FIG. 12A illustrates a side view of the grooved knitting needle in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0050] FIG. 12B illustrates a distal elevation view of a representative embodiment of the grooved needle;

[0051] FIG. 12C illustrates a proximal elevation view of a representative embodiment of the grooved needle;

[0052] FIG. 13A illustrates a side view of a representative embodiment of the grooved knitting needle;

[0053] FIG. 13B illustrates an enlarged view of a distal portion of the needle of FIG. 13A;

[0054] FIG. 13C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the needle of FIG. 13B taken along line N-N;

[0055] FIG. 13D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the needle of FIG. 1313 taken along line O-O;

[0056] FIG. 14A illustrates a side view of a representative embodiment of the grooved needle;

[0057] FIG. 14B illustrates an enlarged view of a distal tip of the needle from FIG. 14A;

[0058] FIG. 14C illustrates a distal elevation view of the needle from FIG. 14A;

[0059] FIG. 15A illustrates a side view of a representative embodiment of the grooved needle, the needle being of any suitable length;

[0060] FIG. 15B illustrates a distal view of the portion of the needle from FIG. 15A, with such portion taken between lines P-P and Q-Q;

[0061] FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of a proximal end of a representative embodiment of the grooved needle;

[0062] FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of two grooved needles that are coupled together with a coupling mechanism;

[0063] FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of a representative embodiment of the grooved needle having a tapered proximal end;

[0064] FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a distal portion of the needle from FIG, 18;

[0065] FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of a proximal end of the grooved needle, the proximal end of the needle defining a recess in accordance with some embodiments;

[0066] FIG. 21 illustrates a representative embodiment of a coupler for coupling two grooved needles together;

[0067] FIG. 22 illustrates a plan view of a knitted material prepared with two grooved needles that are coupled together;

[0068] FIG. 23A illustrates a perspective view of the grooved needle comprising a portion of a coupler in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0069] FIGS. 23B and 23D each illustrate a side view of the grooved needle in accordance with representative embodiments;

[0070] FIG. 23C illustrates a distal elevation view of the needle from FIG. 23A;

[0071] FIG. 23E illustrates a proximal elevation view of the needle from FIG. 23A;

[0072] FIG. 24A illustrates a side, cross-sectional view of a representative embodiment of the grooved needle;

[0073] FIG. 24B illustrates a side, cross-sectional view of a representative embodiment of the grooved needle;

[0074] FIG. 24C illustrates a distal elevation view of the needle from FIG. 24A; and

[0075] FIG. 24D illustrates a distal elevation view of the needle from FIG. 24B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0076] Some implementations of the described invention relate to a knitting needle. While this knitting needle can have any suitable characteristic or component, in some cases, it defines a groove that extends longitudinally along a length of an outer surface of the knitting needle. In some cases, the groove opens near a pointed end (or a distal end) of the grooved knitting needle. Thus, in some cases, a tip of a second knitting needle can run longitudinally through the groove, such that the tip of the second needle is able to readily pass under a portion of yarn (or other material) that is on the described grooved knitting needle. In some cases, a proximal end of the described knitting needle comprises an object that is wider than a width of a shaft of the needle so as to prevent yarn loops from falling off of the proximal end of the needle. In some cases, the described knitting needle is coupled with another needle. While such coupling can be achieved in any suitable manner, in some cases, the two needles are coupled together with a non-resilient coupler. Additionally, in some instances in which the grooved knitting needle is used with a second needle (whether or not the two needles are coupled together), at least one of the needles comprises a distinguishing feature that allows the two needles to be readily distinguished. For instance, the two knitting needles can be different colors.

[0077] While the described knitting needle can comprise any suitable component or characteristic, FIGS. 4A-16 show that, in some embodiments, the knitting needle 100 comprises an elongated shaft 105 having a distal end 110 and a proximal end 115, where one or more grooves 120 are defined in the shaft. Additionally, some embodiments of the needle comprise an enlarged portion (or enlargement 125) at the needle's proximal end 115. Additionally, while some embodiments of the described needles are used independently or without being coupled together (where such needles may be referred to herein as straight needles), in some other embodiments, two or more needles are connected together with a coupling mechanism 130 (with such needles sometimes being referred herein to as circular needles, circular needle systems, and as variations thereof, see FIGS. 17 and 17-24D).

[0078] In accordance with some embodiments, the described grooved needle 100 (or straight needle, where the needle is not coupled to another needle) comprises a needle of any suitable cross-sectional shape, including, without limitation, a square shape, a triangular shape, a pentagonal shape, a cat-eye or cat-iris shape, a polygonal shape, a four-pointed star shape, a three-pointed star shape, a five-pointed star shape, a multi-pointed star shape, a multi-cornered shape, a multi-process shape, an irregular shape, a regular shape, an asymmetrical shape, a symmetrical shape, and/or any other shape that allows the described needle to function as set forth herein. Alternatively, sonic embodiments include the use of a round (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4B), cylindrical, elliptical, and/or otherwise rounded knitting needle 100 with a groove 120 or grooves along its shaft 150; a triangular knitting needle with a groove or grooves on one or more of its sides (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4C), a star-shaped knitting needle (as shown in FIG. 4D), and/or any knitting needle with a groove or grooves extending longitudinally on one or more of the needle's sides or external surfaces. In some embodiments, however, the described grooved needle (e.g., straight needle) comprises a square knitting needle (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4A) that is configured to be used when knitting yarn 40 (or any other material) into flat panels of fabric and/or for any other suitable purpose.

[0079] While the drawings included herein (e.g., FIG. 4A) show embodiments in which the shaft 105 of the grooved needle 100 is substantially straight, in some other embodiments, the needle is curved, bent, angled, and/or otherwise varies from being straight throughout all or a portion of its longitudinal length (or the length of the needle from its distal 110 to proximal 115 ends).

[0080] In accordance with some embodiments (and as mentioned), the described knitting needle has a recessed portion, gully, gutter, channel, depression, space between raised ridges or rails, channel, and/or other groove 120 in one or more of its faces or external surface. Indeed, in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8 10, 11, 12A, 1213, 13A-13C, 14A-15B 17-20, and 23A-24D, a square grooved needle 100 defines a groove 120 on each of its four sides (or any other number of sides). That said, alternative methods include cutting, milling, molding, and/or otherwise forming a groove into the face of one side, two sides, three sides, or any other suitable combination of the sides of the square knitting needle or a knitting needle of a different shape.

[0081] The grooved needle 100 can be any suitable length. Indeed, in some embodiments, the length of the described needle (e.g., a straight needle) is between about 1 inch (25.4 mm) and about 18 inches (457.2 mm), or that is within any subrange thereof. Indeed, in some embodiments, the described straight needle is between about 3 inches (76.2 mm) and about 11 inches (279.4 mm) long (e.g., about 9 inches (228.60 mm)1 inch or 25.4 mm). Alternative embodiments allow for other lengths of the straight, grooved knitting needles may depend upon the strength of the material used.

[0082] The described grooved knitting needle 100 (e.g., straight, grooved needle) can be manufactured to be virtually any suitable size that allows it to function as described herein. In some embodiments, however, the needle is manufactured in one or more sizes equivalent to conventional round needles (e.g., from U.S. size 3 through U.S. size 11, from European size 0 through European size 11, and/or any other possible size). Alternative U.S. and European sizes may also be considered and chosen.

[0083] In some embodiments, the described knitting needles 100 are manufactured from one or more woods, bamboos, metals, nylons, plastics, carbon fibers, ceramics, acrylics, natural materials, types of glass, synthetic materials, and/or any suitable material or materials.

[0084] The described straight knitting needles 100 can also be manufactured in any suitable manner, including, without limitation, via cutting, milling, molding, injecting, spraying, 3D printing, additive manufacturing, extruding, stamping, pressing, shaving, sanding, grinding, etching, deposition, and/or any other suitable method that is applicable to the chosen material.

[0085] In some embodiments, the distal tip 112 of the described knitting needle 100 (see e.g., FIG. 4A) transitions or tapers to a pointed tip beginning any suitable distance from the distal end 110 of the needle. Indeed, in some embodiments, the straight knitting needle transitions or tapers to a point beginning at between about 5 mm and about 80 mm or any subrange thereof (e.g., about 25.4 mm5 mm) proximally from the distal end of said needle and narrowing distally into the distal tip, creating a point (or tip) having any suitable diameter (or other shape). In some embodiments, the distal tip has a diameter (or width) that is between about 0.1 mm and about 1 cm, or any subrange thereof (e.g., about 5 mm2 mm in diameter) Alternative ds allow, however, for a shorter or longer taper and a larger or smaller tip or point dimension. In any case, some embodiments of the distal tip are sized and shaped to fit within, and slide through, the described groove 120.

[0086] In some embodiments, the distal tip 112 or point of the knitting needle 100 (e.g., a straight needle) is radius-ed to any suitable size. Indeed, in some embodiments, the distal tip is radius-ed to between about 0.01 mm and about 1 cm, or any subrange thereof (e.g., about 0.25 mm0.1 mm). Alternative methods allow for a smaller or larger radius of the distal tip or point of the described needle.

[0087] In some embodiments, the groove 120 on the described grooved knitting needles 100 (e.g., straight grooved needles) begins at any suitable distance from the needle's distal tip 112. Indeed, in some embodiments, the groove begins at, and runs proximally from, a distance between about 0.001 mm and about 50 mm, or any subrange thereof (e.g., about 11.37 mm mm), from the distal tip of the needle. In some non-limiting embodiments, the placement of the groove on all other larger or smaller sized grooved knitting needles is proportionate to the distal tip of the described square, grooved needles. Alternative methods include beginning the groove closer to the distal tip or farther from the tip of the square knitting needle and/or a knitting needle of any other suitable shape. Indeed, in some non-limiting embodiments, the groove begins about 11.37 mm5 mm from the distal tip of the needle and continues in a line substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 108 of the shaft 105 of the needle any suitable distance, including, without limitation, between about another 10 mm and about 20 cm, or any subrange thereof (e.g., between about 50 mm and 100 mm in length or even about another 75.95 mm10 mm) toward the proximal end 115 of the needle.

[0088] The groove 120 can extend any suitable depth into the described knitting needle 100 that allows the needle function as set forth herein. In some embodiments, the groove extends into the needle between about 1/100 and 9/10 (or any subrange thereof) of the total depth of the shaft 105 of the needle. In accordance with some embodiments, however, the depth of the groove formed into one or more faces of the knitting needle is between about and about (e.g. about ) of the total depth of the knitting needle.

[0089] The grooves 120 in the described needle 100 can be any suitable shape, including, without limitation, being angled, rounded, curved, squared, rectangular, polygonal, oval, V-shaped, U-shaped, dove-tailed, and/or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments in which the groove or grooves formed in the needle are angled (e.g., so as to have a V-shape), the grooves can be formed in the needle so as to have any suitable angle between intersecting walls of the groove. Indeed, in some embodiments, the inner walls of the groove are disposed with respect to each other at an angle a between about 5 degrees and about 160 degrees (or any subrange thereof). In some embodiments, for instance, the groove is approximately a 90 degree right angle that is cut, milled, molded, and/or otherwise formed directly into the middle of the face on each of the sides of the knitting needle 100 (see e.g., FIG. 15B), Alternative methods are to cut, mill, mold, and/or otherwise form the 90 right angle (and/or a groove of any other suitable angle and/or shape) nearer to either edge on the face of one of more sides of the knitting needle (e.g., in four sides of a square needle) or farther from either edge on the face of each of one or more sides of the knitting needle or (as mentioned above) to create a groove that is more than 90 or less than 90.

[0090] The groove 120 can run in any suitable direction that runs longitudinally down a length of the needle 100 (e.g., by running parallel with a length or longitudinal axis of the needle, by being angled on the needle, by twisting around a portion of the needle, by following a curved path, by having a zig-zag path, and/or by otherwise extending down a length of the needle). By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 4A shows an embodiment in which the groove 120 runs substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 108 of the needle 100. Alternative methods, however, include placing the groove at any angle other than parallel to the shaft on one, two, three and/or any other combination of sides of the knitting needle, Additionally, in some embodiments, there are more than one groove on one, any, and/or all sides of the knitting needle. That said, in some embodiments, one groove runs in a line that is substantially parallel to the shaft of the needle, in the middle of the face on each of the four sides of a square, straight, grooved, knitting needle (see e.g., FIGS. 14A-14B).

[0091] In accordance with some embodiments, the described knitting needles 100 optionally incorporate one or more shallow concavities 128 on one or more faces of the various sides of the knitting needle, together with a groove 120 that is cut, milled, molded, and/or otherwise formed into the concavity on the face of each of the sides of the knitting needle (see e.g., FIGS. 14C and 15B). In this regard, the concavities can extend any suitable amount into the needles, including, without limitation, between about 1/10 0 and about 9/10 (or any subrange thereof) of the total thickness of the needle's shaft. Indeed, in some embodiments, the concavity is between about 1/20 and about of the total thickness of the needle.

[0092] In some embodiments, the concavity 128 spans a distance from one edge (or corner) of the knitting needle 100 to an opposite edge (or corner) of the knitting needle on the face of one or more sides of the knitting needle. Alternative embodiments, however, include a concavity which does not span the distance from one edge of the knitting needle to the opposite edge of the knitting needle on the face of each of the sides (e.g., on four sides) of the knitting needle. In some additional alternative embodiments, the needle includes a concavity which appears on the face of one, two, three, or more sides, and/or any combination of sides of the knitting needle with one or more accompanying grooves 120 disposed in one, two, or more of the concavities (see e.g., FIG. 14C). In still other embodiments, the needle defines one or more concavities which do not include a groove in all (or in some to embodiments, any) face of the sides of the knitting needle. In still other embodiments, the needle includes a groove on only one, two, three faces, and/or any combination of faces, on the sides of the knitting needle. In some embodiments, however, the described knitting needle comprises a shallow concavity on the face of each of the four sides (or any other suitable number of sides) of the knitting needle, together with a groove that is c milled, molded, and/or otherwise formed into the concavity on the face of each of the four (or any other suitable number of) sides of the knitting needle. In some embodiments, the depth of the concavity on the face of each of the sides of the described knitting needle, whether presented with the described groove or not, is between about 0.001 mm and about 8 mm, or any subrange there of (e.g., about 0.04 mm0.02 mm). That said, alternative depths of the concavity on the face of each of the sides of the straight knitting needle are contemplated herein. In this regard, the concavity can perform any suitable purpose, including, without limitation, causing corners of the knitting needle to be somewhat more pointed to help increase friction between the needle and yarn wrapped around it.

[0093] In some embodiments, the described knitting needle 100 (e.g., straight, grooved needle) optionally has a square cube, a rectangular prism-shaped object, a ball, a figurine, a decorative object, a prism-shaped object, a cross member, and/or any suitably shaped object or enlargement disposed at the proximal end 115 of the needle. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 11 shows an embodiment in which the proximal end 115 of the needle 100 comprises a cube-shaped enlargement 125. In any case, the object at the proximal end of the needle can be any suitable size that allows the object to prevent yarn (or any other suitable material) from falling off of the proximal end of the needle during the knitting process. Indeed, in some embodiments, the object disposed at the proximal end of the needle is between about 1.1 and about 10 times, or any subrange thereof, of the thickness of the needle itself. In some embodiments, the object at the distal end of the needle is between about 1.5 times and about 3 times as thick as the width or diameter of the needle.

[0094] Where the described needle 100 comprises an enlargement at the proximal end 115 of the needle, such object can be coupled to the needle in any suitable manner, including, without limitation, by being: integrally formed with, glued to, nailed to, fastened to, friction fit with, threaded with, threaded to, printed with, clipped to, mechanically engaged with, and/or otherwise formed with and/or coupled to the needle. In any case, such enlargement can comprise any suitable material, including, without limitation, wood, plastic, acrylic, nylon, carbon fiber, metal, hardened rubber, natural materials, synthetic materials, and/or any other suitable material. Alternative embodiments to those described above also use other shapes, manufactured from other materials, and/or in other sizes which also function as an enlargement or stop to keep yarn from falling off the proximal end. Alternatively, some embodiments of the needle include no stop or enlargement at all.

[0095] According to some embodiments, the described knitting needles 100 are relatively short, square (and/or any other suitable shape) knitting needles. While such needles can be used for any suitable purpose, in some cases, they are used when knitting projects that begin or end in a very tight circumference, such as gloves, socks, small hats, small sleeves, etc. In some cases, they are used for knitting in the round or they may be used to knit flat panels. In some embodiments, these relatively short, square (or otherwise shaped) needles have a groove 120 on the face of one or more sides of the needles and are connected together at the proximal ends of the knitting needles by a coupling mechanism or coupler (e.g., a cord, a string; a woven, flexible, nylon cord, a flexible rope, a ribbon, a piece of flexible fabric, a piece of cloth, a strap, a cable, and/or any other suitable material). In some embodiments, the coupler extending between two knitting needles (e.g., circular needles) is mostly, if not completely, unbiased, having no memory. Indeed, in some embodiments, the coupler is non-resilient. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 17 shows an embodiment in which a coupler 130 (e.g., a braided nylon cord) joins two needles 100 together.

[0096] Although the drawings included herein show knitting needles 100 in circular systems as being square, alternative embodiments include the use of relatively short, round, knitting needles with a groove or grooves along the shaft, triangular needles with a groove or grooves on one or more of its sides, and/or any polygonal or suitable shaped knitting needle (e.g., as discussed. above or otherwise) with a groove or grooves on one or more of its sides or external surfaces.

[0097] In some embodiments, the length of each knitting needle 100 in the circular needle system is between about 1 inch (25.4 mm) and about 12 inches (304.8 mm), or any subrange thereof (e.g., about 4 inches (or about 114.31 mm)1.5 inches or 38.1 mm). Alternative embodiments allow for other lengths of the knitting needles in circular systems, but such lengths may depend upon the strength of the material used.

[0098] The described needles 100 used in circular systems can be any suitable size that allows them to function as described herein. In some embodiments, the each of the knitting needles 100 in the described circular knitting needle system is manufactured in one or more sizes equivalent to conventional round needlesfrom U.S. size 3 through U.S. size 11, from Europe size 0 through European size 11, etc. Alternative U.S., European, and other sizes may also be considered and chosen.

[0099] The described knitting needles 100 in the described circular systems can comprise any suitable material. In some embodiments, however, the knitting needle of the circular knitting systems (like the other needles described herein) can comprises one or more pieces of wood, bamboo, metal, nylon, plastics, polymers, rubbers, carbon fibers, natural materials, synthetic materials, and/or any other suitable materials that allow the needle to function as intended.

[0100] Additionally, the circular knitting needle system can be manufactured in any suitable manner, including, without limitation, via cutting, milling, molding, injecting, spraying, extruding, sanding, etching, polishing, 3D printing, and/or any other method that is applicable to the chosen material.

[0101] In some embodiments, the distal tip of one or more of the knitting needles 100 in the described circular knitting systems transitions or tapers to a pointed tip (e.g., the distal tip 112) beginning at a distance between about 5 mm and about 60 mm, or any subrange thereof (e.g., about 25.4 mm5 mm) proximal to the distal end 110 of said needle toward the distal tip 112 of the needle, creating a pointed tip having any suitable diameter (or other suitable shape or size). Indeed, in some embodiments, the distal tip of needles in the described circular knitting system (e.g., shown in FIG. 17) has a diameter (or width) that is between about 0.1 mm and about 1 cm, or any subrange thereof (e.g., about 5 mm2 mm in diameter. Alternative embodiments allow for a shorter or longer taper and/or a larger or smaller tip or point dimension.

[0102] In some embodiments, the distal tip 112 or point of one or more of the knitting needles in the described circular knitting systems is radius-ed (or otherwise shaped) to any suitable size. Indeed, in some embodiments, the distal tip is radius-ed to between about 0.01 mm and about 1 cm, or any subrange thereof (e.g., about 0.25 mm0.1 mm). Alternative embodiments comprise a smaller or larger radius of the distal tip and/or point of the described needle.

[0103] In some embodiments, the groove 120 on the face of each of the sides of the knitting needles 100 in the described circular systems are cut, milled, molded, and/or otherwise formed into the face of one or more of the sides (or surfaces) of the knitting needle. Indeed, in some embodiments, a groove is cut, milled, molded, and/or otherwise formed into the face of one side, two sides, three sides, four sides, or any suitable combination of sides of the knitting needle.

[0104] In some embodiments, the length of the groove 120 on the described knitting needles 100 in the circular systems begins at any suitable distance proximal to the needle's distal tip, including, without limitation, between about 0.001 mm and about 50 mm, or any subrange thereof (e.g., about 11.37 mm2 mm) from the distal tip of the needle, and continues toward the proximal end of the needle in a line substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shaft 105 (or along any other path, as discussed above) of the needle any suitable distance, including, without limitation, between about another 5 mm and about another 500 mm (e.g., about 19.82 mm5 mm). In some embodiments, the placement of the grooves on other larger or smaller sized knitting needles is proportionate to the distal tip of the knitting needles. Alternative embodiments include beginning the grooves closer the distal tip or farther from the tip of the knitting needles.

[0105] The length of the groove on the knitting needles 100 in the described circular knitting needle systems can (as discussed above) be any suitable length, including, without limitation, between about 5 mm and about 150 mm in length, or any subrange thereof (e.g., about 31.57 mm long5 mm). In some embodiments, different sizes of the described needles (e.g., circular needles) optionally have similar groove lengths. That said, in some alternative embodiments, the length of the groove varies to be any suitable length along the shaft 105 of the knitting needle in the described circular systems.

[0106] As discussed above, the groove 120 can extend any suitable depth into the described knitting needle 100 used in circular systems that allows the needles to function as set forth herein. In some embodiments, the groove extends into one or more of the needles between about 1/100 and 9/10 (or any subrange thereof) of the total depth or thickness of the shaft of the needle. In accordance with some embodiments, however, the depth of the groove that is formed into one or more faces of the knitting needles in circular systems is about of the total depth of the corresponding knitting needle. Alternative depths, however, are contemplated herein.

[0107] The grooves 120 in the needles 100 of the described circular knitting systems (as in the other grooved needles discussed herein) can be any suitable shape, including, without limitation, being angled, being rounded, curved, squared, rectangular, polygonal, oval, V-shaped, U-shaped, and/or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments in which the groove or grooves formed in the needle are angled (e.g., are V-shaped), the grooves can be formed in the needle so as to have any suitable angle between intersecting walls of the groove. Indeed, in some embodiments, the inner walls of the groove are disposed with respect to each other at an angle between about 10 and about 160 (or any subrange thereof; see e.g., FIG. 15B). In some embodiments, for instance, the groove is a 90 right angle, cut, milled, molded, and/or otherwise formed directly into the middle of the face of one or more of the sides of the needles in the described circular knitting needle system. In accordance with some alternative embodiments, grooves are cut, milled, molded, and/or otherwise formed in one or more of the needles as a 90 right angle placed nearer to either edge on the face of each of the sides of the needle or farther from either edge on the face of one or more of the sides of the needle, or a groove that is less than 90 or more than 90 is formed in the needle. The groove may be cut, milled, molded, or otherwise formed into other shapes or configurations (e.g., a rectangular groove, a circular groove, an ovular groove, and/or any other suitable shape).

[0108] While the groove 120 may follow any suitable path in the needle 100 of the described circular knitting systems (e.g., a curved path, a zig-zag path, a twisting path, and/or any other suitable path along the needle), in some embodiments, the groove travels in a parallel line longitudinally along the shaft 105 of one or more of the knitting needles in the circular system. Alternative methods include placing the groove at any angle other than parallel to the shaft on one, any or all sides of the needle. Additionally, in some embodiments, there is more than one groove on one, two, three, four, and/or any other suitable number of the sides of the knitting needle.

[0109] In some embodiments, the knitting needles 100 in the described circular systems incorporate a shallow concavity 128 on the face of one or more sides of the knitting needles, together with a groove that is cut, milled, molded, and/or otherwise formed into the concavity on the face of one or more sides of the knitting needle. In this regard, the concavities can extend any suitable amount into the needles, including, without limitation, between about 1/100 and about 9/10 (or any subrange thereof) of the total thickness of the needle. Indeed, in some embodiments, the concavity is between about 1/20 and about of the total thickness of the needle,

[0110] In some embodiments, the concavity 128 in needles 100 in a circular system spans the distance from one edge of the knitting needle to the opposite edge of the knitting needle on the face of one or more sides of the knitting needle. Some alternative embodiments, however, include a concavity which does not span the distance from one edge of the straight, square (or other shaped) knitting needle to the opposite edge of the knitting needle on the face of one or more sides (e.g., on four sides) of the knitting needle in the circular system. In some additional alternative embodiments, the needle includes a concavity which appears on the face of one, two, three, or more sides, and/or any combination of sides of the knitting needle with one or more accompanying grooves 120 disposed in one, two, or more of the concavities (see e.g., FIG. 14C). In still other embodiments, the needle defines one or more concavities which do not include a groove in all (or in some embodiments, any) face of the sides of the knitting needle. In still other embodiments, the needle includes a groove on only one, two, three, four faces, and/or any other combination of faces, on the sides of the knitting needle. In some embodiments, however, the knitting needles used in the described circular systems comprise a shallow concavity on the face of each of the four sides (or any other suitable number of sides) of one or more of the knitting needles, together with a groove that is cut, milled, molded, and/or otherwise formed into the concavity on the face of each of the four (or any other suitable number of) sides of the knitting needle.

[0111] In some embodiments, the depth of the concavity 128 on the face of one or more sides of the knitting needles 100 in the described circular knitting needle system, whether presented with the described groove 120 or not (as in some of the other needles described herein), is between about 0.001 mm and about 8 mm, or any subrange thereof (e.g., about 0.04 mm0.02 mm). That said, alternative depths of the concavity on the face of each of the sides of the circular knitting needles are contemplated herein.

[0112] In some embodiments, the two knitting needles 100 in the described circular system are joined together at their proximal ends 115 via one or more cords, ropes, ribbons, strings, straps, and/or other suitable connecting mechanisms or couplers. Indeed, as discussed above, in some embodiments, a smoothly woven, flexible nylon cord is used to connect two knitting needles at the proximal ends of the needles. In some such embodiments, the cord has no memory or spherical bias. Indeed, in some embodiments, the cord (or other coupler) is non-resilient (or does not bias the two coupled needles to be moved closer together or further apart from each other).

[0113] Although the various needles 100 can be coupled to the connecting mechanism or coupler 130 in any suitable manner (e.g., via glue; a knot; having the connection mechanism be looped around a portion of the needles; injection molding; one or more threaded engagements, clips, mechanical engagements, frictional engagements, barbs, or other connectors; and/or in any other suitable manner), in some embodiments, the connection of the smoothly woven, flexible nylon cord (or other suitable coupler) to the proximal ends of two grooved knitting needles comprising wood and/or any other suitable material is accomplished by gluing the coupler into a spherical, cylindrical, and/or other suitable shaped) void 135 (see e.g., FIGS. 20 and 24A-24B) at the proximal ends 115 of two of the needles 100. In some alternative embodiments, however, the smoothly woven, flexible nylon cord is connected into the proximal ends of two wooden needles by methods other than gluing. Indeed, FIG. 24B shows an embodiment in which the coupler 130 is frictionally and/or mechanically connected to the needle 100 via a clip 137.

[0114] In some embodiments, the connection of the smoothly woven, flexible nylon cord (and/or any other suitable coupler) to be proximal ends 115 of two knitting needles 100 (e.g., needles in a circular knitting system) wising carbon fiber and/or any other suitable material is accomplished by attaching the cord (or coupler) into a spherical or cylindrical void 135 at the proximal ends of two of the needles prepared for the cord in any acceptable manner for attaching objects to one another. In some alternative embodiments, the smoothly woven, flexible nylon cord (and/or any other suitable connection mechanism) is connected to the proximal ends of two carbon fiber needles by other methods (e.g., one or more frictional engagements, clamps, welds, etc.). In some embodiments, the connection of the smoothly woven, flexible nylon cord (or any other suitable coupler) to the proximal ends of two grooved knitting needles (e.g., a circular knitting system) comprising plastic, acrylic, nylon, and/or any other suitable material is accomplished by over molding the cord into the body of the needles during the injection molding process. In some embodiments, an alternative glue-in method for connecting the smoothly woven, flexible nylon cord (and/or other suitable coupler) into one or more voids and/or any other suitable receptacle/connection point that is prepared at the proximal ends of two plastic, acrylic, nylon, and/or other suitable knitting needles of a circular knitting system may be utilized.

[0115] In some embodiments, the smoothly woven, flexible nylon cord (and/or any other suitable coupler 130) is connected to the proximal ends 115 of two circular knitting needles (namely one or more of the described grooved needles 100) that comprises aluminum, stainless steel, nickel plated brass, platinum, and/or any other suitable material by means of a multiple (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) pronged clip 137 (see e.g., FIG., 24B), over molded onto each end of the cord which is inserted into a void 135 in the proximal ends 115 of each of the needles 100 which is prepared for the clip. In this regard, the clip may or may not be manufactured to swivel.

[0116] In some embodiments, the smoothly woven, flexible nylon cord (and/or other suitable coupler 130) is flexible and has no memory or spherical bias. In some such embodiments, the connection mechanism comprises nylon, another material having one or more attributes similar to nylon, and/or any other suitable material. In one example, the coupler comprises any suitable material that allows the cord to be able to bend onto itself without causing noticeable damage to the cord. Some alternative embodiments utilize other materials which have no memory or spherical bias and are able to bend onto themselves without causing noticeable damage to the connection mechanism or joint. In other words, while some knitting systems comprise a resilient or semi-resilient connector that tends to bias connected needles in on or more positions, some embodiments of the coupler 130 are not resilient (e.g., comprise flexible cord, cloth, twine, and/or any other suitable material).

[0117] In some cases, the diameter of the smoothly woven, flexible nylon cord (and/or any other suitable coupler 130) that is prepared for different sizes of grooved knitting needles (e.g., grooved needles in a circular system) is relative to the void 135 in the proximal ends 115 on each of the two knitting needles. Alternative diameters may be chosen which fit into a void (and/or other coupler or receptacle) prepared to accept the cord (and/or other coupling mechanism) on the proximal end of the needles.

[0118] In some embodiments, the smoothly, woven, flexible nylon cord (and/or other coupler 130) of the grooved knitting needles in a circular system may be manufactured in various lengths, including, but not limited to: being between about 2 inches (50.8 mm) and about 60 inches (1.524 m), or any subrange thereof (e.g., about 16 inches or 406.4 mm, about 24 inches or 609.6 mm, about 30 inches or 762 mm, etc.). Alternative sizes may be considered and chosen. In some embodiments, the smoothly woven, flexible nylon cord (or other coupler) may be interchangeable when used with the clip 137 (and/or other suitable mechanism)

[0119] In accordance with some embodiments, the described grooved knitting needle 100 (e.g., straight needles or needles that are not coupled together at their proximal ends 115) is able to: enable a knitter when working flat to control and improve tension; easily knit with consistent, even tension, thus creating a beautiful fabric; reduce human errors by providing a groove 120 on the face of one or more of the sides of the needle, giving the working needle increased ability to slide under the right (or other suitable) leg of a stitch and through the center of the loop without splitting the stitch; enable the knitter to decrease the stitches (k2tog, k3tog, etc.) more easily; and/or enable a knitter to see or be aware of one of the little known causes of uneven tension: needle roll, which gives the knitter power to control this roll to their benefit.

[0120] In accordance with some non-limiting embodiments, the described grooved knitting needles 100 (e.g., when used in circular knitting system) are configured to: enable the knitter when working In the Round or knitting small circular items, such as gloves, socks, small hats, small sleeves, etc., to control and improve tension; to easily knit with consistent, even tension, thus creating a beautiful fabric; reduce human errors by providing a groove 120 on the face of each of the sides of the needle, giving the working needle increased ability to slide under the right (or other suitable) leg of the stitch and through the center of the loop without splitting stitches; enable the knitter to decrease the stitches (k2tog, k3tog, etc.) more easily; allow the knitter to close the small hole at the beginning or ending of a very small circular project without having to switch to the clumsy DPN method; avoid the numerous problems and weaknesses caused by using a flexible connecting cord which has a memory or spherical bias; and/or enable the knitter to see or be aware of one of the little known causes of uneven tension: needle roll, which gives the knitter power to control this roll to their benefit.

[0121] In addition to the foregoing, the described grooved needles 100 can be modified in any suitable manner. Indeed, although some embodiments of the needles are relatively straight (as illustrated in the drawings), in some other embodiments, the needles are curved, comprise a curved section, and/or are otherwise varied from conventional needles (e.g., as mentioned above), while still comprising at least one groove and/or concavity (as described herein). In another example, some embodiments of the described circular knitting system comprises one needle with grooves 120, while the other needle is free from grooves.

[0122] In still another example, in some embodiments in which two grooved needles 100 are used together (including, without limitation, for straight needles or circular needles), at least one of the two needles comprises a distinguishing feature that allows the two needles to be readily distinguished. In this regard, some examples of such distinguishing features include, but are not limited to, one of the needles comprising a different color, shape, marking, identifier, and/or other characteristic than the other needle. Indeed, in some implementations, the two needles each comprise a different dominant color. By way of non-limiting example, while one needle is red, the other needle can be grey. In any case, where the two needles are readily distinguishable, such a feature can serve any suitable purpose. For instance, by having readily distinguishable needles, a knitter can easily remember which needle is the working needle.

[0123] In this regard, it is a common occurrence when knitting a stockinette pattern (one row of garter stitches followed by one row of purl stitches, repeated) on a pair of conventional knitting needles to forget which of the two basic stitches (garter or purl) a knitter has just employed. This forgetting may happen at any time, including after the knitter has completed a whole row and is about to begin a new row or when the knitter sets the work down for a period of time and then comes back to the work to continue knitting. When the knitter forgets, he or she will need to examine the knitted work to discover which stitch has just been employed. For a beginning knitter, however, it is often confusing to read the knitted stitches. Thus, one solution to such a problem is having the two needles be readily distinguishable.

[0124] By way of example, where two knitting needles (e.g., grooved needles 100 and/or other needles) are readily distinguishable (e.g., by having one needle have a first dominant color (or other distinguishing feature), and the other needle have a second dominant color (or other identifiable feature or lack thereof)), the process of identifying the working and resting needles (and the type of stitches that have already done) can be relatively easy. In this example, if the knitter begins by knitting garter stitches using a red needle, for instance, in the working position (where the term working needle, working position, and variations thereof may refer to a needle that is relatively free of loops and ready to begin knitting new loops and is often, but not necessarily, held in the dominant hand) and where the knitter is using a grey needle, for instance, in the resting position, with the grey resting needle having multiple loops waiting to be taken off (the resting needle often being held in the non-dominant hand), and the knitter continues knitting to the end of a row, the knitter will then have all of the loops on the red needle which now becomes the resting needle. In this example, the grey needle, which is now free of its loops, becomes the working needle, and the knitter will then knit a row of purl stitches. In this way, the knitter may see at a glance which stitch to employ next. Indeed, in this example, when the red needle is in the working position, the knitter will know to knit garter stitches. In contrast, when the grey needle is in the working position the knitter will know to knit purl stitches.

[0125] Continuing with this non-limiting example, if the knitter sets the work aside before finishing a row and loops are left on both the working needle and the resting needle, a simple glance at which needle is connected to the source of the yarn will tell the knitter which needle is the working needle. If, for instance, the source yarn is connected to the red needle, the knitter will know to continue the garter stitch. If the source yarn is connected to the grey needle, the knitter will know to continue with the purl stitch.

[0126] In accordance with some embodiments, the described system and methods include having two grooved knitting needles 100 in circular systems (or circular needles) be readily distinguishable (e.g., by being a different color or otherwise being readily distinguishable). In one non-limiting example, a knitter uses a circular system having a red needle that is coupled to a grey needle. In this example (and whether the knitter is knitting the garter stitch or the purl stitch), if the knitter has chosen the red colored needle as the working needle, the red needle will always remain the working needle and the grey colored needle will always remain the resting needle.

[0127] In addition to the aforementioned features, the described systems and methods can provide one or more additional features. In one example, by having the groove 120 in a first needle and having a second needle be able to be inserted into the groove, below a piece of yarn wrapped around the first needle, the described grooved needles 100 allow users to easily knit while avoiding yarn splitting 25. As a result, knitters can use some embodiments of the grooved needles to knit with boucl yarns (or yarns that vary from bring thick to thin), heirloom yarns, novelty yarns, standard yarns, and/or any other type of suitable material, while avoiding yarn splitting.

[0128] In another example, as yarn tension can be modified by rotating a knitting needle, some embodiments of the described grooved needles 100 that are polygonal (e.g., square and/or any other suitable shape), define one or more grooves 120, and/or are otherwise shaped as described herein, allow a knitter to readily recognize when the needles roll (something that may be difficult with some conventional cylindrical needles). Accordingly, in some such embodiments, the knitter can better monitor and/or stop unintentional needle rotation (and the accompanying changes in tension).

[0129] As still another example, some embodiments of the described grooved needles 100 (e.g., circular knitting systems comprising the grooved needles) allow knitters to knit, with relative ease, projects that have small radiuses (e.g., without the challenges of double pronged needles or DPNs).

[0130] Additionally, while some conventional knitting systems that have two needles coupled together typically have a semi-rigid yet flexible cord (e.g., comprising solid nylon, plastic, steel cables, and/or other materials that are biased towards a particular position), some embodiments of the described circular knitting systems comprising grooved needles 100 comprise a non-resilient coupler 130 (or a coupler that is flexible and is not biased from one side to another, at least when the coupler is not twisted). Accordingly, unlike some conventional methods in which the semi-rigid cord or cable tend to fail due to excessive bending and kinking, some embodiments of the described circular knitting systems can freely bend and kink without concern of the coupler's failure.

[0131] Moreover, some conventional systems with two needles that are coupled together by a semi-rigid, resilient, or semi-resilient cord or cable can make it difficult to move the needles to desired positions. Indeed, in some such cases, a knitter may feel that, to some extent, the knitter is fighting with the semi-rigid or biased cord which seems to have a mind of its own. In some such cases, when a knitter needs to bring the two needle tips close together, the conventional semi-rigid cord can exert a force on the stitches, pulling them out of shape and creating large or otherwise ungainly stitches. In contrast, some embodiments of the described circular knitting systems comprising one or more grooved needles 100 can be used with a non-rigid, non-resilient, and/or otherwise non-biased coupler 130, which can allow for easy movement of the coupled needles in the manner desired by the knitter.

[0132] Thus, some embodiments of the described invention relate to a knitting needle. More specifically, while this knitting needle can have any suitable characteristic or component, in some cases, it defines a groove that extends longitudinally along a length of an outer surface or the knitting needle. In some cases, the groove opens near a pointed end (or a distal end) of the described needle. Thus, in some cases, a tip of a second knitting needle can run longitudinally through the groove, such that the tip of the second needle is able to readily pass under a portion of yarn (or other material) that is on the described grooved knitting needle. In some cases, a proximal end of the described knitting needle comprises an object that is wider than a width of a shaft of the needle so as to prevent yard loops from falling off of the proximal end of the needle. In some cases, the described knitting needle is coupled with another needle. While such coupling can be achieved in any suitable manner, in some cases, the two needles are coupled together with a non-resilient coupler. Additionally, in some instances in which the grooved knitting needle is used with a second needle (whether or not the two needles are coupled together), at least one of the needles comprises a distinguishing feature that allows the two needles to be readily distinguished. For instance, the two knitting needles can be different colors.

[0133] In addition to any previously indicated modification, numerous other variations and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this description, and appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the information has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation, and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. Also, as used herein, the examples, implementations, and embodiments, in all respects, are meant to be illustrative only and should not be construed to be limiting in any manner. Additionally, any element or elements from any embodiment, implementation, or drawing included herein can be combined with any other element or elements from any other embodiment, implementation, or drawing set forth herein. In addition, as the terms on, disposed on, attached to, connected to, coupled to, etc. are used herein, one object (e.g., a material, element, structure, member, etc.) can be on, disposed on, attached to, connected to, or coupled to another object regardless of whether the one object is directly on, attached, connected, or coupled to the other object, or whether there are one or more intervening objects between the one object and the other object. Also, directions (e.g., on top of, below, above, top, bottom, side, up, down, under, over, upper, lower, lateral, medial, vertical, horizontal, distal, proximal, etc.), if provided, are relative and provided solely by way of example and for ease of illustration and discussion and not by way of limitation. Furthermore, where reference is made herein to a list of elements (e.g., elements a, b, such reference is intended to include any one of the listed elements by itself, any combination of less than all of the listed elements, and/or a combination of all of the listed elements. Also, as used herein, the terms a, an, and one may each be interchangeable with the terms at least one and one or more.