Multi-element knitting needles and manufacturing processes for them

Abstract

Example devices and methods are focused on knitting needles or tools and / or methods for manufacturing them. In some implementations, a method for manufacturing a knitting needle includes providing a first element formed from a first material and attaching one or more additional elements to one end of the first element with an overlay press fit. The additional element(s) may be formed from a second material different from the first material. In some examples, a knitting needle is provided that has a first element formed from a first material and one or more additional elements attached to one end of the first element with an overlay press fit. The additional element(s) may be formed from a second material different from the first material.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] This disclosure relates to knitting needles and their manufacturing processes. In particular, this disclosure relates to knitting needles that have a multi-part or multi-element design. background

[0002] The background description provided here serves the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. The inventors' work, to the extent described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that would not otherwise qualify as prior art at the filing date, is neither expressly nor implicitly recognized as prior art in relation to the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0003] Knitting needles are generally known as those described in US 11,299,830 B2, US 10,619,273 B2, US 8,210,003 B2, CH 361,880 A, DE 43,087,15 A1, and US 2022 / 0349,095 A1. A circular knitting needle, such as those disclosed in these patents and publications, generally has two needles connected by a flexible cord. Knitting needles can generally be formed from a single monolithic piece or from several parts or elements. It is typical for yarn to slide along a knitting needle during knitting, and therefore it is desirable for the knitting needles to provide the desired smoothness or other frictional properties. To the extent that a knitting needle can have multiple parts or elements, interfaces are created between the parts or elements, resulting in possible gaps or breaks along a knitting needle.Yarn can catch at these gaps or interruptions as it slides along a knitting needle. A multi-element needle design also complicates assembly and has the potential to loosen or separate. For example, state-of-the-art designs typically use gluing, bonding, or crimping. Adhesive or bonding material can drip or leak during assembly. Glued / bonded or crimped joints can weaken and fail over time. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved knitting needle and a manufacturing process that addresses these shortcomings. Overview

[0004] The invention is defined in the independent claims. Dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

[0005] In at least some exemplary approaches, a manufacturing process for a knitting needle involves providing a first element formed from a first material. The process can also involve attaching a second and a third element to opposite ends of the first element. The second and third elements can each be attached to the first element by a press fit. The second and third elements can each be formed from a second material that differs from the first material.

[0006] In another exemplary illustration, a manufacturing process for a knitting needle involves providing a first element formed from a first material. The process may also involve attaching a needle point to one end of the first element. The needle point is formed from a second material that differs from the first material. In at least some examples, attaching the needle point to the end of the first element involves inserting a protruding part into a borehole and providing an overlapping press fit of the protruding part into the borehole.

[0007] In another exemplary illustration, a knitting needle has a first element formed from a first material. The knitting needle may also have a second element and a third element attached to the first element at opposite ends of the first element. The second and third elements may each be formed from a second material that differs from the first material. At least one of the second and third elements may be attached to the first element by an interference fit between a protruding part received in a borehole. Furthermore, in at least some examples, the outer diameter of the protruding part is at least 0.01 mm larger than the inner diameter of the borehole. Brief description of the drawings

[0008] Further features of the disclosure, its nature and various advantages become clear upon consideration of the following detailed description, which can be seen in conjunction with the drawings in the appendix, in which similar reference numerals consistently refer to similar parts, and in which: Fig. 1A is a partial sectional view of a knitting needle, which is formed from several parts or elements according to an exemplary illustration; Fig. 1B A top view of a knitting needle main element of the knitting needle from Fig. 1A according to an exemplary illustration; Fig. 1C a top view of a knitting needle tip element of the knitting needle from Fig. 1A, which is shown attached to the knitting needle main element, according to an exemplary illustration; Fig. 1D a top view of a knitting needle connector of the knitting needle from Fig. 1A, which is shown attached to a knitting needle main element, according to an exemplary illustration; Fig. 2A an area of Fig. 1A, which is enlarged to show an interface area between the knitting needle main element and the knitting needle tip element, according to an exemplary illustration; Fig. 2B an interface area of Fig. 2A is shown with a grinding surface for grinding and / or polishing the interface area as illustrated in an exemplary diagram; Fig. 2C is a top view of a knitting needle formed from several parts or elements by being ground from a grinding surface or tool, according to an exemplary illustration; Fig. 3. A top view of a circular knitting needle having two needles, each of which is attached to a flexible cord, according to an exemplary illustration; and Fig. 4 is a process flow diagram for a manufacturing process of a knitting needle according to an exemplary illustration. Detailed description

[0009] The exemplary approaches presented in this document can generally be geared towards a knitting needle or other knitting tool that utilizes a multi-part or multi-element design. As used in this document, the various parts assembled in the examples can be independent elements or parts that each have different characteristic materials. The elements can be joined together to form the knitting needle, thereby providing the assembled knitting needle with properties from the different materials of the respective areas of the knitting needle. For example, a first element, such as a needle head, can be formed from a first material and have two ends. One or more further elements, such as a needle tip and / or a needle connector, can be formed from a second material that differs from a first material.Example knitting needles can be of any size or design that is practical. Accordingly, the examples and dimensions shown and described here, the relative sizes, relationships, etc., are only exemplary and are not limiting.

[0010] In some approaches described in this document, multi-element knitting needles can be joined using an overlapping press-fit process, for example, where a protruding part is inserted into a bore hole with a pressing force. Different elements or parts can be joined in this way to avoid the need for adhesives, bonding agents, or similar materials to hold the parts securely together.

[0011] Furthermore, exemplary approaches can have a relatively smooth interface between the assembled parts, elements, or materials that comprise the knitting needle. Exemplary approaches can be applied to any knitting needle or other multi-element tool where relatively smooth interfaces between the elements or a secure connection between the elements is desirable. In some exemplary approaches, a grinding process is employed in which a grinding tool is applied to two adjacent elements; for example, a surface of the grinding tool is applied to both a knitting needle main and a tip element or connecting element. Accordingly, the assembled multi-element knitting needle can incorporate distinct characteristics of the two elements or materials.For example, a stainless steel material could be used for the needle tips and / or the needle connector, while a different material could be used for the needle body. This other material could be, for example, carbon fiber, wood, bamboo, aluminum, or any other suitable material. The assembled knitting needle can exhibit distinct frictional properties as a result of the two different elements and / or materials. For instance, relatively harder and smoother stainless steel needle tips can result in reduced friction with the yarn compared to a needle body made of, say, carbon fiber, wood, bamboo, or aluminum.

[0012] With reference to Fig. Sections 1A to 1D illustrate and describe in more detail an example knitting needle 100. The knitting needle 100 can have a first element 102, which has an outer surface 102'. The first element 102 can be made entirely or partially of a first material. Example materials for the first element can be metallic materials (for example, aluminum) as well as non-metallic materials. In one example, the first material is a non-metallic material such as carbon fiber, wood, or bamboo. Furthermore, the outer surface 102' can be completely defined by the first material. In such a case, the first element 102 can be made entirely of the first material, for example, as a single monolithic piece.In other examples, however, several different materials can be used to form the first element 102, for example with a first material that defines the core of the first element 102 and another material or coating, such as a nanocoating material, that is arranged on a surface of the core to define an outer surface 102'.

[0013] The first element 102 can generally have one or more projecting ends, for example, with a protruding part or other projection designed to be received in a corresponding receiving part, for example, with a bore or other cavity of the knitting needle 100. For example, the first element 102 can generally have a main part 108 defining the outer surface 102' and two projecting parts 110 and 112. As in Fig. 1A and Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the projecting parts 110 and 112 can be arranged at opposite ends of the main body 108. The projecting part 110 can have a cylindrical section extending for a length L1. The projecting part 112 can have a cylindrical section extending for a length L2. The projecting parts 110 and 112 can each have an identical outer diameter D. M as shown. In other examples, however, the outer diameters of the protruding parts 110 and 112 may differ. Furthermore, the protruding parts 110 and 112 may have any shape or design that is suitable.

[0014] In general, the knitting needle 100 can have one or more additional elements attached to the first element 102. For example, the knitting needle 100 can have a second element 104 with an outer surface 104'. The second element 104 generally provides a needle point, for example, a narrowing to a rounded point typical for knitting. The knitting needle 100 can also, in at least some examples, have a third element 106 with an outer surface 106'. The third element 106 can be a needle connector, which, for example, simplifies connecting the knitting needle 100 to the knitting needle cord, as described below, to facilitate the use of a circular knitting needle. Alternatively, the third element 106 can also have a needle point similar to or identical with the second element 104 to facilitate the use of a double-pointed knitting needle.

[0015] The second element 104 and the third element 106 can each be formed from a second material that differs from the first material of the first element 102. In one example, the second material is a metallic material such as stainless steel. Furthermore, the outer surfaces 104' and 106' can be entirely defined by the second material. In some approaches, a second element 104 and / or a third element 106 are formed entirely from the second material, for example, as individual monolithic pieces. In other examples, however, different materials can be used to form the second element 104 and / or the third element 106. For example, the second element 104 and / or the third element 106 can have a core material with another material or coating, such as a nanocoating material, arranged around the core material to define the outer surface 104' and / or the outer surface 106'.

[0016] The second element 104 and / or the third element 106 can have a bore to define a receiving part. Accordingly, the second element 104 and / or the third element 106 can be configured to receive the respective protruding parts 110 and / or 112 of the first element 102. In one example, the second element 104 has a bore 114 and the third element 106 has a bore 116. Each of the bores 114, 116 defines an inner diameter D. B . In the Fig. In the example shown (1A - 1D), the inner diameters D are... B identical, but in other approaches the bore diameters may differ.

[0017] How best to Fig. 1C and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1D, the boreholes 114 and 116 can each have lengths L1' and L2'. In one example, the length L1' is at least as long as the length L1 of the projecting part 110, and the length L2' is at least as long as the length L2 of the projecting part 112. Accordingly, sufficient axial or longitudinal space is provided in the second and third elements 104 and 106 for inserting the projecting parts 110 and 112.

[0018] As highlighted above, in at least some exemplary approaches an overlapping press fit between the corresponding elements can be provided, for example the protruding parts 110 / 112 and their corresponding bore holes 114 / 116. For example, an outer diameter D M of the protruding part 110 larger than the diameter D Bof the corresponding borehole 114 of the second / tip element 104. As will be discussed further below, the degree by which the diameter D can be M larger than the diameter D B The overlap should be relatively small, allowing the protruding part 110 to be inserted into the element 104. At the same time, the size difference should be significant enough to provide an overlap sufficient to resist manual removal of the protruding part 110 from the tip element 114. In an example, such as where element 102 is made of carbon fiber and element 104 is made of stainless steel, a minimal joining force can be achieved by an overlap of at least 0.01 millimeters (mm). For example, the protruding part 110 can have an outer diameter D M have a diameter that is at least 0.01 mm larger than an inner diameter D Bof the borehole 114 of the tip element 104. Likewise, the protruding part 112 can have an outer diameter D M have a diameter that is at least 0.01 mm larger than an inner diameter D B of borehole 116 of connecting element 106.

[0019] Furthermore, as highlighted above, an outer surface of knitting needle 100, which forms an interface between the first and second materials, may be relatively smooth. As discussed further below, in some examples, a grinding, polishing, or other process may be employed, applied simultaneously to the outer surfaces 102' and 104' of the first element 102 and the second element 104, respectively. Accordingly, the adjacent outer surfaces 102' and 104' are smoothed together as a result of the process. It should be emphasized that in the examples where the first element 102 is a machined part prior to assembly, for example, anodized aluminum, etc., grinding or polishing the outer surface 102' after assembly may not be necessary or desirable.

[0020] As highlighted above, in at least some examples an overlapping press fit is provided between corresponding elements of the knitting needle 100, for example between the protruding part 110 and the bore 114 of the second element 104, or between the protruding part 112 and the bore 116 of the third element 106. The protruding part may be relatively larger in diameter than the corresponding bore. In one example, one or both of the outer diameters D M The protruding parts 110 and 112 are at least 0.01 mm larger than the corresponding inner diameters D. B the corresponding receiving parts (i.e., boreholes 114 and / 116).

[0021] In general, an overlap press fit, as described above, can simplify relatively quick assembly and a solid connection without the use of glue, adhesives, or other additional materials or joining methods. Accordingly, the Knitting Needle 100 can generally avoid associated disadvantages of previous multi-element design methodologies. For example, an inaccuracy in the design can lead to an unreliable connection after assembly, potentially resulting in joint failure during the product's lifetime. Furthermore, glue or other adhesives can damage the needle's outer surface due to residues that seep from the joint onto the outer surface.

[0022] In at least some examples, the connection between the protruding part, for example, the protruding part 110 or 112, and the receiving part of the second element 104 or third element 106 is designed to withstand a tensile force of at least 1.0 kilogram (kg). It should be emphasized that the resistance to withdrawal can be influenced by the magnitude of the overlap between the protruding / recessed parts and the length of the connection between the protruding / recessed parts. The diameter of the knitting needle element(s) also affects the size of the connection and the corresponding resistance to withdrawal. Accordingly, relatively smaller withdrawal forces (less than 1.0 kg) may be acceptable in some cases, particularly for relatively smaller diameters (for example, 2.0 mm or less) of the knitting needle. Conversely, where knitting needles have relatively larger diameters (i.e.,(greater than 2.0 mm), the resistance to pulling the protruding parts 110, 112 out of their respective receiving parts may be relatively greater, and in some cases even significantly greater. The degree to which the overlap between protruding / receiving parts is created, along with the material choices of the protruding / receiving parts, can also influence the pull-out force. In some cases, an overlap of 0.01 mm is sufficient to generate adequate pull-out resistance. In other examples, particularly when the protruding element is made of a relatively softer material than the receiving part—for example, the protruding part is made of wood or bamboo, while the receiving part is made of stainless steel—a relatively larger overlap of 0.02–0.04 mm may be used.

[0023] After the protruding part 110 is inserted into the borehole 114 and the protruding part 112 is inserted into the borehole 116, the protruding parts 110 and 112 are each in contact with corresponding radially inward-facing surfaces of the boreholes 114 and 116, respectively. In the Fig. In the example shown in Figures 1A to 1D, the protruding part 110 has a generally cylindrical protruding contact surface extending axially along a length L1. Likewise, the protruding part 112 has a generally cylindrical protruding contact surface extending axially along a length L2. These cylindrical protruding contact surfaces face radially outward and contact the radially inward-facing receiving contact surfaces of the boreholes 114 / 116 when inserted into the boreholes 114 / 116. Accordingly, each of the boreholes 114 and 116 can define radially inward-facing receiving contact surfaces extending along an axial length at least as long as the axial lengths L1 and L2, respectively. Any length of the protruding / receiving contact surfaces that is convenient may be used.In one example, the axial length L1 of the protruding contact surface of the protruding part 110 in contact with the radially inward-facing surface of the borehole 114 is at least 2.0 mm. In another example, the axial length L2 of the protruding contact surface of the protruding part 112 in contact with the radially inward-facing surface of the borehole 116 is at least 2.0 mm. In at least some examples, a greater axial length of the protruding / receiving contact surfaces can be used, which further increases the resistance of the protruding part to being pulled out of the associated receiving part.In general, exemplary illustrations employing an overlap press-fit joining process facilitate sufficient resistance to the pull-out of the protruding part from its corresponding receiving part to ensure that the dissimilar material components remain fully engaged, thus preventing the formation of a gap between the outer surfaces of the elements. Consequently, yarn or other knitting media can pass smoothly between an interface between element 104 and element 102 as they move along the knitting needle 100.

[0024] In at least some exemplary designs, protruding and / or receiving parts may have angled ends, tapers, chamfers, or similar features to facilitate the insertion of a protruding part into a corresponding receiving part. For example, as in the exemplary knitting needle 100 in Fig. Figures 1A to 1D show each of the protruding parts 110 and 112 provided with chamfers 113. Accordingly, the initial insertion of the protruding parts 110 and 112 can be made relatively easier. Furthermore, the chamfers 113 allow for a more gradual increase or "run-up" of the entry force when the protruding part 110 / 112 is moved axially into the corresponding borehole 114 / 116.

[0025] As highlighted above, exemplary knitting needles, such as the size 100 knitting needle, can provide a relatively smooth interface between different parts or elements that are press-fitted or otherwise attached to one another. In at least some exemplary approaches, an interface between different parts can be ground or polished with a grinding surface.

[0026] With reference to Fig. Figures 2A to 2C illustrate an exemplary smoothing process (for example, grinding or another material removal process, polishing, etc.) with respect to the tip element 104 and the first element 102. Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B illustrates an interface 118 between the tip element 104 and the first element 102 in enlarged form for clarity. As highlighted above, the protruding part 110 can be relatively larger in diameter than the corresponding borehole (for example, borehole 114) of the tip element 104. Although in Fig. Not shown in Figure 2A, during the initial insertion of the tip element 104 onto the first element 102, the tip surface 104 and / or its outer surface 104' may be slightly radially deformed outwards as a result of the tolerances associated with the first element 102 and / or the tip element 104. In general, any radial deformation resulting from the overlap press fit or an offset between the outer surface 102' of the first element 102 and the adjacent outer surface 104' of the tip element 104 can be removed, for example, by grinding and smoothing processes discussed here. Accordingly, the tip element 104 and the first element 102 may have the same diameter or provide a relatively smooth intermediate region 118, as shown in Figure 2A. Fig. 2B is shown.

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2B, a grinding tool 120 can be provided, which has a grinding surface 122. The grinding surface 122 can be applied to an interface area 118 and can be moved relative to the interface area 118, for example, by rotating the grinding tool 120. Accordingly, the grinding surface 122 can simultaneously smooth or grind the different materials of the first element 102 and the second element 104. In one example, the grinding surface 122 has a diamond grit number greater than 100, and in some cases considerably greater. Applying the grinding surface 122, for example, simultaneously to the outer surfaces 102' and 104' of the interface 118 can simplify the formation of a smooth outer surface of the knitting needle 100 over the interface 118.In at least some exemplary approaches, a machine manufacturing process is employed to apply the grinding tool 120 and / or the grinding surface 122 to ensure, for example, that a first non-metallic element 102 and a metal tip element 104 can have the same outer diameter. In this way, the diameters of the first element 102 and the tip element 104 are identical to such an extent that any diameter difference between the first element 102 and the tip element 104 is limited to differences in surface texture or smoothness. In at least some examples, a further manufacturing process with a relatively finer grit can be employed, for example, to remove scratches or marks that may occur during press fitting and grinding processes, or simply to further improve surface smoothness.A polishing process can be used as just one example, for instance manually or by hand, by using a cloth together with a wax.

[0028] With reference to Fig. Section 2 now schematically illustrates an exemplary grinding process and describes it in more detail. In the illustrated example, a centerless grinding process can be used, so that a grinding surface 122 is applied against the knitting needle 100. Specifically, a first grinding tool 120, which has a grinding surface 122, is arranged adjacent to a secondary tool 120' with a secondary surface 122', thus defining a distance between the surfaces 122 and 122'. The first grinding tool 120 can have a desired roughness, for example, a grit size greater than 100. The second surface 122' of the second tool 120' can be relatively smoother than the grinding surface 122, for example, with a relatively higher grit size. The secondary tool 120' can primarily serve as a guide, while the grinding surface 122 is applied to the first element 102 and / or the second element 104.It should be emphasized that the roughness of the grinding surface 122 is visually exaggerated in the figures, and in at least some examples, a grinding operation can only remove 0.1–0.2 mm of material from the first element 102 and / or the second element 104. The first element 102 and the second element 104 can be joined axially (by the arrow in ). Fig. (as specified in Figure 2C) are displaced to the distance between the surfaces 122, 122', so that the grinding surface 122 continuously grinds or polishes along the elements 102 and 104. The first surface 122 may, for example, move as a result of the rotation of the tool 120 about an axis parallel to the axial movement of the first element 102, while the second surface 122' may move at a relatively lower rate compared to the first grinding tool 120, for example, due to a relatively lower rotational speed of the second tool 120'. Accordingly, the second element 104 may initially contact the surfaces 122, 122'. As the joined first and second elements 102, 104 move continuously along the surfaces 122, 122', the entire first element 102 and the interface area 118 between the first element 102 and the second element 104 are ground or smoothed.Accordingly, a grinding surface 122 is continuously applied along the entire length of the first element 102 and the interface area 118 at both ends thereof. At one or more points in time during this example process, the grinding surface 122 can be applied simultaneously to at least one area of ​​the first element 102 and an area of ​​the second element 104 and / or third element 106, as well as an interface area 118 in between.

[0029] The grinding and polishing processes described above can be useful in the context of different materials used for the first element 102 and the second element 104. For example, a first element 102 made of carbon fiber can have an outer surface 102' ground and polished to provide a desired frictional property that differs from that of the second element 104 and / or the third element 106. In particular, the carbon fiber can provide a relatively higher resistance to a yarn or other knitting medium compared to that provided by a second / tip element 104 made of stainless steel. Furthermore, the carbon fiber can also provide a resistance that is lower than that of other non-metallic materials, such as bamboo or wood.In at least some examples, no coating is applied to the surface of the first element 102 to enhance the desired resistance of the knitting needle 100. For example, a first element 102 formed with a machined surface, such as anodized aluminum, may not require a coating. In other examples, machining or polishing and / or further surface coatings may be applied to a first element 102 formed from carbon fiber or bamboo, and / or to the second / third elements 104 / 106 formed from other materials. Any suitable coating may be applied to the first element 102 and / or the second / third elements 104 / 106.For example, a nanocoating can be applied to either improve surface smoothness or to enhance specific surface properties such as water / moisture resistance, corrosion resistance, and abrasion resistance. A ceramic material could be one example of a nanocoating.

[0030] As highlighted above, second / third elements 104 / 106, for example, the tip element and the connecting element, can, in some exemplary approaches, be formed from a different material than a first element 102, at least on their outer surfaces. For example, the tip element 104 and the connecting element 106 can each be formed from a different material, for example, a metal such as stainless steel or other hard alloys. In general, it may be desirable for the tip element 104 and / or the connecting element 106 to be formed from a material that is relatively strong, corrosion-resistant, oxidation-resistant, lightweight, and suitable for CNC machining to form a desired shape or design and to achieve a desired level of precision and / or surface smoothness.In general, a sharp point and overall shape, precision, surface smoothness, and light weight can be achieved through a computer numerical control (CNC) machining process. Furthermore, metal materials such as stainless steel or other hard alloys can provide fatigue strength due to their material thickness, thus increasing the overall service life of the knitting needle 100.

[0031] In comparison, in at least some examples, the first element 102 and / or protruding parts 110 / 112 can be formed from different materials than the second / third element 104 / 106. In some examples, a first element 102 is formed from a metallic material such as aluminum or a non-metallic material such as, for example, bamboo, wood, or carbon fiber. These materials may be relatively harder to achieve a correct shaping or form with precision, or they may lack strength or fatigue strength and thus be less desirable for use in other knitting needle parts or elements, for example, the tip element 104 or the connecting element 106. However, these non-metallic materials may provide a desired surface friction / resistance that is advantageous for some specific yarns and / or certain knitting styles.In at least some examples, carbon fiber can be used for the first element 102, which offers some better qualities than bamboo and wood, such as its strength, resistance to breaking / twisting / splitting, and the grinding process for precision.

[0032] With reference to Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of a circular knitting needle 1201, in which two knitting needles 1200 are connected by a cord 1203. One end of each knitting needle 1200 can be attached to a flexible cord 1203. The knitting needles 1200 can each be a knitting needle 100 in one example. Accordingly, both knitting needles 1200 can have several parts, for example, a first element 1202 with a second / tip element 104 and a third / end element 1206. Accordingly, in at least some examples, the first elements 1202 can be the first element 102 described above, the second / tip elements 1204 can be the second element 104 described above, and the third element 1206 can be the third element 106 described above. The knitting needles 1200 can be connected to the cord 1203 in any suitable manner.In one example, the end element 1206 of each knitting needle 1200 is connected to a cord connector 1208, which receives one end of the cord 1203. In some examples, the cord connector 1208, or features thereof, may be incorporated into the end element 1206. Furthermore, in some examples, the knitting needle 1200 may be connected to the cord 1203 in such a way that the knitting needles are designed to rotate relative to the cord 1203, for example, to prevent tangling or twisting of the cord during knitting.

[0033] With reference to Fig. Section 4 presents an exemplary process 1000 for manufacturing or assembling a knitting needle and describes it further in detail.

[0034] Process 1000 can begin at block 1005, where a first element is provided, formed from a first material. For example, the first element 102 can be provided, formed from a non-metallic material such as synthetic fiber, wood, bamboo, etc.

[0035] Moving on to block 1010, a second element is attached to one end of the first element, for example, a first end or a second end. For example, a second element may be attached to the first element 102, wherein the second element is configured as a tip element 104 or a connecting element 106. In at least some examples, the second element may be configured as being made of a different material than the first. The first element 102 may have a protruding end or part, for example, a protruding part 110, configured to be inserted into a corresponding bore 114 of the second element 104. Accordingly, in such examples, attaching a second element and / or the third element to the first element may involve inserting a protruding part, for example, the protruding part 110 or 112, into a receiving part, for example, the bore 114 of the tip element 104.While the first element 102 described above has the protruding part 110, in some examples the tip element 104 and / or the connecting element 106 may be provided with a protruding part configured to be received in a corresponding receiving part or bore in the first element 102. As highlighted above, in some examples the insertion of the protruding part into the receiving part may involve providing an interference fit of the protruding part, for example, a protruding part 110 or protruding part 112, in the corresponding receiving part, for example, the bore 114 or 116. An interference fit may be provided by a relatively enlarged outside diameter of a protruding part with respect to a bore or receiving part.For example, as highlighted above, the protruding parts 110 or 112 can have an outer diameter D. M must be designed to be at least 0.01 mm larger than an inner diameter D Bof the boreholes 114 or 116. A connecting force between the protruding part, for example, the protruding part 110, and the receiving part 114, for example, in borehole 114, can be designed to withstand a tensile force of at least 1.0 kilogram (kg). The protruding part 110 can have a contact surface extending along the cylindrical section with an axial length L1, and the protruding part 112 can have a contact surface extending along the cylindrical section with an axial length L2. The contact surfaces of the protruding part 110, the protruding part 112, and the corresponding boreholes 114 and 116 can have an axial contact length of at least 2.0 millimeters (mm), as specified above. Process 1000 can then proceed to block 1015.

[0036] At block 1015, an outer surface of the knitting needle, which has an interface between the first and second materials, can be smoothed. For example, as described above, an abrasive surface, such as surface 122 and / or 122', can be applied to an outer surface 102' and an outer surface 104', thereby smoothing both across the interface area 118. In particular, in one example, the abrasive surface 122 can be applied to both the first material (i.e., from outer surface 102') and the second material (i.e., from outer surface 104'). The abrasive surface 122 can, as stated above, have a grit greater than 100. Process 1000 can then end.

[0037] References in this document to “a single example”, “an example”, “a single embodiment”, or “an embodiment” mean that a specific feature, structure, or property described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one example. The phrase “in an example” at various points in the description does not necessarily refer to the same example each time it occurs.

[0038] Regarding the processes, systems, procedures, heuristics, etc., described herein, it is understood that although the steps of such processes, etc., have been described as occurring in certain ordered sequences, such processes can be carried out with the described steps in a different order than the one described here. It is further understood that certain steps can be performed simultaneously, that other steps can be added, or that certain steps described herein can be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of the processes presented herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the claimed invention.

[0039] Accordingly, it is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative only and not limiting. Many embodiments and applications that differ from the examples given here are possible upon reading the above description. The scope of the inventions in this document should not be determined by reference to the above description, but instead by reference to the applicable claims together with the full scope of correspondences for which such claims are valid. It is conceivable and anticipated that further developments in the technology discussed will occur and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. Overall, modifications and variations of the inventions described herein are possible and are limited only by the applicable claims.

[0040] All terms used in the applicable claims are intended to have their broadest reasonable forms and their normal meanings as understood by those skilled in the art, unless explicitly stated otherwise in this document. In particular, the use of singular articles such as "a," "the," and "these" should be read as indicating one or more indicated elements, unless a claim explicitly limits this.

Claims

[1] Manufacturing process of a knitting needle which features: Provision of a first element (102) formed from a non-metallic material; and Attaching a second element (104) and a third element (106) to opposite ends of the first element (102), wherein the second element (104) is a needle point, wherein the second element (104) and the third element (106) are each formed from a metallic material that differs from the non-metallic material, wherein the second element (104) and the third element (106) are each attached to the first element (102) by an overlap press fit of protruding parts of the first element (102) inserted into respective bores of the second element (104) and the third element (106), wherein the bores are radially deformed such that an outer diameter of the first element (102) has an offset to the outer diameters of the second and third elements (104, 106), which radially overlap the corresponding protruding parts at interfaces between the metallic and the non-metallic material; and Smoothing an outer surface of the knitting needle that has the interfaces between the metallic material and the non-metallic material in order to eliminate the offsets. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the radial deformation results from the superimposed press fit of the protruding part with the bore. [3] Method according to claim 1, wherein the radial deformation results from a tolerance of the needle tip or the first element (102). [4] Method according to claim 1, wherein the third element (106) is a second needle point or a connecting element. [5] Method according to claim 1, wherein a connecting force between the protruding part and the borehole is designed to withstand a tensile force of at least 1.0 kilogram, kg. [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein an outer diameter of the protruding part is at least 0.01 mm larger than an inner diameter of the borehole. [7] Method according to claim 1, wherein the protruding part defines a protruding contact surface which extends axially along the protruding part, wherein the protruding contact surface is in contact with a receiving contact surface which extends axially along one of the boreholes after the protruding part has been inserted, wherein the protruding contact surface and the receiving contact surface have an axial contact length of at least 2.0 millimeters, mm. [8] Method according to claim 1, wherein the smoothing of the outer surface comprises grinding the first material and the second material with a grinding surface having a grit size greater than 100. [9] Method according to claim 1, wherein the metallic material comprises a stainless steel material. [10] Manufacturing process of a knitting needle which features: Provision of a first element (102) formed from a non-metallic material; and Attaching a needle point to one end of the first element (102), wherein the needle point is formed from a metallic material that differs from the non-metallic material, wherein attaching the needle point to the end of the first element (102) comprises inserting a protruding part of the first element (102) into a borehole of the needle point, wherein inserting the protruding part into the borehole comprises providing an overlap press fit of the protruding part into the borehole, wherein the borehole of the needle point is radially deformed such that an outer diameter of the first element (102) has an offset to an outer diameter of the needle point, which radially overlaps the protruding part at an interface between the metallic and the non-metallic material; and Smoothing an outer surface of the knitting needle that has the interface between the metallic material and the non-metallic material in order to eliminate the offset. [11] Method according to claim 10, wherein the radial deformation results from the superimposed press fit of the protruding part with the bore. [12] Method according to claim 10, wherein the radial deformation results from a tolerance of the needle tip or the first element (102). [13] Method according to claim 10, wherein the third element (106) is a second needle point or a connecting element. [14] Method according to claim 10, wherein an outer diameter of the protruding part is at least 0.01 millimeters, mm, larger than an inner diameter of the borehole. [15] Method according to claim 10, wherein the smoothing of the outer surface comprises grinding down the first material and the second material by applying an abrasive surface having a grit size greater than 100. [16] Knitting needle which has: a first element (102) formed from a non-metallic material; and a second element (104) and a third element (106) attached to the first element (102) at opposite ends of the first element (102), the second element (104) being a needle point, the second element (104) and the third element (106) each being made of a metallic material different from the non-metallic material; wherein at least one of the second element (104) and the third element (106) are attached to the first element by means of an overlap press fit between a protruding part which is received in a borehole, and wherein an outer diameter of the protruding part is at least 0.01 mm larger than an inner diameter of the borehole; wherein the borehole is radially deformed such that an outer diameter of the first element has an offset to an outer diameter of the second element (104), which radially overlaps the protruding part at an interface between the metallic and the non-metallic material; and wherein an outer surface of the knitting needle, which has the interface between the metallic material and the non-metallic material, is smoothed to eliminate the offset. [17] Knitting needle according to claim 16, wherein the protruding part defines a protruding contact surface which extends axially along the protruding part, wherein the protruding contact surface is in contact with a receiving contact surface which extends axially along the borehole, wherein the protruding contact surface and the receiving contact surface have an axial contact length of at least 2.0 millimeters (mm). [18] Knitting needle according to claim 16, further comprising a cord having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to one of the second element (104) and the third element (106), and wherein the second end is connected to another knitting needle. [19] Knitting needle according to claim 16, wherein the metallic material is a stainless steel material. [20] Knitting needle according to claim 16, further comprising a nanocoating applied to an outer surface of at least one of the first element, the second element (104) and the third element (106).

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