Circular knitting needle

Abstract

Circular knitting needle comprising two rigid needle ends and a connecting element connecting them, characterized in that the connecting element consists of a longitudinally stretchable elastic needle cable and reversibly returns to the original length.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hand tools, in particular knitting needles, and more particularly to circular knitting needles with a connecting element.

[0002] Common circular knitting needles typically consist of two needle ends connected by a flexible but not very elastic cable. Circular knitting needles are used for all kinds of knitwear. The cable serves to store the previously knitted stitches until the next knitting cycle. However, conventional cable needles are inflexible in terms of length adjustment, storage, and handling.

[0003] DE 20 2012 000 241 U1 describes a circular knitting needle. It describes various properties and characteristics of the needle cable, including elasticity, which ensures that an operator can move the two needle ends independently of each other, but sufficient rigidity that the needle cable does not simply hang slackly. An elastic needle cable, which can significantly increase its longitudinal extension, is not described here.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a circular knitting needle in which the needle cable is elastic and can be flexibly adjusted in length. Furthermore, a simple, permanent, or detachable connection of the needle cable to the needle ends should be enabled. This object is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1, which are of particular importance as follows.

[0005] The connecting element is designed as a longitudinally stretchable elastic needle rope, which reversibly returns to its original length as soon as the longitudinal load is removed. This allows the length of the needle rope to be adjusted as needed by an operator during the knitting process. The needle rope should preferably be made of a particularly durable, elastic material, such as that used in tennis or fishing. The material is preferably selected so that the needle rope increases its length by 15% to 35% when subjected to tensile load. Monofilament plastic materials have proven particularly advantageous for this purpose. These are significantly more elastic than, for example, metallic or braided or stranded needle ropes.

[0006] The needle rope is particularly preferably a multifunctional sports rope, such as those used in tennis or fishing. These needle ropes are readily available and possess high resilience, good abrasion resistance, and excellent UV stability. This also means they do not age quickly and can be used frequently and for long periods of time.

[0007] There are various ways to attach the needle cable to the needle ends. These include fixed knots, gluing, or a clamp or screw connection or clip connection. The attachment is achieved, for example, using a clamping mechanism inside the needle ends. Alternatively, bonding is possible using an elastic two-component adhesive. A double knot in a drilled hole in the needles is also possible. The chosen variant depends on the application and the materials used for the needle cable and / or the needle ends. For the connection between the needle ends and the needle cable, a plug-in, screw-in, or clamp-in socket can also be provided at the ends of the needle ends to accommodate the respective end of the needle cable.

[0008] As with conventional circular knitting needles, the needle ends can be made of aluminum, wood, plastic, a composite material or even carbon.

[0009] The circular knitting needle according to the invention has several advantages over conventional knitting needles: • Variable length: Adjustable by stretching the elastic rope. • Easy assembly: No special tools are required to attach the needle ends to the needle cable. • High durability: The needle rope is made of a sports material. Sports materials are designed for long-term use. • Flexible application: Suitable for different types of yarn and projects. • Compatibility with conventional modular needle tips.

[0010] Finally, it should be noted that the embodiments described here represent merely exemplary implementations of the invention. The invention is not limited thereto. Rather, modifications and variations are possible. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2012 000 241 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Circular knitting needle comprising two rigid needle ends and a connecting element connecting them characterized by that the connecting element consists of a longitudinally stretchable elastic needle rope and reversibly returns to its original length. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the needle rope increases its length by 15% to 35% when subjected to tensile load. [3] Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the needle rope is made of a monofilament plastic. [4] Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the needle rope is a multifunctional sports rope with high recovery force, abrasion resistance and UV stability. [5] Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the needle rope is attached to the needle ends by means of knots, clamp connections, screw connections, clip connections or gluing. [6] Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized bythat the ends of the needle ends facing the needle cable have a plug-in, screw-in or clamp-in socket for the needle cable. [7] Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the needle ends are made of aluminum, wood, a plastic, a composite material or carbon.