Wool dispenser and arrangement of a wool dispenser with a ball of wool

Abstract

The invention relates to a wool dispenser (2) for supplying wool yarn, comprising a ball holder (4) for rotatably holding a ball of wool (100) with wool yarn, wherein the ball of wool (100) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis (A) of the ball holder (4), and a base body (6) connected to the ball holder (4) for rotatably holding the ball of wool (100) on the base body (6), and wherein the base body (6) has a fastening section (8) for fastening the wool dispenser (2) to a body part (102) or object (104), and the fastening section (8) has at least one fastening means (10), which is configured to fasten the wool dispenser (2) to the body part (102) or object (104) via the fastening section (8).

Description

[0001] Eisenfuhr Speiser

[0002] Bremen, 7 August 2025

[0003] Our Ref.: SA11210-01 DE ISC / ake / dli

[0004] Appiicant / Proprietor: Harcourt Innovations Limited

[0005] Serial Number: New Application

[0006] Harcourt Innovations Limited

[0007] 20 Harcourt Terrace, Salisbury, United Kingdom, SP2 7SA

[0008] Wool dispenser and arrangement of a wool dispenser with a ball of wool

[0009] The invention relates to a wool dispenser for supplying wool yarn while knitting. The invention is also directed to an arrangement of a wool dispenser and a ball of wool arranged on a ball holder of the wool dispenser.

[0010] In particular, the present invention relates to a dispenser for spooled, reeled or coiled ma- 5 terial.

[0011] The spooled, reeled or coiled material, in particular wool yarn, is usually spooled in the form of a ball. This enables an easy unreeling while knitting, a space-saving storage and transport of the ball of wool.

[0012] While knitting the wool yarn is unreeled from the ball of wool and dispensed for the knitting0 process due to a light drag force on the wool yarn handled with the knitting needles. Therefore the ball of wool usually lies on a surface of an object and is freely rotatable. If the surface is a flat surface, e. g. a table, the ball of wool tends to roll in undefined directions, and may even fall from the flat surface unless that is the floor. This leads to an uncontrolled unreeling of the wool yarn and in the worst case to knots along the wool yarn, which leads5 to a non-uniform knitting structure, which finally results in a quality loss of a knitted product. In other words, when using balls of yarn, where it is necessary to unwind strands of the material during their use, it is common practice to allow the wound yarn to sit loosely on a surface. This surface may be a table, a chair, a floor, or the lap of the person using the material. This arrangement allows the ball of material to spin reasonably freely and unwind as the strand is pulled away as it is used for its desired purpose.

[0013] The practice above can often be inconvenient as it requires a suitable free surface adjacent to the user, the ball of yarn will often roll away during the action of unwinding as the strand is pulled, and it does not allow for any amount of mobility of the user.

[0014] The common practice thus leads to several disadvantages and problems, including the need of a suitable surface adjacent to the knitting person.

[0015] The prior art provides different suggestions or methods to solve these disadvantages and problems. Methods of restraining the ball of yarn exist in several forms.

[0016] One method (Fig. 1) is to place the ball of material in a suitable container or bag whilst in use. This prevents the ball from rolling away as it is unwound, although this often has the undesirable effect of preventing the ball from unwinding freely.

[0017] Another method (Fig. 2) is to use a smooth round bowl, commonly referred to as a “Yarn Bowl”. This allows the ball to spin more freely than it would in a bag or other container. This also contains the ball so that it cannot roll away.

[0018] A third method (Fig. 3) is to use a device commonly known as a “Spinning Yarn Holder”. This device comprises of a solid base with a spindle mounted on top which is allowed to rotate freely of the base. The ball of wool or yarn is placed with the spindle inserted through its center thereby allowing the ball of yarn to spin very freely as the strand is pulled away during its use.

[0019] The disadvantages with the above solutions remain that they require the user to be stationary in one location with a flat surface available in proximity.

[0020] A fourth method (Fig. 4), which would, at first glance, appear to address the above disadvantages, is by using a device commonly referred to as a “Wrist Yarn holder”. This device consists of a flat base with a spindle protruding upwards from the base. The ball of wool or yarn is placed with the spindle inserted through its center (in the same manner as the third method described above). The top of the spindle is then attached to the wrist of the user by means of a strap or chain in such a manner that it allows the device to spin freely.

[0021] In practice, however, the device will spin freely in only two circumstances. The first circumstance is when the user is in a standing position. This allows the device to hang, and spin unencumbered although standing is not the accepted preferred position for users. The second circumstance is when the user, in a seated position, twists their body to one side so that the device will hang in an unencumbered manner next to their leg or waist. In almost all other circumstances when the user is in the generally accepted preferred position of being seated, the device will rest on or against the user’s body thereby preventing any spinning motion.

[0022] Presently there is no solution to allow a ball of wool, yarn, or other wound or spooled material to spin freely when being dispensed whilst, at the same time, being constrained from rolling around without a clear flat surface being available, whilst the user is in the preferred seated position.

[0023] Summarized, the knitting person always needs an adjacent surface to dispense wool yarn or another spooled material from a freely spinning ball of wool. Thus, the wool dispensers known from the prior art restrict the knitting person in an independent choice of a knitting spot.

[0024] The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems by providing a device which allows a ball of yarn or other spooled I wound material to spin freely in all circumstances (including whilst the user is in a seated position), whilst being constrained from rolling away, without the need for a surface to support the device, and which is portable in its use.

[0025] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a solution to at least one of the problems mentioned above. In particular, it is an object of the invention to overcome the prior art and provide a wool dispenser that allows dispensing wool yarn from a freely spinning ball of wool which is secured in a rotatably mounted position close to the knitting person enabling an independent choice of a knitting spot. At least an alternative solution, being an alternative to solutions known so far shall be suggested.

[0026] According to the invention a wool dispenser according to claim 1 is suggested. Such wool dispenser thus comprises a ball holder for rotatably holding a ball of wool with wool yarn, wherein the ball of wool is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the ball holder. The ball holder can just be a simple mandrel, pointing upward when in use. And the ball of wool can be placed on such mandrel. The ball holder can be more complex, as described further below. However, the mandrel can rotatably receive the ball of wool without the need of an additional spindle. This saves material and reduces the weight of the wool dispenser. A reduction of weight might be in particular of interest when using the wool dispenser while travelling. However, according to one aspect a spindle may be used, as explained below.

[0027] There is also a base body connected to the ball holder for rotatably holding the ball of wool on the base body. Such base body may be just a simple arm or plate to which the ball holder is connected.

[0028] The base body has a fastening section for fastening the wool dispenser to a body part of a human, in particular a human arm. The fastening section may also be adapted to be fastened to another object, such as a window or table of a train, a dashboard of a car, to give just some examples. Even the fastening to a flat surface of a table makes sense, as that keeps the wool ball from rolling off the table.

[0029] The fastening section has at least one fastening means which is configured to fasten the wool dispenser to the body part or object via the fastening section. Such fastening means may be formed as an elastic strap or other kind of fastening strap to be wrapped around the arm. It may also be a suction cup for fastening to a flat surface, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0030] The fastening means is thus an additional means, provided at the fastening section for at least one kind of attachment. The fastening section is provided to be placed adjacent to the arm and may be formed in a way to fit to the arm. It may be formed to be placed close to the object to which the wool dispenser is to be fastened.

[0031] Accordingly, the base body has a fastening section for fastening the wool dispenser to a body part or object, and the fastening section has at least one fastening means, which is configured to fasten the wool dispenser to the body part or object via the fastening section.

[0032] The invention is based upon the realization that a ball holder for rotatably holding a ball of wool comprising a longitudinal axis for receiving the ball of wool is combined with a fastening section including at least one fastening means. A base body is connected to the ball holder receiving the ball of wool rotatably. The base body has a fastening section which comprises a fastening means. Because of the use of a base body it is possible to arrange the ball of wool in an adequate distance to the fastening section allowing the ball of wool rotating freely around a fixed longitudinal axis for dispensing wool yarn, continuously.

[0033] The fastening means is forfastening the wool dispenserto a body part of the knitting person or an object adjacent to the knitting person. Even when fastening to such object adjacent to the knitting person, the knitting person can independently choose a spot for knitting because of the flexible use of the fastening means.

[0034] The ball of wool is thereby rotatably mounted on the longitudinal axis of the ball holder securing a defined spooling position of the ball of wool. When in use, i.e. when fastened to the body or to another object, the longitudinal axis shall mainly be arranged in a vertical manner with an open side pointing upward, to keep the ball of wool falling off the ball holder. The ball of wool is thus held in a secured position and rolling away or falling from a surface is avoided.

[0035] Thus, at least according to one aspect, the present invention utilizes the principals of the “Spinning yarn Holder”, with the inventive step being that the platform for it may be secured to the user’s body, making it more convenient to use in many situations.

[0036] According to one aspect the ball holder has a spindle for holding the ball of wool and a spindle holder for rotatably receiving the spindle. Thus, the spindle rotates around the spindle holder.

[0037] The rotating spindle is configured to hold the ball of wool basically fixed to the spindle while the spindle itself rotates on the spindle holder. The ball of wool stays in a stationary position relative to the spindle. Advantageously, there is no friction between the ball of wool and the spindle holder, as the ball of wool does not rotate around the spindle, but the spindle with the ball of wool rotates around the spindle holder. Thus, a smooth rotation results and there is no damage to the innermost wool yarn.

[0038] Preferably the rotating spindle will have a flange at its base in order that the ball of wool / ball of yarn may sit upon it. The spindle holder is arranged on the base body. The spindle holder is arranged in a fixed position relative to the base body. Therefore, the spindle holder may have a defined position to the fastening section and thereby to the body part or object.

[0039] The spindle holder is designed in particular as a mandrel onto which the spindle is mounted. A mandrel usually has an at least partly conical shape which simplifies a mounting of the spindle to the mandrel.

[0040] According to one aspect the fastening means is designed as a fixing means and is configured to fix the wool dispenser via the fastening section to the body part, in particular the arm or object, in such a way that a movement of the base body relative to the body part or object is prevented. The ball of wool attached to the body part via the ball holder stays in a controlled and defined position relative to the knitting person. The constant distance of the ball of wool to the knitting needles held by the knitting person simplifies the process of knitting. There are no changes in the length of a free spooled wool yarn between the ball of wool and the knitting needles which might influence the quality of the knitting product.

[0041] According to one aspect, the fastening means is designed as at least one elastic strap and / or as at least one strap, each might have a hook-and-loop fastener. An elastic strap provides the possibility to fit to a wide range of body parts or objects. The elasticity of the strap is designed in such a way that a sufficient pressure force is applied to the body part or object for fixing the wool dispenser in the selected position. The hook-and-loop fastener provides two overlapping sections which are arranged in an individual way to apply the sufficient pressure force on the body part or object. The hook-and-loop fastener sections function as tweak elements with regard to the pressure force. So, a strap without elasticity combined with a hook-and-loop fastener comprising overlapping hook-and-loop fastener sections is as well sufficient for fixing the wool dispenser to the body part or object.

[0042] The strap is dimensioned to enclose a human upper arm. The human upper arm is a favorable position for placing and thus fixing the wool dispenser. The upper arm is close to the knitting hands and therefore the free spooled wool yarn is short. The knitting person is able to move freely without any constraints which is favorable for travelling. While knitting, the upper arm usually keeps its position.

[0043] The fastening section may be designed as a flat section with a concave curvature and is configured to be placed on a human upper arm. The concave curvature is adapted to a human upper arm which basically has a circular cross-section. The sufficient pressure force is transferred from the surface of the one elastic strap and / or strap to the surface of the upper arm, i.e. the skin or clothing. By increasing a contact surface between the surface of the arm and the strip, less pressure force is necessary. Also, it is more comfortable for the knitting person to fasten the wool dispenser to the arm, if the surfaces match.

[0044] In particular the curvature is curved about a curvature axis and the longitudinal axis of the ball holder is substantially parallel to the curvature axis. Substantially parallel means an angle between the curvature axis and the longitudinal axis of the ball holder of less than 10°. Thus, the ball holder is always in an upright position when fastened to a body part or an object.

[0045] In a further preferred embodiment a transition between the base body and the fastening section has a rounded edge. The rounded edge protects the arm from being hurt by a sharp edge.

[0046] According to one aspect, the wool dispenser is adapted to be attached with its fastening section in a fixed orientation to a human upper arm in such a way that the longitudinal axis of the ball holder is aligned substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the upper arm. Substantially parallel means an angle between the longitudinal axis of the ball holder and the longitudinal axis of the upper arm of less than 10°.The parallelism of the two longitudinal axes makes it simpler forthe knitting person to control the wool dispenser by natural movements of the arm.

[0047] The wool dispenser being adapted to attach the wool dispenser as described may be realized by forming the fastening section to match the human upper arm as explained above. That way the matching provides for the needed orientation.

[0048] According to one aspect, the fastening section has at least one set of slots, each comprising at least two guide slots, for guiding at least one fastening strap in the guide slots of each set of slots. This way the fastening strap may be aligned in a defined position regarding a longitudinal direction of the fastening section. Thus the position is also fixed with respect to the wool dispenser. By guiding the fastening strap through two guide slots arranged parallel to and spaced apart from each other the wool dispenser can be fastened to the upper arm in a stable position.

[0049] According to one aspect, the base body, the fastening section and / or the spindle holder for retaining the spindle are produced as injection molded parts. That includes that the base body, the fastening section and / or the spindle holder can be produced each as injection molded parts attached to each other or as one single injection molded part. This way, a cost efficient product can be provided and this way, the wool dispenser is built using these elements enables such production by injection molding.

[0050] In addition or alternatively the base body with the fastening section and the spindle holder for retaining the spindle is formed integrally. Thus, the arrangement of the base body and the fastening section can be produced by injection-molding or casting in general in a single process. Production cost can be reduced to a minimum and the wool dispenser is affordable for almost every person.

[0051] However, other methods for providing such integrally formed elements may be used as well.

[0052] Alternatively the spindle holder is attached to the base body and / or to the fastening section in a detachable manner, in particular by means of a snap mechanism. When using the injection molding method, it is possible to form single parts which are simple to form by injection molding. Such simple parts just need to be attached to each other after the injection molding. This way the wool dispenser may be provided as a complex object but never the less may be produced in a simple manner.

[0053] The attachment in a detachable manner also allows for exchanging parts of the wool dispenser, if needed. The attachment in a detachable manner may also be provided by other production methods than injection molding.

[0054] According to one aspect, the fastening means comprises at least one fastening strap with a needle gauge. Thus, the knitting person always has a tool for measuring a needle diameter at hand. Additional tools are unnecessary.

[0055] The needle gauge comprises in particular a plurality of eyelets, in particular metal eyelets, embedded in the fastening strap and having different inner diameters as a reference dimension for knitting needles of different diameters. Different needle diameters according to the different inner diameters of the eyelets help to choose a desired needle diameter for the wool yarn knitting without time-intense measuring. Forming the eyelets of metal makes the eyelet inner diameter dimensionally stable and durable. Forming the eyelets in the fastening strap enables a simple production of the wool dispenser. Preferably, the fastening means comprises a suction cup, a magnetic holder and / or a hook- and-loop fastener section for fastening to a flat surface. A suction cup is a simple solution for fastening the wool dispenser to a flat surface like a table, a window or a car dashboard. A magnet holder needs a metallic counterpart which is magnetic. Thus, the magnet holder is intended for fastening the wool dispenser on a metallic surface which is magnetic and provides a sufficient surface area for the magnet holder to interact with. A hook-and-loop fastener section requires an opposite hook-and-loop fastener section to achieve a fastening effect. Alternatively, a cloth material like a seat of train or car might act as a counterpart for the hook-and-loop fastener section. The fastening means provides solutions for fastening the wool dispenser to different surfaces of objects.

[0056] According to one aspect, the base body and the fastening means are arranged at an adjustable angle relative to each other. This way the angle can be chosen such, that the longitudinal axis of the ball holder is in a vertical orientation, independent of the object to which the wool dispenser is attached. To explain by way of an example, the wool dispenser can be attached to a horizontal surface, such as a table, or to a vertical surface, such as a window, and in both cases the longitudinal axis of the ball holder can be oriented in a vertical direction.

[0057] In addition, or alternatively, the base body and the fastening means are attached to each other in a detachable manner. This way the fastening means can be exchanged, in order to adapt the fastening means to the particular object to which the wool dispenser shall be attached.

[0058] The invention is also directed to an arrangement of a wool dispenser and a ball of wool, wherein the ball of wool is rotatably arranged on a ball holder.

[0059] The ball of wool is thus arranged on the wool dispenser such, that the advantages explained above for the wool dispenser are achieved accordingly.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment the ball of wool is rotatably arranged with a spindle on a spindle holder of the ball holder.

[0061] The arrangement of a wool dispenser and a ball of wool shares the benefits and advantages of the wool dispenser as explained above with respect to any of the explained aspects. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is therefore made to these aspects. The invention is also directed to a method for providing yarn for knitting or crochet. Such method comprises the steps of providing a wool dispenser, attaching the wool dispenser to a human arm or to an object, equipping the wool dispenser with a ball of wool with wool yarn, and knitting or crochet using the wool yarn provided by the wool dispenser.

[0062] The order of the steps is not fixed and thus may change with respect to the order the steps are named. In particular the steps attaching the wool dispenser to a human arm or to an object and equipping the wool dispenser with a ball of wool with wool yarn, can be changed in order. I.e., equipping the wool dispenser with a ball of wool with wool yarn can be done before attaching the wool dispenser to a human arm or to an object.

[0063] This way, the yarn can be provided in an easy and reliable way, avoiding that the ball of wool rolls around, falls off a table or otherwise moves around and disturbs the knitting or crocheting. That is in particular helpful, when the knitting or crocheting is performed for fabricating product that shall be sold, as in that case knitting or crocheting should be performed as fast as possible without interruption. Such interruption could also negatively affect the product to be knitted or crocheted.

[0064] According to one aspect, the method uses a wool dispenser according to any of the aspects given and explained above, that are directed to a wool dispenser. This way, all the advantages explained above with respect to a wool dispenser can be achieved with a method using such wool dispenser.

[0065] According to one aspect the wool dispenser is attached to a human upper arm, in particular by using an elastic strap and / or a strap with a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0066] It was found that this way the user can provide the yarn from such wool dispenser attached to his or her arm in a convenient way and can concentrate on knitting or crocheting and even walking around or at least changing places while taking the ball of wool with him or her, without even thinking about it.

[0067] The invention will herein after be described with reference to embodiments and the attached figures, wherein

[0068] Fig. 1 shows a known wool dispenser bag with a ball of yarn being used from a bag; Fig. 2 shows a known wool dispenser bowl with a ball of yarn being used from a Yarn Bowl;

[0069] Fig. 3 shows a known spinning yarn holder with a ball of yarn being used from a Spinning Yarn holder;

[0070] Fig. 4 shows a known wrist yarn holder with a ball of yarn being used from a Wrist yarn holder;

[0071] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a wool dispenser according to the invention fastened to a human upper arm, in other words the present Invention with rotating spindle in use;

[0072] Fig. 6 shows a further preferred embodiment of a wool dispenser according to the invention and a ball of wool, in other words the present Invention with fixed spindle and yarn;

[0073] Fig. 7a shows the wool dispenser of Fig. 6 with a mandrel, in other words the present Invention with fixed spindle;

[0074] Fig. 7b shows the wool dispenser of Fig. 5 with a spindle holder and a spindle, in other words the present Invention with rotating spindle being withdrawn;

[0075] Fig. 8a shows the embodiment of Fig. 7a with a fastening strap, in other words the present Invention with fixed spindle and strap;

[0076] Fig. 8b shows the embodiment of Fig. 7b with a fastening strap, in other words the present Invention with rotating spindle and strap;

[0077] Fig. 9a shows the embodiment of Fig. 8a with the fastening strap comprising a needle gauge;

[0078] Fig. 9b shows a fastening strap according to the invention comprising a needle gauge;

[0079] Fig. 10a shows an embodiment of a wool dispenser according to the invention with a mandrel and a suction cup; Fig. 10b shows an embodiment of a wool dispenser according to the invention with a spindle holder and a spindle and a suction cup;

[0080] Fig. 10c shows the embodiment of Fig. 10b with a mounted suction cup;

[0081] Fig. 11 shows the embodiment of Fig. 10c fastened to a table;

[0082] Fig. 12 shows the embodiment of Fig. 10c fastened to a window;

[0083] Fig. 13 shows the embodiment of Fig. 10c fastened to a car dashboard;

[0084] Fig. 14a shows an embodiment of a wool dispenser according to the invention comprising a fastening section in a detachable manner;

[0085] Fig. 14b shows the embodiment of Fig. 14a in another perspective view; and

[0086] Fig. 14c shows the embodiment of Fig. 14a and Fig. 14b in another perspective view.

[0087] In the figures identical reference numerals may be used for similar but not identical elements in order to emphasize the similarity.

[0088] Fig. 1 - 4 show wool dispenser according to the prior art.

[0089] Fig. 1 shows a dispenser bag 300 containing a ball of wool 100. The dispenser bag 300 lies on an object 104, in this case on a flat surface 108, which is a foldable train table. The ball of wool 100 is prevented from freely rolling on the flat surface 108 due to the irregular shape of the dispenser bag 300. The dispenser bag 300 has a bag opening 302 through which a free spooled yarn 101 is drawn out of the dispenser bag 300 with the knitting needles 38. The knitting needles 38 are arranged with the knitting product 110.

[0090] Fig. 2 shows a wool dispenser bowl 400 containing a ball of wool 100. The wool dispenser bowl 400 is placed on an object 104, which is a flat surface 108. A ball opening 404 is provided for receiving the ball of wool 100 which can freely rotate in the wool dispenser bowl 400 without leaving it. At an outer circumference 406 of the wool dispenser bowl 400 a dispenser opening 402 is arranged and configured to dispense a free spooled yarn 101 to knitting needles 38. The knitting needles 38 are used for knitting a knitting product 1 10. Fig. 3 shows a spinning yarn holder 500. The spinning yarn holder 500 has a base plate 502 and a yarn spindle 504. The base plate 502 has a shape of a circular disk and is configured to be placed on an object 104, which has a flat surface 108. The base plate 502 provides a first planar surface 506 positioned on the flat surface 108 and an opposite second planar surface 508. The yarn spindle 504 extends perpendicular from the second planar surface 508. The yarn spindle has a yarn base 510 adjacent and parallel to the second planar surface 508. Thus, a ball of wool 100 (not shown in Fig. 3) is received by the yarn spindle 504 and lies on the yarn base 510. The ball of wool 100 spins around a central axis 512 in conjunction with the yarn spindle 504.

[0091] Fig. 4 shows a wrist yarn holder 600. The wrist yarn holder 600 has a wristband 608 which is configured to hang on a part of a body 102, in this case on a human arm 106. Preferably, the wristband 608 is arranged at the wrist 610. The wrist is adjacent to the hands 612 holding the knitting needles 38 and the knitting product 110. The wristband 608 is mounted to a yarn holder 614 by a flexible rotatable connection 606. The connection 606 is arranged at a first end 616 of a spindle 604. At a second end 618 of the spindle 604 a base 602 is arranged. The spindle 604 extends perpendicular from the base 602 and is configured to receive a ball of wool 100. The ball of wool 100 rotates in conjunction with the yarn holder 614 when a free spooled yarn 101 is drawn from the ball of wool 100 by the knitting needles 38.

[0092] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a wool dispenser 2 according to the invention and a ball of wool 100. Therefore, Fig. 5 also shows an arrangement 200 of the wool dispenser and a ball of wool arranged on the wool dispenser. The ball of wool 100 is rotatably arranged with a spindle 12 on a spindle holder 14 of the ball holder 4.

[0093] The wool dispenser 2 comprises a ball holder 4 for rotatably holding a ball of wool 100. The ball of wool 100 is rotatable about a longitudinal axis A of the ball holder 4. The wool dispenser 2 comprises a base body 6. The base body 6 is connected to the ball holder 4 for rotatably holding the ball of wool 100 on the base body 6. The base body 6 has a fastening section 8 for fastening the wool dispenser 2 to a body part 102. The fastening section 8 has at least one fastening means 10. The fastening means 10 is configured to fasten the wool dispenser 2 to the body part 102 via the fastening section 8. The wool dispenser 2 is adapted to be attached with its fastening section 8 in a fixed orientation to a human upper arm 106 in such a way that the longitudinal axis A of the ball holder 4 is aligned substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis L of the upper arm 106. The ball of wool 100 is arranged on a spindle plate 13 which is configured to hold the ball of wool 100. The spindle plate 13 thus forms a flange 13 and thus can also be designated as a flange, thus forming a synonymous expression. A free spooled yarn 101 is continuously dispensed from the ball of wool 100 for knitting. The fastening means 10 is designed as a fixing means 18 and is configured to fix the wool dispenser 2 via the fastening section 8 to the body part 102. The body part is in particular the arm 106, in particular an upper human arm 106, or object 104. The wool dispenser 2 is fixed to the arm 106 in such a way that a movement of the base body 6 relative to the body part 102 or the object 106 is prevented.

[0094] The fixation means is designed as an elastic strap 20 which is guided through guide slots 32. It could also be designed as having at least one (non-elastic) strap.

[0095] In other words, the device consists of a bracket 8, a spindle 4 with flange 13, and a strap 20.

[0096] There will be provided a spindle 4, for the purpose of being inserted through the centre of a ball ofwool / yarn 100, which will be secured to a bracket 8. The bracket 8 will be designed such that it may be secured to a user’s body (arm preferred) by means of a strap 20 or other means, and maintain the spindle 4 in an approximately upright position, and with enough distance from the user, to allow for the ball of wool / yarn 100 to rotate freely when positioned on the spindle 4.

[0097] Fig. 6 shows a further preferred embodiment of a wool dispenser 2 and an arrangement 200 of the wool dispensed and a ball of wool 100. The wool dispensed has a base body 6 and a fastening section 8 which are connected by a transition section 28. The transition section 28 has a rounded edge to protect the body part 102 (not shown in Fig. 6), in particular the arm 106 (not shown in Fig. 6).

[0098] The fastening section 8 comprises guide slots 32 for receiving the fastening means 10, which is designed as a fixing means 18, designed according to this embodiment as an elastic strap 20. The elastic strap 20 has a hook-and-loop fastener 24 to enclose the arm 106. The fastening section is designed as a flat section 44 with a concave curvature 26.

[0099] The ball of wool 100 is received by a ball holder 4 which is designed as a mandrel 16. The longitudinal axis A of the ball holder 4, extends along the mandrel 16. The mandrel 16 may receive the ball of wool directly, without having a spindle. The ball of wool 100 rotates around the longitudinal axis A. The free spooled yarn 101 is dispensed from the ball of wool 100.

[0100] Fig. 7a shows the wool dispenser 2 of Fig. 6 in detail. The wool dispenser 2 comprises the ball holder 4, the base body 6 and the fastening section 8. The ball holder 4 is arranged on the base body 6 and designed as a mandrel 16 onto which the ball of wool is put directly. The longitudinal axis A of the ball holder 4 extends along the mandrel 16. Thus, a ball of wool may directly be put on the mandrel 16, i.e. without using a spindle.

[0101] The base body 6 is connected to the fastening section 8 by a transition 28 which has a rounded edge. The base body 6 with the fastening section 8 and one or more spindle holder 14 for retaining one or the spindle 12 is formed integrally.

[0102] The fastening section 8 is designed as a flat section 44 with a concave curvature 26 and is configured to be placed on a human upper arm 106 (not shown in Fig. 7a). The curvature 26 is curved about a curvature axis CA and the longitudinal axis A of the ball holder 4 is essentially parallel to the curvature axis CA.

[0103] The fastening section 8 has a least one set of slots 30. Each set of slots 30 comprises at least two guide slots 32 for guiding at least one fastening strap 20 in the guide slots 32 of each set of slots 30.

[0104] Fig. 7b shows the wool dispenser 2 of Fig. 5 in detail. The wool dispenser 2 comprises the ball holder 4, the base body 6 and the fastening section 8. The base body 6 and the fastening section 8 comprise the same components as described for the embodiment of Fig. 7a which are herewith included to the description of Fig. 7b.

[0105] The ball holder 4 has a spindle 12 for holding the ball of wool 100 and a spindle holder 14 for rotatably receiving the spindle 12. The spindle holder 14 is arranged on the base body 6 and designed in particular as a pin 14 onto which the spindle 12 is mounted. The longitudinal axis A of the ball holder 4 extends along the pin 14. The spindle 12 comprises a spindle plate 13 for supporting the ball of wool 100. The ball of wool can also be designated as ball yarn, thus forming a synonymous expression.

[0106] To further explain the wool dispenser shown in Fig. 5b, partly in different words: Preferably the device 2 will consist of a spindle 12 which will rotate in order to allow the ball yarn 100 to spin as freely as possible during use. Preferably this rotating spindle 12 will have a flange 13 at its base in order that the ball of yarn 100 may sit upon it.

[0107] The bracket 8 is designed such that it is able to accommodate, on its upper portion (by the use of slots 32 or other means), a strap 20 which will be used to secure the device to the arm (preferred) of the user. The lower portion 6 of the bracket 8 will protrude outwards at an angle of approximately ninety degrees. This lower portion 6 of the bracket 8 will contain a means 14 to accommodate the rotating spindle 12 and flange 13 assembly in a way that allows this assembly to freely rotate. The position on the lower bracket 6 at which the rotating spindle / flange assembly 12 and 13 is located will be such as to allow a ball of yarn / wool 100 to rotate freely without binding against the upper portion of the bracket 8, or the body of the user.

[0108] A preferred embodiment of the device 2 will allow the rotating spindle / flange assembly 12 / 13 to be withdrawn from the bracket 8 easily in order to change or replace yarn. This might be achieved by providing a fixed locating pin 14 on the lower part 6 of the bracket 8 over which the rotating spindle 12 and flange 13 assembly is located.

[0109] Fig. 8a shows the embodiment of the wool dispenser 2 of Fig. 7a. In addition to Fig. 7a the attachment of the fastening means 10 is shown, which is described in more detail. The description of Fig. 7a is herewith included.

[0110] The fastening means 10 is designed as at least one elastic strap 20 and / or as at least one strap (not shown in Fig. 8a), each with a hook-and-loop fastener 24. The strap 20 is dimensioned to enclose a human upper arm 106 (not shown in Fig. 8a). The strap is guided through the guide slots 32 for fastening the wool dispenser 2 to the human upper arm 106. The guide slots 32 are parallel to and spaced apart from each other. The strap 20 encloses a part of the fastening section 8 in combination with the human upper arm 106.

[0111] Fig. 8b shows the embodiment of the wool dispenser 2 of Fig. 7b. Additionally, the attachment of the fastening means 10 is shown. The attachment of the fastening means 10 is the same as in Fig. 8a, which is herewith included to the description of Fig. 8b.

[0112] The ball holder 4 comprises a rotating spindle 12, as shown in Fig. 7b as well. The rotating spindle 12 comprises a spindle plate 13. The spindle plate 13 is arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the base body 6 in such a way that the spindle 12 can rotate freely. Fig. 9a shows the embodiment of the wool dispenser 2 of Fig. 8a, which description is hereby included. The fastening means 10 comprises at least one fastening strap 20 with a needle gauge 34. The needle gauge 34 comprises in particular a plurality of eyelets 36, in particular metal eyelets 36, embedded in the fastening strap 20. Such eyelets 36 can be provided as rivets that can easily be inserted in such strap.

[0113] Fig. 9b shows the fastening means 10, which is designed as a fixing means 18 in the form of an elastic strap 20 or a strap 22, i.e. a non-elastic strap. The strap 20, 22 comprises the hook-and-loop fastener 24 and the needle gauge 34. The needle gauge 34 comprises a plurality of eyelets 36 having different inner diameters DI as a reference dimension for knitting needles 38 of different diameters D.

[0114] Fig. 10a shows an embodiment of a wool dispenser 2 according to the invention with a mandrel 16 and a suction cup 40. The fastening means 10 comprises the suction cup 40, for fastening to a flat surface 108 (not shown in Fig. 10a). The fastening means 10 could also comprise a magnetic holder and / or a hook-and-loop fastener section instead of such suction cup or in addition to it.

[0115] The base body 6 and the fastening section 8 are arranged at an adjustable angle a relative to each other via a coupling 42. The base body 6 comprises a ball holder 4 with a spindle holder 14 designed as a pin 14 to receive such spindle 12 (not shown in Fig. 10a).

[0116] Fig. 10b shows an embodiment of a wool dispenser 2 according to the invention with a rotatable spindle 12 and a suction cup 40. The arrangement of the fastening section 8 including the suction cup and the base body 6 is the same as in Fig. 10, which description is herewith included.

[0117] The ball holder 4 comprises a spindle holder 14 designed as a pin 14 onto which a rotatable spindle 12 is mounted. The spindle 12 comprises a spindle plate 13, i.e. a flange 13 arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the base body 6.

[0118] Fig. 10c shows the embodiment of a wool dispenser 2 of Fig. 10b with a mounted coupling 42.

[0119] Fig. 11 shows the wool dispenser 2 of Fig. 10b and Fig. 10c mounted on a flat horizontal surface 108 of an object 104, in particular a table in a train. The adjustable angle a is adapted to the fastening position of the suction cup 40 and the orientation of the longitudinal axis A of the ball holder 4. It is thus possible to have a vertical axis A.

[0120] Fig. 12 shows the wool dispenser 2 of Fig. 10b and Fig. 10c mounted on a flat vertical surface 108 of an object 104, in particular a train window. The adjustable angle a is adapted to the fastening position of the suction cup 40 and the orientation of the longitudinal axis A of the ball holder 4. It is thus possible to have a vertical axis A as well, when the wool dispenser is attached to a vertical surface.

[0121] Fig. 13 shows the wool dispenser 2 of Fig. 10b and Fig. 10c mounted on a flat surface 108 of an object 104, in particular a car dashboard. The adjustable angle a is adapted to the fastening position of the suction cup 40 and the orientation of the longitudinal axis A of the ball holder 4. It is thus possible to have a vertical axis A as well, when the wool dispenser is attached to a sloping surface.

[0122] Fig. 14a shows a further preferred embodiment of a wool dispenser 2 according to the invention. The wool dispenser 2 comprises a fastening section 8, a base body 6 and a ball holder 4. The ball holder 4 is designed similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, 7b and 8b. The description of the named Fig. 5, 7b and 8b regarding the ball holder 4 is herewith included. One difference, however, is a more esthetic design.

[0123] In addition, the base body 6 is coupled to the fastening section 8 via a clamping connection 46. The fastening section 8 and the base body 6 are therefore formed as two single parts and clamped together adjacent to a transition 28. The transition 28 has a rounded edge for protection of the body part 102, in particular the human arm 106 (both not shown in Fig. 14a) against injuries. However, the transition and the wool dispenser in total are also designed in an esthetic way.

[0124] The fastening section 8 is designed as a flat section 44 with a concave curvature 26 and is configured to be placed on a human upper arm 106. The fastening section 8 comprises a fastening means 10 which is designed as a fixing means 10 which has the form of a strap 22. The strap has an adjustable closure 48 at its free ends 50. Using the closure 48 a knitting person can adjust the effective length of the strap to better match the circumference of the upper arm 106 for fastening the wool dispenser 2. The strap 22 is guided through guide slots 32. Fig. 14b shows the embodiment of the wool dispenser 2 of Fig. 14a from a different view. There is in addition a curvature axis CA drawn that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the ball holder 4. The description of Fig. 14a is hereby included.

[0125] Fig. 14c shows the embodiment of the wool dispenser 2 of Fig. 14a and Fig. 14b, in a further view. As can be seen, the fastening section 8 has at least one set of slots 30, each comprising at least two guide slots 32 for guiding at least one fastening strap 22 in the guide slots 32 of each set of slots 30.

[0126] As a general explanation, the present invention, at least according to one aspect, relates to a dispenser for spooled, reeled or coiled material which may be mounted on a part of a person’s body (preferably arm). When comparing the embodiment of Fig. 14a-14c with the embodiment according to Fig. 5, 7b and 8b, not only such functionality and effect becomes clear but it also shows that such effects can be achieved with esthetically different designs having the same or at least similar functionality.

[0127] List of reference symbols

[0128] 2 wool dispenser

[0129] 4 ball holder

[0130] 6 base body

[0131] 8 fastening section

[0132] 10 fastening means

[0133] 12 spindle

[0134] 13 spindle plate

[0135] 14 spindle holder, pin

[0136] 16 mandrel

[0137] 18 fixing means

[0138] 20 elastic strap

[0139] 22 strap

[0140] 24 hook-and-loop fastener

[0141] 26 concave curvature

[0142] 28 transition

[0143] 30 set of slots

[0144] 32 guide slot

[0145] 34 needle gauge

[0146] 36 eyelets

[0147] 38 knitting needle

[0148] 40 suction cup

[0149] 42 coupling

[0150] 44 flat section

[0151] 46 clamping connection

[0152] 48 closure

[0153] 50 free end of strap

[0154] 100 ball of wool

[0155] 101 free spooled yarn

[0156] 102 body part

[0157] 104 object

[0158] 106 arm, upper arm

[0159] 108 flat surface

[0160] 110 knitting product

[0161] 200 arrangement

[0162] 300 dispenser bag 302 bag opening

[0163] 400 wool dispenser bowl

[0164] 402 dispenser opening

[0165] 404 ball opening

[0166] 406 outer circumference

[0167] 500 spinning yarn holder

[0168] 502 base plate

[0169] 504 yarn spindle

[0170] 506 first planar surface

[0171] 508 second planar surface

[0172] 512 central axis

[0173] 600 wrist yarn holder

[0174] 602 base

[0175] 604 spindle

[0176] 606 flexible rotatable connection

[0177] 608 wristband

[0178] 610 wrist

[0179] 612 hand

[0180] 614 yarn holder

[0181] 616 first end of pin

[0182] 618 second end of pin

[0183] A longitudinal axis of the ball holder

[0184] CA curvature axis

[0185] D knitting needle diameter

[0186] DI eyelet inner diameter

[0187] L longitudinal axis of the upper arm a adjustable angle

Claims

Claims1 . Wool dispenser (2) for supplying wool yarn, comprising a ball holder (4) for rotatably holding a ball of wool (100) with wool yarn, wherein the ball of wool (100) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis (A) of the ball holder (4), and a base body (6) connected to the ball holder (4) for rotatably holding the ball of wool (100) on the base body (6), and wherein the base body (6) has a fastening section (8) for fastening the wool dispenser (2) to a body part (102) or object (104), and the fastening section (8) has at least one fastening means (10), which is configured to fasten the wool dispenser (2) to the body part (102) or object (104) via the fastening section (8).

2. Wool dispenser (2) according to claim 1 , wherein the ball holder (4) has a spindle (12) for holding the ball of wool (100) and a spindle holder (14) for rotatably receiving the spindle (12) and wherein the spindle holder (14) is arranged on the base body (6), and the spindle holder (14) is designed in particular as a mandrel (16) onto which the spindle (12) is mounted.

3. Wool dispenser (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening means (10) is designed as a fixing means (18) and is configured to fix the wool dispenser (2) via the fastening section (8) to the body part (102), in particular the arm (106) or object (104), in such a way that a movement of the base body (6) relative to the body part (102) or object (104) is prevented.

4. Wool dispenser (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means (10) is designed as at least one elastic strap (20) and / or as at least one strap (22), each with a hook-and-loop fastener (24), and wherein the strap (20, 22) is dimensioned to enclose a human upper arm (106), and / or wherein the fastening section (8) is designed as a flat section (44) with a concave curvature (26) and is configured to be placed on a human upper arm (106), wherein in particular the curvature (26) is curved about a curvature axis (CA) and the longitudinal axis (A) of the ball holder (4) is substantially parallel to the curvature axis (CA).

5. Wool dispenser (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wool dispenser (2) is adapted to be attached with its fastening section (8) in a fixed orientation to a human upper arm (106) in such a way that the longitudinal axis (A) of the ball holder (4) is aligned substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of the upper arm (106).

6. Wool dispenser (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening section (8) has at least one set of slots (30), each comprising at least two guide slots (32), for guiding at least one fastening strap (20, 22) in the guide slots (32) of each set of slots (30).

7. Wool dispenser (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (6), the fastening section (8) and / or a or the spindle holder (14) for retaining one or the spindle (12) are produced each as injection molded parts and / or the base body (6) with the fastening section (8) and the spindle holder (14) for retaining the spindle (12) is formed integrally or the spindle holder is attached to the base body and / or to the fastening section in a detachable manner, in particular by means of a snap mechanism.

8. Wool dispenser (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means (10) comprises at least one fastening strap (20, 22) with a needle gauge (34), wherein the needle gauge (34) comprises in particular a plurality of eyelets (36), in particular metal eyelets (36), embedded in the fastening strap (20, 22) and having different inner diameters (DI) as a reference dimension for knitting needles (38) of different diameters (D).

9. Wool dispenser (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means (10) comprises a suction cup (40), a magnetic holder and / or a hook-and-loop fastener section for fastening to a flat surface (108).

10. Wool dispenser (2) according to claim 9, wherein the base body (6) and the fastening means (10) are arranged at an adjustable angle (a) relative to each other and / or the base body (6) and the fastening means (10) are attached to each other in a detachable manner.11 . Arrangement (200) of a wool dispenser (2) according to one of the preceding claims and a ball of wool (100), wherein the ball of wool (100) is rotatably arranged on the ball holder (4) of the wool dispenser (2).

12. Arrangement (200) of a wool dispenser (2) according to one of the preceding claims and a ball of wool (100), wherein the ball of wool (100) is rotatably arranged with a spindle (12) on a spindle holder (14) of the ball holder (4).

13. Method for providing yarn for knitting or crochet, comprising the steps, providing a wool dispenser (2), attaching the wool dispenser (2) to a human arm (106) or to an object (104), equipping the wool dispenser (2) with a ball of wool (100) with wool yarn, and knitting or crochet using the wool yarn provided by the wool dispenser (2).

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein a wool dispenser (2) is used according to any of claims 1 to 10.

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the wool dispenser (2) is attached to a human upper arm (106), in particular by using an elastic strap (20) and / or a strap (22) with a hook-and- loop fastener (24).

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