GB2210389A

GB2210389A - Improvements in needles

Info

Publication number: GB2210389A
Application number: GB8722953A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Terence Bernard Galligan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-09-30
Filing date: 1987-09-30
Publication date: 1989-06-07
Also published as: GB8722953D0; WO1990006390A1

Abstract

A needle (1) comprises an elongate body portion (2) having a point (3) at one end and an eye (4) at the other end (5). A slot (6) is formed in the base region of the eye between adjacent projecting body parts (8) and extended side limb part (7) respectively. These parts (7, 8) are spaced apart by a constant gap forming slot (6) and overlap. In use, a thread (T) is simply passed in direction A down the side limb of the eye and caught by the slot (6) and thence guided into the eye (4).

Description

TITLE Improvements in or relating to Needles This invention is concerned with an improved needle.

Conventional needles for sewing thread and the like comprise an elongate portion having a pointed end and an aperture remote from the pointed end. The aperture is closed in the sense that the body parts which form the aperture are continuous and unbroken. Access to the aperture for thread and the like can only be gained by inserting an end of a thread into either side of the aperture.

This can be a difficult and awkward operation, particularly for those individuals who suffer from partial sighting or have other nervous complaints.

Although threading a needle is a comparatively simple task, considerable skill is required, particularly to be successful at the first attempt.

The invention has for its object the provision for an improved needle whereby means for inserting a thread or like material is facilitated.

According to this invention there is provided a needle for thread and the like comprising an elongate body portion pointed at one end and including an aperture at its other end, access to the aperture being permitted through a gap extending between adjacent projecting parts on one side of the needle, the ends of said projecting body parts overlapping in spaced-apart relationship, the distance between said ends defining the gap, whereby a length of thread or the like material can be passed through the gap for direct access to the aperture.

The present needle may comprise a one-piece integral item with no joints, moving parts or other fittings.

The projecting body parts or one of them may be pointed.

One of the said projecting parts may take the form of a curved finger, serving to enlarge the gap and reduce the length of the aperture.

In order that the invention may be readily illustrated and carried into effect, embodiments thereof will now be presented by way of example only wit reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 is a front view of a needle according to the invention, Figure 2 is an enlarged detail of the head portion of Figure 1, and Figure 3 is an enlarged portion of a modified needle.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, a needle 1 comprises an elongate body portion 2 having a pointed end 3 and an aperture 4 at its other end 5. A gap 6 is formed between adjacent projecting body parts 7 and 8 respectively. The ends of these projecting body parts 7,8 are spaced apart by the gap and are further overlapped.

In the alternative embodiment of Figure 3, the projecting body part 7 has been extended into a form of curved finger and consequently the gap 6 has been lengthened. It is believed that the Figure 3 arrangement provides improved resistance to

withdrawal of thread from the aperture 4 after insertion therein. However the arrangements of Figures 1 and 2 represent an acceptable alternative although less preferred.

In use, a thread (not shown) is slipped through the gap 6, requiring no special co-ordination and thereafter immediately into the aperture 4 where it can be threaded as required. Since the body part 7 of the Figure 3 embodiment has been lengthened, there is improved resistance to

removal of thread from the aperture 4. It will be appreciated that it is not necessary to insert the thread into the aperture by means of an end since the thread or other material can be inserted through the gap at any convenient position along its length. Needles according to the invention can also be threaded in the conventional way and therefore can provide an attractive dual purpose.

Claims

1. A needle for thread and the like comprising an elongate body portion pointed at one end and including an aperture at its other end, access to the aperture being permitted through a gap extending between adjacent projecting parts on one side of the needle, the ends of said projecting body parts overlapping in spaced-apart relationship, the distance between said ends defining the gap, whereby a length of thread or the like material can be passed through the gap for direct access to the aperture.

2. A needle as claimed in claim 1 comprising a onepiece integrally formed item.

.) A needle as claimed in either preceding claim in which there are no joints, moving parts or other fittings.

4. A needle as claimed in any preceding claim in which either or both projecting body parts are pointed.

5. A needle as claimed in any preceding claim in which one of the projecting body parts has the form of a curved finger.

6. A needle as claimed in any preceding claim substantially as herein described and/or illustrated.

7. The combination of a needle as claimed in any preceding claim with thread or similar material provided within the aperture.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A needle for thread and the like comprising an elongate body portion pointed at one end and including an aperture at its other end, access to the aperture being permitted through a gap extending between adjacent projecting parts on one side of the needle, the ends of said projecting body parts overlapping in spaced-apart relationship, the distance between said ends defining the gap, whereby a length of thread or the like material can be passed through the gap for direct access to the aperture.

2. A needle as claimed in Claim 1 comprising a onepiece integrally formed item.

3. A needle as claimed in either preceding claim in which there are no joints, moving parts or other fittings.

4. A needle as claimed in any preceding claim in which either or both projecting body parts arq pointed.

6. A needle, bodkin or like instrument having an eye provided with a lateral thread receiving opening formed by a slot in one side limb of the eye, characterised in that the slot is defined by an extension of the side limb lying in spaced overlapping relationship to the base region of the eye.

7. A needle in accordance with Claim 6, wherein the side limb extends in the form of a curved finger.

8. A needle in accordance with Claim 6 or 7 wherein the side limb extends around the base of the eye.

9. A needle in accordance with Claim 8, wherein the side limb is retroverted and extends adjacent the opposed side limb of the eye.

10. A needle in accordance with any preceding claim 6 to 9, wherein the entrance to the slot extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of*the needle in a direction away from the point.

11. A needle in accordance with any preceding claim 6 to 10, wherein the side limb has the end thereof formed as a hook located within and spaced from the base of the eye.

12. A needle in accordance with any preceding claim 6 to 11, wherein the slot has substantially constant width throughout the length thereof.

13. A needle in accordance with any preceding claim 6 to 12, wherein the entrance to the slot lies adjacent the base region of the eye.

14. A needle in accordance with any preceding claim 6 to 13, wherein the juncture between the slot entrance and side of the needle defines a catch point to facilitate passage of a thread into the slot.

15. A needle substantially as described herein and exemplified with reference to the drawings.