GB2452475A - A Knitting Aid - Google Patents

Abstract

A hand-knitting aid unit includes a device 1 for attaching a needle to the unit. The attachment device is preferably spherical or oval and can slide onto the needle 2 to be movable up and down the needle but exhibit some frictional resistance to this movement. The unit preferably comprises a frame defined by a pair of symmetrical components spaced by spacers 5 and defining tracks 6. The needle attachment device may be inserted into one of the tracks so that its associated needle can be slid along the track. Additionally, the needle and associated attachment device can be rotated within limits defined by the needle coming into contact with the frame. Preferably the frame is symmetrical and defines two tracks for accommodating two needles. This allows for the unit to be turned over upon completion of a row so that the next row can be knitted with the needles in the correct and comfortable position for the user. In use the unit is rested on the lap of the user and the frame may be padded 8 on both sides to protect the arms, wrists and legs of the user.

Description

Knitting Md This invention relates to a device for retaining knitting needles in a way that gives support and aids the user.

Many people enjoy the hobby of knitting but many have to give it up at some point due to being unable to hold or manoeuvre the needles. At present there are knitting machines that will do the work and complete the knitting for the user by means of repetitively pushing and pulling a handle. However for some people there is no enjoyment or satisfaction in this as it has none of the characteristics or benefits of hand knitting.

The present invention proposes a lap based support preferably padded that will hold the needles whilst still allowing for needle movement as so the user can complete the stitches.

With the proposed present invention the needles are held in the frame by means of creating a joint, preferably a ball joint created by sliding a suitably sized attachment, preferably a sphere, although attachment means may be provided by other means such as an oval attachment.

The invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings.

In Figure 1, the attachment means I are attached to the needle 2 by sliding 3 the means onto the needle from either end. Preferably the pointed tipped end, although means may be attached by sliding on from either end or from all sides.

The means are allowed to slide freely up and down the length of the needle preferably with a small amount of friction.

With the new means attached and slid along the needle, preferably favouring the base of the needle, the needle can now be directed into the frame.

The frame is of suitable size so that it can be rested across the users lap comfortably.

Preferably the frame would be made from wood although any other suitable material such as plastic may be used.

In Figure 2 the frame comprises of two symmetrical components I that when spaced 5 create two tracks 6, one at either side of the users lap. It is this track that retains the knitting needles with their newly attached means. 2.

The two frame components are spaced 5 and shaped I so that it is possible for the needles retaining means to pass into the frame but not completely through it. The shape of the frame directs the needles retaining means into the extended track arms 7, one at either end.

The track arms are where the needles are retained 6. They extend out from the body of the frame and curve front wards. As the needles and their retaining devices are slid into the frame and thus directed into their tracks 7 the friction between the needles and the frame allows for the needles to be movable but to have the ability to remain in their position when left on their own.

En Figure 4, the needle can pass back and forth through the preferably spherical retaining device 9, The retaining device can slide back and forth along the track and due to its spherical shape in figure 5 it can be seen that it can rotate in its track up until its limits 10.

Its limits are the points at which the needle comes into contact with the frame.

In Figure 3, the frame would preferably be padded either side 8. The padding on the upper side is for arms and wrists and the lower side padding is for the legs.

As the frame is symmetrical it is also reversible. This is one of the key features to this invention. When knitting as each row of stitches is completed the stitches are transferred from one needle to the other. To account for this when the row has been completed the frame can be turned over foe the user to be able to begin their next row with their needles in the correct and comfortable positions.

And again as this invention is symmetrical it works for left and right handed users.

Although it does not have to be symmetrical for this to work. Nor does the frame need to accommodate holding two needles, it could work for one needle or perhaps three, The described invention works for all needle sizes and because the movement of the needles is comprehensive in its available axis the number of stitches the user can create is extensive. -

Claims (5)

1. A knitting aid unit comprising of attachment means for attaching the unit to knitting needles, the needles can freely rotate about an axis, padded support is given at appropriate sections of the unit.

2. A knitting aid unit according to claim 1, in which the free rotation is provided by creating ball joints.

3. A knitting aid unit according to claim 1, in which the free rotation is provided by creating ball joints supported in housing.

4. A knitting aid unit according to any of the proceeding claims, in which the ball joint means is adjustable so that the degree of friction on the ball joints is adjustable.

5. A knitting aid unit according to claim 1, in which the padded support can be removable. Co

Q a)

C Co

C