Abstract:
A knitting needle ( 200 ) for producing plait-patterns knitware includes a shaft-like portion ( 204 ), a first limb-like portion ( 206 ), which extends in a first direction of extent (A) and has an outwardly directed first free end ( 209 ) and a second limb-like portion ( 208 ), which extends in a second direction of extent (B) and has an outwardly directed second end ( 210 ). The two limb-like portions ( 206; 208 ) are connected rigidly to one another via the shaft-like portion ( 204 ). The first direction of extent (A) and the second direction of extent (B) form an angle φ of 60° and 120° in relation to one another.

Description:
The instant application should be granted the priority dates of 11 May 2012 and 16 Sep. 2011, the filing date of the corresponding German applications DE 20 2011 102 677.2, and DE 20 2011 105 722.8, respectively, as well as 11 May 2012, the filing date of the International patent application. PCT/E P2012/002047. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a knitting needle for producing plait-pattern knitware, including a shaft-like portion, a first limb-like portion, which extends in a first direction of extent, an outwardly directed first free end and second limb-like portion, which extends in a second direction of extent, an outwardly directed second end, wherein both limb-like portions are rigidly connected to one another via the shaft portion. 
     Knitting needles for making plait-like knitware are known from the state of the art, which have in their central region a trough-like depression. The free ends of such knitting needles form an angle of 180° and thereby are formed as a straight line, with the exception of the depression. The depression serves for receiving the knitting during casting off of a row. However, it is disadvantageous that the depression is formed to be too short, so that, in particular, with large knitware, such as pullovers for example, the risk exists of losing the completed knitting accommodated on the needle by slipping off the needle again. The dropped stitches first must again be tediously taken up, in order to continue with the knitting. 
     Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a knitting needle, by means of which the production of plait-like knitware is performed more easily, more quickly and more safely than is possible with commonly known knitting needles. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This object is solved with a device having the features of claim  1 . Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims. 
     The central idea of the present invention is that the first direction of extent and the second direction of extent form an angle to one another of between 60° and 120°. This is advantageous since in this manner, at least one limb-like portion, depending on the direction of extent, serves to receive and hold the completed knitting. Thus, it is ensured in an advantageous manner that all knitted, retained stitches can be retained. By the angle orientation of the two directions of extent as well as the limb-like portions to one another, the knitting stitches accommodated and held can be fixed and held without sliding. This saves time and improves the knitting quality, since dropped stitches cause positioning errors in the knitware. In the present invention, the direction of extent of the respective limb-like portion relates to its longitudinal direction. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, the angle has a value of 80° to 100°, preferably of 85° to 95°. Most preferably is an angle of approximately 90°. This is advantageous, since in this manner, the stitches that are received are held in the angular range and do not slip from the knitting needle. The angular region corresponds according to the present invention at least partially to the shaft-like portion, whereby advantageously, the center of mass of the knitting needle of the present invention is arranged in the shaft-like portion. 
     Furthermore, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is constructed, such that the shaft-like portion, which connects the first limb-like section and the second limb-like section with one another, is formed as curved or bent. Advantageously, this curvature is formed, such that is has an angle between 60° and 120°, which the first direction of extent and the second direction of extent have to one another. This is advantageous, since in this manner, in the region of the shaft-like portion, the stationary stitches received can be held until a complete row is knitted. 
     With a further advantageous embodiment, the shaft-like portion and/or both of the limb-like portions have a cylindrical cross section, whereby the free ends of both of the limb-like portions are formed to project outwardly in their cross section. Preferably, the free ends are formed as rounded tips. This is advantageous, since receiving stitches is simplified during the knitting process and also tightly knitted stitches can be further knitted. The cylindrical cross section serves for a simple and low-wear knitting procedure during the knitting process. The shaft-like portion and/or both limb-like portions and/or the free ends can be hollow inside, solid, or can be combination thereof. Of course, the cross section of the knitting needle according to the present invention is not limited to round, but can be expanded to further forms. Advantageously, the design takes place, such that the center of mass of the knitting needle according to the present invention is arranged between the limb-like portions, preferably in the shaft-like portion, so that a balancing of the weight of the respective limb-like section is achieved. 
     It is further contemplated that a region at least of one of the limb-like section is formed as curved or bent inwardly or outwardly with its outwardly directed free end. This is advantageous, since then the yarn can be more easily accomodated and knitted, also with complex plait-like patterns. 
     Preferably, the cross section of the shaft-like portion and both limb-like sections are formed as round. With this embodiment, the cross section has a value of 0.5 to 33 mm, preferably from 1 to 20 mm, more preferably from 1 to 10 mm, and most preferably, from 2 to 7 mm. The cross section corresponds in this regard to the thickness of the needle. 
     In addition, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention shows that at least one free end, preferably both free ends, and/or the shaft-like portion and/or the first limb-like portion and/or the second limb-like portion has at least partially a flattened cross section. The cross section, therefore, is not round. Advantageously, such a flattening takes place uniformly in the longitudinal direction of the knitting needle, such that a constant cross section exists in the flattened region. If, in particular, both free ends have a flattened cross section, a simplified accomodation of stitches results, and the knitting process is facilitated. For producing plait-like knitware, at least one free end advantageously has a flattened cross section, which is formed to be in the range of 1 to 4 cm, preferably in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 cm from the end regions of the free ends to the respective limb-like portion. 
     According to the present invention, the flattened cross section is formed, such that the planar, flat region is arranged on the outer side of the knitting needle according to the present invention. The knitting needle outer side is to be understood in this connection as the region facing away from the knitting needle of the present invention. As the inner region, the region of the knitting needle of the present invention that faces the angle is to be understood. Thus, during the knitting process, the stitches are received advantageously by the curved or bent cross sectional region of the corresponding free end. The flattened cross sections region is arranged to face toward the knitware. The stitches thereby enclose or surround the curved region of the corresponding free end, while the flattened region remains essentially exposed. Thus, during the knitting process, the insertion of a free end of a further knitting needle is facilitated, since a free space is formed between the received stitches and the flattened region, in which the corresponding free end of the further needle can be inserted and thus, the stitches can be more easily knitted, since also with very tightly-knit stitches, an insertion opening remains through the free space. 
     With a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the knitting needle is formed as one piece. This is advantageous, since in this manner, no interruptions, for example, in the form of edges, impair the quality of the knitware. 
     With a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, both limb-like portions with their free ends have essentially the same length and each has a length of 5 cm to 25 cm and particular preferably, a length of 5 cm to 10 cm, and most preferably, of 8 cm. This is advantageous, since then, the limb-like portions are alternately formed for receiving the stitches. Thus, the additional step of reversing the needle is eliminated. The received stitches stay in the shaft-like portion based on the center of mass of the inventive knitting needle arranged within the shaft-like portion and the resulting balancing-out of the knitting needle according to the present invention. 
     In a further advantageous embodiment, the center of mass of the knitting needle of the present invention is arranged within the shaft-like portion. This is advantageous, since then, the knitting needle of the present invention is balanced and both limb-like portions are at equilibrium. This prevents a sliding off of the received, stationary stitches from the shaft-like portion. The center of mass is, in the simplest embodiment, arranged in the region of the maximum curving of the shaft-like portion, since in this manner, both limb-like sections are materially independent from one another or can also have different lengths or cross sections, and thus, a material independence and/or a length independence from one another is achieved. 
     In the simplest case, the shaft-like portion has a continuous cross section, for example round or oval. In addition, however, it is contemplated that the shaft-like portion has two or more cross sections that different from one another and thereby represents the transition region from a thin, first limb-formed section to a second, thick limb-like portion. 
     In a further, advantageous embodiment of the invention, the shaft-like portion and/or the limb-like portions are formed to be wavy or crimped. Wavy or crimped is to be understood as undulating or rolling, so that at least a curve forming a maximum or minimum is provided. Thus, a limb-like portion according to the present invention is formed in its longitudinal direction as linear and straight-lined in the simplest case. For large knitware, such as pullovers for example, it is therefore advantageous that at least one limb-like portion, preferably both limb-like portions, are formed to be wavy or undulating and in their course in the longitudinal direction, respectively, have a maximum of up to 10 and correspondingly, plus or minus a minimum. So, for example, it is contemplated that the course is formed at least of one of the limb-like sections is formed in the shape of a sinus or cosine curve. Of course, the structure is not limited to these shapes, but also can have markedly different maximums and minimums. Preferably, the maximum or the minimum is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least one limb-like portion, but also can be formed as twisted about this. The undulated or crimped structure of the at least one limb-like portion is advantageous, since in this manner, a further, additional number of stitches can be received and can be held stationary, without the stitches sliding off of the needle according to the present invention during the knitting motion. The maximum and minimum provided as undulations thus form, respectively, holding devices for the stitches that are received thereon. 
     With a further advantageous embodiment, the shaft-like portion and/or at least one of the two limb-like portions, preferably both, and/or their respective ends, are made of a natural and/or synthetic material. 
     Preferably, the materials are selected from the group consisting of wood, horn, metal, in particular aluminum, plastic, bamboo, composites, and/or a combination thereof. This is advantageous, since the inventive knitting needle is useable universally and is not limited depending on the material to be knit. 
     According to the present invention, the first limb-like portion as well as the second limb-like portion have the same weight. This is advantageous, since in this manner the inventive knitting needle is balanced and the stitches received thereon do not slide off. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further advantageous embodiments are provided in the accompanying drawings. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  shows a knitting needle known from the state of the art; 
         FIG. 2  shows an embodiment of a knitting needle according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a further embodiment of a knitting needle according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows a further embodiment of a knitting needle according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows a further embodiment of a knitting needle according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  shows a further embodiment of a knitting needle according to the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  shows as a schematic example for a flattened cross-sectional region of a knitting needle according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  shows a schematic representation of a common knitting needle  102  for producing plait-like knitware. The knitting needle  102  has a shaft-like portion  104 , which connects a first limb-like section  106  and a second limb-like portion  108  with one another. The free ends  109  and  110  form an angle α to one another of approximately 180°. The knitting needle  102  is formed linearly in its longitudinal direction L. 
     The shaft-like portion  104  is formed as trough-like and has in the image plane a depression  112  formed from below. By means of the flat curving or bending of the shaft-like portion  104 , knitting received by the knitting needle  102  can slide off of it, since no sufficient holding function is provided. 
       FIG. 2  shows a knitting needle  200  in its simplest embodiment. The shaft-like region  204  is formed as curved or bent. Both limb-like portions  206 ,  208  that are adjacent thereto have a round cross section, like the shaft-like portion  204 . In addition, it is also contemplated that the cross section can be formed in a shape other than round, for example, ellipsoidal. The first limb-like portion  206  extends in a direction of extent A and runs to its free end  209  to a tip or point. Advantageously, the resulting tip  208  is rounded, in order to avoid risk of injury during knitting. The second limb-like section  208  extends in its direction of extent B and runs at its free end  210  to a tip or point. Advantageously, the resulting tip is rounded, in order to avoid the risk of injury during knitting. First and second directions of extent A and B form an angle α relative to one another, which is essentially 90°. 
     If in the knitting process, for example, stitches are received with the first free end, then these glide over the first limb-like portion  206  to the shaft-like portion  204  and are held there by the second limb-like section  208  from sliding off. Thus, no stitches are lost by slipping or sliding off according to the present invention. In the region of the shaft-like portion  204 , the center of mass S of the knitting needle  200  according to the present invention is arranged, so that a balancing takes place, such that the first limb-like portion  206  and the second limb-like portion  208  are balanced, based on the center of mass S. In the simplest embodiment, the center of mass S is arranged in the curved region, most preferably in the region of the maximum curving of the shaft-like portion  205 . Further, however, it is also contemplated to arranged the center of mass S within the shaft-like portion  204  as desired, for example, more in the direction of extent A of the first limb-like portion  206 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , a further embodiment of the knitting needle  200  is shown. The same reference numerals as used in the above-described figures are not explained again. The difference to the inventive knitting needle  200  of  FIG. 2  shows in this embodiment a different design of the free ends  209  and  210 . Here, these do not run to a point, but instead are formed as rounded. This is advantageous, in particular, when thicker yarns are knitted, in order to avoid splitting these with the needle tip during knitting. 
       FIG. 4  shows a further embodiment of the inventive knitting needle  200 . The same reference numerals as above are mentioned but are not explained again. Both cylindrical limb-like portions  206 ,  208  are formed as shorted in their respective directions of extent A, B. In the direction of extent A, a region  212  having a flattened cross section connects o the first limb-like portion  206 , the region  212  being permanently connected via a stepped element  216  with the first limb-like section  206 . In the direction of extent B, a region  214  that has a flattened cross section connects to the second limb-like section, the region  214  being permanently connected via a stepped element  218  with the second limb-like portion  208 . Advantageously, the stepped element  216 ,  218  is formed as rounded, so that the stitches can glide from the free ends  209 ,  210  onto the limb-like portion  206  or  208  during the knitting process, without having to slow down. This is advantageous, since in this manner, a consistent knitting quality is achieved during the knitting process. Preferably, the free ends  209  and  210  in this case are formed as points or tips and likewise have a flattened cross section. Preferably, the flattened regions  212  and  214  are formed in their longitudinal direction in the range of 1 cm to 4 cm and preferably, from 1.5 to 2.5 cm. According to the application, both flattened regions  212 ,  214  can have the same lengths in their longitudinal direction or also can be formed differently from one another. Advantageously, the lengths of the flattened regions  212 ,  214  are selected such that the balancing takes place via the center of mass D in the shaft-like portion. 
     In addition, also only one flattened region can be provided with the knitting needle  200  according to the present invention. Advantageously, the flattened regions  212  or  214 , are arranged, respectively, between a free end  209  or  210  and between a limb-like portion  206  or  208 , but of course, are not limited to this arrangement. Thus, it is contemplated that the entire knitting needle  200  according to the present invention has a flattened cross section and thus differs from a round shape. Likewise, it is also advantageous if the flattened region  212  or  214  is formed as rounded on its circumferential edges. This is advantageous since the yarn experiences no friction during the knitting process and is consistent in its quality. 
     With the knitting process, it is also advantageous if the flattened regions  212 ,  214  are formed on the knitting needle outer side  220  facing away from the angle φ. This is advantageous, since the stitches during the knitting process are taken up with the round circumferential region of the respective free end  209  or  210  and a free space through the flattened cross section is formed between the knitware and free ends  209 ,  210 . The free ends  209 ,  210  are insertable into the free space in a simple manner and thereby facilitate receiving and knitting of new stitches. Thus, the received stitches have a common contact surface with the round circumferential region. 
     In  FIG. 5 , a further knitting needle  200  according to the present invention is shown. The shaft-like portion  204  here is formed as curved or bent. The illustrated knitting needle has flattened regions  212  and  214  as well as pointed, free ends  209 ,  210 . The limb-like portions  206 ,  208  are formed as undulating. Undulating is to be understood in this context as wavy. Both limb-like portions  206 ,  208  are not formed as straight-lined in their directions of extent A, B, but have, for example, respectively a convex curvature  226 ,  228  extending to the knitting needle inner side  222 , the convex curvature  226 ,  228  forming a minimum. Depending on the application, the curvatures  226 ,  228  can be formed more or less strongly. 
     Further, it is contemplated that the curvatures  226 ,  228  can be formed as concave, convex, or a combination thereof. For example, the first curvature  226  can be formed as convex and the second curvature  228  can be formed as concave. 
     Of course, this is the simplest example. The knitting needle  200  according to the present invention is not limited thereto, but can also have more such curvatures  226 ,  228 , preferably between one and  10  curvatures, which are arranged asymmetrically and furthermore, can be formed to be markedly different from one another. The curvatures  226 ,  228 , according to the design, are to be understood as minimum or maximum. 
       FIG. 6  shows a further embodiment of a knitting needle  200  according to the present invention. First and second limb-like portions  206  and  208  have a comparable weight. The first limb-like section  206  is shortened in its direction of extension A compared to the second limb-like section  208  and has an enlarged cross section. Advantageously, the shaft-like portion  204  has essentially the same cross section as the second limb-like portion  208  and widens in its cross section first with transition in the first limb-like portion  206 , whereby such a widening is formed advantageously as funnel-shaped. The angle φ here is approximately 90°. In addition, it is also contemplated that the shaft-like portion  204  itself has a different cross section, so that the transition from a thin, second limb-like portion  208  occurs in a thicker, first limb-like portion  206  within the shaft-like portion  204  and vise versa. Advantageously, the design of the limb-like portions  206 ,  208  as well as the shaft-like portion  204 , takes place such that the center of mass S of the knitting needle  200  of the present invention preferably is arranged within the shaft-like portion  204 , so that both limb-like portions  206 ,  208  are arranged to be balanced, in order to prevent the stitches accommodated thereon from sliding off. 
     For balancing the knitting needle  200  of the present invention in the shaft-like region  204 , it is contemplated to make both limb-like portions  206 ,  208  from different materials with different net weights. Thus, material combinations, for example, of bamboo/plastic of plastic/metal are contemplated. Such a knitting needle  200  according to the present invention is advantageous, since different yarn strengths can be knitted with only one inventive knitting needle  200 . In addition, it is also contemplated with limb-like portions  206 ,  208  having the same lengths that these likewise are made from different materials. 
     Preferably, the knitting needle  200  of the present invention is to be understood as a plait-pattern needle, which is suitable by its form to easily and quickly knit plait- or braided patterns, without causing stationary stitches that are in place on the needle to slide off or errors in positioning. 
     According to the present invention, the knitting needle  200  has a total length of 10 to 45 cm, preferably, 14 to 18 cm, and most preferably, of 16 cm. 
     In  FIG. 7 , for a clarifying example, flattened regions  212  according to the present invention are shown. These, of course, are arranged transferably on the flattened region  214  and not limited to the illustrated example, but can be broadened in any manner. According to the application, the flattened regions  212 ,  214  can be formed more or less strongly. 
     The Applicant reserves rights to claim all of the features disclosed in the instant application as important to the present invention, as far as they are novel individually or in combination with regard to the state of the art. 
     The specification incorporates by reference the disclosure of German patent applications DE 20 2011 102 677.2 and DE 20 2011 105 722.8, filed 11 May 2012 and 16 Sep. 2011, respectively, as well as International application PCT/EP2012/002047, filed 11 May 2012. 
     The present invention is, of course, in no way restricted to the specific disclosure of the specification and drawings, but also encompasses any modifications within the scope of the appended claims. 
     Reference Numeral List 
     
         
           102  knitting needle according to the state of the art 
           104  shaft-like portion 
           106  first limb-like portion 
           108  second limb-like portion 
           109  first free end 
           110  second free end 
           112  depression 
           200  knitting needle according to the present invention 
           204  shaft portion 
           206  first limb-like portion 
           208  second limb-like portion 
           209  first free end 
           210  second free end 
           212  first flattened region 
           214  second flattened region 
           216  first stepped element 
           218  second stepped element 
           220  needle outer side 
           222  needle inner side 
           226  curvature 
           228  further curvature 
         L longitudinal direction 
         A first direction of extent 
         B second direction of extent 
         α angle 
         φ further angle