Abstract:
The present invention involves an illuminated knitting and crochet device in the form of a hand tool easily sold as a kit with variety of sizes. A partial or full-length bounded inner region contains one or more light emitting devices, optionally actuated by a power supply source and a switch. In one embodiment a solid translucent or transparent tip is provided with a hollow needle body. In an alternative embodiment a computer control module may be optionally inserted to enable a non-use or non-motion automatic turnoff of the device thereby conserving energy for later reuse. As a consequence of the present invention those of skill in the knitting arts may freely operate within a low light or a no light knitting environment with relative ease, thereby improving knitting enjoyment.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application priority to and incorporates by reference the disclosures, in their entireties, of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/756,617 filed on Jan. 5, 2006 and 60/747,316 filed on May 16, 2006. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to an illuminated knitting needle or crochet hook. More specifically, the present invention relates to a knitting or crochet device containing a light emitting diode (L.E.D.), a power source and a switch mechanism for projecting illuminating light along an internal transmission medium. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    The related art involves a series of illuminated tool handles wherein a tool handle itself often contains the lighted bulb, the handle receives removable hand tools (such as screw-driver bits), and the handle includes a lens for directing the bulb light onto the end of a tool head positioned externally to the handle. It has been known previously from U.S. Pat. No. 2,344,370 to Shapiro and U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,522 to Wilian (the contents of each of which are fully incorporated) that knitting needles may be illuminated by a bulb, a solid body of Lucite or the like and are generally limited to projecting illuminating light forwardly. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,522 to Wilian provides a tool holder and has a battery, bulb and switch in the mounting handle but is otherwise unlike the present invention. 
         [0007]    Applicant is also now aware of an illuminated knitting needle crafted by La Knitterie Parisienne identified as “Knit Lite™” located at www.laknitterieparisienne.com and published in the New York Times on Sunday Apr. 23, 2006, Style Page 3, but has no information related to timing of a first public disclosure relevant to Applicant&#39;s earlier provisional application Ser. No. 60/756,617 filed Jan. 5, 2006, and 60/747,316 filed May 16, 2006 or Applicant&#39;s earlier date of invention, and thus this description herein cannot be and is not an assertion of a prior art status for this item. This description is provided here for the best available contrast with the present invention. As shown online, the La Knitterie devices include a transparent tip region, and opaque body, and a fixed battery pack projecting from the end of each needle both axially (away from the center shaft line), and longitudinally (in a direction along the center line). Operation and other functionality are not known at this time. These needles are constructed in pairs and sold in size-pairs. 
         [0008]    What is not appreciated by the prior art is the need for a very lightweight design that enables both solid and substantially hollow knitting needle, one enabling a user to use the needle in a reliable manner, for a long period of time, such that hand fatigue is eliminated or substantially reduced. 
         [0009]    What is also not appreciated by the prior art is the need for an illuminated knitting needle that has an illuminated shaft allowing ready stitch-counting in low-light situations and improving stitch-counting in normal lighting situations. What is also not appreciated by the prior art is that the illumination, or number of lumens per unit area provided by the device should be carefully regulatable or adjustable, depending upon the circumstances where use may occur under varied ambient light condition. 
         [0010]    For example, no prior art is provided that enables an adjustable feature allowing an adjustable amount of light to be illuminated depending upon a relative darkness of an area or with a preferred illumination pattern. Also not provided in the previous art is an illuminated knitting needle having a switched motion sensor for turning off the device upon a suitable period of disuse. The previous art similarly fails to appreciate the need for a variable power outlet, a convenient and substantially uniform body circumference, and particularly a device wherein the balance of weight is centered along the length of the device itself and not solely in a shaft-end battery pack. Such uniformity of gravity or of weight provides an improved balance and an improved hand feel of a knitting needle allowing the user to operate the device for long hours. 
         [0011]    What is also not appreciated by the prior art is the need for a readily transferable battery and switch pack between needles thereby allowing a substantial cost reduction in a competitive market place. Finally what is not appreciated is the need for, and convenience of, selling a comprehensive or competitive set of needle size-pairs with a pair of functional battery units, in a kit allowing a user to purchase one low-cost kit to achieve the utility of an entire series of illuminated needles without the cost. 
         [0012]    Accordingly there is a need for an improved illuminated knitting needle or crochet device that responds to at least one of the needs noted above. 
       OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    An object of the present invention is to provide an illuminated knitting needle or crochet hook that responds to at least one of the needs noted above. 
         [0014]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an illuminated device containing at least one L.E.D. (light emitting diode) or other light-emitting device actuated by a user switch and powered by a small sized power supply. 
         [0015]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an illuminated knitting device having a translucent or transparent structure enabling the use of at least one internally positioned light emitting diode (L.E.D.) to transmit light through the material of the device, or optionally through an open light chamber, or both simultaneously. 
         [0016]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an illuminated knitting device that increases a user&#39;s convenience during the knitting-learning process where detailed tracking of the shaft tips by eye in low-light conditions is difficult. 
         [0017]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an illuminated knitting device that enables new users to readily learn the knitting process in low illumination or uneven illumination conditions, such as an automobile or a performance theatre. 
         [0018]    A further object of the present invention is to provide an illuminated knitting hand device having capacity for variable power light output, whereby the device enables an adjustment of the lumen output based upon a user&#39;s selection, or optionally upon a determination by an internal light sensor of a need for light. 
         [0019]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an end-positioned snap-on switch for user convenience thereby allowing the useful shaft length to be substantially free of perturbations to allow stitches to slide easily off during knitting or to allow the ready accumulation of stitches along substantially the entire length of the device. 
         [0020]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an illuminated knitting device that is easily crafted to emit differing wavelengths (colors) depending upon a pre-selected size of needle, or vary wavelength based on position along a length of the device. 
         [0021]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an illuminated knitting tool having a generally uniform external diameter without substantial perturbations or weight irregularity. Tied to this object is a preference to select a design that enables ready modification or adjustment of internal weight and hence balance point along a length without changing an external shape and without detracting from the operation and output illumination of the device. 
         [0022]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an illuminated knitting device having a plurality of L.E.D.&#39;s positioned longitudinally along an internal open body length whereby said L.E.D.&#39;s may output a similar or substantial uniform quantity of light, or be adjustably actuated to output variable light amounts depending upon either a distance from a source, a desired entertainment value, or the need for an intense light appropriate to a tip of the device for specific use in extreme low light conditions. 
         [0023]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a lighted hand tool including an internal light reflection chamber allowing light emitted from a point source (LED) to be multiply reflected and internally distributed before exiting the device. 
         [0024]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an operational pack (battery, switch, and light source) that is readily transferred between different needle sizes. 
         [0025]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an illuminated needle that is simply, readily, and reliably illuminated along its entire length by a single lighting source in combination with a re-position-able power source and switch in a complete kit assembly. 
         [0026]    Another object of the invention is to provide a kit for storing and carrying groups each of a like number and type illuminated needles in a tray wherein the needles are removably retained in clip members, the tray being fitted with a removable-remountable cover specially adapting the kit for vending purpose as well as for user storing and carrying the needles. 
         [0027]    The present invention relates to an illuminated knitting device or an illuminated knitting or crochet device including a supporting member, a plurality of light emitting diodes, an operable power supply, a switch mechanism and optionally controlling software and memory functions enabling adjustment of a light output depending upon the use condition. 
         [0028]    According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a light emitting device comprising a light emitting system having a support member, a power generation system, a switch mechanism for controlling an operation of said power system and said light emitting system, wherein the supporting member includes at least a first hollow member for transmitting light illuminated by an illuminating means for enhancing the user convenience. 
         [0029]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is proposed a simplified construction containing a solid translucent tip member that is translucently sealed to a transparent shaft member in such manner as it does not prohibit lighting of the knitting tip or crocheting tip end by a distally located light emitting source. 
         [0030]    Another embodiment of the invention provides a kit containing at least two groups of knitting devices, each group having the same number and type of knitting devices as the other group. The groups are carried in a tray having a cover. Two power units containing, a light emitting member for illuminating the knitting devices when in use, a switch means to selectively controlling lighting function, a connector connecting a battery and the light emitting member are provided in the tray, the power units being removably mountable to each of the knitting device. 
         [0031]    The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conduction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  is a partially cut-away view of an illuminated knitting device according to one aspect of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 2  is a longitudinal partial cross-section view of a second alternative embodiment of an illuminated knitting device according to another aspect of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 3  is a longitudinal partial cross-section view of a third alternative embodiment of an illuminated knitting device according to another aspect of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional end view along lines I-I of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 5  is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of a fourth alternative embodiment of an illuminated knitting device having a multi-light output system as a series of light emitting sources. 
           [0037]      FIG. 5A  is a partially formed cross-sectional tip view of a fifth alternative embodiment wherein a translucent and solid tip member is fixably positioned on an end of a hollow shaft member. 
           [0038]      FIG. 6  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fifth alternative embodiment of an illuminated knitting device wherein a crochet knitting device includes a light emitting device at a tail end of an expansive light chamber extending substantially the length of the device but for a section at the knitting or crocheting opposite tip end of the device. 
           [0039]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of an illumination assembly according to one aspect of the present invention along line II-II in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 8  is a switch-end view of the  FIG. 7  illumination assembly. 
           [0041]      FIG. 9  is a front-end view of the illumination assembly shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  8 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 10  is a side view of an illuminated knitting needle having a large size, assembled with the illumination assembly. 
           [0043]      FIG. 11  is a side view of an illuminated knitting needle having a size less than  FIG. 10 , without the illumination assembly. 
           [0044]      FIG. 12  is a side view of an illuminated knitting needle having a size less than  FIG. 11 , without the illumination assembly. 
           [0045]      FIG. 13  is a side view of an illuminated knitting needle having a size less than  FIG. 12 , without the illumination assembly. 
           [0046]      FIG. 14  is a side view of an illuminated crochet knitting needle having a size less than  FIG. 13  with a crochet-tip and an associated illumination assembly; 
           [0047]      FIG. 15  is a front view of a kit wherein a plurality of differently sized knitting and crocheting needles along with several illumination assemblies removably and interchangeably mountable to the needles are provided; and 
           [0048]      FIG. 16  is a section view taken on the line XVI-XVI in  FIG. 15 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0049]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , a first embodiment of an illuminated knitting tool  1  includes an extending shaft member  6  projecting from an end cap  8 A containing a switch  7  and, optionally a computer control module  9  and an internal power source  8 . 
         [0050]    A wire  10  extends from optionally computer control module  9  and always from power source  8  along shaft  6  until reaching an illumination device  11  commonly referred to as a light emitting device (L.E.D.) formed at a base of an internal reflection and illumination cavity  12  within a tip of device  1 . During operation of the present embodiment, switch  7  is actuated and completes a power circuit via power source  8  and computer control module  9  to wire conduit  10  thereby energizing light emitting device  11  to project upwardly into light reflection and illumination area  12  at the knitting tip end of tool or needle  1 , and thereby illuminating the tip end of device  1 . It is noted that where unnecessary based upon manufacturing specification, computer control module  9  may be excluded from the product without harming the essential objectives noted herein, thereby allowing device  1  to operate solely with switch  7 . 
         [0051]    As should be optionally understood throughout this present disclosure, the shaft material may be selected from any acceptable material presently known to those within the knitting arts. These suitable include, but are not limited to opaque, transparent and translucent materials. These materials also include natural (for example, wood or material) and manmade material (plastic, ceramic, carbon fiber) or combination thereof. 
         [0052]    As a consequence of the present invention, it is envisioned that a bounding translucent or transparent material allowing outward transmission of lumens from light source  11  defines reflection and illumination area  12  and allows ready radial distribution of light from point source LED  11 . 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an alternative embodiment of an illuminated knitting device  2  includes a shaft  16  housing a wire conduit  15  providing power to an illumination source  14  (preferably a L.E.D. source) within a base of a reflection and dispersion area  13  at a tip of device  2 . 
         [0054]    In the present embodiment, shaft  16  is constructed from one of a translucent and transparent material, for example, plastic, lexan, fiberglass, or a ceramic composition such as quartz, glass, or alumina. During operation, as light is emitted from light emitting device  14  (L.E.D.) light is transmitted from device  14  upwardly into reflection area  13  which is open and allows ready reflection from internal surfaces thereby promoting a visual appearance of glowing at the tip of device  2 . Such glowing allows ready eye-tracking of the tip end of shaft  16  during knitting and minimizes eye fatigue by minimizing sharp point-light sources. It should be recognized by those of skill in the art that the internal or external surfaces of reflection area  13  may be modified by a filter to adjust wavelength, reflectance, and other optical characteristics. 
         [0055]    Referring now to  FIG. 3  wherein alternative embodiment  3  of the present invention includes a light emitting device  18  at a base of an extended light transmission cavity  17  bounded by a transparent or translucent shell  17 A forming the shaft. During operation device  3  is similar to those noted earlier but is extended in view whereby an entire length of shaft shell  17 A is illuminated as opposed to alternative embodiment  2  wherein a tip is preferably illuminated and shaft  16 , even where transparent or translucent, is only partially illuminated. 
         [0056]    It will be understood that in the various embodiments described above and below, effective illumination of the knitting device tip end as well as along other locations along a device, it is required to have unobstructed illumination communication between a light source and the structure part to be illuminated. This can be achieved by disposing the light source directly at a cavity or bore defining or leading to the surface to be illuminated or, by interposing a solid light transmissive member such as rod extending from the light source to the surface to be illuminated at the light source and such as a rod 
         [0057]    One benefit of the present embodiment, is that the inner surface of transmission cavity  17  may be optionally coated by a reflecting material, such as silver or aluminum, in whole or part. As a consequence, optional illumination patterns may be employed, allowing for example full illumination at a shaft tip, but only partial illumination at a base of the shaft, or wavelengths of light may be filtered out by a CVD (chemical vapor deposition) type optical filter. Further, directional lines or alignment notes maybe provided along a length of the shaft to further aid a user with only a beginning knowledge of knitting. 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an alternative embodiment of an illuminated knitting device at  4  includes a plurality of light emitting devices  20 ,  21 ,  22 ,  23 , and  24 , strung along a length of power transmitting and optionally instruction transmitting wire  19 A along a shaft  25  of device  4 . As shown, shaft  25  is similar to shaft  17 A shown within  FIG. 3 , and encircles a bounded light reflection and transmission region  19  region within the shaft. As a consequence, as noted in  FIG. 3 , shaft  25  provides a bounded shell around region  19  wherein light emitting devices  20  through  24  are positioned by adhesive or fixture points (both not shown) to prohibit unintended movement relative to the base or the tip of shaft  25 . As noted, lighting emitting devices  20  through  24  emit light along an entire length of shaft  25  and provide for high intensity light output as will be further described via computer controlled power supply. Within embodiment  4 , a computer control module  25 A adjacent power supply source  25 B is actuatable via switch control mechanism  25 C. 
         [0059]    It is envisioned in the present embodiment, that switch mechanism  25 C and computer control module  25 A enable a complete control of light emitting devices  20  through  24 , whereby an individual light output may be adjusted, a variable power may be supplied to the light emitting devices thereby allowing the lights to dim or brighten upon command, and a selective timing element or motion sensor (within computer control module  25 A) may enable device  4  to be turned off following a period of timed non-use or a period of non-motion use. It is therefore envisioned by the present invention that the knitting needles may turn themselves off to conserve energy during periods of non-use triggered by a motion sensor or by a timing device. 
         [0060]      FIG. 5A  depicts another embodiment in which shaft  25  is a separate tubular member to which is affixed a solid transparent or translucent tip end member. 
         [0061]    Referring now to  FIG. 6  wherein an alternative embodiment of an illuminated crochet hook  5  includes a light emitting device  26  housed within a reflection and illumination chamber  27  communicating with an extending internal light reflecting chamber  29  housed within a hollow shaft  28  joining light emitting device  26  to a device tip end crochet hook  30 . 
         [0062]    In the present alternative embodiment, those who are skilled in the art will readily recognize that any of the previous design elements discussed within  FIGS. 1 through 5  may be readily adapted to the crochet hook embodiment  5  shown in  FIG. 6  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0063]    While the present hook embodiment  5  is shown with a lower diameter profile for use with smaller sized crochet fibers those of skill in the design arts will readily recognize that the earlier teachings above may be employed without departing from the invention. Thus, it is envisioned that a plurality of light emitting devices  26  may be positioned along an internal length of reflecting chamber  29  to allow varied light supply along a working length of crochet hook  5 . 
         [0064]    Those of skill in the art will also recognize that the present invention may be adapted to additionally include light or motion sensors, and optionally a timing mechanism, either with or proximate to the computer control module. Such sensors would increase the utility, safety, and convenience of the device and allow for battery conservation during periods of non-use. 
         [0065]    Additionally, with the inclusion of such sensors, including motion sensors, a user may greatly increase convenience, by adjusting the light output along an entire shaft, or along a selected portion of the shaft, or to select a preferred illumination setting (low at the base and high illumination at the tip, etc.) Obviously, such adaptability provides substantial utility to those with only limited eyesight or other visual difficulty. 
         [0066]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7-9 , one embodiment of an illumination assembly  50  includes an actuation switch  51  opposite a light emitting diode (L.E.D.) unit  55  on a male engagement socket end  52  having a diameter less than a diameter of a main barrel section  53  sized to contain a battery unit  54 . It should be understood, that light emitting diode unit  55  may include one or more LED&#39;s depending upon a manufacturer&#39;s desired construction. 
         [0067]    A spring and contact engagement member  56  includes a first contact member  57  for operatively and electrically connecting battery unit  54  with light emitting diode unit  55 . A second contact member  58  is a spring arm that urges connection with battery unit  54  during assembly. A spring member  59  in end cap member  60  urges actuation switch  51  away from contact member  58  during non-use to prevent unintended actuation and a securing mechanism (a common electrical click-switch, not shown) enables secure electrical engagement, via switch  51 , of battery unit  54  and operation of light emitting diode unit  55 . 
         [0068]    As will be understood from further review, the diameter of male socket end  52  is sized to be received in a respective universal female socket end  61  unit positioned on an end of each respective needle member. 
         [0069]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10-13 , a plurality of differently sized needle members are shown,  62 ,  63 ,  64 ,  65 , and  66 , each having a respective universal female socket end unit  61  positioned opposite respectively sized end tip (knitting and or crochet) members  67 ,  68 ,  69 ,  70 , and  71 , the last-mentioned needle member being configured with a crochet hook, rendering member  71  a knitting device different as to type with members  67 - 70  which are knitting needles. It is to be understood, that each needle member is formed substantially from a transparent or translucent material (glass, lexan, poly, etc.) and is either substantially hollow (See  FIG. 10 ) or substantially solid (See  FIG. 14 ). Thus, those of skill in the art will recognize that  FIG. 14  may include a substantially hollow needle shaft  66  similar to the shaft  62  of  FIG. 10  terminating in a solid crochet hook knitting tip end  71 , and vice versa without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
         [0070]    In each respective needle, female socket unit  61  is firmly joined with each respective needle member  62 - 66  opposite tips  67 - 71  for interchangeably and securely receiving illumination assemblies  50  during use. 
         [0071]    As will be noted from each figure, outer diameter of male member  52  securely seats with friction within female socket unit  61  preventing unintended removal. While this construction is selected for convenience, alternative securing and removal systems are envisioned without departing from the scope of the present invention. These include snap-detent systems, threadably engagable systems, magnetic engagement systems, slot-key engagement systems and other systems know to those of skill in the art for similar circumstances. 
         [0072]    While not shown in the present invention, it is additionally contemplated, that inner surfaces of needle members  62 - 66  may be selectively coated with transparent, translucent, or opaque films depending upon a consumer and manufacturer desire. 
         [0073]    Referring now to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , a kit  75  includes a plurality of needle unit members  62 - 66  each with respective female members  61  secured within a blister type, transparent face housing  72  which can be a sealed blister type package, ( FIG. 15 ) or it can be a reusable tray  83  having a reusable cover  85  ( FIG. 16 ). Cover  83  is provided with a flange part that defines a frame for a transparent cover portion  91 . The package can have having an opening  73  for holding the unit on a point of purchase display rack. In the present kit  75 , only two interchangeable illumination units  50  are provided but are sufficient for a user to employ the complete set of needles by simply interchanging units  50  depending upon a needle size selection. Spring retainers or clips  91  are provided in the tray  83  for holding the knitting devices securely in place in the tray. 
         [0074]    As shown in  FIG. 15 , the kit contains at least two groups  79 ,  81  of knitting devices  62 - 65  the devices in a group being arranged in side-by side array one with each others in the group. The knitting devices in each group differ as to others in the group both as to size and type. Thus, devices  62 - 64  are knitting needles wherein the needle size varies from largest  62  to smallest  64 . Device  65  it is noted is one fitted with a crochet hook  87 . The arrays of the groups  79  and  81  disposed in tray  83  along side each other with a largest size knitting device  62  in one group being located proximally adjacent spaced with a largest sized knitting device  62  in the second group. The other knitting different size knitting devices  63 - 65  in each group are spaced in order of lessening size correspondingly more distally the group largest size knitting device  62 . The crochet hook type  66  in a group is positioned more distally of the group largest size knitting device  62  than any remaining size type knitting device  63 - 65 . 
         [0075]    As a consequence, those of skill in the art should readily recognize the substantial user convenience provided by the present design as well as the ready manufacturing adaptability allowing manufacturers to select and populate kit sizes depending upon market need. 
         [0076]    In the claims, means- or step-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described or suggested herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt may not be structural equivalents in that a nail relies on friction between a wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw&#39;s helical surface positively engages the wooden part, and a bolt&#39;s head and nut compress opposite sides of a wooden part, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by those skilled in the art as equivalent structures. 
         [0077]    Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes, modifications, and adaptations may be effected therein by one skilled. in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.