Patent Abstract:
Systems and methods for managing one or more yarn sources are disclosed. Namely, several embodiments of containers are disclosed, in which the container can be custom-configured to dispense yarn from one or more yarn sources with reduced tangling or knotting.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/030,840, filed on 2008 Feb. 22, having the title “Accessory for Knitting and Crocheting with Multiple Yarn and Thread Management,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to knitting and crocheting, and more particularly to systems and methods of managing yarn. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Over the years, knitting and crocheting have become quite popular as a hobby, pastime, or even a personal business. As the craft has become more popular, the industry has developed specialty yarns for use in customized projects. Additionally, various knitting accessories have developed for use by a knitting or crocheting craftsperson, whether the craftsperson be using ordinary yarn or specialty yarn. 
         [0004]    Despite the growth of the industry, there still exist needs that have not yet been addressed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
           [0006]      FIG. 1A  shows a top view drawing disclosing components of a first disc (“disc A”). 
           [0007]      FIG. 1B  shows a front view of disc A. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1C  shows a different perspective view of disc A. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1D  shows a cross section view of disc A. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2A  shows a top view drawing disclosing components of another disc (“disc B”). 
           [0011]      FIG. 2B  shows a front view of disc B. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2C  shows a perspective view of disc B. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2D  shows a cross section view of disc B. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3A  shows a top view of a handle. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3B  shows a front view of the handle. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3C  shows a perspective view of the handle. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3D  shows a side view of the handle. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4A  shows a top view of a canister disclosing several components. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4B  shows a cross-section perspective view of the canister. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4C  shows a side perspective view of the canister. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5A  shows a top view of a base disclosing selected components. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5B  shows a side view of the base. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5C  shows a perspective cross-section view of the base. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5D  shows a perspective view of the base showing selected components with a close-up view of one component called-out. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5E  shows a bottom perspective view of the base. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6A  shows a perspective view of one embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6B  shows an exploded view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0028]      FIG. 6C  shows a cross-section perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0029]      FIG. 7A  shows a cross-section perspective view disclosing components of the base. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7B  shows a bottom perspective view of the base. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7C  shows a disassembled view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0032]      FIG. 8A  shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with yarn ball external feed. 
           [0033]      FIG. 8B  shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with yarn ball internal feed. 
           [0034]      FIG. 8C  shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with yarn ball external and internal feeds. 
           [0035]      FIG. 8D  shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with two yarn balls, each with external feeds. 
           [0036]      FIG. 8E  shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with two yarn balls, each with internal feeds. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8F  shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with two yarn balls, each with external and internal feed. 
           [0038]      FIG. 9A  shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with yarn skein external feed. 
           [0039]      FIG. 9B  shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with yarn skein internal feed. 
           [0040]      FIG. 9C  shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with yarn skein external and internal feeds. 
           [0041]      FIG. 9D  shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with two yarn skeins, each with external feeds. 
           [0042]      FIG. 9E  shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with two yarn skeins, each with internal feeds. 
           [0043]      FIG. 9F  shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with two yarn skeins, each with an external and an internal feed. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0044]    Reference is now made in detail to the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings. While several embodiments are described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. 
         [0045]    Creating a hand-crafted knit or crochet article involves yarn or thread. Yarn is available in a variety of formats, not limited to, skein, small ball, large ball, by-the-weight, hanks, and spools. Yarn can be 2-, 4-, 5-, 8-, 10-, 13-, or 14-ply. Ply references the “thickness” of each strand of yarn. The thinnest yarn is 2-ply and the thickest diameter of yarn is 14-ply. 
         [0046]    Patterns for the various yarns sometimes require a project to be knit or crocheted with a single strand of yarn, or, knit or crocheted with two or more strands of yarn. The newer project patterns are aimed at a craftsperson who wants a project that can be completed quickly. These projects usually are worked with two or more strands of yarn. The craftsperson can use strands of the same yarn color, or, different colors yarns. 
         [0047]    There is no standard method for preparing the manufacturer&#39;s yarn product for any given project. Each craftsperson determines how to convert the yarn product into a usable configuration. More often than not, the quickest, but not necessarily the simplest, method is to find the yarn beginning from the interior core of a skein. When found, the yarn beginning is pulled from the center of the skein. Another method includes, but is not limited to, unwinding the skein from the outside and winding the yarn end into a ball with the outer end from the yarn skein becoming the inside of the ball, and the interior of the yarn skein becoming the outside of the ball, and is the start end for the craftsperson&#39;s project. 
         [0048]    A more experienced craftsperson can wind the yarn into a ball in such a configuration that presents the craftsperson two separate ends to enable a project entailing two separate strands to be used simultaneously from a single ball of yarn. One end is pulled from the center of the ball while the second strand is unwrapped from the outer end. 
         [0049]    Regardless of the conversion method and subsequent yarn configuration, the craftsperson pulls the yarn end from the yarn source in the process of creating the project. The yarn is unwound from the source and worked into the project as the craftsperson progresses. It is common and unavoidable for the source portion of the yarn to roll around as the craftsperson pulls the yarn. This happens if the configuration is a ball or if the yarn is pulled directly from the skein. Another challenge of the un-winding characteristic of yarn is managing the yarn to prevent the multiple yarn source feeds from twisting or tangling together. 
         [0050]    Newer novelty yarns are especially susceptible to twisting or tangling by virtue of the manufacturing process to combine the various textures that make up each yarn type. Many of these yarns have a texture, width, or other attribute that prevent them from being used in an accessory with a dispensing opening that is smaller in diameter than the yarn attributes require. Yarn widths may very from less than a quarter-of-an-inch (¼″) to more than two-and-a-half inches (2.5″) and may be composed of multiple strands of fiber. 
         [0051]    When knitting or crocheting a project with a single or multiple strands of yarn, managing the various yarn sources can be cumbersome and time-consuming for the craftsperson. Both experienced and less skilled craftspersons can become quickly frustrated trying to cope with yarn sources rolling away, twisted yarn, and knotted tangles. The skilled and novice craftsperson spends considerable additional time trying to prevent yarn from twisting, tangling, and the source yarn rolling away as the yarn is pulled from the source for use in the project. 
         [0052]    While there have long been accessories to carry the project components for working remotely and to store the components when the craftsperson is not actively working on the project, and more-recently accessories to dispense a single ball of a traditional yarn source, it appears the time-consuming and frustrating task of managing multiple yarn sources with a single accessory continues to be considered another skill required of the craftsperson as well as another component of the project. A single, low-center of gravity system that does not roll when the craftsperson pulls the yarn, manages the multiple yarn sources, accommodates diversity of yarn properties, is easy-to-use, and re-focuses the craftsperson&#39;s time to completing the project is desired. 
         [0053]    Briefly described, one embodiment of the accessory comprises a molded, clear plastic cylinder fitted with vertical channels to hold two, plastic discs that can be fitted horizontally or vertically to separate the yarn sources. Each disc has four semi-circular punch-outs (or openings) positioned at approximately equal intervals around the periphery of the disc within which the yarn is placed when the craftsperson fits the disc horizontally over the yarn source. When the disc is fit vertically, up-right skeins are supported separately. Multiple yarn sources can be managed, or disbursed, simultaneously. The canister and base shape form a low center of gravity to reduce the phenomena of tipping over when the craftsperson pulls the yarn in the process of completing a project. 
         [0054]    One embodiment of the invention provides the craftsperson a method to obtain two yarn sources from a single yarn skein, as well as eliminate the preparation time to convert the skein to a ball in order to use the exterior yarn end as a project source, a time-saving convenience previously not readily feasible due to the manufacturing methodology used to wind the yarn skein. 
         [0055]    In yet another embodiment, the craftsperson can decide to create a ball configured with an internal yarn end feed as well as the standard external yarn end feed and insert a disc horizontally with each yarn feed maintained separately through one of four punch-outs. Positioning a second ball on top of the first horizontally placed disc and providing a second disc with each yarn feed maintained separately through one of the remaining punch-outs, aids the craftsperson in the completion of the project with four different yarn sources. 
         [0056]    One embodiment of the accessory allows the craftsperson control of the yarn preparation method. Another embodiment of the accessory provides craftsperson flexibility to use this disclosure device to compliment the craftsperson&#39;s preferred method of dispensing yarn. The device, with yarn inside, can be used while sitting on the floor next to the craftsperson, while sitting next to the craftsperson or while held inside the craftsperson&#39;s utility tote. When used while held inside a utility tote, one embodiment of the accessory allows the yarn to be freely pulled without interference by the other contents of the utility tote. 
         [0057]    Another embodiment includes punch-outs (or openings) located around the periphery of each disc to maintain separation of the yarn sources when the disc(s) is inserted horizontally. 
         [0058]    Another embodiment allows the craftsperson to determine horizontal placement of each disc independent of the other disc. Controlling the disc placement over the yarn source ensures that each yarn source is isolated in an area adequate to support the innate movement of the yarn source and maintain the separation of each yarn source feed to prevent tangling of the separate yarn sources when yarn is pulled by the craftsperson. The devices described herein shield the yarn source from curious and playful observers such as cats, dogs, and children. Additionally, the devices described herein protect the yarn source from coming in contact with dirt, dust, and pollutants generally exposed on floors and other work surfaces. 
         [0059]    Another embodiment provides the craftsperson easy access to the yarn sources to untangle a yarn strand that catches on the source as the yarn is pulled in the process of creating the project. It is not necessary for the craftsperson to sever, or cut, the yarn strand from the source to free the strand from the accessory in order to untangle the strand, as is occasionally required if the yarn was fed through a hole in the accessory top. It is an acceptable practice for a manufacturer to prepare a specified skein length or other measure of yarn by knotting two of more lengths together. Thus, as the craftsperson pulls the yarn, a knot can unexpectedly appear. If the craftsperson is using an accessory where the yarn is fed through a hole, the knot could abruptly stop the yarn feed forcing the craftsperson to stop working on the project and remedy the blockage. The punch-outs used in several of the devices described herein are designed to allow such knots to pass unaided without creating a blockage. 
         [0060]    Several unique elements of the devices described herein (e.g., vertical channels molded in the canister, yarn feed punch-outs, tension arms of the discs, interchangeable vertical or horizontal disc configuration and disc storage, etc.) make for a unique accessory. 
         [0061]    Prior to describing in great detail the interaction between each of the components and sub-components of the preferred embodiments, as shown in the drawings, it is worthwhile to identify the individual components for the purposes of clarity. With that said, attention is turned to each of the drawings. 
         [0062]      FIGS. 1A through 1D  show one embodiment of a disc  102 , which can be used to separate yarn sources (not shown). In this embodiment, the disc  102  includes a plurality of notches  108 A,  108 B,  108 C,  108 D (collectively referred to herein as  108 ). In a preferred embodiment, there are four (4) total notches  108 , that are located approximately equidistant from each adjacent notch  108 , mainly, at the 3 o&#39;clock, 6 o&#39;clock, 9 o&#39;clock, and 12 o&#39;clock positions along the disc  102  periphery. As described in greater detail below, these notches  108  are used as guides. In addition to the notches  108 , the preferred embodiment of the disc  102  also includes tension bars  106 A- 106 H (collectively referred to herein as  106 ), each of which has a ball-shaped end  104 A- 104 H (collectively referred to herein as  104 ). These tension bars  106  provide for a friction-fit of the disc  102 , as described below. The preferred embodiment of the disc  102  also includes punch-outs (or openings)  112 A- 112 D (collectively referred to herein as  112 ) that are located around the periphery of the disc  102 . There are also, preferably, extruding components  110 A- 110 H (collectively referred to herein as  110 ) on both sides of each punch-out  112  to define the opening  112  for dispensing yarn, as described in greater detail below. The punch-outs  112  provide an opening for dispensing one or more yarn sources, as described in greater detail below. 
         [0063]      FIGS. 2A through 2D  show components of a second disc  202 . In a preferred embodiment, the second disc  202  is substantially identical to the first disc  102  and is interchangeable with the first disc  102 . As such, the second disc  202  also includes components  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212  that correspond to the components  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  of the first disc  102 . Since those components  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  are described above with reference to  FIGS. 1A through 1D , that description will not be duplicated here. However, it should be noted that the second disc  202  need not be identical to the first disc  102  for other embodiments, so long as, functionally, either disc can separate multiple yarn sources. 
         [0064]      FIGS. 3A through 3D  show a preferred embodiment of a handle  302 . In the preferred embodiment, the handle has a semi-circular shape and includes elements (or snaps)  304 A,  304 B (collectively referred to herein as  304 ) that are configured to mate with corresponding holes, as described below. 
         [0065]      FIGS. 4A through 4C  show a preferred embodiment of a canister  402 . In this preferred embodiment, the canister  402  takes on a substantially cylindrical shape with a substantially round base. However, it should be appreciated that the canister  402  can take on other cylindrical shapes or prism-like shapes having other geometric shapes that define its base. The canister  402  shown herein includes channels  404 A- 404 D (collectively referred to herein as  404 ), which extend vertically along the inside wall of the canister  402 . For this particular embodiment each channel  404  extends the entire height of the canister  402 . However, it should be appreciated that the channels  404  need not extend along the entire height. For this embodiment, there are the four (4) total channels  404 , that are located approximately equidistance from each adjacent channel  404 , namely, at the 3 o&#39;clock, 6 o&#39;clock, 9 o&#39;clock and 12 o&#39;clock positions along the inside wall of the canister  402 . As such, each channel  404  corresponds to a notch  108 ,  208  on one of the discs  102 ,  202 , and for some embodiments the channels  404  are configured to guide the horizontal insertion of the discs  102 ,  202  into the canister  402  by slidably mating with their corresponding notches  108 ,  208 . For other embodiments, the channels  404  provide a guide for the vertical insertion of the discs  102 ,  202 . On the inside wall of the canister  402 , there also exist additional channels  406 A- 406 H (collectively referred to herein as  406 ), which are configured to slidably mate with the ball-shaped ends  104 ,  204  on the tension bars  106 ,  206  of the discs  102 ,  202  as the discs are inserted horizontally into the canister  402 . As the ball-shaped ends  104 ,  204  insert into their corresponding channels  406 , the tension bars  106 ,  206  provide a friction-fit of the discs  102 ,  202  to prevent them from easily slipping. On the inside wall of the canister  402 , there also exists additional stop-notches  408 A- 408 H (collectively referred to herein as  408 ) which are configured to slidably mate with extruding components  110  to define the opening  112  for dispensing yarn. The canister  402  also includes holes  410 A,  410 B (collectively referred to herein as  410 ) for receiving the corresponding elements (or snaps)  304  on the handle  302 . It should be appreciated that for both the canister  402  and the discs  102 ,  202 , the number and position of all of the components may be varied without detrimentally affecting the function of the accessory. While discs  102 ,  202  are shown in the preferred embodiments, it should also be appreciated that other dividers can be used to separate the yarn sources. 
         [0066]      FIGS. 5A through 5E  and  7 A through  7 C show preferred embodiments of a base  502 . The preferred embodiment of the base  502  includes a bottom  504  and four (4) brackets  506 A- 506 D (collectively referred to herein as  506 ). The brackets  506  are configured to mate with the bottom of the canister  402  to provide an enclosure for yarn sources. In a preferred embodiment, the base  502  is friction-fit to the canister  402  via the brackets  506 . However, it should be appreciated that other mating techniques can be used, such as a clip or snap, without affecting the function of the base  502 . For other embodiments, the base  502  also includes a storage area  512  that can hold the discs  102 ,  202 . Similar to the channels in the canister  402 , the base  502  includes several channels  510 A- 510 D (collectively referred to herein as  510 ) which allow the ball-shaped ends  104 ,  204  of the discs  102 ,  202  to snap into place. In the preferred embodiment, the base  502  also includes a ridge  514  that prevents the discs  102 ,  202  from easily falling out of the storage area  512 . 
         [0067]      FIGS. 6A through 6C  show a preferred embodiment of an assembled accessory, with both discs  102 ,  202  inserted horizontally into the canister  402 . It should be appreciated, as shown in  FIGS. 8A through 8F , that a single disc  102  (or  202 ) can be used for a single yarn source, rather than having to insert both discs  102 ,  202 . As shown in  FIGS. 6A through 6C , when the base  502  and the canister  402  define a chamber (or cavity) in which one or more yarn sources can be inserted, so that the yarn can be dispensed from the chamber. It should be appreciated that, while the current embodiments show the chamber as being defined by the mating of two components (base  502  and canister  402 ), the chamber can be defined by a single, unitary structure that integrates the base  502  with the canister  402 . In other words, the accessory need not be fabricated from two separate components (base  502  and canister  402 ), but may be fabricated as an integrated, single component. Also, while the current embodiments show the cavity (or chamber) being separated into multiple sub-chambers (or sub-cavities) using the substantially-circular discs  102 ,  202 , it should be appreciated that other dividers can be used to create the needed sub-chambers. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 8A through 8F  and  9 A through  9 F show several embodiments of the accessory as it is dispenses one or more yarns  1004 ,  1006 ,  1104 ,  1106 ,  1204 ,  1206 ,  1304 ,  1306  from one or more yarn sources  1002 ,  1102 ,  1202 ,  1302 . 
         [0069]    Having identified each of the individual components of the accessory, the interplay between each of the components is described in greater detail below. 
         [0070]    One embodiment of the accessory shows a canister  402  in which the project yarns are placed, base  502  attached to the bottom of canister  402  that provides stability and storage for discs  102  and  202  when not in use, a handle  302 , and two, substantially identical, interchangeable discs  102  and  202 . Plastic manufacturing processes can be used to create the canister  402 , base  502 , handle  302 , and discs  102  and  202 . For some example, but not limiting, embodiments, the canister  402  can be transparent or semi-transparent to show the yarn that is being used in the accessory. In other embodiments, the canister  402  can be opaque, with a solid color or patterned outside for aesthetic purposes. Similarly, for some but not limiting embodiments, the base  502 , handle  302 , and discs  102 ,  202  can be semi-transparent or opaque to suit the tastes of the craftsperson. In other embodiments, the base  502 , handle  302 , and discs  102 ,  202  can be transparent to match the canister  402 , should the canister  402  be manufactured as a transparent item. 
         [0071]    Discs  102  and  202  can fit inside canister  402  horizontally to create adjustable shelves to separate plural yarn ball (or skein) sources. Disc  102  or  202  can also fit inside canister  402  vertically as a divider to hold plural yarn skein (or ball) sources separately and upright. When not in use, discs  102  and  202  can be snapped into the base  502  bottom storage area  512 . 
         [0072]    In a preferred embodiment, inside the canister  402 , the surface is designed with four sets of five vertical channels  404 ,  406 , and  408  located at approximately equal intervals around the interior periphery. Center channel  404  ( 404 A,  404 B,  404 C and  404 D) holds disc  102  (or  202 ) in place when inserted in the vertical position to divide canister  402 . When used in the vertical position, disc  102  (or  202 ) slides into channels  404 A and  404 C (or  404 B and  404 D) located on diametrically opposite sides of canister  402 . For this embodiment, none of the remaining vertical channels  404 B and  404 D (or  404 A and  404 C),  406 ,  408  are used when the present disclosure is configured with a disc vertical divider as shown in  FIGS. 9D ,  9 E and  9 F. 
         [0073]    Center channel  404  can also act as the guide for inserting discs  102  and  202  in the horizontal position. There are four sets of five disc components: ball-shaped ends  104 , notches  108 , and extruding components  110  (collectively referred to herein as components  104 ,  108 ,  110 ). These components  104 ,  108 ,  110  are preferably located at approximately equal intervals around the periphery of disc  102  ( 202 ) corresponding to the four sets of components located along the inside of canister  402 . Instruction and arrow  116  ( 216 ) guide the craftsperson to insert disc  102  ( 202 ) with disc notch  108  ( 208 ) matching canister  402  center channel  404 . When disc notch  108  ( 208 ) is fit over canister  402  center channel  404 , the remaining disc component pairs  104  ( 204 ) and  110  ( 210 ) automatically align respectively with canister  402  component pairs  406  and  408 . The canister  402  component pairs  406  are  406 H and  406 A,  406 B and  406 C,  406 D and  406 E,  406 F and  406 G. The canister  402  component pairs  408  are  408 H and  408 A,  408 B and  408 C,  408 D and  408 E,  408 F and  408 G. 
         [0074]    One embodiment of disc  102  ( 202 ) includes the tension bar arm designed in four sets of pairs  106 A and  106 B ( 206 A and  206 B),  106 C and  106 D ( 206 C and  206 D),  106 E and  106 F ( 206 E and  206 F), and,  106 G and  106 H ( 206 G and  206 H). Each arm ends with a ball shape respectively  104 A and  104 B ( 204 A and  204 B),  104 C and  104 D ( 204 C and  204 D),  104 E and  104 F ( 204 E and  204 F), and,  104 G and  104 H ( 204 G and  204 H). The ball end  104  ( 204 ) pairs slide up and down in the respective canister shallow, trough-shaped  406  pairs to hold disc  102  ( 202 ) in the horizontal orientation placement determined by the craftsperson. 
         [0075]    The tension bar arm  106  ( 206 ) is flexible to provide the tension necessary to hold the disc  102  ( 202 ) placed by the craftsperson at the determined horizontal location. This embodiment ensures that each yarn source is isolated in an area adequate to support the innate movement of the yarn source and maintain the separation of each yarn source feed to prevent tangling of the separate yarn sources when yarn is pulled by the craftsperson. The flexible arms  106  ( 206 ) enable the disc  102  ( 202 ) to be slipped into canister U-shaped channel  404  for a vertical divider and to be snapped into the base storage area  512 . 
         [0076]    An embodiment of canister  402  includes the stop-guard channel  408  designed to keep the thread or yarn within the respective punch-out area (or opening)  112  ( 212 ) as it is being pulled. Each stop-guard channel  408  is L-shaped and makes up the last of the five elements in the four sets of vertical channels  404 ,  406 , and  408  located at approximately equal intervals around the interior periphery of canister  402 . 
         [0077]    Each of the four sets of vertical channels  404 ,  406  and  408  located around the interior periphery of canister  402  corresponds to a respective set of disc  102  ( 202 ) components  104  ( 204 ),  108  ( 208 ),  110  ( 210 ). The four disc component sets  104  ( 204 ),  108  ( 208 ),  110  ( 210 ) are separated by four, semi-circular punch-out areas  112  ( 212 ) through which the yarn is run. Firmly woven yarn diameter up to one inch and novelty yarns in excess of two inches can be pulled unimpeded through punch-out areas  112  ( 212 ). 
         [0078]    With disc  102  ( 202 ) inserted into canister  402  in the horizontal position, there is a stop-guard channel  408  located on either side of each punch-out area  112  ( 212 ) and keeps the yarn from sliding out of the containment area and getting caught in the tension bar arm  106  ( 206 ). The stop-guard  408  on one side of the punch-out area  112  ( 212 ) is the outside channel of one set of four vertical channels  408 A,  408 C,  408 E, and  408 G. The stop-guard  408  on the other side of the punch-out  112  ( 212 ) is the outside channel of a different set of four vertical channels  408 B,  408 D,  408 F, and  408 H. 
         [0079]    Correspondingly, an embodiment of disc  102  ( 202 ) includes the stop-guard notch  110  ( 210 ) that slides against canister L-shaped channel  408  when disc  102  ( 202 ) is inserted in canister  402  in the horizontal position. The stop-guard notch  110  ( 210 ) is located on either side of a punch-out  112  ( 212 ) and keeps the yarn from sliding out of the containment area and getting caught in the tension bar arm  106  ( 206 ). The stop-guard notch  110  ( 210 ) on one side of the punch-out is the outside component of one set of four disc components  110 B,  110 D,  110 F, and  110 H. The stop-guard notch  110  ( 210 ) on the other side of the punch-out is the outside component of a different set of four disc components  110 A,  110 C,  110 E, and  110 G. 
         [0080]    Another embodiment, among others, of disc  102  ( 202 ) includes two holes  114 A ( 214 A) and  114 B ( 214 B) located in the center area. The craftsperson can insert a finger in each hole  114 A and  114 B when removing or inserting disc  102  or  202  into the bottom storage area  512  or the canister  402 . 
         [0081]    Handle  302  elements  304 A and  304 B snap into canister  402  through holes  410 A and  410 B. Handle  302  rests along the outside of canister  402  when handle  302  is not in use. Handle  302  swings upright when in use. Snap  304 A ( 304 B) can be squeezed and pushed back out through hole  410 A ( 410 B) to be removed. 
         [0082]    Preferably, base  502  fits on the bottom of canister  402  and is held into place by four brackets  506 A,  506 B,  506 C and  506 D located at equal intervals around base  502 . When in place, base plate  504  forms the bottom of canister  402  and is the bottom shelf on which yarn source(s) rest. 
         [0083]    One embodiment, among others, of base  502  provides a lower center of gravity to stabilize the accessory to remain upright and resist the torsional or lateral forces caused by the yarn sources as they unravel or pull. 
         [0084]    Another embodiment, among others, includes base storage area  512  into which discs  102  and  202  can be snapped when not in use. 
         [0085]    In yet another embodiment, among others, disc tension bar ball end  104  ( 204 ) snaps into base storage area  512 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 5E , disc tension bar ball end  104 F snaps into base channel  510 A and ball end  104 G is matched with  510 B. The flexibility of disc tension bar arm  106  allows ball end  104  to squeeze beyond base ridge  514  and snap into storage cavity  512 . Base embodiment  508  fits against disc embodiment  110  to keep the disc in place. Disc finger holes  114  ( 214 ) are used to pull disc  102  ( 202 ) in reverse action to unsnap respective disc and remove from base storage area  512 . 
         [0086]    With respect to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , it is the craftsperson&#39;s choice which configuration will be used for a specific project. The twelve configurations illustrated are given as “examples” herein are intended to be non-limiting. 
         [0087]    One embodiment, among others, of the present invention automatically aligns disc punch-out  112  and  212 . The four disc punch-out areas  112 A,  112 B,  112 C, and  112 D ( 212 A,  212 B,  212 C, and  212 D) will consistently be located in the same relative position to the four sets of channel embodiments of canister  402 . These embodiments re-enforce learned behavior predictability for the craftsperson to become proficient at draping each yarn source over the canister  402  and having such placement be within a punch-out area  112  ( 212 ). This predictability reduces the probability of frustration experienced when lining up each yarn source to be aligned with the respective punch-out area  112  ( 212 ). 
         [0088]      FIGS. 8A ,  8 B and  8 C illustrate three possible configurations of a single ball yarn source  1002 .  FIG. 8A  is a placement of yarn feed  1004  from the external ball winding. Yarn source  1002  could be configured by the craftsperson with yarn feed  1006  from the internal of the yarn ball. A third configuration ( FIG. 8C ) of yarn source  1002  is shown with both feed  1004  from the external ball winding and feed  1006  from the internal. This embodiment, among others, keeps each yarn feed separated by placement through respective punch-out  112 . Another embodiment, among others, lets the horizontal placement of disc  102  ( 202 ) at a distance above yarn ball  1002  to ensure that each yarn source is isolated in an area adequate to support its innate movement yet still maintain the separation of each yarn source feed to prevent tangling when the separate sources are pulled by the craftsperson. 
         [0089]      FIGS. 8D ,  8 E and  8 F illustrate parallel configurations to  8 A,  8 B and  8 C with a second ball yarn source  1102 .  FIG. 8D  illustrates ball yarn sources  1002  and  1102  each configured respectively with yarn feed  1004  and  1104  from the external ball winding.  FIG. 8E  illustrates ball yarn sources  1002  and  1102  each configured respectively with internal yarn feeds  1006  and  1106 . The third configuration ( FIG. 8F ) illustrates ball yarn sources  1002  and  1102  each shown with external feeds  1004  and  1104 , and internal feeds  1006  and  1106  respectively for a total of four yarn source feeds. This embodiment, among others, keeps each yarn feed separated by placement through respective punch-outs  112  ( 212 ).  FIGS. 9A-9F  parallel  FIGS. 8A-8F  with the exception  FIGS. 9A-9F  are shown using skein yarn source(s) and disc  102  ( 202 ) is positioned to divide canister  402  vertically. 
         [0090]    The craftsperson knowledgeable in the art of knitting or crocheting will use the present disclosure to manage one or more yarn sources used in the creation of a project. The present disclosure is designed to separate the yarn sources and reduce the tangling of the yarn as the craftsperson progresses through a project. 
         [0091]    Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, or alterations to the disclosure as described may be made. All such changes, modifications, and alterations should therefore be seen as within the scope of the disclosure.

Technology Classification (CPC): 3