Patent Abstract:
An apparatus for removably securing resilient cushioning and gripping support to a crochet hook to facilitate its manipulation. Handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook is a lightweight, resilient gripping sleeve having an interior cavity for the accommodation of a crochet hook. Complete with gripping members and an elastomeric composition, handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook provides increased comfort and decreased fatigue for a user during the completion of a handicraft project.

Full Description:
COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
     The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of handgrips and more specifically relates to removably-secured cushioning handgrip sleeves for crochet hooks. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Many individuals in modern society use crochet hooks when completing handicraft projects. As designs and patterns of projects vary, so do the sizes of crochet hooks required to complete these projects. Crochet hooks of every size play vital roles in completing these projects. Easy manipulation of these implements helps to maintain a person&#39;s efficiency and good humor when completing a project. As many of these projects take copious amounts of time to complete, the frequent use of crochet hooks may cause individuals to suffer uncomfortable or even painful results: fatigue; hand and finger cramping; and painful blisters and/or calluses. Of specific concern are individuals suffering from debilitating conditions such as arthritis, psoriasis, and the like. Such individuals often struggle to complete crochet and other handicraft projects, as holding and manipulating crochet hooks for even short lengths of time is too painful. 
     Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,608,077; 1,518,961; 1,502,584; 7,874,182; 2008/0272104; and U.S. Pat. No. 1,409,580. This prior art is representative of handgrips. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
     Ideally, a removably-secured cushioning handgrip sleeve for crochet hooks should be lightweight, resilient, and user friendly and, yet, would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable handgrip system to provide secure resilient cushioning and gripping support for a crochet hook to facilitate its manipulation and to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known handgrip art, the present invention provides a novel handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide secure resilient cushioning and gripping support for a crochet hook to facilitate its manipulation. 
     A handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook system is disclosed herein preferably comprising: a handgrip body having a first end, a second end, an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inner cavity. In preferred embodiments, the handgrip body comprises a prismatic configuration with a circular cross-section. This essentially cylindrical handgrip body comprises an inner cavity that extends lengthwise through the handgrip body. The inner cavity of the handgrip body acts as a void, this void being defined by the inner surface of the handgrip body. In preferred embodiments, a crochet hook is friction-fit within the inner cavity of the handgrip body allowing a user to more securely and comfortably manipulate the crochet hook over a duration of use. 
     Ideally, the inner cavity of the handgrip body extends throughout essentially the center of the handgrip body from the first end to the second end. The inner cavity thereby creates an entrance orifice in the first end and an exit aperture at the second end of the handgrip body that preferably engage a crochet hook so as to allow the functional end of the crochet hook to protrude from the handgrip body at a sufficient distance to allow the functional use thereof. Additionally, the handgrip body may comprise a slit extending lengthwise along the entire handgrip body, penetrating the handgrip body laterally from the outer surface to the inner surface, thereby effectively creating a channel capable of acting as both an access point and an enclosure for the crochet hook within the handgrip body. The handgrip body may additionally comprise an end cap that covers the second end of the handgrip body. Such an end cap acts as a barrier to prevent the protrusion of the crochet hook from the exit aperture, effectively retaining the shank of the crochet hook within the confines of the inner cavity. 
     For cushioning and gripping purposes, the handgrip body preferably comprises an elastomer such as a shape-memory polymer or the like. The shape-memory polymer is capable of being deformed according to a user&#39;s hand by the pressure exerted by a user, and therefore effectively produces a perfectly shaped handgrip body to most comfortably and securely fit a user. In preferred embodiments, the handgrip body may be sufficiently deformable to accommodate crochet hooks of various sizes within one handgrip body, making the handgrip body a versatile gripping apparatus. 
     Additionally, the handgrip body may comprise pre-formed finger grips in which the outer surface of the handgrip body comprises concave finger indentations separated one from another by a convex spacer mound. In preferred embodiments, the outer surface of the handgrip body comprises a non-slip coating and one or more protrusions that act as additional gripping members. As each user necessitates varying comfort and support arrangements, a plurality of handgrip bodies may be arranged in series on one crochet hook, thereby altering the overall shape and performance of the handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook system. 
     A method of using a handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook system is also described herein preferably comprising the steps of: inserting a crochet hook into an entrance orifice of a handgrip body; pushing the crochet hook through the handgrip body, causing it to protrude from an exit aperture; and gripping the handgrip body, and thereby manipulating the crochet hook during the performance of at least one project. The method preferably further comprises the step of adding additional handgrip bodies as desired to create a personalized handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook. 
     The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a handgrip system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, Handgrip Sleeve for Use with a Crochet Hook, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2A-2B  are perspective views illustrating the handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook with an inner cavity and a slit according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  are perspective views illustrating the handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook with protrusions according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-2B . 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  are perspective views illustrating the handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-3C . 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating the handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4C . 
     
    
    
     The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a handgrip device and more particularly to a handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook as used to improve the secure cushioning and gripping support for a crochet hook to facilitate its manipulation. 
     Referring now to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIG. 1 , a perspective view illustrating a handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook  100  preferably comprises: handgrip body  200  preferably having first end  215 ; second end  220 ; outer surface  205 ; inner surface  210 ; and at least one inner cavity  225 . Ideally, handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook  100  may be modifiable in size and shape in order to meet the needs and/or preferences of a user. Length and/or thickness of each handgrip body  200  may be variable within the present embodiment, yet alternate embodiments may consist of handgrip bod(ies)  200  of standard lengths and/or thicknesses. 
     Within this particular embodiment, handgrip body  200  may comprise a prismatic configuration, thereby effectively maintaining a constant overall thickness throughout the length of handgrip body  200 . Alternatively, handgrip body  200  may be tapered, as shown in  FIG. 4A , thereby effectively creating a non-prismatic configuration. Additionally, in this particular embodiment, handgrip body  200  may comprise a circular cross-section. Alternatively, handgrip body  200  may comprise a non-circular configuration such as triangular, rectangular, octagonal, or the like, as shown in  FIG. 4B . Regardless of overall size and shape of handgrip body  200 , handgrip body  200  may preferably be adapted to hold a shank of a crochet hook within inner cavity  225  such that crochet hook may be removably secured and comfortably gripped and manipulated by a user during at least one duration of use. 
       FIGS. 2A-2B  are perspective views illustrating handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook  100  with inner cavity  225  and slit  240  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
     Inner surface  210  preferably defines inner cavity  225  which may act in a capacity of a void. Ideally, inner cavity  225  extends lengthwise within handgrip body  200  from first end  215  to second end  220 . In other embodiments, inner cavity  225  may extend only partially throughout the length of handgrip body  200 , extending only from either first end  215  or second end  220  but not simultaneously intersecting both first end  215  and second end  220 . Any intersection of inner cavity  225  with first end  215  effectively creates entrance orifice  230 . 
     Alternately, any intersection of inner cavity  225  with second end  220  effectively creates exit aperture  235 . Entrance orifice  230  and exit aperture  235  essentially act in the capacity of entrance and exit points, respectively, for a crochet needle engaging handgrip body  200 . A crochet hook may preferably be friction-fit within the confines of inner cavity  225 , abutting inner surface  210  of handgrip body  200 , such that the crochet hook may be inserted into entrance orifice  230 ; driven through inner cavity  225 ; and expelled from exit aperture  235  of handgrip body  200  for use. While handgrip body  200  of the present embodiment comprises one inner cavity  225 , handgrip body  200  of alternate embodiments may comprise a plurality of inner cavit(ies)  225 . 
     In the present embodiment, handgrip body  200  may preferably comprise slit  240 . Slit  240  may preferably extend: longitudinally along handgrip body  200  from first end  215  to second end  220 ; and laterally through handgrip body  200  from outer surface  205  to inner cavity  225 . Any intersection of slit  240  and inner cavity  225  may preferably define channel  245 , which ideally acts in a capacity of both an access point and an enclosure for a crochet hook engaging handgrip body  200 . In alternate embodiments, slit  240  may extend only partially along handgrip body  200 —extending laterally either from first end  215  or from second end  220  but not simultaneously intersecting both first end  215  and second end  220 . 
     Within the present embodiment, slit  240  is preferably narrower than a diameter of a crochet hook, thereby essentially preventing a crochet hook from being unintentionally removed from handgrip body  200 . Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other securing and fastening arrangements such as, for example, adhesive, cords, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc., may be sufficient. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of securing and/or sealing crevices as described herein, methods of securing and/or sealing crevices will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  are perspective views illustrating handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook  100  with protrusion(s)  300  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-2B . 
     Ideally, an interior of handgrip body  200  may preferably be sufficiently deformable to accommodate a plurality of sizes of crochet hooks. Within the present embodiment, handgrip body  200  may accommodate a single crochet hook; however, in alternate embodiments, handgrip body  200  may accommodate multiple crochet hooks to accommodate the needs and/or preferences of a user. Handgrip body  200  may comprise a resilient foam; a soft resin; and, alternately, an elastomer such as silicone rubber utilizing injection molding to create a desired shape and size. Handgrip body  200  may comprise a shape-memory polymer capable of being deformed according to the shape of a user&#39;s hands and the pressure exerted thereby upon handgrip body  200 . Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other deformable material arrangements such as, for example, rubber, polystyrene beads, etc., may be sufficient. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of molding and/or casting as described herein, methods of molding and/or casting handgrips will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
     Handgrip body  200  may comprise pre-formed finger grip(s)  305  along outer surface  205 . Planar outer surface  205  may preferably be interrupted by at least one concave finger indentation  310  which may be separated from any additional finger indentation(s)  310  by at least one convex spacer mound  315 . Handgrip body  200  of the present embodiment preferably comprises a plurality of finger indentation(s)  310  and spacer mound(s)  315  in a series relationship, preferably occurring in an alternating pattern. Alternately, (and in some embodiments, additionally) handgrip body  200  may comprise at least one protrusion  300  along outer surface  205 . Protrusion  300  preferably acts in a capacity of a gripping member. Handgrip body  200  of preferred embodiments comprise a plurality of protrusion(s)  300  to increase the security of a user&#39;s grasp of handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook  100  and his or her manipulation thereof. Protrusion(s)  300  may take the form of ridges, raised bumps, and the like. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of gripping member construction as described herein, methods of constructing gripping members will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  are perspective views illustrating handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-3C . 
     In order to retain a crochet hook within handgrip body  200 , handgrip body  200  may comprise end cap  400 , as shown in  FIG. 4A . End cap  400  may be releasably secured to first end  215  or second end  220  of handgrip body  200  and act in a capacity of a barrier to prevent a crochet hook from protruding from entrance orifice  230  or exit aperture  235 , respectively. While end cap  400  of the present embodiment may be releasably connected to handgrip body  200 , handgrip body  200  of alternate embodiments may comprise an integral end cap  400  created by the partial extension of inner cavity  225  (as opposed to its full extension) throughout handgrip body  200 . Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of securing and fastening as described herein, methods of releasably securing structural elements one to another will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
     Both outer surface  205  and inner surface  210  may comprise a non-slip coating. A non-slip coating along inner surface  210  may act as an additional securing means for a crochet hook within handgrip body  200 , which may essentially prevent: undesired rotation of a crochet hook within inner cavity  225 ; and undesired removal of a crochet hook from within inner cavity  225 . A non-slip coating along outer surface  205  may act as an additional steadying and securing means for a crochet hook within a user&#39;s hand during use. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other gripping material arrangements such as, for example, surface projections, magnets, fasteners, etc., may be sufficient. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of surface coating and/or texturing as described herein, methods of coating and/or texturing surfaces will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
     As is shown in  FIG. 4C , a plurality of handgrip bod(ies)  200  may preferably be arranged in series on one crochet hook. Each configuration and placement of individual handgrip bod(ies)  200  may alter an overall shape and performance of handgrip sleeve for use with crochet hook  100 . In this way, a user may manipulate the number and placement of handgrip bod(ies)  200  on a crochet hook in order to reach a desired configuration to effectively ensure optimal security and comfort when grasping and manipulating the crochet hook during use. 
     Handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook system  100  may be sold as kit  490  comprising the following parts: at least one handgrip body  200 ; at least one end cap  400 ; and at least one set of user instructions. Handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
       FIG. 5  is flowchart  550  illustrating handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4C . 
     A method of using (at least hereby enabling method of use  500 ) a handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook  100  preferably comprising the steps of: step one  501  inserting a crochet hook into entrance orifice  230  of handgrip body  200 ; step two  502  pushing the crochet hook through handgrip body  200  to protrude from exit aperture  235 ; and step three  503  gripping handgrip body  200  and thereby manipulating the crochet hook during a performance of at least one project. The method of use  500  preferably further comprises the step of: step four  504  adding additional handgrip bod(ies)  200  as desired to create a personalized handgrip sleeve for use with a crochet hook  100 . 
     It should be noted that step four  504  is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method  500  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 5  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method  500 . 
     It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
     The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Technology Classification (CPC): 3