Knitting Ring

Abstract

A knitting ring can be worn on a knitter's finger and used to hold and tension yarn while the knitter is knitting. The knitting ring includes a yarn member that is configured to hold and tension multiple strands of yarn and a finger member that can be coupled to the yarn member to mount the yarn member on the knitter's finger. The yarn member includes opposing arms that are configured to hold the strands of yarn and apply a desired amount of tension to the strands of yarn. The yarn member may be removed from the finger member during use and then repositioned on the finger member in a desired orientation thereby facilitating a number of different knitting techniques.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] N/A

BACKGROUND

[0002] Many different knitting techniques exist. Brioche knitting, for example, is used to create ridged fabrics using slipped stitches in conjunction with yarnovers. Brioche knitting can be performed using a one-pass technique or a two-pass technique as those of skill in the art would understand. With both of these brioche techniques, it is possible to use two different strands of yarn which are typically different colors. Stranded knitting is another type of knitting technique that may involve two different strands of yarn.

[0003] With any knitting technique, it is common for the knitter to hold and possibly tension the yarn in his or her fingers. Many different techniques and even devices have been developed for this purpose. Even so, many knitters find it difficult, if not impossible, to hold the strands of yarn while performing certain knitting techniques. This is particularly true when the knitting employs two strands of yarn.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention extends to a knitting ring that can be worn on a knitter's finger and used to hold and tension yarn while the knitter is knitting. The knitting ring includes a yarn member that is configured to hold and tension multiple strands of yarn and a finger member that can be coupled to the yarn member to mount the yarn member on the knitter's finger. The yarn member includes opposing arms that are configured to hold the strands of yarn and apply a desired amount of tension to the strands of yarn. The yarn member may be removed from the finger member during use and then repositioned on the finger member in a desired orientation thereby facilitating a number of different knitting techniques.

[0005] In one embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a knitting ring that includes a yarn member and a finger member. The yarn member has arms positioned on opposing sides of the yarn member. Each arm is configured to pivot inwardly towards the corresponding side. The yarn member also includes a finger member channel. The finger member has a base, a finger portion extending from the base and prongs extending from the base opposite the finger portion. The prongs are configured to insert into the finger member channel to secure the finger member to the yarn member.

[0006] In another embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a knitting ring that includes a yarn member and a finger member. The yarn member includes a main body having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a first side surface, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, and opposing face surfaces that extend between the top and bottom surfaces and between the first and second side surfaces. The main body also forms a finger member channel that extends between and through the top and bottom surfaces. The yarn member also includes a first arm that extends outwardly from the main body and that is positioned overtop the first side surface. The first arm is configured to selectively hold and tension yarn against the first side surface. The yarn member also includes a second arm that extends outwardly from the main body and that is positioned overtop the second side surface. The second arm is configured to selectively hold and tension yarn against the second side surface. The finger member has a base, a finger portion that extends from the base and prongs that extends from the base opposite the finger portion. The prongs are configured to insert through the finger member channel to selectively couple the finger member to the yarn member.

[0007] In another embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a knitting ring that includes a yarn member and a finger member. The yarn member includes a main body having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a first side surface, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, and opposing face surfaces that extend between the top and bottom surfaces and between the first and second side surfaces. The main body also forms a finger member channel. The yarn member also includes a first arm that extends outwardly from the main body and that is positioned overtop the first side surface. The first arm is configured to selectively hold and tension yarn against the first side surface. The yarn member also includes a second arm that extends outwardly from the main body and that is positioned overtop the second side surface. The second arm is configured to selectively hold and tension yarn against the second side surface. The finger member couples to the yarn member to enable the yarn member to be positioned on a knitter's finger.

[0008] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010] FIG. 1A illustrates an assembled view of a knitting ring that is configured in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded view of the knitting ring;

[0012] FIG. 2A illustrates a front/rear view of a yarn member of the knitting ring;

[0013] FIG. 2B illustrates a top/bottom view of the yarn member;

[0014] FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the yarn member;

[0015] FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of a finger member of the knitting ring;

[0016] FIG. 3B illustrates a front/rear view of the finger member;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates the knitting ring in use; and

[0018] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate how the arms of the yarn member can hold and tension yarn.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an assembled view and an exploded view respectively of a knitting ring 100 that is configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Knitting ring 100 includes a yarn member 110, a finger member 120, retaining members 130 and tightening members 140. In this specification, the term "yarn" should encompass strands of any type of fiber or material that can be used to knit. In some embodiments, knitting ring 100 can be formed of nylon or another plastic-based material that is substantially rigid but sufficiently elastic to perform the functions described below.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1A, finger member 120 couples to yarn member 110 to enable a knitter to wear knitting ring 100 on his or her finger. Retaining members 130, which may be in the form of barrel nuts, can be configured to receive tightening members 140, which may be in the form of thumb screws. Retaining members 130 are configured to enable tightening members 140 to be tightened towards yarn member 110 (e.g., via threads).

[0021] FIGS. 2A-2C provide different views of yarn member 110 in isolation. Yarn member 110 includes a main body 111 that may have a generally rectangular shape. Main body 111 has opposing top/bottom surfaces 111a, opposing side surfaces 111b and opposing face surfaces 111c. As will be described further below, yarn member 110 can be coupled to finger member 120 with either top/bottom surface 111a facing upward. Therefore, the term "top/bottom" is used to distinguish the surfaces from the side surfaces.

[0022] Yarn member 110 also includes arms 112 positioned overtop side surfaces 111b. Arms 112 are oriented in opposite directions (i.e., one arm points down while the other arm points up). Each of arms 112 is coupled to main body 111 via a biasing member 112a. In the depicted embodiment, biasing member 112a is in the form of circular extension of arm 112 but another biasing structure, such as a living hinge, could be used. Biasing member 112a causes arm 112 to be biased outwardly away from the corresponding side surface 111b. Each arm 112 includes openings 112b and 112c that align with corresponding protrusions 115 and 116 that extend from the corresponding side surface 111b. Protrusions 115 and 116 are spaced apart to thereby create a gap 117. Opening 112b extends to the end of arm 112 to thereby cause the end of arm 112 to have two prongs.

[0023] Main body 111 includes a finger member channel 113 that extends between and through top/bottom surfaces 111a. Finger member channel 113 can have a symmetrical cross-sectional shape. For example, in the depicted embodiment, finger member channel 113 has twelve inner surfaces 113a (i.e., the cross-sectional shape is a dodecagon). This configuration of finger member channel 113 enables yarn member 110 to be coupled to finger member 120 in many different orientations as will be further described below.

[0024] Main body 111 also includes retaining member channels 114 that extend between and possibly through face surfaces 111c. Retaining member channels 114 are configured to house retaining members 130. In the depicted embodiment, retaining member channels 114 extend through face surfaces 111c and may therefore allow retaining members 130 to be removed from main body 111. In other embodiments, however, retaining member channels 114 may be configured to prevent retaining members 130 from being removed from main body 111 (e.g., by including an inwardly extending lip that overlaps an end surface of retaining member 130). In any case, retaining member channels 114 can be configured to allow retaining members 130 to rotate as will be described below. As is visible in FIG. 2B, an opening 114a can be formed through each top/bottom surface 111a and the corresponding side surface 111b overtop the corresponding retaining member channel 114. Opening 114a combined with opening 112b allows tightening member 140 to pivot while it is secured to the corresponding retaining member 130 as is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0025] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate views of finger member 120 in isolation. Finger member 120 includes a ring portion 121 that is configured to be worn around the knitter's finger, a base 122, non-locking prongs 123 and locking prongs 124 (generally "prongs"). As shown, ring portion 121 can extend downwardly from base 122, while prongs 123/124 can extend upwardly from base 122. Ring portion 121 can include a notch 121a that allows the diameter of ring portion 121 to expand as necessary.

[0026] Non-locking prongs 123 extend upwardly from opposing sides of base 122 and face one another. Locking prongs 124 similarly extend upwardly from opposing sides of base 122 and face one another. Locking prongs 124 can be positioned between non-locking prongs 123. Non-locking prongs 123 and locking prongs 124 include outer surfaces 123a and 124a respectively that are shaped and positioned to correspond with inner surfaces 113a of finger member channel 113. For example, in the depicted embodiment, there are twelve outer surfaces 123a/124a such that these outer surfaces form a dodecagon. Of course, other numbers of outer surfaces 123a/124a and inner surfaces 113a could be employed (e.g., to form a hexagonal or octagonal cross-sectional shape).

[0027] Locking prongs 124 also include tabs 124b that are positioned at or towards the end of locking prongs 124. As is visible in FIG. 1A, when prongs 123/124 are inserted into finger member channel 113, locking prongs 124 will deflect inwardly until tabs 124b pass through finger member channel 113. At that point, locking prongs 124 will pivot outwardly causing tabs 124b to overlap with the corresponding top/bottom surface 111a thereby preventing finger member 120 from being decoupled from yarn member 110 without first squeezing locking prongs 124. Because locking prongs 124 are separate from and positioned between non-locking prongs 123, this inward deflection is possible.

[0028] The symmetrical cross-sectional shape of finger member channel 113 allows yarn member 110 to be coupled to finger member 120 with either top/bottom surface 111a facing upwardly while also retaining the ability to rotate yarn member 110 relative to finger member 120 at the same orientations. For example, with the dodecagonal cross-sectional shape shown in the figures, yarn member 110 could be rotated to twelve different orientations regardless of which top/bottom surface 111a is facing upwardly away from finger member 120.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates how knitting ring 100 can be worn on a knitter's finger to hold and tension yarn 401 and 402. In this figure, yarn member 110 is coupled to finger member 120 in an orientation that causes yarn member 110 to be substantially parallel to the knitter's finger. However, the knitter could squeeze locking prongs 124, remove yarn member 110 and then recouple it at any other desired orientation. For example, yarn member 110 could be positioned in an orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the knitter's finger. Additionally, yarn member 110 could be removed, flipped upside down and then recoupled to finger member 120 even without removing yarn 401 and 402 from yarn member 110 and while knitting. This ability to reorient yarn member 110 can facilitate various knitting techniques including the brioche technique where the yarn must be turned around between passes.

[0030] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate how yarn member 110 can be employed to hold and tension two strands of yarn. In FIG. 5A, tightening members 140 have been pivoted to free them from arms 112. In this orientation, yarn 501 and 502 can be inserted into gaps 117. Alternatively, yarn 501 and 502 could be threaded through gaps 117 without pivoting tightening members 140. Then, as represented in FIG. 5B, tightening members 140 can be pivoted back into openings 112b and tightened against arms 112. Biasing members 112a will allow arms 112 to pivot inwardly towards the corresponding side surface 111b to thereby pinch yarn 501 and 502 between the respective arm and side surface. Tightening member 140 can be tightened until the desired amount of tension is applied to yarn 501 and 502. With yarn 501 and 502 tensioned, the knitter may begin knitting. The tension on yarn 501 and 502 could be adjusted at any time by simply loosening tightening member 140.

[0031] Although knitting ring 100 can be used while performing any knitting technique and using one or more strands of yarn, it is particularly beneficial when performing techniques that employ two stands of yarn (e.g., the brioche technique and the stranded knitting technique). As an example, arms 112 provide a way to hold and tension two strands of yarn while the configuration of yarn member 110 and finger member 120 allow the orientation of the strands of yarn to be adjusted as necessary or desired.

[0032] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A knitting ring comprising: a yarn member having arms positioned on opposing sides of the yarn member, each arm being configured to pivot inwardly towards the corresponding side, the yarn member also including a finger member channel; and a finger member having a base, a finger portion extending from the base and prongs extending from the base opposite the finger portion, the prongs being configured to insert into the finger member channel to secure the finger member to the yarn member.

2. The knitting ring of claim 1, wherein each of the opposing sides of the yarn member includes a pair of protrusions that are spaced apart to form a gap, and wherein the corresponding arm is positioned overtop the gap.

3. The knitting ring of claim 2, wherein each arm includes a pair of openings that align with the corresponding pair of protrusions, and wherein the corresponding pair of protrusions insert into the pair of openings in the corresponding arm when the arm pivots towards the corresponding side.

4. The knitting ring of claim 1, wherein the yarn member further comprises a pair of retaining members that are positioned in the main body at the opposing sides of the yarn member and a corresponding pair of tightening members that couple to the retaining members, each tightening member being configured to apply an inward force against the corresponding arm to cause the corresponding arm to pivot inwardly.

5. The knitting ring of claim 4, wherein each of the retaining members is configured to rotate within the main body.

6. The knitting ring of claim 5, wherein the main body includes an opening for each retaining member that allows the retaining member to rotate while the corresponding tightening member is coupled to the retaining member.

7. The knitting ring of claim 4, wherein the retaining members are barrel nuts and the tightening members are thumb screws.

8. The knitting ring of claim 1, wherein the prongs comprise non-locking prongs and locking prongs.

9. The knitting ring of claim 8, wherein the non-locking prongs and the locking prongs form a plurality of outer surfaces that correspond with a plurality of inner surfaces of the finger member channel.

10. The knitting ring of claim 9, wherein the inner surfaces of the finger member channel form a symmetrical cross-sectional shape.

11. The knitting ring of claim 1, wherein the finger member channel extends between and through opposing top and bottom surfaces of the yarn member such that the prongs can be inserted into the finger member channel from either the top or the bottom surface.

12. The knitting ring of claim 1, wherein at least some of the prongs include tabs that secure the finger member to the yarn member once the prongs are inserted through the finger member channel.

13. The knitting ring of claim 12, wherein the prongs comprise locking prongs that include the tabs and non-locking prongs that do not include tabs.

14. A knitting ring comprising: a yarn member comprising: a main body having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a first side surface, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, and opposing face surfaces that extend between the top and bottom surfaces and between the first and second side surfaces, the main body also forming a finger member channel that extends between and through the top and bottom surfaces; a first arm that extends outwardly from the main body and that is positioned overtop the first side surface, the first arm being configured to selectively hold and tension yarn against the first side surface; and a second arm that extends outwardly from the main body and that is positioned overtop the second side surface, the second arm being configured to selectively hold and tension yarn against the second side surface; and a finger member having a base, a finger portion that extends from the base and prongs that extends from the base opposite the finger portion, the prongs being configured to insert through the finger member channel to selectively couple the finger member to the yarn member.

15. The knitting ring of claim 14, wherein the first arm is coupled to the top surface of the main body and the second arm is coupled to the bottom surface of the main body.

16. The knitting ring of claim 14, wherein the main body of the yarn member further includes: a first retaining member positioned towards the first side surface and a first tightening member that couples to the first retaining member, the first tightening member being configured to apply an inward force against the first arm to thereby hold and tension yarn against the first side surface; a second retaining member positioned towards the second side surface and a second tightening member that couples to the second retaining member, the second tightening member being configured to apply an inward force against the second arm to thereby hold and tension yarn against the second side surface.

17. The knitting ring of claim 14, wherein the main body of the yarn member further includes: a first set of protrusions that extend outwardly from the first side surface to define a gap within which yarn is held and tensioned by the first arm; and a second set of protrusions that extend outwardly form the second side surface to define a gap within which yarn is held and tensioned by the second arm.

18. The knitting ring of claim 14, wherein the finger member channel includes a plurality of inner surfaces and the prongs define a corresponding plurality of outer surfaces that align with the plurality of inner surfaces, the inner surfaces and the outer surfaces forming a symmetrical cross-sectional shape to thereby allow the yarn member to be coupled to the finger member in a plurality of orientations.

19. The knitting ring of claim 14, wherein at least one of the prongs includes a tab that interlocks with the top or bottom surface when the prongs are inserted through the finger member channel.

20. A knitting ring comprising: a yarn member comprising: a main body having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a first side surface, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, and opposing face surfaces that extend between the top and bottom surfaces and between the first and second side surfaces, the main body also forming a finger member channel; a first arm that extends outwardly from the main body and that is positioned overtop the first side surface, the first arm being configured to selectively hold and tension yarn against the first side surface; and a second arm that extends outwardly from the main body and that is positioned overtop the second side surface, the second arm being configured to selectively hold and tension yarn against the second side surface; and a finger member that couples to the yarn member to enable the yarn member to be positioned on a knitter's finger.

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