US008316894B2
`
`(12) Ulllted States Patent
`Schaub
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,316,894 B2
`Nov. 27, 2012
`
`(54) MODULARADJUSTABLE FRAME HAND
`LOOM
`
`2,797,710 A *
`3,332,448 A *
`
`7/1957 BintZ et a1. .................... .. 139/33
`7/1967 Simons
`139/29
`
`(76) Inventor: Rene Schaub, Elk Grove, CA (US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U'S'C' 154(b)by 107 days‘
`
`(21) APP1-NO-Z 1370865051
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Apr. 13, 2011
`
`(65)
`
`-
`-
`-
`Pmr Pubhcatlon Data
`
`US 2011/0259465 A1
`
`Oct, 27, 2011
`
`RelatedUs Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/327,353, ?led on Apr.
`23, 2010-
`
`(51) Int‘ Cl‘
`(2006.01)
`D03D 29/00
`(2006.01)
`D03D 41/00
`gfsl'dcli C"l'""'_'i'i'""'_139s/29; 159/1 R; 139/11i3193/91/i:
`1e
`0
`assl canon earc """""""" "
`’
`S
`1,
`_
`?l f
`1
`11’ 29*34
`ee app lcanon e or Comp ete Seam lstory'
`References Cited
`
`(
`
`)
`
`(56)
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2 i
`1’506’010 A *
`2,043,082 A *
`2,072,668 A
`2,094,505 A *
`2,237,733 A
`2 433 307 A
`23481395 A *
`2,563,510 A *
`2,582,008 A *
`
`g?lssstenbach """"""""" "
`8/1924 LaPin'III:
`::"206/495
`6/ 1936 Wallach ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,, 28/151
`7/1936 Eltgfoth
`9/1937 Thackeray ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ 139/33
`3/1939 Grimm et a1.
`9/l945 Thomas
`9/1949 Simons “““““““““““““““ “ 139/33
`8/1951 Bellin
`.. 139/1R
`1/1952 Clack ............................ .. 139/33
`
`3,665,971 A *
`3,738,395 A *
`3,800,372 A
`3,812,887 A *
`3,870,087 A *
`2 *
`4,023,245 A
`4,046,171 A *
`4,074,726 A *
`
`,
`
`,
`
`5/1972 Ileks . . . . . . .
`. . . .. 139/33
`6/1973 St
`............................. .. 139/29
`4/1974 Dgglslst
`5/1974 Stars ............................. .. 139/29
`3/1975 Henwood ..................... .. 139/33
`166303;
`13964
`5/1977 Zaltzman
`9/1977 Wilson .......................... .. 139/29
`2/1978 Harris . . . . .
`. . . .. 139/29
`
`........................... ..
`
`en 1
`
`4,103,715 A *
`
`4,109,685 A *
`
`8/1978 Harris . . . . .
`
`8/1978 Westin
`
`4,131,138 A * 12/1978 Boisveit . . . . . .
`4,160,467 A *
`7/1979 W00druff....
`4,178,970 A * 12/1979 Mueller . . . . . .
`
`. . . .. 139/33
`
`139/33
`
`. . . .. 139/29
`139/33
`. . . .. 139/30
`
`1/1981 Edwards ....................... .. 139/33
`4,244,400 A *
`2/1981 Wang
`4,248,063 A
`4,301,839 A * 11/1981 Yamaguchiet a1. .......... .. 139/29
`Continued
`(
`)
`Primary Examiner * Bobby Muromoto, Jr.
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm * Lackenbach Siegel, LLP;
`Myron Greenspan
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`An adjustable knitting and Weaving hand loom includes dif
`ferently shaped elongate sections. Tabs and channels connect
`the sections to form a closed frame by connecting adjoining
`sections in end-to-end abutment. The tabs and mating chan
`nels form sliding joints betWeen adjoining sections. Each of
`the sections is provided With a series of substantially uni
`formly spaced holes or bores. End-most holes through the
`tabs and the channels are aligned When the axial tabs are fully
`slidably mated Within associated axial channels. Pegs are
`dimensioned to be received both Within aligned end-most
`holes at each slip joint and intermediate holes. The pegs are
`inserted into aligned end-most bores or holes function both to
`secure yarn during knitting and to lock the axial tabs from
`-
`.
`.
`.
`inadvertently separating from mating axial channels by
`movements along the direction OfinSeI'tiOn.
`
`20 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets
`
`20 \ f"
`
`'
`
`
`
`I593; 31.75;; I
`
`IO
`f
`
`.76
`
`44
`
`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 1
`
`

`

`US 8,316,894 B2
`Page2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,305,431 A * 12/1981 Ivarsson ........................ .. 139/29
`4,310,030 A *
`1/1982 Yarlovsky ..................... .. 139/29
`4,416,040 A 11/1983 Towsley
`.
`4,462,432 A *
`7/1984 $2110 6161. ..................... .. 139/33
`.
`4,489,761 A * 12/1984 van Gul1k ..................... .. 139/29
`.
`4,729,229 A
`3/1988 Whlcker
`.
`4,741,366 A *
`5/1988 Yamotogl ..................... .. 139/34
`4,825,910 A *
`5/1989 Jonsson
`139/29
`4,832,085 A *
`5/1989 Northrup '
`139/34
`7,147,009 Bl* 12/2006 Murcar ......................... .. 139/33
`D563,977 S
`3/2008 Carl et a1.
`
`7,424,898 B2* 9/2008 Holly ............................ .. 139/29
`7506524 B2, 3/2009 Gum“
`7,677,273 B2
`3/2010 Ska?estad ..................... .. 139/29
`,1
`-
`7,748,413 B2
`7/2010 KOJlIna ......................... .. 139/21
`,1
`-
`8,132,596 B2
`3/2012 We1d1eretal. ................ .. 139/29
`,1
`2002/0153050 A1 10/2002 1611116161111. .
`.. 139/29
`,1
`2005/0205150 A1
`9/2005 1611116161111. .
`.. 139/11
`,1
`2005/0247745 A1 11/2005 Spor et a1.
`.. 223/48
`,1
`-
`2009/0126822 A1
`5/2009 KOJlIna
`.. 139/29
`,1
`-
`2010/0212770 A1
`8/2010 Weldler eta
`.. 139/33
`2010/0218840 Al* 9/2010 CIOIG
`139/29
`y """"""""""""" "
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 2
`
`

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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 27, 2012
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`Sheet 1 0f 12
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`US 8,316,894 B2
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`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 3
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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 27, 2012
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`Sheet 2 0f 12
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`US 8,316,894 B2
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`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 4
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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 27, 2012
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`Sheet 3 0f 12
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`US 8,316,894 B2
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`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 5
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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 27, 2012
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`Sheet 4 0f 12
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`US 8,316,894 B2
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`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 6
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 27, 2012
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`Sheet 5 0f 12
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`US 8,316,894 B2
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`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 7
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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 27, 2012
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`Sheet 6 0f 12
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`US 8,316,894 B2
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`FIG. 6
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`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 8
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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 27, 2012
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`Sheet 7 0f 12
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`U.S. Patent
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`NOV. 27, 2012
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`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 10
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`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 10
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`U.S. Patent
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`NOV. 27, 2012
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`Sheet 9 of 12
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`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 11
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`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 11
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`U.S. Patent
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`NOV. 27, 2012
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`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 12
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`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 12
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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 27, 2012
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`Sheet 11 0f 12
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`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 13
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 27, 2012
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`Sheet 12 0f 12
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`US 8,316,894 B2
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`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 14
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`

`

`US 8,316,894 B2
`
`1
`MODULAR ADJUSTABLE FRAME HAND
`LOOM
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`This application is related and claims priority of Provi
`sional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/327,353 ?led Apr. 23,
`2010.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention generally relates to frame looms and,
`more speci?cally, to a kit for a modular adjustable frame hand
`loom suitable for knitting and Weaving yarns.
`2. Description of the Prior Art
`Knitting and Weaving have long been popular hobbies and
`a large variety of items can be made on a loom in the form of
`a frame generally having a shape corresponding to the article
`to be made. A typical loom includes pegs that project from the
`frame around Which the yarn is looped in various Ways, such
`as running back and forth betWeen opposite sides of the
`frame. HoWever, there are limitations associated With frame
`knitting devices characterized by the prior art. Typically,
`loops of yarn are attached or looped about the pegs and,
`depending on the spacing betWeen the pegs it may be dif?cult
`to manipulate the loops. Circular frames, for example, are
`normally used for knit tubular fabrics. HoWever, in order to
`knit material of different siZes and shapes many frames of
`different siZes are required.
`One example of a generally ?xed frame loom is illustrated
`in US. Pat. No. D563,977 for a long knitting loom. A similar
`knitting loom is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 7,506,524. To
`overcome the de?ciencies or disadvantages of a ?xed frame
`loom, one or more cross-bridges are disclosed in the last
`mentioned patent that are connected to the base structure and
`traverse tWo parallel spaced bars. By including such cross
`bridges at selected locations the loom can provide additional
`pins betWeen the parallel bars to effectively change the lon
`gitudinal length of the frame along its length direction. Such
`cross-bridges are intended to con?gure the loom to produce
`different Working lengths and a circular knit having a diam
`eter smaller than the effective length of the overall loom.
`A ?xed frame loom is also disclosed in US. Pat. No.
`4,729,229 that provides roWs of pins on opposite sides of a
`slot. The pins are integrally molded in a replaceable insert
`member that may be removed from the frame of the device
`and replaced by another insert member that has pins that are
`spaced differently, of different diameters, or perhaps different
`elastic characteristics. HoWever, the general con?guration
`and siZe of the frame remains ?xed.
`In order to overcome some of the disadvantages associated
`With ?xed frame looms, various adjustable frame looms have
`been proposed. An early example of such an adjustable loom
`is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 2,072,668 in Which a pair ofbars
`is provided With traverse holes to receive threaded bolts. Each
`bolt is equipped With a Wing nut, springs being disposed on
`the bolts betWeen the bars to normally urge the bars apart to
`the extent permitted by the adjustable Wing nuts. By using
`such a construction, there is a limited ability to separate the
`bars and increase the distance betWeen the pins on Which the
`yarn is looped around. A similarknitting device is disclosed in
`US. Pat. No. 2,237,733 in Which spacing Washers are dis
`posed on the bolts betWeen the bars for providing a predeter
`mined distance or spacing of the slot for a desired Width of the
`fabric to be knitted.
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`An early adjustable hand Weaving frame loom is disclosed
`in US. Pat. No. 2,433,307. HoWever, While this loom is
`constructed so that modular sections can be arranged end-to
`end and formed into various polygonal shapes or siZes, the
`sections are held together by tWo spaced bores on one section
`and aligned pins on another mating section. HoWever, there is
`no locking feature that maintains the connected sections con
`nected to each other, and pulling one section of the frame
`relative to the other could separate the sections from each
`other.
`An adjustable loom disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,800,372
`includes upper and loWer rails With elongated slots and left
`and right hand rails With tongues at their ends that are adjust
`ably receivable in elongated slots of the upper and loWer rails.
`Each of the rails has a roW of openings that are equally spaced
`from each other and headed pins are received in desired
`openings. The pins that are received in the intermediate rails
`are longer than those that are mounted on the other rails so
`that the tops of all the pins lie in the same plane. Separate
`corner posts must be used, hoWever, to secure the rails
`together in their adjusted positions. The comer post may be
`used to adjust the trimmer in Which the loom is adjusted for
`knitting articles of different siZes but cannot serve as pegs for
`looping yarn. The loom may also be disassembled for storage.
`A manual knitting frame is disclosed in US. Pat. No.
`3,967,467 that consists of tWo parallel bars held apart to
`create a relatively narroW slot betWeen them. Each bar carries
`a roW of spaced upright pins on Which yarn may be looped
`during knitting. To vary and standardiZe the length of the
`stitches an adjustable member is provided for spacing the bars
`apart for any one of several ?xed but selectable distances. A
`stitch selector is provided for this purpose that has a series of
`notches that can be engaged With a ?xed detent.
`Another knitting frame formed of tWo parallel bars that are
`adjustably spaced from each other is disclosed in US. Pat.
`No. 4,248,063. HoWever, to adjust the spacing betWeen the
`elongated members rods pass through the bars, some of Which
`are threaded and carry rotating knobs used for adjustments.
`The frame is bulky and costly to produce and not intended to
`be assembled or disassembled by the user.
`A handloom construction that utiliZes separate pieces or
`modules is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 4,023,245. The con
`struction contemplates the use of end-to-end frame modules.
`Connection of modules utiliZes an additional pin that serves
`both as a pin unit spacing of both connected modules. HoW
`ever, in order to lock and retain the geometry of a selected or
`desired frame con?guration special fasteners must be used at
`the ends of the modules. Failure to adequately tighten them
`may result in shifting of connected modules relative to one
`another and, therefore, modi?cation of the desired frame
`geometry.
`A Weaving loom is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 4,416,040
`that includes a plurality of interchangeable sections that
`together form a loom frame. The sections are separately con
`nected together end-to -end. HoWever, the loom employs a tab
`and slot construction at the butting ends that not only prevents
`them from being pulled apart axially but alloWs the sections to
`be disconnected When one section is tWisted doWnWardly
`relative to the other section. Therefore, by placing undesired
`stresses on the loom or loom sections the sections may inad
`vertently separate. Additionally, because of the manner in
`Which connected sections are disconnected from each other,
`requiring tWisting of the elements relative to each other, this
`loom is less convenient and less easy to use since improper
`tWisting may prevent quick or simple disassembly.
`
`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 15
`
`

`

`US 8,316,894 B2
`
`3
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
`provide a modular adjustable frame hand loom that over
`comes the disadvantages inherent in prior art hand looms.
`It is another object of the invention to provide a modular
`adjustable frame hand loom that is simple in construction and
`economical to manufacture.
`It is still another object of the invention to provide a hand
`loom that is modular and adjustable to selectively provide
`numerous loom con?gurations, including square, rectangu
`lar, oval and circular suitable for knitting or Weaving.
`It is yet another object of the invention to provide a hand
`loom having bars provided With indexed holes and corre
`spondingly con?gured leg portions on pegs or pins so that the
`pegs or pins can only be inserted on the bars of the loom With
`an orientation to outWardly expose elongate axial recesses or
`guides for guiding needle ends along the external surfaces of
`the shanks of the pins or pegs.
`It is a further object of the invention to provide a hand loom
`that includes different siZed pegs that can be selectively
`inserted into the bars forming the loom for accommodation of
`different Weight yarns.
`It is still a further object of the invention to provide pegs or
`pins that are color coded to facilitate marking and looping of
`yarns to create desired patterns.
`It is an additional object of the invention to provide a hand
`loom that is simple and quick to assemble into a desired shape
`or con?guration and disassemble for storage.
`It is still an additional object of the invention to provide a
`hand loom as in the previous object in Which end pegs or pins
`on each linear bar of the loom can be inserted into lined holes
`on matting tenon and mortiseitype elements to lock associ
`ated or connected loom linear members or bars to prevent a
`situation of a loom after it has been assembled.
`It is yet an additional object of the invention to provide a
`hand loom of the type under discussion that alloWs for modi
`?cation not only of the siZe of the selected loom but also the
`geometrical con?guration thereof.
`It is also another object of the invention to provide a kit that
`includes all component parts packaged together for retail sale
`to consumers in non-assembled form that alloWs the con
`sumer to achieve the above mentioned objects.
`It is also a further object of the invention to provide a
`method of assembling a modular adjustable frame hand loom
`of the type suggested in the above objects.
`In order to achieve above objects, as Well the others that
`Will become here and after, a modular adjustable frame hand
`loom comprises a plurality of generally elongated sections
`each of Which de?nes an upper surface and opposing ?rst and
`second ends. Connecting means are provided for connecting
`said sections to form a closed frame by connecting a section
`With tWo other joining sections in end-to-end abutment by
`joining a ?rst end of one section With the second end of
`another joining section. Such connecting means comprises a
`tenon type axial tab at each ?rst end and a mortise type axial
`channel at each second end to provide a sliding joint betWeen
`each tWo adjoining sections by inserting an axial tab of one
`section into an axial channel of the adjoining section to pro
`vide a stable joint that substantially prevents relative move
`ments betWeen tWo adjoining sections except along the direc
`tion of insertion of said axial tab into said axial channel. Each
`of said sections is provided With a top surface in said axial tab
`With a series of substantially uniformly spaced holes or bores,
`each having an axis substantially normal to said top surface.
`Holes or bores are arranged on the tabs and coextensive over
`the channels to align end-most holes or bores at said second
`
`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`40
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`45
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`50
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`55
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`60
`
`65
`
`4
`ends With said holes or bores in said axial tabs, at said ?rst
`ends, When said axial tabs are fully slidably inserted and
`mated With associated axial channels. A plurality of pegs or
`pins are provided and dimensioned to be securely received
`Within a hole or bore of one of said sections. Said pegs or pins
`are dimensioned to be received Within said aligned holes or
`bores at both said second ends and Within said tabs at said ?rst
`ends at each slip joint. In this manner, said pegs or pins
`inserted into said bores or holes at said second ends and into
`said holes or bores in said tabs at said ?rst ends function as
`lock pegs to both secure yarn during knitting as Well as to lock
`said axial tabs from separating from mating axial channels
`against movements along said direction of insertion. By pro
`viding a non-circular cross sectional shape to the legs of the
`pegs or pins into correspondingly shaped holes in said upper
`surface, the pins are indexed to alWays be oriented in a direc
`tion to outWardly expose vertical or longitudinal channels or
`grooves on the pegs to guide the tips or needles or hooks
`thereby facilitating the gripping of yarns during knitting or
`Weaving. A modular adjustable frame hand loom kit is also
`disclosed that consists of an assembly of components pack
`aged together for retail sales to consumers in a non-assembled
`form Which comprises a plurality of differently con?gured
`and siZed bars to alloW a user to quickly and simply assemble
`differently shaped looms, including rectangular, square, oval
`and circular and also change siZes of some of these looms to
`accommodate the yarn being used and the nature of the prod
`uct to be created. The kit also includes differently siZed pegs
`or pins. The pegs or pins may be color coded to facilitate
`marking of yarns and facilitate the creation of intricate
`designs. All of the component parts of the kit are housed
`Within an insert in the box that organiZes the various compo
`nent parts, including knitting needles and a Weaving tool, so
`that a user has everything that is needed or required to create
`different crafted products and for storing parts after they have
`been disassembled for storage and future use.
`A method of assembling of a modular adjustable frame
`hand loom in accordance With the invention involves connect
`ing different loom bars or elements in end-to-end abutment by
`inserting the tabs or tenons on ?rst ends of these bars into
`holes, channels or mortises at the other ends of matting asso
`ciated bars. Locking pins are inserted into holes that are
`aligned in both the mortise portions and the tab portions that
`mate With one another. Such locking pins also serve for loop
`ing of yarn but also prevent loom bars or components from
`separating after they have been assembled. The remaining
`pegs or pins may be inserted into the other uniformly spaced
`holes on each of the loom bars or elements before or after the
`loom is assembled and ready for use.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Those skilled in the art Will appreciate the improvements
`and advantages that derive from the present invention upon
`reading the folloWing detailed description, claims, and draW
`ings, in Which:
`FIG. 1 is an exploded vieW ofa kit ofa modular adjustable
`frame hand loom, shoWing the various components packaged
`together in a non-fully assembled form for retail sale to con
`sumers;
`FIG. 2 is a top plan vieW ofthe kit shoWn in FIG. 1, With all
`of the components received Within a molded insert or tray as
`packaged Within a box that is closed When sold at retail;
`FIG. 3a is a perspective vieW of a larger peg or pin that
`forms part of the kit and is used in connection With the
`adjustable hand loom of the present invention;
`
`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 16
`
`

`

`US 8,316,894 B2
`
`5
`FIG. 3b is a perspective vieW of a smaller peg or pin
`forming part of the kit and used in connection With the adjust
`able loom;
`FIG. 4 is a perspective vieW of a loom using the compo
`nents of the kit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to create an elongated
`loom frame, shoWn in partially disassembled form With one
`component or element of the kit in a position for completing
`or closing the frame;
`FIG. 5 is a fragmented perspective vieW similar to FIG. 4
`but illustrating a generally oval frame construction obtainable
`With the components of the kit, shoWing tWo butting or asso
`ciated components or bars aligned in a position for ?nal
`assembly;
`FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective vieW similar to FIGS. 4
`and 5 but using components of the kit to form a generally
`rectangular handloom frame;
`FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b are top plan and side elevational vieWs,
`respectfully, of an L-shaped bar forming part of the kit;
`FIGS. 8a-8g are perspective, elevational, plan and cross
`sectional vieWs of a U-shaped bar forming part of the kit;
`FIGS. 9a-9g are perspective, elevational, plan and cross
`sectional vieWs of a short bar forming part of the kit;
`FIGS. 10a-10f are similar to FIGS. 9a-9g but shoWing
`details of a medium-siZed bar forming part of the kit;
`FIGS. 11a-11e are similar to FIGS. 10a-10fbut shoWing
`details of a long bar forming part of the kit; and
`FIGS. 12a-12f are perspective, plan, elevational and cross
`sectional vieWs of an arcuate bar forming part of the kit.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`6
`orange and the pegs 34 are grey. By providing small and large
`pegs, to be more fully described, and color coding these pegs,
`the pegs can be arranged to facilitate the use of the loom and
`avoid the need to mark certain pegs for certain knitting opera
`tions.
`A Weaving tool 38 is provided in the kit that includes a hook
`3811 at one end and a yarn pusher or manipulator 38b at the
`other end. Different siZe needles are advantageously provided
`including tWo long needles 40, tWo medium needles 42 and
`tWo short needles 44. Also, included in the kit 10 is an
`L-shaped hook 3 6 that included a handle 3 6a and an L-shaped
`or right angle hook 36b.
`In FIG. 2, the above described components are illustrated
`Within the box 12 as the kit is con?gured at the point of
`purchase, and also as kit components Would be arranged
`When the kit is dissembled and placed back in the box and
`Within the tray 13 for storage. All of the components men
`tioned are received Within mating recesses except for the pegs
`and the needles Which are placed in the box prior to insertion
`of the tray 13 in the box and, therefore, are situated beloW the
`tray. These are partially visible through the transparent tray in
`FIG. 2.
`Referring to FIG. 2, each ofthe bars 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and
`23 include the plurality of the crescent-shaped holes or aper
`tures 46 that are uniformly spaced from each other along the
`longitudinal directions of the bars. The speci?c shapes or
`cross sectional areas of the holes 46 are not critical as long as
`these holes are not circular. Any hole con?gurations may be
`used as long as it de?nes unique directions for the pins or pegs
`When inserted into the holes. Referring to FIG. 2, the arcuate
`or semi-circular bar 23 is shoWn to de?ne a normal direction
`N that is perpendicular to the general longitudinal direction of
`the bar. The holes 46, as Will be clear from the description of
`FIGS. 3a, 3b, ensure that the pegs are alWays arranged With a
`certain grooved or notched surface of the pegs alWays facing
`outWardly in the normal direction N at each hole position on
`the bars.
`Referring to FIG. 3a, a perspective vieW is shoWn of the
`large pegs 30, 34. The pegs 30, 34 include a shank 30a, 3411,
`a foot 30b, 34b, at one end of the shank con?gured to be
`received and mate With the crescent-shaped holes 46. A head
`30d, 34d is provided at the other end as shoWn. The foot 30b,
`34b may either be solid and have a cross section correspond
`ing to the cross section of the holes 46 or may, preferably, be
`split to provide a gap or space 300, 340 as shoWn. The legs
`30b, 34b may be press ?t into the holes 36 With or Without the
`split 30c, 340. However, When split the legs provide some
`additional resiliency to facilitate insertion and removal of the
`pegs from the bars. The legs, in the described embodiment,
`are 10.8 mm high along the axial or right direction of the pegs,
`While the entire pegs are 38.5 mm. The height of the peg
`Without the head is 33.5 mm. The diameter of the shank 30a,
`34a is 6.6 mm While the maximum dimension of the foot 30b,
`34b is 4.76 mm. The shanks 30a, 34a are provided With axial
`recesses, groves or channels 30e, 34e on the exterior surface
`as shoWn that serve as guides for the points of hooks or
`needles to facilitate and increase the sped of engaging the
`looped yarns. Referring to FIG. 3b, the smaller pegs 28, 32
`have a shank 28a, 32a that it is of substantially uniform cross
`section and may or may not be provided at the loWer end With
`a split or gap 28b, 32b shoWn. As With the larger pegs, the
`smallerpegs also have a head 28c, 320 at the opposite or upper
`end. The shorter pegs are likeWise provided With axial
`recesses, grooves or channels 28d, 32d as shoWn, Which can
`also conform the cross-section of the crescent-shaped holes
`46 so that the pegs need not to be stepped. The smaller pegs
`are someWhat shorter at 36.2 mm, While the height of the
`
`Referring noW more speci?cally to the Figures, in Which
`identical or similar parts are designated by the same reference
`numerals throughout, and ?rst referring to FIG. 1, a kit for a
`modular adjustable frame hand loom is generally designated
`by the reference numeral 10.
`The kit 10 includes a plurality of components or items that
`are packaged together for retail sale to consumers in a non
`assembled form.
`The kit 10 includes a box, carton or container 12 having a
`generally shalloW rectangular receptacle 12a and a cover 12b,
`part of Which has been removed for illustrative purposes, that
`is hinged about edge 120 for selectively exposing the recep
`tacle 1211 as shoWn or for closing the box and securing the
`components therein.
`A tray or insert 13 is molded to generally conform to the
`interior space or compartment of the receptacle 1211 so that it
`can be received therein With little clearance for the lateral
`movements. The insert or tray 13 includes recesses 13a-13g
`accessible from the upper surface of the tray, as shoWn, to
`securely receive a plurality of kit components to prevent same
`from shifting Within the box 12.
`As Will be more fully discussed, the loom kit includes a
`plurality of elongate sections, including long bars 14,
`medium bars 16, short bars 18, L-bars 20, U-bars 22 and
`arcuate or semicircular bars 23. While different numbers of
`bars may be provided in differently siZed kits, the kit illus
`trated includes tWo long bars 14, four medium bars 16, four
`short bars 18, four L-bars 20, tWo U-bars and tWo arcuate or
`semicircular bars 23.
`Also included in the kit are four pouches or bags of pegs. A
`?rst bag includes 166 small pegs 28, a second bag includes 86
`large pegs 30, a further bag includes 41 small pegs and a still
`further bag includes 20 large pegs. Preferably, the pegs 28, 30,
`32, 34 are provided in different colors. In the illustrated kit,
`the pegs 28 are blue, the pegs 30 are pink, the pegs 32 are
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`LaRose Exh. 1016, p. 17
`
`

`

`US 8,316,894 B2
`
`7
`shank 28a, 32a is 31.2 mm. The maximum dimension of the
`shank 28a, 32a of the shorter pegs is 4.76 mmithe same as
`that dimension for the larger pegs since in both cases the
`lower ends of the pegs must be received Within the same
`crescent shaped holes 46. Therefore, While the shorter pegs
`have a shank With a cross section that substantially corre
`sponds to the cross sections of the holes 46 only the loWerpar't
`of the larger pegs 30, 34 have such cross section and the peg
`is stepped to a large diameter, as shoWn, above the insertion
`portion up to the head 30d, 34d. The tWo different siZe pegs
`are used to provide added versatility or ?exibility to people
`Who use the loom for knitting or Weaving. While the person
`using the loom generally decides What pegs to use, and the
`spacing of the pegs, for any given application, it is typical that
`the smaller siZed pegs 28, 32 Would generally be used for
`lighter Weight yams, While the larger pegs are more appropri
`ate for heavier Weight yarns. Thus, for example, the smaller
`pegs may be used With the folloWing yarn categories: lace,
`super?ne, ?ne and light, While the larger pegs can be used
`With yarn categories: medium, bulky and super bulky. This
`generally folloWs the recommended U.S. needle siZe ranges
`000-7, and 7 to —ll larger needles, respectively.
`Numerous ?xed loom con?gurations can be formed With
`the elements or components making up the kit and some of
`these Will noW be described. Referring to FIG. 4 a generally
`elongate frame loom is shoWn in a condition of near full
`assembly. Loom 47a is formed of tWo long bars 14, joined or
`secured to each other at their ends by means of tWo U-shaped
`bars 22. In FIG. 4 one of the U-shaped bars is shoWn con
`nected to the long bars 14 While the other U-shaped bar 22 is
`shoWn positioned just prior to full assembly of the loom or
`just after disassembly of the ?rst part of the loom for storage.
`In FIG. 4, all of the bars, irrespective of their shape or
`con?guration are provided With tWo free ends one of Which is
`provided With an axial tab or tenon T, While the opposing end
`is provided With a channel or mortise M dimensioned and
`con?gured to slidably receive the tabs T. In assembling a loom
`the tabs at one end of a bar is mated With a channel M of an
`associated bar. An important feature of the invention is the
`provision of holes 46a on the tabs or tenons T that are equally
`spaced from the next hole as are all of the uniformly spaced
`holes from each other and holes 46b are likeWise provided at
`the channel or mortise ends M that are aligned With the holes
`46a When the tabs T are fully inserted into the channels M. In
`this Way, a pin or peg that passes through the aligned holes
`46a, 46b has a dual function, namely serving as a peg or pin
`for looping yarn but also as a locking peg to prevent inadvert
`ent separation of tWo bars from each other by inadvertent
`separation of a tab T from an associated channel M.
`Referring to FIG. 5, another possible con?guration for a
`loom is shoWn and designated by the reference numeral 47b.
`In FIG. 5, a generally oval shaped loom is shoWn in Which
`only a portion of the loom is illustrated and the rest is broken
`aWay. As With the loom 47a, loom 47b may be formed by
`using tWo long bars 14. HoWever, instead of utiliZing a
`U-shaped bar 22 arcuate or semi circular bars 23 are used.
`This provides rounded ends but also increases the space sepa
`ration betWeen the long bars. As evident from the pins 30, 34,
`in particular the pin that is aligned to be inserted but not yet
`inserted into the bars the shanks are stepped to provide a
`smaller diameter and that is receivable Within the aligned
`holes 46a, 46b, While the upper portions of the shank are of
`larger diameter. Other con?gurations can be created as sug
`gested in FIG. 6 in Which one U-shaped bar 22 is shoWn