CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/323,325 filed on March 24, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a crochet hook for stitching fabric, and more particularly to a crochet hook for producing stitches of multiple sizes.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The art of crocheting typically involves using an elongated hand-held instrument to make stitches or patterns with materials such as yam, thread, and lace. The instrument may be used to shape loops of the material and pull the loops through previously created coils of the material. This process creates a chain of the material which may be worked into shapes and rows to create a pattern.

[0004] Traditionally, the hand-held instrument utilized in crocheting is known as a crochet hook. It may include a round shaft with a pointed end and with a lateral groove behind the pointed end. A crochet hook is configured to insert the hook with the pointed end through the material being crocheted, while the lateral groove allows a user to pull the material back. Crochet hooks come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, typically produced in diameters ranging from about 2.25mm to about 25mm. A user chooses a crochet hook based on the diameter loop necessary for the pattern being made. For example, each pattern may require different loop sizes based on factors such as the pattern being created or the size of the yarn being utilized. Hooks of a particular gauge are utilized such that the user may loop the material around the shaft of a crochet hook and rely on the hook for consistent measuring of loops throughout the pattern.

[0005] While creating patterns using a crochet hook, it may be necessary or desirable to change the size of the stitch. Traditional crochet hooks include a single shaft size, thereby limiting a user to one diameter stitch size. To change the size of the stitch, a user may be required to remove a crochet hook with a shaft of one diameter and insert a different crochet hook with a shaft of a second diameter. However, larger diameter shafts come with larger hooks that do not fit into smaller diameter stiches made with smaller shafts and hooks. The process of changing hooks within a crochet project may be cumbersome and difficult, an act not normally attempted by beginners and even intermediate crocheters. It may also be impossible to fit a larger hook into a smaller stitch. Further, estimating loop sizes that are larger than the shaft diameter may be inconsistent, leading to a disordered design. Thus, it is difficult to produce stitches of multiple sizes in crochet patterns.

[0006] Conventional crochet hooks do not sufficiently address the issue of producing stitches of multiple sizes with a single hook. Thus, there is a need for an improved crochet hook for producing stitches of multiple sizes without the need to exchange crochet hooks while creating a crochet project.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a crochet hook including two or more shafts of varying diameters, as set forth in the appended claims.

SUMMARY

[0008] In embodiments, a crochet hook may include a head, a throat, and at least two shafts. A first shaft of the at least two shafts may have a first diameter. A second shaft of the at least two shafts may have a second diameter. The second diameter may be larger than the first diameter. A transition region may connect the first shaft and the second shaft in a smooth slope. The provision of a crochet hook with at least two shaft sizes of differing diameters allows a user to create a stitch in a variety of sizes, thereby reducing the steps for artistic crafters creating new patterns as well as subsequent crafters following their pattern. Further, the provision of at least two shaft sizes joined by at least one transition region helps facilitate complex stitching patterns, such as placing large stitches into small stitches, as well as allows for wrapped stiches such as bullion, tatted picot, and limpet stiches to easily move over the hook head.

[0009] Pursuant to an implementation, the head may be the same width as the first shaft. For example, the head, the throat, and the first shaft may be inline and the same width. Additionally or alternatively, the head may be narrower than the first shaft. For example, the head may be a narrower width than the first shaft and gradually increase in size at the throat to allow the hook to fit into smaller stitches than a hook of the same width as the first shaft would fit into.

[0010] Pursuant to an implementation, the transition region may be flush with the first shaft at a first end of the transition region and flush with the second shaft at a second end of the transition region. For example, the transition region may taper, e.g., conically taper, to decrease in width from the second end (e.g., the front end of the second shaft) to the first end (e.g., the rear end of the first shaft). The transition region facilitates a smooth movement or change-over of the working or pliable line of material from the first shaft to the second shaft, or vice versa. [0011] Pursuant to a further implementation, the crochet hook may include a third shaft and a second transition region. The third shaft may have a third diameter that is larger than the second diameter. The provision of the third shaft may allow industrial (e.g., automated) uses for the crochet hook and/or facilitate multi-size chain stitches. An industrial use may include any number of shafts added to the crochet hook. Additionally, upsizing a working fabric line to a larger (e.g., third) shaft may reduce the amount of pulling by the user, which may be a benefit to those with disabilities such as arthritis. Additionally or alternatively, the third shaft may function as a handle for a user or machine to grasp while stitching.

[0012] The second transition region may connect the second shaft and the third shaft in a smooth slope. For example, the second transition region may taper from a forward end of the third shaft to a rear end of the second shaft. The second transition region facilitates the smooth movement of the working fabric line between the second shaft and the third shaft.

[0013] The head may include a rounded hook, and the rounded hook may be configured to be inserted into crochet materials. The head may include a flat edge, and the flat edge may be configured to be inserted into crochet materials.

[0014] Pursuant to an implementation, the crochet hook may include a stopper. The stopper may have a width larger than the at least two shafts. The stopper may be positioned on a rear end of the second shaft, opposite the transition region. According to another example, the stopper may be positioned on a rear end of the third shaft, opposite the second transition region, wherein the stopper has a width larger than the third shaft. The stopper may help prevent the fabric from falling off the end of the crochet hook. Additionally, the stopper may help prevent the crochet hook rolling on or off of a flat surface such as a table when placed down.

[0015] Pursuant to a further implementation, additionally or alternatively, the crochet hook may include a handle. The handle may be attached to the second shaft, opposite the transition region. According to another example, the handle may be attached to the third shaft, opposite the second transition region. The handle may include a concave resting area configured to fit a thumb of a user.

[0016] The at least two shafts may be at least one of circular, rectangular, octagonal, hexagonal, and knife- like in shape. Additionally or alternatively, the at least two shafts may be made of at least one of wood, bone, metal, and plastic. Additionally or alternatively, the at least two shafts may be configured in a concentric manner or an eccentric manner relative to a longitudinal axis of the crochet hook.

[0017] According to an example, the crochet hook may be a unitary, one-piece tool, e.g., an injection molded one-piece crochet hook. Alternatively, the first shaft may include an opening configured to receive the transition region of the second shaft, such that the second shaft may be removable from the first shaft. Additionally or alternatively, the second shaft may include an opening configured to receive the third shaft via the third shaft via the second transition region. The respective openings may be threaded to receive a threaded portion of the second and/or third shaft in a positive-locking manner. Additionally or alternatively, the last shaft of the crochet hook may be configured to receive an extension. For example, the making of large crochet projects such as Afghan blankets may require a long, flexible tube extension to gather a large number of crochet loops next to a user.

[0018] With embodiments, a crochet hook may provide two or more shafts of varying diameters. The crochet hook may include a hook. The crochet hook may include a throat connected to the head. The throat may be tapered from an end opposite the head. A first shaft may be connected to the throat and may have a first diameter. A (first) transition region may be adjacent to the first shaft opposite the throat. The first transition region may have a first end having the first diameter and may widen to a second diameter at a second end. The first transition region may widen continuously (e.g., radially outwardly taper) from the first end to the second end. The first shaft may be connected to the first end of the first transition region. A second shaft may be connected to the second end of the first transition region. The second shaft may have the second diameter. The second diameter may be larger (wider) than the first diameter. The sloping surface of increasing diameter of the first transition region facilitates a smooth movement of the working fabric line between the first shaft and the second shaft. The multiple shaft sizes help a user create stitches in varying sizes as needed without switching hooks or substitute different shaft sizes, thereby reducing the steps for artistic crafters stitching new patterns.

[0019] The crochet hook may include a second transition region adjacent to the second shaft. The second transition region may have the second diameter adjacent to the second shaft and may widen to a third diameter. A third shaft may be adjacent to the second transition region. The third shaft may have the third diameter. The third diameter may be wider than the second diameter. [0020] The first transition region and the second transition region may be tapered (e.g., conically tapered).

[0021] The head may include a rounded edge with a pointed hook. Alternatively, the head may include a flat edge.

[0022] The crochet hook may include a handle and a thumb rest. Pursuant to an example, the handle may be adjacent to the third shaft, opposite the second transition region. The handle may include a concave portion configured to fit a thumb.

[0023] The handle may include a stopper. The stopper may be opposite the head. The stopper may include a diameter wider than the third diameter and be configured to prevent material looped around the third shaft from falling off the third shaft. Additionally or alternatively, the stopper may be configured to prevent a crochet hook from rolling on a flat surface.

[0024] The third shaft may include an opening opposite the second transition region. The opening may be configured to receive an extension such that a fourth shaft may be attached to the third shaft.

[0025] In embodiments, a method for using a crochet hook may include inserting a head in a stich, extending a pliable line from the head to a first shaft via a throat, shaping the pliable line to a first diameter loop around the first shaft, sliding the pliable line to a second shaft via a first transition region, and shaping the pliable line to a second diameter loop around the second shaft. Accordingly, the crochet hook permits changing the size of the stitch without changing the size of the pliable line, to thereby create a stitch or pattern in a variety of sizes by maneuvering the pliable line along the differently sized shafts. The method reduces the steps needed to create new patterns by removing the requirement of changing out hook or shaft sizes to alter stitch diameter size.

[0026] Implementations of the disclosure may include combinations of the above-described features. The foregoing and other potential aspects, features, details, utilities, and/or advantages of examples/embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading the following description, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] While the claims are not limited to a specific illustration, an appreciation of various aspects may be gained through a discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Further, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and are not restricted to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. Exemplary illustrations are described in detail by referring to the drawings as follows:

[0028] FIG. l is a side view generally illustrating an embodiment of a crochet hook according to teachings of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 2A is a side view generally illustrating an embodiment of a head of a crochet hook according to teachings of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 2B is a side view generally illustrating an embodiment of a head of a crochet hook according to teachings of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a crochet hook according to teachings of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a crochet hook in use according to teaching of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a crochet hook according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a crochet hook according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a crochet hook according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In the drawings, where like numerals and characters indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, exemplary illustrates are shown in detail. The various features of the exemplary approaches illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures, as it will be understood that alternative illustrations that may not be explicitly illustrated or described may be able to be produced. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative approaches for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desired for particular applications or implementations. [0037] In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, a crochet hook 100 may include a head 102, a throat 104, and at least two shafts 106, 110, 114 arranged to extend along a longitudinal axis of the crochet hook 100. The head 102 may include a rounded edge 116 with a pointed hook 118. The rounded edge 116 may be configured to push through material being used in a crocheting pattern. The hook 118 may be configured to pull a pliable line of the material such that a user may work the pliable line into a pattern. The throat 104 may be connected to the head 102. The throat 104 may include a tapered edge 120 which narrows from an end opposite the head 102 to the end adjacent the head 102. The throat 104 may be configured to move the pliable line down the tapered edge 120 of the throat 104 to the at least two shafts 106, 110, 114.

[0038] The head 102 may be the same width of the throat 104 and the first shaft 106 (e.g., the head 102 is inline with the first shaft 106). The width of the head 102 may therefore be smaller than that of the at least one further shaft 110, 114 to allow smaller stitches to be placed within larger stitches to help form complex patterns which may otherwise be difficult to form with traditional crochet hooks. Alternatively, a head 102 of a narrower width may be utilized such that the throat 104 is configured to taper from a larger width at the first shaft 106 to a smaller width at the head 102. The head 102 having a smaller width than the first shaft 106 may allow the head 102 to be inserted into stitches of a smaller size than a head of the first shafts width would allow.

[0039] A first shaft 106 of the at least two shafts 106, 110, 114 may be adjacent to the throat 104, opposite the head 102. The first shaft 106 may be a first diameter 122. The first diameter 122 may extend along an entire axial length of the first shaft 106, e.g., from the throat 104 to a first transition region 108. The first transition region 108 may connect the first shaft 106 to a second shaft 110 having a second diameter 124 differing from the first diameter 122. The second diameter 124 may extend along at least a portion of an axial length of the second shaft 110, e.g., from the first transition region 108 towards a distal end of the second shaft 110. Additionally, the second diameter 124 may be continuous or constant along an entire axial length of the second shaft 110. According to exemplary embodiments, the second diameter 124 is greater than the first diameter 122.

[0040] The first transition region 108 may have a smooth slope and be tapered in shape so as to increase in width from the first shaft 106 to the second shaft 110. The first transition region 108 may be configured such that the pliable line of material may transition between shafts 106, 110 of varying diameters 122, 124 with a smooth movement. The first transition region 108 may include a first end 126 adjacent to the first shaft 106. The first transition region 108 may have a diameter of (equal to) the first diameter 122 at the first end 126 such that the first end 126 is flush with the first shaft 106. The first transition region 108 may include a second end 128 adjacent to the second shaft 110. The first transition region 108 may have a diameter of (equal to) the second diameter 124 at the second end 128 such that the second end 128 is flush with the second shaft 110. Pursuant to the illustrated example, the first transition region 108 conically tapers (decreases in diameter or respectively has a surface that slopes radially inwards) from the second end 128 to the first end 126. Alternatively, the first transition region 108 may taper in such a way that is not conical in examples where a first shaft 106 and a second shaft 110 are rectangular or another shape.

[0041] With exemplary embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the crochet hook 100 may include a third shaft 114 of the at least two shafts 106, 110, 114 and a second transition region 112. The third shaft 114 may have a third diameter 134 which is larger than the second diameter 124 and the first diameter 122. Thus, the crochet hook 100 may progressively increase in size/width from the first shaft 106 to the third shaft 114. The third diameter 134 may extend along at least a portion of an axial length of the third shaft 114, e.g., from the second transition region 112 towards a distal end of the third shaft 114. Additionally, the third diameter 134 may be continuous or constant along an entire axial length of the third shaft 114.

[0042] The second transition region 112 may connect the second shaft 110 to the third shaft 114. The second transition region 112 may be tapered in shape to provide a smooth slope for the pliable line to transition from the second shaft 110 to the third shaft 114. The second transition region 112 may have the second diameter 124 at an end (e.g., forward end) 138 adjacent to the second shaft 110 and the third diameter 134 at an end (e.g., rear end) 140 adjacent to the third shaft 114, such that the (forward) end 138 is flush with the second shaft 110 and the (rear) end 140 is flush with the third shaft 114. In the illustrated example, the second transition region 112 conically tapers (e.g., via a surface that slopes radially inwards) from the (rear) end 140 to the (forward) end 138 The second transition region 112 may have an axial length equal to that of the first transition region 108, or the axial length of the second transition region 112 may be greater than that of the first transition region 108, for example to compensate for a greater increase in diameter between the second and third shafts 110, 114 in relation to the increase in diameter between the first and second shafts 106, 110. [0043] The crochet hook 100 may include at least two shafts 106, 110, 114, such that the crochet hook 100 may include additional shafts beyond the third shaft 114. Each additional shaft may include a transition region which connects the additional shaft to the prior shaft. The at least two shafts 106, 110, 114 may by cylindrical as shown, although other shapes are contemplated including but not limited to square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. Pursuant to an example, the second shaft 110 may have an axial length equal to or greater than an axial length of the first shaft 106. Additionally or alternatively, the third shaft 114 may have an axial length equal to or greater than the axial length of the second shaft 110. The crochet hook 100 may be a unitary tool such that the components are integrally formed together, e.g., a one-piece injection molded plastic part. According to another implementation, the at least two shafts 106, 110, 114 and transition regions 108, 112 may be unitarily formed, while the head 102 may be removably attached to the first shaft 106 such that the throat 104 screws into the first shaft 106, or vice versa, so that different style heads can be attached to the at least two shafts 106, 110, 114. In yet another implementation, additionally or alternatively, the at least two shafts 106, 110, 114 may be removably attached to one another, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0044] With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the crochet hook 100 may include a handle 130 for a user to hold while crocheting. The handle 130 may be separate from the widest shaft (e.g., the third shaft 114) of the at least two shafts (as shown in FIG. 3) such that a handle transition 136 separates the widest shaft (e.g., the third shaft 114) of the at least two shafts 106, 110, 114 from the handle 130. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the handle 130 is connected to the third shaft 114 and has a width greater than the third diameter 134 of the third shaft 114, although a lesser or equal width of the handle 130 with respect to the third diameter 134 is also contemplated. In other embodiments, the handle 130 may be a portion of the widest shaft of the at least two shafts 106, 110, 114 (as shown in FIG. 1). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the handle 130 is integrally formed with the third shaft 114 and has a width equal to the third diameter 134 of the third shaft 114, although a greater or lesser width of the handle 130 with respect to the third diameter 134 is also contemplated. The handle 130 may include a thumb rest 132 for providing an ergonomic position for the user to hold the crotchet hook. The thumb rest 132 may be a concave area, generally shaped in an oval and configured to fit a thumb. Although not illustrated, the handle 130 may be connected to or formed by the second shaft 110 if the third shaft 114 is omitted. [0045] In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 2A, the crochet hook 100 may include a head 102 with a rounded edge 116. The rounded edge 116 ends at a pointed hook 118. The rounded edge 116 is configured to be inserted into previous stitches of a crochet project. The pointed hook 118 may be configured to grab onto a pliable line and pull the line through a loop of a crochet project. The hook 118 is attached to the throat 104 at a tapered edge 120. The tapered edge 120 narrows from the first shaft 106 to the pointed hook 118, creating a smooth surface between each. The tapered edge 120 is configured to allow a user to pull a pliable line from the hook 118 down to the first shaft 106 with a smooth line.

[0046] With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 2B, the crochet hook 100 may include a head 102 with a flat edge 202. The flat edge 202 may be utilized in mechanized settings for producing a fabric. Additionally or alternatively, the flat edge 202 may be used by people with disabilities such as arthritis. The flat edge 202 may include a throat 104 positioned adjacent to the flat edge 202, and may have a finger extending from the flat edge 202 to a tip disposed at a thread location 204. A pliable line may be inserted into the throat at the thread location 204 mechanically rather than having a hook catch and pull the line (as shown in FIG. 2A). The throat 104 on a flat edge 202 crochet hook 100 may be the same diameter as the first shaft 106.

[0047] In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 4, a user (e.g., a crafter for manual operation or a machine for automated/mechanized operation) may use the crochet hook 100 by inserting the head 102 into a stich and pulling a pliable line 402 with the hook 118. The pliable line 402 is pulled down the throat 104 to the first shaft 106 via the tapered edge 120. A user may shape the pliable line 402 into a loop 404 with the first diameter 122 around the first shaft 104. When a user desires or is required to move to a different size shaft, a user may slide the pliable line 402 to the second shaft 110 via the first transition region 108. The smooth surface of the transition region 108 allows a user to create smooth, easy movements to change shaft sizes. Once the pliable line 402 is at the second shaft 110, the line 402 may be shaped to a loop 406 of the second diameter 124 around the second shaft 110.

[0048] With embodiments, a user may return the pliable line 402 to the first shaft 106 after shaping the line 402 to create loops 406 around the second shaft 110. A user may additionally slide the pliable line 402 to a third shaft 114 or further shaft for loops of increasing size. The crochet hook 100 with multiple shafts of varying sizes may allow a user to accurately measure out loops of different sizes without having to change out the crochet hook which would disturb workflow and can be confusing to a user. With multiple shaft sizes on a single crochet hook, a user can be precise with creating loops of different sizes by moving the crochet material to a larger shaft size corresponding to a desired or required loop size.

[0049] In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 5, the crochet hook 100 may include a stopper 502 at the distal end of the crochet hook 100 opposite the end with the head 102. The stopper 502 may be a large rectangle, but could also be a variety of shapes including but not limited to an oval or an extravagant design. The stopper 500 is configured to be wider than the end of the crochet hook 100 (e.g., wider than the third diameter of the third shaft) such that it may prevent material from falling off the end of the crochet hook 100. Additionally, the stopper 502 may prevent a crochet hook 100 from rolling on or off of a flat surface. The stopper 502 ensures loops stay on the crochet hook 100 until the pattern requires or the user desires to remove the loops.

[0050] In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 6, the crochet hook 100 may include removable shafts or extensions. At least one of the at least two shafts may include an opening 602 on a bottom of the shaft. The opening 602 may provide a space within the circumference of the shaft to receive an additional shaft or an extension 608 for a shaft. An extension 608 or additional shaft may include an insert 604 which is configured to fit in the opening 602. The insert 604 may include threads 606 to attach the insert 604 with the opening 602. An extension 608 may have the same diameter as the shaft to provide a longer shaft for big crochet projects. Additionally, an extension may narrow from the 602. An additional shaft may have a different diameter than the shaft with the opening to provide a different gauge shaft to the crochet hook for a crochet project that requires different loop sizes. Thus, a crochet hook 100 may be a one-piece device or may be a device with removable and attachable pieces. Additionally, the extension 608 may be a narrow, long tube. For example, for the creation of a bulky project like Afghan blankets, a long extension may be necessary to create a large number of loops and to keep the loops on an extension. A long, flexible extension 608 may be utilized to allow crocheted loops to gather next to a user. The extension 608 may include a stopper 502 at the end to prevent loops from falling off the extension 608. In the illustrated example, the extension 608 is approximately half the size of the crochet hook 100, however the extension 608 could be many times longer than the crochet hook 100 and may narrow to a width less than the first shaft based on the desired or necessary length of the crochet project.

[0051] With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 7, the crochet hook 100 may be double sided. The crochet hook 100 may have two heads 102, 102’ on either side of the design, connected by a shaft in the middle. For example, the crochet hook 100 may include a head 102, throat 104, and first shaft 106. The first shaft 106 may be adjacent to a first transition region 108 which leads to a second shaft 110. The second shaft 110 may be adjacent to a second transition region 112 which is connected to a third shaft 114. Rather than the third shaft 114 ending at a blunt end (as shown in FIG. 1), the third shaft 114 widens to a larger shaft (e.g., a further third shaft and/or a handle), which then narrows to a further second shaft 110’ via transition 112’and a further first shaft 106’ via transition 108’ for a second head 102’ on the opposite end of the crochet hook 100. The further first shaft 106’ and the further second shaft 110’ may have a diameter or width different than that of the first shaft 106 and second shaft 110, respectively, to provide a crochet hook 100 with six (6) or more shaft sizes. For example, the further second shaft 112’ may be wider (e.g., with a greater diameter) than the second shaft 112, and/or the further first shaft 106’ may be wider (e.g., with a greater diameter) than the first shaft 106. The first head 102 and the second head 102’ may include hooks of varying sizes or designs for inserting the crochet hook 100 into loops of different material or size if desired or required. Thus, the crochet hook 100 may include shafts of six different sizes and two different sized hooks.

[0052] In embodiments, the crochet hook 100 may include shafts in the shape of at least one of circular (as shown in FIG. 1), rectangular (as shown in FIG. 5), octagonal, hexagonal, or knife-like Bosnian style. The shafts may be color coded to aid a user in positioning the material on the correct shaft. For instance, the first shaft 106 of the first diameter 122 may be one color. The second shaft 110 of the second diameter 124 may be a contrasting color to easily ensure proper placement of the material on a correct shaft. Alternatively, the shafts may be color coded in other various ways, such as a single color to identify the combination of shaft sizes on a single crochet hook. Additionally, shafts may be labeled with their proper sizing for ease in identifying the correct shaft. Shafts may range in size from approximately 0.5mm to 25mm, however shafts of sizes outside of the standardized range may be utilized. According to a nonlimiting embodiment, the first shaft 106 has an axial length of approximately 0.5mm and a first diameter 122 of approximately 0.22mm, the second shaft 110 has an axial length of approximately 0.5mm and a second diameter 124 of approximately 0.28mm, and the third shaft 114 has an axial length of approximately 3.9mm and a third diameter 134 of approximately 0.33mm. Additionally, the first transition 108 and the second transition 112 each have an axial length of approximately 0.125mm. The crochet hook 100 may be made out at least one of bone, wood, metal, and plastic. [0053] Thus, while creating stitches using a crochet hook, it may be necessary or desirable to change the size of the stitch. The improved design allows a user of the crotchet hook to move a pliable line to various shafts to create a stitch in a variety of sizes without requiring a hook to be removed from the crochet project and a hook of a different size reinserted. Many beginner crocheters may not attempt to change hooks and may not be able to precisely estimate various loop sizes using a single shaft, limiting patterns and designs that can be produced. The improved design solves the problem of having to change out crochet hooks in a pattern by including multiple shafts on the single crochet hook. Additionally, a larger size shaft (e.g., the second shaft 110 and/or third shaft 114) following a smaller sized shaft (e.g., the first shaft 106) allows crafters to reduce the number of steps required to make a pattern as compared to a traditional crochet hook with a single shaft, e.g., by substituting a large stitch for a small stitch while keeping the same approximate stitch height to reduce the number of movements, to achieve savings in both time and motion. Moreover, a crochet hook with shafts of varying diameters including a larger shaft size (e.g., second and/or third shaft 110, 114) may reduce the amount of pulling by the user while crocheting, which may be a benefit to those with disabilities such as arthritis.

[0054] Various examples/embodiments are described herein for various articles and/or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples/embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the examples/embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples/embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the examples/embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0055] Accordingly, even though the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated that the various modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the technologies discussed herein, and that the disclosed article, device and/or method will be incorporated into such future developments. Thus, the specification and the drawings are to be regarded as an illustrative thought instead of merely restrictive thought.

[0056] With respect to the foregoing discussion, it is noted that specific directional conventions are assumed to be known to those skilled in the art. In this context, the term “front” (or its equivalents) refers to the head end of the crochet hook, where front is proximal to the head with respect to rear. Thus, the term “rear” refers to the back end of the crochet hook, or distal to the head.

[0057] Additionally, the term “longitudinal” refers to the longitudinal axis of the crochet hook that extends from the front end (e.g., head) to the rear end (e.g., of the second shaft, third shaft, or handle) of the crochet hook. The longitudinal axis provides directional relationship for the terms “axially” (or its equivalents) and “radially” (or its equivalents). For example, “radially” or “radial direction” extends transversely to the longitudinal axis.

[0058] Reference throughout the specification to “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example/embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “in various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples/embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

[0059] It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily so limited and may include one or more of such element. Further, all numbers expressing dimensions, ratios and the like, used in the specification and claims, are to be understood to encompass tolerances and other deviations as represented by the term “about” or “approximately.” Any directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader’ s understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of examples/embodiments. For example, although the drawings show the crochet hook oriented vertically with respect to the drawing sheet, it will be appreciated that crocheting using gravity and that the crotchet hook may be oriented horizontally in operation.

[0060] Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements, relative movement between elements, direct connections, indirect connections, fixed connections, movable connections, operative connections, indirect contact, and/or direct contact. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. Connections of electrical components, if any, may include mechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections, and/or wireless connections, among others. The use of “e.g.” in the specification is to be construed broadly and is used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. Uses of “and” and “or” are to be construed broadly (e.g., to be treated as “and/or”). For example and without limitation, uses of “and” do not necessarily require all elements or features listed, and uses of “or” are inclusive unless such a construction would be illogical.

[0061] While processes and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that such methods may be practiced with the steps in a different order, with certain steps performed simultaneously, with additional steps, and/or with certain described steps omitted.

[0062] All matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the present disclosure.

[0063] All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood by those knowledgeable in the technologies described herein unless an explicit indication to the contrary in made herein. In particular, use of the singular articles such as “a,” “the,” “said,” etc. should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary. Further, the use of “at least one of’ is intended to be inclusive, analogous to the term and/or. As an example, the phrase “at least one of A, B and C” includes A only, B only, C only, or any combination thereof (e.g. AB, AC, BC or ABC). Additionally, use of adjectives such as first, second, etc. should be read to be interchangeable unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary.