GB432233A - Improvements in or relating to circular knitting machines - Google Patents

Abstract

432,233. Knitting-machines. SPIERS, Ltd., W., XL Works, Walnut Street, SPIERS, E., Rockford, Wimbourne Road, Ventnor Road, and SMITH, H. N., 203, Overton Road, all in Leicester. March 26, 1934, No. 9422. [Class 74 (ii)] In a circular knitting-machine, tensioning means comprises fabric engaging members having opposed surfaces, one or each of which is spirally grooved or ribbed, and between which the fabric passes and is uniformly pulled towards the cylinder centre, by reason of relative rotation between the fabric and the members. The fabric, immediately on leaving the needles, passes between the opposing spiral ribs on the disc 1 and the flared out part 3<a> of a cylinder 3. During circular knitting, the cylinder 3 is stationary, and, by means of differential spur gearing the disc 1 is rotated in the same direction as the needle cylinders, but at twice their speed. During reciprocatory knitting, pawl and ratchet mechanism (not shown) enables both the members 1 and 3, to turn with and at the same speed as, the needle cylinders, during the reverse strokes, and to be respectively driven and held during the forward strokes. To facilitate the passage of different web thicknesses, the part 3<a> is yieldingly urged against the disc 1, by springs 10, but can be retracted by a cam 12 on the main pattern drum, so that when the tensioning means is used in conjunction with ordinary take-up rollers 49, also operated by the cam 12, both may be rendered inoperative during the formation of a pouch. The disc 1 may also be raised and lowered with the top cylinder, through timing mechanism. In a modification, Fig. 5 (not shown) the disc 1 is yieldingly pressed down on the member 3, which is fixed axially, by a spring, or weight-loaded lever. The surfaces may be so made that the spiral rib of one, engages with the spiral groove of the other. When this arrangement is used with rotary cylinders, both the members are stationary during circular knitting whilst in a seamless hosiery machine, one or each may be rotatable with the fabric, and, by means, e.g. of pawl and ratchet mechanism, the member or members may be held stationary in the forward strokes of reciprocatory knitting, and made to rotate during the reverse strokes. The spirals may be continuous or mutilated, and, when inside sinkers are employed, the sinker cup may form one of the opposed tensioning members. The invention is said to be applicable to all types of circular machines. Specifications 15008/00, [Class 74], and 24290/12, [Class 74 (ii)], are referred to.