GB844972A - Improvements in or relating to pre-boarding machines - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0844972/IV (c)/1> <PICT:0844972/IV (c)/2> A preboarding machine for nylon stockings comprises a steam chamber 10 having an opening which can be closed by a sliding door 14, a pair of trays 11, 12 in the form of wheeled carriages each carrying a number of forms 13 for the stockings, and two tray holders each having a rail track for receiving a tray, which tray holders are pivotally mounted on opposite sides of the chamber opening so as to be swingable about an upright axis from a first position to a second position, the first position being a position in front of the opening such that the tray may be run from the tray holder rail track along a further rail track into the chamber and vice versa, and the second position being a loading position away from the chamber opening to one side thereof, the loading positions for the two tray holders lying on opposite sides of the opening so that, when one tray holder is in the loading position, the other tray holder may be positioned in front of the opening for moving a tray into or out of the chamber. As shown, one tray 11 is located within the chamber and the other tray 12 is outside the chamber. Preferably means are provided for connecting the two tray holders so that, as either one is swung from its first position to its second position, the other is moved viceversa. The connecting means may comprise a strap e.g. a rigid link 50, pivotally connected to the undersides of the two tray holders. The pivot axes for the tray holders may be arranged approximately in line with the front end of the of the tray holders, i.e. the end adjacent the opening to the chamber, and the strap may be pivoted at both ends to pivot points on the underside of each tray holder, these pivot points being in a straight line such that, when one tray holder is in the loading position and the second is adjacent the chamber opening, this line makes an obtuse angle facing the chamber opening with the line joining the pivot point for the strap on the second tray holder to the pivot axis about which the second tray holder can be swung. The tray holders may consist of pivoted brackets 24, 25, each supporting a pair of rails 29, 30 for the tray (see Fig. 2). A spring loaded catch or other locking means may be provided on each tray holder for engaging a tray thereon, so as to lock the latter in position. In addition, a spring loaded latch 32 may be provided for locking a tray holder adjacent the opening to the chamber and trip means for said spring loaded latch means may be provided, operated by a tray when run on to the tray holder so that the latch means is automatically released as soon as the tray has been withdrawn from the chamber on to the tray holder.