TWI772316B - Device and method for sewing the toe of a tubular knitted article - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) comprises a continuous flexible member (7), configured and arranged to press with a branch thereof an end portion of the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) against a supporting surface (31) and to feed the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) along a feed path from an insertion position toward and through a sewing area in which there is arranged a sewing machine (5). In the insertion area the portion of continuous flexible member in contact with the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) forms a first curve (7A; 7B). In the sewing area, the continuous flexible member (7) co-acts with a convex deflector profile (25), which imparts to the continuous flexible member (7) a curvature with a convexity facing the same part as the convexity of the first curve (7A; 7B) of the continuous flexible member (7).

Description

Apparatus and method for sewing the toe of a tubular knitted article

This case discloses a device for closing by means of sewing the toes of tubular knitted articles such as the legs of socks, stockings or pantyhose. The present case also discloses a method for closing the toe of a tubular knitted article by means of sewing.

In the hosiery industry, it is known to manufacture tubular knitted articles, such as stockings or socks, on a circular knitting machine and unload the complete tubular article with an open end or toe intended for subsequent processing The steps are closed by means of sewing. In some cases, the tubular knitted article is the leg of a more complex garment, in particular pantyhose. The garment can be formed from two pant legs and from one body, which in some cases can be knitted on a knitting machine in a single operation. According to a more conventional method, the garment is manufactured by joining two pant legs formed from respective tubular knitted articles manufactured separately from each other. In some cases, the toes of stockings or the toes of pantyhose are closed in the same circular knitting machine that manufactures the garment or portion thereof. More frequently, at a later stage of the knitting process, the toes of tubular knitted articles (individual stockings, pantyhose or similar garments) are closed by sewing in a separate machine. Sewing machines are used for this purpose, to which the tubular knitted articles are fed after they have been properly oriented.

Because the closed toe of the tubular knitted article must be adapted to the individual wearing the garment The toe of the foot, so it is suitable for seam lines that are curved rather than rectilinear and that follow a convex profile in particular, which are close to the curvature of the toe of the toe. For this purpose, the devices feeding the tubular knitted article to the sewing machine have been designed to impose a deformation on the toe of the tubular knitted article, so that by sewing according to straight lines, curved seam lines are obtained. Devices of this type are disclosed in US 4,609,419 and DE2524238.

In these known devices, the area of the tubular knitted article adjacent to the toe is clamped between the supply belt and the opposing surface. The belt is an endless belt and defines a closed path. The active branch of the closed path pulls the tubular knitted article from the insertion area to the sewing area. In the insertion area, the band forms a curve corresponding to the contour of the seam line to be formed on the toe. In the sewing area, the tape follows a straight path. Due to the variation in the curvature of the belt from the insertion area to the sewing area, in the finished article, the seam line adopts a convex profile, which seam line adapts to the contour of the toe.

Due to the manner in which the curved profile is created, in stitched tubular knitted articles, folds are formed at the seam lines which can make the garment slightly uncomfortable.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved apparatus for sewing the toes of tubular knitted articles such as stockings or pantyhose legs in order to solve or alleviate the aforementioned problems.

In order to solve one or more of the problems of the prior art in whole or in part, according to a first aspect, there is provided a device for sewing the toe of a tubular knitted article, the device comprising a continuous flexible member, the continuous flexible The member is configured and configured to press the end portion of the tubular knitted article with its branches against the support surface and feed the tubular knitted article along a feed path from the insertion position towards and through the sewing area in which the sewing machine is arranged For sewing the toe of tubular knitted items. In the inserted position, the continuous flexibility of the tubular object is pressed against the opposite surface The branches of the member form a first curve. In the sewing area, the continuous flexible member cooperates with a male deflector profile along which the continuous flexible member is guided and which imparts to the continuous flexible member a The curvature of the convex surface facing the same portion as the convex surface of the first curve of the continuous flexible member.

With this configuration, a seam is created according to a curve, the shape of the seam being defined by a first curve formed by the continuous flexible member. However, due to the deflector profile, the fabric of the tubular knitted article is not deformed or deformed to a limited extent in the area where the sewing machine works, and thus prevents or reduces the formation of wrinkles in the stitched article.

The device may also include an inserter that conveys the tubular knitted article from the first position to the insertion position between the continuous flexible member and the opposing surface. The first curve has a convex surface facing the direction of feeding the tubular knitted article from the first position to the insertion position.

In some embodiments, the continuous flexible member forms a curved section between the first curve and the convex deflector profile having a concave surface opposite the concave surface of the first curve. In practice, the flexible member follows an undulating profile along its active branch.

The deflector profile can be formed by an idler gear or by a stationary cam.

Advantageously, the deflector profile may comprise a maximum point located approximately at the sewing point of the sewing machine.

In an advantageous embodiment, the deflector profile is adjustable at least in a direction substantially orthogonal to the feed path of the tubular knitted article. Similarly, the idler and guide members defining one or more curves of the flexible member in the insertion area of the tubular knitted article can also be adjusted. The members may comprise idler gears and/or stationary cam profiles on which the continuously flexible member is guided.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method for sewing a toe of a tubular knitted article comprising the steps of: engaging the end of the tubular knitted article between the opposing surface and the continuous flexible member, forming in the engaging region a The curve of the convex surface facing the toe of the tubular knitted article; conveying the tubular knitted article along the opposite surface towards the sewing area by means of the continuous flexible member, imparting to the toe of the tubular knitted article a relationship with the continuous flexible member in the joint area The curvature of the reverse of the curve; the toe of the tubular knitted article is sewed by means of a sewing machine while the toe of the tubular knitted article is fed through the sewing area by means of a continuous flexible member in which the continuous flexible member is supplied according to having The curvature of the convex surface facing the sewing machine is bent.

1: Device

3: Cluster

5: Sewing machine

7: Continuous flexible member/belt

7A: The first curve

7B: Second Curve

9: Pulley

10: Pulley

11: Gear motor

13: Idler

15: Idler

17: Idler

19: Idler

21: Idler

25: Convex Deflector Profile

25m: maximum point

27: point

31: Support Surface

33: Removable board

35: Actuator

37: Movable Press

39: Actuator

41: Inserter

43A: Tubular member

43B: Tubular member

45A: Wings

45B: Wings

B: edge

C: Arrow

Co: pantyhose

C1: pantyhose

C3: pantyhose

F: Arrow

f7: arrow

f33: arrow

f37: arrow

f41: arrow

G1: pant legs/tubular knitted items

G2: pant legs/tubular knitted items

L: seam line

The invention will be better understood from the following description and accompanying drawings, which show practical non-limiting specific examples of the invention. More particularly, in the drawings: Figure 1 shows a perspective orthographic view of a device including a sewing machine; Figure 2 shows a perspective orthographic view of the device with parts removed, wherein the flexible member and Its path is especially visible; Fig. 3 shows a side view of the inserter of the flexible member and the elements cooperating with it in the first step of the sewing cycle; Fig. 4 shows a plan view of the inserter in the arrangement of Fig. 3 5 to 12 show views similar to those of FIGS. 3 and 4 in subsequent steps of the operating cycle; FIGS. 13 to 15 show plan views of the sewing operation in subsequent steps of the operating cycle.

The following detailed description of illustrative specific examples refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different figures identify the same or similar elements. Additionally, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Also, the following detailed description does not limit the invention. Indeed, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Reference throughout the specification to "one specific example" or "one specific example" or "some specific examples" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with a specific example is included in at least one specific example of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one particular instance" or "in a particular instance" or "in some particular instances" in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily referring to the same particular instance. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more specific instances.

In the following description, reference is made to an illustrative embodiment of an apparatus for sewing the toes of tubular knitted articles formed from already assembled pantyhose legs. Each tubular article is thus formed from one of the two pant legs, which are joined to the pant to form a complex garment. Sewing of the toes of the two legs of the pantyhose is performed sequentially. However, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description below, the apparatus can easily be modified to manufacture a single tubular knitted article, such as a sock or stocking, or legs intended to be joined to each other to form pantyhose.

Referring initially to Figures 1 and 2, the device indicated as being integral with 1 comprises a cluster 3 and a patchwork or sewing machine 5 for inserting and feeding members of a tubular knitted article. The sewing machine 5 may be a hemming sewing machine of a known type. A sewing machine sews the toe of an item and cuts fabric waste outside the seam line.

The cluster 3 comprises a continuous flexible member 7, which may for example be belt and shall be so designated hereinafter. Band 7 defines a closed path using the active branch and the return branch. For this purpose, the belt 7 is guided around two pulleys 9, 10, one of which (eg pulley 9) is motorized. Reference numeral 11 designates a gear motor that drives the belt 7 . Reference sign f7 indicates the feeding direction of the tape 7 along the closed path defined thereby. Adjustable idlers or pulleys are provided along the active branch of the belt which impose a path on the belt 7 forming the two curves 7A, 7B. The first curve 7A is located between the two idler gears 13 , 15 . The central idler gear 17 is positioned in an intermediate position between the idler gears 13 , 15 . The belt 7 is guided around the central idler 17 so as to substantially follow a curved path with a maximum value at the central idler. The second curve 7B is formed between the idler gear 15 and the other idler gear 19 . Another central idler 21 is positioned between the idlers 15 , 19 .

In the illustrative embodiment shown, five idlers 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 are provided, each of the idlers as the device is configured to handle pantyhose and thus two pant legs simultaneously Define respective tubular knitted articles. In other embodiments, if the device is configured to handle only a single tubular knitted article, such as a sock or stocking, it is sufficient to configure a single curve in the closed path formed by the belt 7 .

Curves 7A and 7B are configured with a concave surface facing the area from which the tubular knitted article arrives and a convex surface facing the toe of the tubular knitted article after the toe has been inserted in the device 1, as explained below. The tubular knitted article is inserted under the belt 7 by means of an inserter, described below.

Reference sign F indicates the direction of feeding of the tubular knitted article towards the sewing machine 5 along the path delimited by the belt 7 . In practice, the active mid-section of the belt 7 defines in a Cartesian axis system (where F is the abscissa) a wavy line with two maxima at the two central idlers 17 , 21 .

In an advantageous embodiment, as the displacement imparted to the belt 7 by means of the gear motor 11 As a result of the movement, the idler pulleys 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 can be idly supported and rotated about respective axes. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of the idler gears 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 may be adjustable. For example, the positions of their respective axes of rotation may be adjustable independently of each other, orthogonal to arrow F. In some embodiments, instead or in addition to adjusting orthogonal to arrow F, adjustment in a direction parallel to arrow F may also be provided. By means of the adjustment of the position of the axis of rotation of the idler, it is possible to modify the shape of each curve 7A, 7B as necessary. For example, it is possible to modify the two curves 7A, 7B so that each curve is not symmetrical, but the two curves are symmetrical to each other about a line orthogonal to the arrow F and containing the axis of the intermediate idler 15 . In this way, as will be apparent hereinafter, seam lines can be made on both legs of the pantyhose, the seam lines having a symmetrical shape rather than being the same as the toes of the two legs.

A convex deflector profile 25 is provided branching between the idler pulley 19 and the idler pulley 10 along the path of the active branch of the belt 7 . In the particular example illustrated, the convex deflector profile 25 is a stationary profile formed in the form of a cam. The belt 7 is guided around and slides on the convex deflector profile 25 . Instead of the stationary convex deflector profile 25 it is also possible to use a (eg idly mounted) deflection wheel around which the belt 7 is guided.

The convex deflector profile 25 has convex surfaces oriented in the same direction as the convex surfaces of the curves 7A, 7B formed by the strips. In essence, the curves 7A, 7B and the convexity of the deflector profile 25 are oriented in the direction indicated by arrow C, as shown in the figures. Thus, when guided around idlers 17 and 21 , the belt is deflected to form a curve having a convexity oriented in the same direction as the convexity imparted to the same belt 7 when the belt follows the convex deflector profile 25 .

The convex deflector profile 25 follows a curve with a maximum point 25m. The maximum point 25m can advantageously be located in the sewing area of the sewing machine 5, that is, at the sewing needles of the sewing machine 5 in the area in which it functions (the area indicated by 27 in the diagram). Needles are not shown in the drawings.

In other specific examples, not shown, idlers 17 and 21 may be replaced by cam deflector profiles similar to deflector profile 25 . In some embodiments, the idler gears 13, 15, 19 may be replaced in whole or in part by stationary cam profiles. In general, both the male deflector profile 25 and any of the alternatives to one or more of the idlers 13 to 19 can be made of a material with a lower coefficient of friction to facilitate the sliding of the belt 7 .

The device 1 comprises opposing surfaces which may be formed wholly or partly by the support surface 31 . The support surface 31 may extend along the active portion of the path defined by the belt 7 at least in the portion thereof forming the curve 7A, 7B and the curve around the convex deflector profile 25 by the belt 7 . In some embodiments, the support surface 31 is formed at least in part by a movable plate 33 provided with a substantially vertical movement, in the example, orthogonal to the feeding direction F of the tubular objects. Movement of the movable plate 33 is indicated by double arrow f33 and can be controlled by an actuator 35 (eg, a piston cylinder actuator) or by an electric motor or other suitable actuator.

In the particular example illustrated, the movable plate 33 cooperates with a movable press 37, which is positioned above the support surface 31 and has a movement parallel to the movement of the movable plate 33, which is indicated by a double arrow f37 indicates. Reference numeral 39 designates an actuator which controls the movement according to the double arrow f37. The movable plate 33 and the movable press 37 are positioned one in front of the other to sandwich between the toes of the tubular knitted article to be sewn, as will be described below with reference to the sequence of Figures 3 to 15, which The operating cycle of the display device.

In the particular example illustrated, the device 1 also includes an inserter 41 configured and configured to insert the pair of trouser legs to be sewn, conveying it from the first position to the following The second position, indicated as the insertion position, in which the toe of the pant leg is between the movable plate 33 and the active branch of the belt 7 . The insertion movement of the tubular object performed by the inserter 41 is indicated by the arrow f41. In the particular example illustrated, the inserter 41 is configured to simultaneously insert both legs G1 , G2 of the pantyhose Co between the belt 7 and the support surface 31 , and thus has a dual configuration. In other specific examples, especially if the tubular knitted article to be sewn is not the legs G1 , G2 of the pantyhose Co but, for example, a stocking, the inserter 41 may be single, ie, configured to The tubular knitted articles are inserted one at a time with the support surface 31 .

In the illustrated example, the inserter 41 includes two tubular members 43A, 43B, on each of which is inserted one of the two pant legs Gl, G2. A pair of wings 45A, 45A and 45B, 45B can be accommodated inside each of the two tubular members 43A, 43B, respectively. The wings may be axially movable, that is, parallel to and transverse to the axis of the respective tubular member 43A, 43B, to withdraw the respective pant leg G1, G2, partially from the tubular member 43A, 43B, 43B is removed, the pant leg is obtained using the movement described below between the belt 7 and the underlying support surface 31 .

Each tubular knitted article formed from pant leg G1 or G2 may have, at the end of the toe to be sewn, an edge B removed by shearing after or during sewing of the toe. The seam line is located inside the edge B so that this latter can be cut and removed from the finished article, leaving the seam closing the respective toe of the pant leg G1 or G2, respectively, without breakage.

The operation of the apparatus described above will now be described in detail with reference to the sequence of FIGS. 3-15. Figures 3 and 4 show the initial steps of positioning the pantyhose Co, and in particular the two pant legs G1, G2. The wings 45A, 45A and 45B, 45B have been drawn laterally from the respective tubular members 43A, 43B and the respective pant legs have been stretched orthogonally to their longitudinal extensions.

5 and 6, the wings 45A, 45A and 45B, 45B are drawn longitudinally from the respective tubular members 43A, 43B, and due to the friction between the wings and the fabric of the pant legs G1, G2 , these latter are pulled by the wings until the respective toe and edge B are taken under and outside the belt 7, between the belt and the movable plate 33 of the bottom layer, the movement is effected according to arrow f41. In practice, each tubular knitted article formed by the pant leg G1 or G2 has been transferred in this way from the first position ( FIG. 3 ) to the insertion position ( FIG. 5 ). The respective convex surfaces of the curves 7A, 7B of the belt 7 face the edges B of the two tubular knitted articles G1, G2, which edges are on opposite parts of the belt with respect to the initial position.

In subsequent steps (Fig. 7, Fig. 8), the movable plate 33 and the movable press 37 are moved towards each other (arrows f33, f37 in Fig. 7) to clamp against the wings 45A, 45A and 45B, 45B Two tubular knitted objects G1, G2. Preferably, the impact of the movable plate 33 and movable press 37 causes the total bending stress applied to the airfoils 45A, 45A and 45B, 45B to be substantially zero, thereby avoiding airfoil bending strain.

Subsequently ( FIGS. 9 , 10 ), the wings 45A, 45A and 45B, 45B are retracted, while the two tubular knitted objects G1 and G2 remain clamped between the movable plate 33 and the movable press 37 . In practice, the friction between the fabric of the pant leg and the movable plate 33 and the movable press 37 is greater than the friction between the fabric and the wings, so that the wings are removed from the inside of the pant legs, and the wings are A blockage is maintained between the movable press 37 and the movable plate 33 .

Once the wings have been retracted, the movable press 37 and movable plate 33 are raised until the movable plate 33 is pressed against the lower edge of the belt 7 . In this way, the two toes of the two tubular knitted objects G1 , G2 are clamped between the movable plate 33 and the lower edge of the belt 7 . The movable press 37 can be moved to a non-operating position, i.e. a raised position that is not in contact with the underlying tubular objects G1, G2 set. This new position is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 .

During the operation described above, the belt 7 is stationary. After reaching the position of Figs. 11 and 12, the belt 7 can start to move according to the arrow f7 in order to feed the two tubular knitted objects G1, G2 towards the sewing area. Each tubular knitted article G1 , G2 joins between the latter and the movable plate 33 along the curve delimited by the belt 7 . When the belt 7 starts to move according to the arrow f7 ( FIG. 13 ), it pulls each tubular knitted article G1 , G2 by friction along the support surface 31 according to the arrow F towards the sewing area where the sewing machine 5 is located.

As a result of the curvature imparted to the belt 7 by the idler, the tubular knitted articles are deformed when each of the tubular knitted articles G1 and G2 adheres to the lower edge of the belt 7 by friction, following the path of the belt 7 . The line of contact between the tubular knitted articles G1 , G2 and the belt 7 is deformed, and as a result, the edges B of the tubular knitted articles G1 , G2 assume a concave shape.

Continuing to feed towards the sewing area, the tubular objects G1 , G2 remain in contact with the belt 7 without sliding and thus follow the curvature of the profile 25 of the convex deflector. When the tubular knitted article G1, G2 is being fed, at the maximum point 25m of the curve defined by the convex deflector profile 25, the tubular knitted article is sewn by the sewing machine 5, as schematically represented in the plan view of FIG. 14 . This figure shows the intermediate steps of the operation of sewing the pant leg G1. Reference sign L designates the seam line that has been made on the half of the toe of the pant leg G1 by a needle (not shown) of the sewing machine 5 functioning at point 27 . The edge B of the toe of the tubular knitted article G1 has been cut along the area with the seam L, while it remains in the area that has not yet reached the point 27 where the sewing is made.

In Figure 15, the pantyhose Co has been completely sewn: the toes of the two tubular knitted articles represented by the two pant legs G1, G2 have been sewn along curved and convex seam lines L, which generally follow The outline of the toe of the foot. Subsequent tights are sewn as indicated by C1 here: pantyhose The first trouser leg G1 of C1 has been sewn, and the second trouser leg G2 is being sewn. The third pantyhose C3 is on standby for insertion into the operating position.

Due to the presence of the convex deflector profile 25, in the point 27 where the sewing is made, the fabric of the tubular knitted articles G1, G2 is forced to follow the convex deflector profile 25, which is partially interrupted on the knitted fabric by The deformation is imposed by the movement imparted by the belt 7 between the curve 7A or 7B and the idler 15 or 19 in the preceding part of the feed path. Because the convexity of the curve 7A or 7B and the convexity of the deflector profile 25 are oriented in the same direction (arrow C) in the sewing area (point 27) of the substantially undeformed fabric of the tubular knitted article. Thus, when the resulting seam line L is curved, the fabric is substantially wrinkle-free due to the sum of the effects of curve 7A or 7B and the convex deflector profile 25 on the knitted fabric of tubular knitted articles G1, G2 The case is sewn.

7: Continuous flexible member/belt

7A: The first curve

7B: Second Curve

9: Pulley

10: Pulley

13: Idler

15: Idler

17: Idler

19: Idler

21: Idler

25: Convex Deflector Profile

25m: maximum point

27: point

31: Support Surface

33: Removable board

43A: Tubular member

43B: Tubular member

B: edge

C: Arrow

Co: pantyhose

f7: arrow

G1: pant legs/tubular knitted items

G2: pant legs/tubular knitted items

L: seam line

Claims (19)

A device (1) for sewing a toe of a tubular knitted article (G1, G2) comprising a continuous flexible member (7) configured and configured to use its A branch presses an end portion of the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) against a support surface (31) and feeds the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) along a feed path from an insertion position towards and through a sewing area G2), in the sewing area a sewing machine (5) is configured for sewing the toe of the tubular knitted article (G1, G2); wherein in the insertion position the continuous flexible member (7) is The branch forms a first curve (7A; 7B) having a convex surface facing a terminal edge (B) of the toe of the tubular knitted article; characterized in that in the sewing area, the continuous flexible The sexual member (7) cooperates with a male deflector profile (25) towards the continuous flexible member (7) towards the terminal edge (B) of the toe of the tubular knitted article imparting a curvature having a convex surface facing the same side as the convex surface of the first curve (7A; 7B) of the continuous flexible member (7), and the continuous flexible member is further provided by abutting against the support a surface (31) pressing the end portion of the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) to cooperate with the support surface (31); and wherein the continuous flexible member (7) is in the first curve (7A; 7B) A curved section is formed with the convex deflector profile (25), which has a concave surface opposite to the concave surface of the first curve (7A; 7B). The device (1) of claim 1, further comprising an inserter (41) for transferring the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) from a first position to the continuous flexible member (7) the insertion position between (7) and the support surface (31); the first curve has a face to feed the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) from the first position to the insertion position a convex surface in the direction. The device (1) of claim 1, wherein the convex deflector profile (25) is formed by a stationary cam. The device (1) of claim 2, wherein the convex deflector profile (25) is formed by a stationary cam. The device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the male deflector profile (25) is at least approximately orthogonal to the feed path of the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) can be adjusted in one direction. The device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the continuous flexible member (7) forms a second curve (7B; 7A) having a surface oriented to the first curve (7A, 7B) a convex surface on the same side of the convex surface; the first curve and the second curve are sequentially arranged along the supply path of the tubular knitted article (G1, G2). The device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 4 of the claimed scope, wherein each curve (7A, 7B) formed by the continuous flexible member (7) is adjustable. The device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 4 of the claimed scope, wherein each curve (7A, 7B) of the continuous flexible member (7) is determined by the idler pulley (13 to 19), by the The guide profile is either formed by a combination of the idler and one of the guide profiles, the position of which can be adjusted to change the shape of the curve. A device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support surface (31) is at least partly formed by a movable plate (33) in contact with the tubular knitted article (G1) , G2) is substantially orthogonal to the supply path and is movable in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) is inserted. According to the device (1) of claim 9 of the patented scope, it further comprises a movable pressing machine (37) configured and controlled to clamp the tubular knitted article (Gl, G2) against the movable plate (33) outside the path defined by the continuous flexible member (7). Apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the movable press (37) is controlled to move away from the movable plate (33) and is allowed to move along the movable plate (33) by means of the continuously movable platen (33). The friction of the flexible member (7) transports the tubular knitted article (G1, G2). The device (1) of claim 2, wherein the inserter (41) comprises at least one pair of wings (45A, 45B) on which the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) is inserted , and the tubular knitted article is conveyed from the pair of wings in the insertion position between the continuous flexible member (7) and the support surface (31). 2. The device (1) of claim 2, wherein the support surface (31) is at least partially formed by a movable plate (33) at substantially the same distance as the feed path of the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) movable in a direction orthogonal and orthogonal to the direction in which the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) is inserted; the device further comprises a movable press (37) configured and controlled to bear against the movable The plate (33) clamps the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) outside the path defined by the continuous flexible member (7); wherein the inserter (41) comprises at least one pair of wings (45A, 45B) ), the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) is inserted on the pair of wings, and the tubular knitted article from the pair of wings is between the continuous flexible member (7) and the support surface (31) and wherein the wings (45A, 45B), the movable press (37) and the movable plate (33) are configured and controlled such that when the wings are positioned Between the movable plate and the movable press with the tubular knitted article inserted thereon, the movable plate (33) and the movable press (37) move towards each other against the wings Pieces (45A, 45B) hold the tubular knit objects (G1, G2), and the wings are retracted and withdrawn from the tubular knitted object, which remains clamped between the movable plate and the movable press. A method for sewing a toe of a tubular knitted article (G1; G2), comprising the steps of: approximating the tubular knitted article between a support surface (31) and a continuous flexible member (7) The toe engages the tubular knitted article (G1, G2), the continuous flexible member is formed in the area of engagement with a convex surface facing a terminal edge (B) of the toe of the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) a first curve (7A; 7B) of; conveying the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) along the support surface (31) towards a sewing area by means of the continuous flexible member (7), while the tubular knitted article The toe of (G1; G2) imparts a curvature with a concave surface facing the terminal edge of the toe between the first curve (7A) and the stitched area; by means of the continuous flexible member (7) Sewing the toe of the tubular knitted article by means of a sewing machine (5) in the sewing area while feeding the toe of the tubular knitted article through the sewing area; the continuous flexible member along the With a deflector guided in the sewing area, the deflector imparts a curvature to the continuous flexible member (7) and thus to the toe of the tubular knitted article, which has the terminal end facing the toe One of the edges (B) is convex. 14. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of engaging the end of the tubular knitted article between the support surface (31) and the continuous flexible member (7) comprises the steps of: positioning an inserter (41) , on the inserter the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) is placed between the support surface (31) and the continuous flexible member (7); on the opposite side by means of the support surface (31) and a movable press (37) for clamping The tubular knitted article (G1; G2), the support surface and the movable press grip the tubular knitted article (G1, G2) against the inserter (41); withdrawn from the tubular knitted article (G1; G2) The inserter (41), maintains the tubular knitted article clamped between the movable press (37) and the support surface (31); lifts the movable press (37) so that the tubular knitted article ( G1; G2) is held between the continuous flexible member (7) and the support surface (31). The method of claim 14 comprising the step of continuously sewing the two toes of two tubular knitted articles (G1, G2) forming part of a pantyhose (Co). The method of claim 16, wherein the two toes are sewn according to mutually symmetrical threads, each toe being shaped to fit the asymmetrical contour of the toe end of a foot. The method of claim 15, comprising the step of continuously sewing the two toes of two tubular knitted articles (G1, G2) forming part of a pantyhose (Co). The method of claim 18, wherein the two toes are sewn according to mutually symmetrical threads, each toe being shaped to fit the asymmetrical contour of the toe end of a foot.

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