US2221291A

US2221291A - Narrowing mechanism for flat knitting machines

Info

Publication number: US2221291A
Application number: US90127A
Authority: US
Inventors: Hans J Straussberger
Original assignee: Julius Kayser & Co
Current assignee: Julius Kayser & Co
Priority date: 1936-07-11
Filing date: 1936-07-11
Publication date: 1940-11-12
Anticipated expiration: 1957-11-12

Description

1940- H. J. STRAUSSBERGER 7 2,221,291"

NARROWING MECHANISM FOR FLAT KNITTING MACHINES FiIea' July 11, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

Hm J1 d'trauxs'fieryan BY I A TTORNE Y8.

Nov. 12, 1940. H. J. STRAUSSBERGER 2,

NARROWING MECHANISM FOR FLAT KNITTING MACHINES I Filed July 11, 195s 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 T m-- 5 T r- 4 Hm J1 Jtnauwb ezzqer H ATTORN Y8.

INVENTOR I Nov. 12, 1940. 2,221,291

NARROWING MECHANISM FOR FLAT KNITTING MACHINES H. J. STRAUSSBERGER Filed July 11, 1936 4 Sheets-$heet 3 INVENTOR: anJ J1 Wwvum ,KW e-G-{-\ zll ATTORNEYS, u

O 1 El /.M.N\.U6 6 I. 8 TH N l Nov. 12, 1940. H. J, STRAUSSBERGER ,2

NARRowING MECHANISM FOR FLAT KNITTiNG MACHINES Filed July 11, '1936 4 Shets-Sheet 4 A TTORNE YS IINVEVN'TOR: I

ze ep I,

Patented Nov. 12,1940

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE mnnowmc MEcnANIsM non FLAT KNITTING MACHINES Application July 11, 1936, Serial No. 90,127

42 Claims.

,This invention is a novel narrowing mechanism for flat'knit-ting machines, relating particularly to such machines as are employed for the fullfashioned knitting of stockings or other hosiery; an example being a hosiery machine wherein successive sections of the work, typically the leg section and the'foot sectionfof a stocking, are knitted in succession on the same machine, pop- ,ularly designated a single-unit" machine or operation, although certain features are useful for narrowing in other than single-unit machines.

The invention is shown applied particularly to the knitting of stockings or other products wherein narrowing operations of two or more different kinds or methods are to be performed and the narrowing-means requires resetting or adjusting during the progress of the work. For example, the narrowing at the leg section and at part of the foot section may be by the regular i or usual method of a simple transfer inwardly of a group of yarn loops at each side of the fabric, whether to the extent of one or more needles or spaces, while the narrowing at the toe portion may be by the known specia method of i a double or other multiple narrowing action at each side, the loops being transferred inwardly in two or more groups, the outer group to a greater extent than the inner group. The first method produces a single line of fashioning' i marks, while the second method produces a special narrowing effect, with two or more lines of fashioning marks, typically represented by the so-'called tape narrowing or box narrowing, terminating perhaps in a diamond point.

i The Schubert and Salzer type of knitting machine of single-unit character is illustrated but the principles are of wide application and readily adaptable to various types and makes of machines, and the disclosed means for double narrowing may be employed on a footer or other knitting machine irrespective of change of narrowing method.

The general object of the present invention is to afford a knitting machine with narrowing method of improved efi'iciency and accuracy, and with greater convenience of operation. A particular object is to afford economy of operation and attention, namely by an arrangement automatically adapting or converting the narrowing mechanism as between two or more different methods of narrowing, during or by reason of the progress of the knitting of the fabric. Referring to a narrowing mechanism wherein the narrowing comb at each side is subdivided into two or more groups, it is an object hereof to provide a self-adjustment of the mechanism, in a pretermined manner, as between the mode of operating the narrowing points or groups as a single unit at each side, or operating them as separate but cooperative groups having a double or multiple narrowing action. An additional object is to improve the double or multiple method of narrowing action per se on a flat knitting machine.

Other and further objects and advantages of the invention will be pointed out in the hereinafter following description of an illustrative embodiment thereof or will be manifest to those conversant with the art. To the attainment of the aforesaid objects and advantages the present invention consists in the flat knitting machine, and narrowing mechanism therefor, and the features of method, operation, arrangement and construction herein illustrated or described.

In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a front elevation showing certain general parts of a. full fashioned knitting machine to the extent of three sections of the length of the machine, and including the elements necessary for explaining the present invention; the narrowing mechanism with its supporting frame or carriage being shown in its elevated position relatively to the needles, and the knitting having progressed to the point where the toe is being knitted and narrowed by the special or double operation, the

outer and inner narrowing fingers 'at each end of each section being shown slightly separated, corresponding with Figs. 5 and 7.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the narrowing mechanism shown in Fig. 1, but with the parts in a different position, such as they would occupy for regular narrowing, whether at the leg portion or adjacent to the heel, and the long, outer or first group and short, inner or second group of narrowing points at each side of the fabric being unified to operate as a unit, corresponding with Fig. 3.

Figs. 3 to 7 are diagrammatic front views showing more particularly the narrowing parts at the right hand side and the operations of the invention in successive positions, the left hand fingers being shown in dotted lines.

Thus Fig. 3 shows the position of the parts of the narrowing mechanism set for regular narrowing, as at the leg, the outer and inner groups of points operating in unison or as a unit at each side of the section, the shiftable controller to be described being in its lowered or locking position, and the narrowing carriage or frame being shown in its lowered position.

Figs. etc 7 show the same parts at a latex" stage of progress in the knitting of a stocking, namely when the parts are in position for the knitting and narrowing of the toe, to give a double or tape narrowing, determined by the controller being in its raised position.

In Fig. 4 the carriage is shown lowered, and the narrowing groups at each side at that part of the narrowing cycle wherein they are in contact, at the end of a loop transferring operation.

. Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but showing a later position in the cycle, the long group 19f narrowing points having been shifted back or outwardly to the extent of one needle, by the reverse or rightward travel of the slideblock on the carriage, the carriage having swung upwardly, and each inner or short group of points having thereby been advanced relatively inward by one needle through the rocking hub cam, thus offsetting the outward retraction and leaving the inner group in the same longitudinal position, the two groups thus becoming spaced apart to the extent of one needle.

Fig. 6 shows asubsequent position after the narrowing frame has been again lowered, and after the points'have taken loops from needles, and after the long group of narrowing points at each side has been moved inwardly to the extent of two needle spaces, thus overtaking the short group and thrusting it one unit beyond its. Fig. 5 position, constituting the double transfer of loops, followed by the restoration of the loops to the needles. Fig. 6 corresponds with Fig. 4 but with the narrowing fingers one space nearer the center.

Fig. 7 corresponds again with Fig. 5, but with the narrowing fingers one space nearer the center than in Fig. 5, the long group of points having been again shifted back or outwardly to the extent of one needle, while the short group is held against such shift by the rise of the carriage causing the action of the hub cam, the parts being thus again set for the actual inward transfer movements of the two groups.

Fig. 8 is a motion diagram showing the longitudinal motions of the two narrowing fingers as they progress inwardly during double narrowing according to Figs. 4 to 7.

Fig. 9 is a motion diagram showing the up and down motions of the narrowing carriage, fingers, etc.

Fig. 10 is a vertical fore-and-aft sectional view substantially on the line Ill-l0 of Fig. 1 and showing the parts, both old and new, in the same position as in Figs. 1, 5 and '7. Fig. 10 is a perspective of a hub cam.

'Fig. 11 on a. scale smaller than Fig. 10 shows certain of the same parts thereof, but the narrowing carriage having lowered to a position for the cooperation of the narrowing fingers with the needles, corresponding with Figs. 4 and 6.

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11 but showing the controller member in its lowered or locking position, corresponding with Figs. 2 and 3, for regular narrowing.

Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic view of a completed fiat stocking fabric as an illustration of what may be knitted in a single operation on a machine containing this invention.

. A number of the general and well known parts are shown and may be described as follows. At each section'of the machine, in which section a single stocking is knitted, is provided a bank of needles 25 upstanding from a needle bed or bar 26, longitudinal of the machine, with connections, not shown, by which the needle bank may be lifted, lowered and swung in cooperation with the other knitting instruments, including the usual, sinkers, dividers, etc. One or more yarn carriers, not shown, may operate in each section of the machine, each having the usual sliding traverse for laying the yarns leftwardand rightward in the course of knitting the fabric. At the end of each traverse the carriers and their rods may be brought to a stop at a definite position, by the usual stops, not shown, these stops being adjustable toward each other for the purpose of shortening the traverse when narrowing or marginal group or groups of loops to the extent of one needle or space at each narrowing course.

The narrowing mechanism as a whole may, as usual, be carried upon a frame or carriage 28 composed for example of arms 29 mounted fixedly upon an axle or guide bar 30. The entire carriage and narrowing mechanism have the usual up and down arcuate' movements for cooperation with the needles and may be bodily retractible from operative position at times when the knitting is straight; a. frame-supporting lever 3i being shown for this mounting, several of .which levers are employed, fulcrumed behind and below the knitting line.

The narrowing points at eachsideofeachsection of the machine are shown as comprising a first or long outer group or comb and a second or short inner group or comb, containing for example sixty and sixteen points respectively. The two groups operate in unison as a single group during ordinary narrowing, as at the stocking leg, but being capable of separate actuation for cooperative transfer movements at special places in the fabric, for example at the double or diamond point narrowing of the toe of astocking. Formore clearly following ,the parts the exponent :c is applied to the reference numbers designating the narrowing points and connected parts pertaining to the action at the left side of the fabric being knit in each section of the machine, those at the right lacking the exponent. The same principles 'of operation can'be used with three groups, for triple narrowing, which is intended to be included herein along with double narrowing. For better illustration the needle spacing and narrowing movements are exaggerated in the diagrams.

Thus there are shown a first or long comb or group 32 of narrowing points at the right, and a corresponding long group 32 at the left side of the fabric. Also at the left is a second or short comb or group 35 adjacent and to the right of, that'is, immediately inwards of the long group 32 and at the right side is a corresponding short group 33 of narrowing points inwards of the group 32. The long outer groups 32 nd 32 of narrowing points are mounted respectively on shanks or so-called

narrowing fingers

34 and 34; while the short inner groups are mounted respectively on

fingers

35 and 35. These four narrowing fingers, at each section of the machine, require four separate carrying and actuating rods, the outer finger 34 being mounted on rod 36 theouter finger 34 being mounted on rod 36, the inner finger 35 being mouhed on rod 31 and the inner finger 35 being mounted on rod 31. By proper manipulation of' the four narrowing rods as will bedescribed the respective naring operations.

For the purpose of effecting the progressive or gradual adjustments necessary for the narrowing-of a fabric as the knitting proceeds certain automatic adjusting means is known and is conventionally illustrated as follows. At convenient points in the length of the machine are one or more threaded spindles 39 turning for exampleis applied to the right hand threads, and correspondingly the reference 40 to its left threads. On the threaded spindle parts movenuts and 4|, and these nuts are extendeddownwardly and shaped to constitute slides or blocks 42 and 42, respectively, sliding for example onthe guide bar or axle 30 of the narrowing frame. The nuts and slides are shiftable as usual to adjust progressively the narrowing devices. The carriage 42 is shown connected with the rod 36 of the left hand outer finger 34 by a connecting extension or lug 45 on the latter, and similarly the carriage 42 is connected by a lug 45 with the rod 36 of the right hand outer finger 34.

While the rods 36 for the wide narrowing fingers 34 carrying the outer combs 32 are thus directly connected with the slides 42, for ordinary narrowing, the rods 31 for the narrow fingers 35, carrying the inner combs 33, are not directly connected to the carriages, but have special connections, the adjustment and operation of which may be changed as will be described, whereby they may at times be operated independently or separately from the rods 36, affording the special or double narrowing operation mentioned. Thus, upstanding from the rod 31 is shown a lug 46 and upstanding from the rod 3'! is a corresponding lug 46, these lugs serving to communicate to the bars their intended movements as will be further described.

Another well known element in narrowing mechanisms, and herein shown on Fig. 10 only, is a knife 50, in the nature of a guard, operated to be swung down, at the central part of the needle bed, to be interposed between certain of the needles and the corresponding transfer points, thus preventing the points from taking loops from the needles, and thus determining a part of the narrowing action at the conclusion of the diamond-point narrowing. Thisbeing well known and forming per se no essential part of the present invention is not herein further de-,

scribed. The knife 50 is mounted on a bent shank as usual, having its hub secured to a rock shaft 52 turning in the frame arms 29 of the narrowing carriage. shown on Fig. only are a picot attachment 'or device 54 mounted on a rock shaft 55, and a clocking device 51 mounted on a rock shaft 58.

All of these

special devices

50, 54 and 51 are shown in Fig. 10 as swung upwardly to inoperative positions.

The means for operation of the free or independent rod 31 through its lug 46 may be in part 1 as follows, and similar means will be understood for rod 3'l See Figs. 3-7 also Fig. 10. A camhub or rocker 62 is loose on the frame axle 30 and has at its left face a cam comprising a raised Analogous devices part 63 extending around part of its circumference only and cooperating with the right face of-the lug '46, and a depressed part 64, the two separated by a cam incline 6| at one side and a shoulder at the other side, the high and low surfaces being in planes separated by one needle space, so that when the cam is turned it can thrust inward the lug and rod and finger by one needle. The cam is loose on the axle and nor-v mally stands so that its depression is opposite the lug, as in Figs. 3, 4 and 6, a spring 65 holding it so, against a stop. To rotate it and shift the lug the cam has an arm 66 with roll 61 at its end adapted to contact an exterior cam or plate 68 which does not partake of narrowing movements but may be fixed in the machine. The cam 68 is shown in the form of a plate attached to a collar 69. mounted fixedlyona fixed longitudinal rod 10. The plate cam 68 is so positioned as best seen in Fig. 10 that when the narrowing carriage rises the roll 61 will strike the plate, and the arm 66 is thus relatively swung downwardly or counterclockwise, thus turning the hub 62 and causing the cam incline 5| to operate upon the rod lug 46. The plate cam 68 however does not operate in ordinary narrowing, and indeed is of short longitudinal extent and so located that it is not contacted by the roll 61 except when the narrowing has progressed to the point where the double narrowing at the toe section is to begin. Thus the roll and plate are out of cooperating relation in ,Fig. 3, but in Fig. 4 have come into cooperating relation, and

remain so through Figs. 5 to 7 and thereafter to the end of the narrowing of the toe.

The rocking hub-cam 62 is thus an actuator for the independent narrowing rod 31, at certain times thrusting it relatively leftward to the extent of one needle. The hub-cam must travel advancingly in unison with the overhead slideblock 42 as the knitting progresses. For this purpose the hub, which slides freely along the axle 30 has a suitable connection with the slide, for example as indicated in Figs. 1 and 10*, the slide being provided with an underneath groove 12 within whichgroove the top portion of the hub-cam snugly enters. The cam thus keeps pace with the narrowing movements while being free to be rocked as described.

The described elements may suflice for performing the double narrowingoperation at the toe, but before reaching this section of the fabric it is requisite that the outer and inner narrowers or fingers shall be substantially unified, as shown in Fig. 3, so as to operate as a single finger carrying a single long group of points. For this purpose a controller or member 15 in the form of a plate ,or a bolt of inverted U-shape, is mounted shiftably on'the narrowing mechanism so that when adjusted from one position to another it changes the operative relation of the

bars

36 and 31, and so alters the narrowing method performed'by them. The controller 15 is shown in large scale in Fig. 10 where it is seen to comprise a top bar 13 and front and rear depending legs which slide vertically in grooves-or ways 71 in the slideblock 42. The rear leg of the controller is shown as extended downwardly at '18 where it carries a set screw 19 which constitutes its active contact portion.

It will be seen then that both the controller or bolt 75 and the hub-cam or actuator 62 have guided mounting in the slideblock 42, so that in lengthwise direction their mutual relation or spacing is permanent. As already-described the hub-cam has at its left face raised and depressed contact surfaces spaced -longitudinally by one needle, with the incline 6| between, and cooperating with 'the straight right face of the rod lu 46. At its left face the rod lug is shown as having a low contact surface 4! and therebelow a high contact surface 48, these also being longitudinally spaced to the extent of one needle. The set screw 19 of the controller faces and co- 0 operates with one or another of the

surfaces

41 and 48. This combination of lug, with hub-cam at one side and controller at the other side affords the several operative actions of this invention. When the controller 75 is in its lowered or looking position, as in Figs. 2 and 3, its contact 1 19 contacts the high surface '68 of the lug and confines the lug against the low surface 64 of the hub-cam, which is now idle, thus locking the 20 inner narrowing finger 35 against the outer finger 34, consolidating them for regular narrowing. This condition continues as the slideblock and these narrowing parts travel inwardly, until at a certain time the adjustment is changed by the lifting of the controller from its confining or locking position of Figs. 2 and 3 to its releasing or limiting position as seen in Figs. 1 and 4-7. The lug then becomes released and floating between the controller and hub-cam, being free to move longitudinally to the extent of one needle space as seen in Figs. 4 and 6, except at that part of each cycle when the hub-cam, now operable by the fixed trip or plate cam 88, thrusts the lug relatively leftward as in Figs. 5 and '7, so taking up the clearance, when the controller forms a guard or stop limiting the relative movement and ensuring exact alinement of the points of the inner finger with the needles below.

The controller thus determines the narrowing 40 method. It may be 'shiftable manually, if desired, between its lower or confining position and its upper or limiting position, but isherein shown shifted automatically at the time that the double narrowing is to begin. This adjustment might be by an active cam or connection, or by a fixed cam as plate 68, but is conveniently done by a shift means mounted on the narrowing carriage, operative by the gradual inward travel of the slideblock that carries the controller and hubcam. Thus, relatively fixed on the carriage is a member or rail 82, shown in Fig. 3 as holding down the controller during regular narrowing, and having an inclined entrance or cam 83 for pressing it down when the mechanism is being reset for a new stocking. This cam rail is shown as a plate supported on collars 84; Likewise for holding up the controller during double narrowing there is a second member or rail 86 fixed on the carriage, shown holding raised the controller in Figs. 4 to 7, and having a cam or inclined entrance 81 which in Fig. 4 has just completed the elevation of the controller. The cam rail 88 is supported on a collar 88. The

collars

84 and 88 are fixed to a longitudinal bar 98, which in turn is fixed on the narrowing carriage by means of brackets 9! clamped to the axle or bar 38 of the frame. Rail 82 is adjustable on its collars 84, and rail 86 on its collar 88, or its collar is adjustable on the bar 98, for exact positioning and timing of these cams, especially for setting the inclined surface 81 to coordinate with the trip cam 68, for releasing the rod lug when the trip commences to coact with the hub cam.

The cam 81 is so shaped and timed as to lift the controller and elevate its contact screw 19 above the high surface 48 of the rod lug simultaneously with the advance of the hub-cam into cooperative relation to the fixed cam or trip plate 68, as Fig. 4 shows. Thus as the hub-cam commences its actuation of the lug, rod and finger 5 for double narrowing the controller is elevated to release the lug for this operation and thereafter acts as a stop cooperating with the hub-cam.

The operation of this invention has been indicated in describing the mechanical parts, but 11 may advantageously be reviewed with the further assistance of the motion diagrams Figs. 8 and 9 and the diagram of an illustrative product or stocking Fig. 13. The stocking welt extending from A to B on Fig. 13 may be straight knitted, l. and straight knitting is indicated also therebeyond from B to C. This is followed by a gradual narrowing from C to D, forming the flare of the leg,'and resulting in a single row of narrowing or fashioning marks d, as well known. At this 'point 2' and elsewhere the narrowing operations need not occur at every course, or at alternate courses of the knitting, but may be spaced apart by a greater number of courses, depending upon the required abruptness or slant of narrowing shape. From D to E the stocking is straight knitted and from E to F is again narrowed, approaching the heel of the foot. From F to G special shaping for-the heel may be effected, under the single unit system, the details of which need not be described. Beyond the heel, from G to H, is a fairly steep narrowing, followed by straight knitting from H to I, along the length of the foot. At the toe from I to J is narrowing of excessive steepness, so much. so that the described special 3 or double narrowing operation is desirable or essential. This results in a double row of fashioning

marks

7, 7", which may terminate in a diamond point as indicated.

In accordance with the present invention, the 4 gradual narrowing at the calf, ankle, and sole portions of the stocking blank, that is, from C to D, from E to F, and from G to H in Figure 13, is such as to produce single narrowing lines parallel to the selvedge edges and is accomplished 4 while the inner and outer groups of narrowing points are locked together and are repeatedly advanced inwardly in unison the distance of two needle spaces at each successive narrowing operation; the narrowing of the heel, that is, be- 6 tween F and G in Figure .13, is such as to produce single narrowing lines inclined with respect to the selvedge edges and is accomplished while the inner and outer groups of narrowing points are locked together and are advanced inwardly in l unison .the distance of two needle spaces, and then retracted in unison the distance of one needle space before the loops are picked up by the narrowing points in they next succeeding narrowing operation; and the narrowing of the toe, that is, from I to J, in Figure 13, is such as to produce double narrowing lines inclined with respect to the selvedge edges and is accomplished while the inner and outer groups of narrowing points arenot locked together, but are capable of movement relatively to one another at each success'ive narrowing operation, as already explained.

During the regular or single narrowing operations the inner and outer narrowing groups at eachside are unified into a single long group, by reason of the confining of the lug 46 of the rod 31 between the contacting end of the lowered controller 15 and the idle hub cam 62 as shown in Fig. 3. This regular narrowing needs no de- -ing positions of which are indicated on the motion diagram Fig. 8. This figure incidentally shows at the line 3 the unified relation of the outer and

inner fingers

34 and 35, which pre-- vails during straight knitting and ordinary narrowing. Fig. 4 and the line 4 on Fig, 8 indicate the initial positionof the parts at the commencement of the, double narrowing operation. The adjacent points of the two fingers are still one needle space apart, as indicated on the line 4. The controller 75 has just been lifted by the cam rail 85 so that its contact 19 .is now opposite the low part or recess 4! of the lug 45, providing a clearance or play to the extent of one needle. The other side of the lug is in contact with the lowportion or recess of the hub cam 52, as is necessary to provide the independent one-needle play of the lug and inner finger. Also, by the previous narrowing movement, the hub cam has been caused totravei so far that its roller 61 has arrived beneath, and within the infiuence of the fixed or trip cam 58.

In passing from consideration of Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 it is noted that at this point the threaded spindle 40 is racked reversely so as to shift outwardly the slideblock and carried parts, including the hub cam and the controller. The slanting line from 4 to 5 on Fig. 8 indicates this retracting movement, which applies however only to the outer finger. The inner finger, through the lug 4B, is caused to retain its'longitudinal position,

40 because the rise of the narrowing carriage occurs during this period, and as seen in Fig. the trip plate 68 has acted on the hub cam, rotating it and causing it to thrust relatively leftward the rod lug 45, to the extent of one needle. however the hub cam and controller move one space outward or to the right in this period the net result is that the lug retains its position, the other parts retracting outwardly one space. As seen in Fig. 5 the outer and inner narrowing fingers are spaced to the extent of one needle, which is true not only at the right side but at the left side of the fabric. In this operation the controller serves the important purpose of acting as a stop, cooperating with the' hub cam, the two insuring an exact-position in the lug and there- 'fore the inner narrowing finger, maintainingits points in proper alinement with the needles beneath.

In stating above that in passing from the Fig. 4 to the Fig. 5 position, or from course 4 to course 5 on'Fig. 8, the hub cam 62 thrusts relatively leftward or inward on the rod lug 46, it is to be understood that this may be only a theoretical thrust; that is, the lug may in this action merely hold its absolute position. The narrowing block or slide 42, during this operation, retracts outwardly or rightwardly to the extent of one space, and it is necessary to prevent the lug from partaking of this retraction; and the play of the hub cam, by its relative leftward thrust on the lug, in reality merely insures that the lug will not retract rightward but will retain its advanced position during the rightward retraction of the block. Fig. 8 well shows the retracting motion of the finger 34 connected to the. block and the 1 .1-

Since v action of the finger 35 connected to the lug 46 between

courses

4 and 5, and later between

courses

6 and 1. The block must-move back or outwardly exactly one needle space while the lug must effectively retain exactly its longitudinal position. It will be further understood however that the lug 46, connected to rod 31 and finger 35 need not remain absolutely stationary during the transition-from course 4 to course 5, since obviously there may be a slight lag, the cam slant 6! of the hub cam not necessarily taking effect immediately, or acting in exact unison with the retraction of the block. Thus, instead of the illustrated straight line from course 4 to course 5, and later from course 6 to course 1, etc., on Fig. 8, indicating zero motion, the actual motion 'of the lug and finger 35 may involve a bent path, these parts first yielding or tending slightly rightwardly with the retraction of the narrowing block and the finger 34, but this motion being quickly overtaken by the action of the slant 6! of the hub cam, which cam, in this case, would effect it has been deemed unnecessary to illustrate them in Fig. 8, which merely shows the effective or resultant action, namely, one in which there is zero net lug movement longitudinally of the course. i

The next operation in the narrowing cycleis the inward or leftward shifting of the slideblock and outer finger, to the extent of two needles or spaces. This is the loop transferring motion of the narrowing mechanism. It may here be explained on Fig. 9 that the narrowing carriage has a long up and down movement as the rise from 4 to 5, corresponding with Figs. 4 and 5 and the following descent; whereupon, afterthe points have taken'the loops from the needles the carriage lifts slightly from 5' tot relatively to the needles and then descends from 6 to 6, the loop transferring movement taking place during this slight lift and return of the fingers, which thus clear the needles. Following. the point 6 the carriage rises completely again to-position 1, and so forth; i

Therefore, during this portion of the cycle bebetween Figs. 5 and 6, as shown on Fig. 8, the outer finger is caused to move inwardly or leftwardly to the extent of two needles, overtaking the inner finger and thrusting it inwardly to the V first narrowing'step in the steep narrowing .of

the toe from I to Jon Fig. 13. Fig. 6 may be, considered as following the redelivery of the loops to the needles. In position it corresponds substantially with Fig. 4 except that all of the parts are one needle space further inward.

Next follows a repetition of the one needle retracting movement of the outer finger, understood by comparing Figs. 6 and 7, the motion being shown on Fig. 8 as corresponding with the motion occurring between Figs. 4 and 5. The outer finger with its rod is retracted outwardly t0 the extent of one needle, while the hub-cam and controller cooperate to maintain the inner finger and its rod in the same position, preparing the parts again for the next succeeding double transfer movement.

Thus, with this invention, the narrowing mechanism is idle during straight knitting, while during regular narrowing the outer and inner fingers at each side act in unison, and at the toe, in the special or double narrowing they have a nonunison operation, the outer finger transferring a group of loops to a greater distance than the inner finger. The two fingers step inwardly in tandem, out of unison, but in full cooperation. The adjustment from regular to special method and vice versa is performed without need of attention, by the automatic shift of the controller caused by the progressive shift of the narrowing elements.

Different modes of narrowing have been above described, each per se long well known, as follows. Single narrowing at leg CD ankle E-F and foot G-H, leaving a single line of fashion marks. Double narrowing at the tape I'J and, with the aid of the covering knife, at the point J of the diamond, leaving a double row of marks. Also, narrowing parallel to the selvedge is disclosed at C--D and E-F and GH, also at J, involving 2 inward transfers at every narrowing. Narrowing non-parallel or converging with the edge is shown at I--J, and may also be used at the heel or elsewhere; this involving transfer inward two spaces, with one space outward retraction between transfers, available for either double or single narrowing. The present machine is thus capable of all of these narrowing modes, single or double, parallel or non-parallel, by the present invention along with well known changes in the pattern or other control of the racking movements of the spindle and nuts; these four modes having been per se long known, and having been disclosed in full, for example, in a pamphlet entitled Knitting Machine Lectures" published in 1935 by the Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute, Wyomissing, Pa.

The arrangement and operation may be greatly varied within the described principles. There may be three fingers at each side, giving triple narrowing, and three rows of fashioning marks. The system may be used for fabrics other than stockings, and the narrowing need not be symmetrical at the two sides, and may occur at one side only. Narrowing may be at every course or every second or third course; and when not at successive courses the principles of operation apply to the courses wherein there is narrowing. Certain widening operations employ transfers of groups of loops, as at parts of the heel, and the word narrowing is intended to include widening when analogously performed.

A narrowing mechanism has thus been described constituting an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, but as various matters of method, operation, arrangement and construction may be modified without departing from the principles involved it is not intended to limit the invention to such matters except to the extent set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a fiat knitting machine the needle bank and cooperating knitting instruments combined with a narrowing frame movable relatively to the needles and having a longitudinal guide bar, and for each side of a knitting section of the machine the following elements; a member adapted to travel along said frame guide bar and having a means on the frame for advancing it methodically during narrowing, a first and a second transfer finger arranged in tandem and carried respectively by first and second rods longitudinally slidable in said frame, the first rod being connected to said member to advance with it, (as two needle spaces in each transfer) the second rod being relatively loose for separate advance and having a lug, an actuator on the frame advanceable with the member and also independ ently operable before transfer to cause said lug and second rod to advance idly, (as one needle space) and having a means for operating it, during double or multiple narrowing, whereby during transfer the first rod and finger will advance (as two spaces) and thrust the second rod and finger a lesser distance (as only one space) for a multiple narrowing operation; and a device traveling with the member and standing in advance of said lug to limit and stop the advance of the second rod and finger by said actuator and so positively determine its advanced position.

2. In a fiat knitting machine a narrowing frame having a longitudinal guide, a block for each side'of the fabric adapted to travel along said frame guide and having means for advancing it methodically for narrowing, first and second transfer fingers at each side arranged in tandem and carried respectively by first and second rods longitudinally slidable in said frame, the first rod being connected to said block to advance with it, the second rod being relatively loose and having an operating lug, an actuator on the frame advanceable with the block and also independently operable to cause said second rod to advance relatively to the first, and having automatic means for methodically operating it, during double narrowing, whereby during transfer the first rod and finger will advance a greater distance and thrust the second rod and finger a lesser distance for such double narrowing operation; and a stop traveling with the block and standing in advance of said lug to limit the extent of advance of the second rod and finger by said actuator and so positively determine its advanced position between the stop and actuator, preparatory to the transferring advance of both rod and fingers.

3. In a fiat knitting machine a narrowing frame having a longitudinal guide, a block for each side of the fabric adapted to travel along said frame guide and having means for advancing it methodically for narrowing, first and second transfer fingers at each side arranged in tandem and carried respectively by first and second rods longitudinally slidable in said frame, the first rod being connected to said block to advance with it, the second rod being relatively loose and having an operating lug, an actuator on the frame advanceable with the block and also independently operable to cause said second rod to advance relatively to the first, and having automatic means for methodically operating it, during double narrowing, whereby during transfer the first rod and finger will advance a greater distance and thrust the second rod and finger a lesser distance for such double narrowing operation; and a controller traveling with the block and shiftable relatively thereto to and from a position wherein-it confines the lug and second rod to advance with the first rod and thus unify the first and second fingers for regular narrowing, the controller, in its other position releasing the lug and second rod to permit non-unison op eration for multiple narrowing.

4. In a fiat knitting machine wherein both the foot and leg of a stocking blank are knitted on the same machine, a narrowing mechanism adapted for narrowing both at the leg and at the foot of each stocking blank by transfer inwards of groups of loops, said mechanism comprising, a first group and a second group of narrowing points at each side, means for stepping inwardly the two groups in tandem cooperatively but out of unison for a double narrowing operation, as at the toe, a shiftable controlleradapted in one position to unify the two groups in adjacent alinement for operation in unison as a single group, as at th leg, and in another position to leave them free for non-unison operation, and means for shifting said controller between its positions for unison and non-unison operation thereby determining the mode of narrowing according to whether the leg or toe is being knitted said controller shifting means including an automatic device operable by the progress of the knitting.

5. A narrowing mechanism as in claim 4 and wherein the controller shifting means comprises a cam brought into action by the progress of the narrowing of the work for automatically converting the mode of narrowing.

6. In a fiat knitting hosiery machine, a narrowing mechanism adapted for narrowing at different parts of the length of the fabric by transfer inwards of groups of loops, said mechanism comprising, a first group and cooperating second group of narrowing points, means for stepping inwardly the two groups in tandem cooperatively but out of unison for a double narrowing operation, a shiftable controller for unifying the two groups in adjacent alinement for operation in unison as a single group, and timed means for shifting said controller between its positions for unison and non-unison operation, whereby to impose non-unison narrowingoperation at predetermined sections of the length of the fabric, and unison operation at predetermined other sections, said timed means being timed to cause unison operation of the narrowingpoint groups at the wider sections of the fabric, and non-unison operation at a narrow section of the fabric.

'7. A fabric narrowing mechanism for fiat knitting machines comprising a narrowing device divided into groups of points, operating means convertible for effecting loop transferring move-- ments of said points in difierent methods, namely first with a given non-unison operation of the groups at one section of the fabric, and second with a different operation at another" section,

and timed means for converting said operatingm'eans from one of said modes of operation to the other during the knitting of the fabric, said timed means including a fixed cam operating by reason of the progressive adjustment of the narrowing mechanism between wide and narrow portions of the fabric.

8. A fabric narrowing mechanism for-fiat knitting machines comprising a narrowing device divided into groups of points, operating means for the narrowing device convertible for effecting of the fabric for single narrowing, and with nonunison operation of the groups at another portion for multiple narrowing, and timed means" for converting said operating means from one' mode of narrowing operation to the other during the knitting of the fabric, said timed means ineluding an actuator brought into action by the progress of the knitting to convert the mode of narrowing operation at a predetermined portion of the length of the fabric.

9. In a fiat knitting machine a narrowing mechanism comprising a frame, a' longitudinal guide thereon, a slide for each side of the fabric adapted to travel along said frame guide and having means for adjusting it methodically thereon for narrowing, first and second transfer-fingers arranged in tandem and carried respectively by first and second rods longitudinally shiftable in said frame, for narrowing transfer of fabric loops, the first rod being connected to said slide to travel with it, the seconcLrod being relatively loose and having an operating projection, an

of advance of the second rod and finger by said actuator and so to positively determine its advanced position by confinement between the stop and actuator, preparatory. to the transferring advance of both rods and fingers.

10. A knitting machine havinga narrowing slide. methodically progressed inwardly during narrowing, and for each such slide a plurality of rods longitudinally slidable for carrying a plurality of loop-transferring fingers arranged in tandem for taking part in the narrowing; said machine characterized in that one. of said rods is mounted to travel with the slide, whereas a second rod is free therefrom and has a projecting shoulder or contact, and means for operating it as follows: an actuator traveling with the slide and operable to engage the shoulder of the second rod and cause a predetermined advance of the second rod and finger relatively to the first before loop taking and thereupon to release the advanced second rod, whereby during the succeeding transfer the first rod and finger will be advanced a greater distance and the second rod and finger a lesser distance for a multiple narrowing operatent of a lesser number of needle spaces due to the previous relative advance thereof.

12. A knitting, machine .having a narrowing slide methodically progressedinwardly during narrowing, and for each such slide a plurality of rods longitudinally slidable for carrying a plurality of loop-transferring fingers arranged in tandem for taking p,art;.i n the narrowing; said machine characterized in that one of said rods is mounted to travel with the slide, whereas a second rod is free therefrom and has projecting shoulders, and means for operating it as follows: an actuator traveling with the slide and operable to engage a shoulder of the second rod and cause a predetermined advance of the second rod and finger relatively to the first before loop taking and thereupon to release the advanced second rod, whereby during the succeeding transfer the first rod and finger will be advanced a greater distance and the second rod and finger a lesser distance for a multiple narrowing operation, and a guard traveling with the slide and cooperable with a shoulder of the second rod to limit the extent of each relative advance of the second rod caused by the actuator, thereby to ensure register of the advanced second finger with the other knitting instruments of the machine.

13. A knitting machine as in claim 12 and wherein the guard is a member shiftable on the slide transversely to travel thereof into and from guarding position.

14. A knitting machine as in claim 12 and wherein the second rod shoulders face longitudinally outward and inward respectively, and the actuator is movable to engage the outwardly facing shoulder to thrust inwardly relatively the second rod a definite number of needle spaces, while the guard cooperates with the inwardly facing shoulder to-limit such inward rod movement and prevent overthrust thereof, before loop taking, whereas after loop taking the slide and first rod and finger advance inwardly a greater number of needle spaces and by their advance thrust the second rod and finger a smaller number of spaces equal to the difference between such greater and definite numbers of spaces.

15. A knitting machine as in claim 12 and wherein the guard constitutes also a controller and is movable from its said multiple-narrowing rod-limiting position, wherein it cooperates with said actuator, to a finger-unifying position wherein it compels the second rod to partake of all narrowing movements of the first rod, while the actuator is inoperative.

16. A knitting machine having a narrowing slide methodically progressed inwardly during narrowing, and for each such slide a plurality of rods longitudinally slidable for carrying a plurality of loop-transferring fingers arranged in tandem for taking part in the narrowing; said machine characterized in that one of said rods is mounted to travel withthe slide, whereas a second rod is free therefrom and has means for operating it as follows: an actuator traveling with the slide and operable to engage the second rod and cause a predetermined advance of the second rod and finger relatively to the first before loop taking and thereupon to release the advanced second rod, whereby during the succeeding transfer the first rod and finger will be advanced a greater distance and the second rod and finger a lesser distance for a multiple narrowing operation, means to actuate the actuator in coordination with the narrowing movements of the slide; and a controller member traveling with and movable on the slide, and in one position cooperable with the second rod to limit the extent of each relative advance of the second rod caused by the actuator, thereby to ensure register of the advanced second finger with the other knitting instruments of the machine, and in another position operating to'compel the second rod to undergo all narrowing movements of the first rod while the actuator is inoperative.

17. A knitting machine as in claim 16 and wherein is a passive device operating by reason of the narrowing travel of the slide to shift the controller to one position or the other according to the progress of the work.

18. In a fiat knitting machine a narrowing frame having a longitudinal guide, a narrowing block adapted to travel along said frame guide and having means for advancing it methodically for narrowing, first and second transfer fingers for each such block arranged in tandem and carried respectively by first and second rods longitudinally slidable in said frame, the first rod being connected to said block to advance with it, the second rod being relatively loose, operable to cause said second rod to advance relatively to the first, and having automatic means for methodically operating it, during double narrowing, whereby during transfer the first rod and finger will advance a greater distance and thrust the second rod and finger a lesser distance for such double narrowing operation; and a controller traveling with the block and shiftable relatively thereto to and from a position wherein it confines the second rod to advance with the first rod and thus to unify the first and second fingers for regular narrowing, the controller in its other position releasing the second rod to permit nonunison operation for multiple narrowing.

19. Narrowing mechanism for fiat knitting machines comprising at each side of the fabric a narrowing device for transferring groups of loops, each device consisting of a pair of associated outer and inner combs, one of which derives its transfer movements from a part of the other, comb operating means convertible for effecting loop transferring movements of said combs in different modes, namely, at one portion of the fabric, with unison operation of the combs of each pair movable in both inward and outward directions as a unitary comb, for single narrowing, and with non-unison or separate operation thereof at another, portion of the fabric for double narrowing, and automatic means for converting said operating means from unison to non-unison mode of operation during the knitting of the fabric.

20. Narrowing mechanism for fiat knittin machines comprising at each side of the fabric a narrowing device divided into two combs, comb operating means convertible for effecting loop transferring movements of said two combs in different modesfnamely, at one portion of the fabric, with unison operation of the two combs in either direction of travel thereof for producing a single row of fashion marks, and at another portion of the fabric, with non-unison operation of the combs for producing a double row of fashion marks, and means adapted for rendering either unitary or independent the said combs, and.

thereby converting said operating means from one mode of operation to another, during active knitting of the fabric.

21. Narrowing mechanism for flat knitting machines comprising at each side of the fabric a narrowing device having inner and outer combs, comb operating means convertible for effecting loop transferring movements of said combs in different modes, at different portions of the fabric, said inner and outer combs at each side being adapted to be interlocked, whereby the travel of one comb in either inward or outward direction compels the other comb to partake of the same travel for unison operation of the combs and with formation of a single fashion mark row, at one 22. Narrowing .mechanism for flat knitting machines comprising at each side of the fabric a narrowing device having inner and outer narrowing combs with separate narrowing rods carrying them, operating means convertible during knitting for effecting loop transferring move,- ments of said rods and combs in different modes, at different portions of the fabric, a locking means for locking together the two rods carrying said inner and outer combs, whereby the travel of one rod and comb in either inward .or outward direction compels the other to partake of the same travel, for unison operation of the combs andv with formation of a single fashion mark row, at one portion of the fabric; said locking means being adapted to be unlocked for non-unison operation of the combs at another portion of the fabric with formation of a double row of marks.

23. Narrowing mechanism for flat knitting hosiery machines comprising, at each side of the fabric a narrowing device having inner and outer combs of narrowing points, comb operating means convertible for effecting loop transferring movements of said combs in different modes, at different portions of the fabric, said inner and outer combs at each side having locking means adapting them to be locked to each other as a unit, whereby the travel of the outer comb in either direction compels the inner comb to partake of the same travel for unison operation of the combs at one portion of the fabric,.and to be unlocked from each other for non-unison operation of the combs at another portion of the fabric; whereby during such unison operation of the combs single narrowing by different modes may be performed resulting in a single row of fashion marks disposed according to the mode of operation employed, and whereby in passing from a narrower to a wider portion of the fabric the outer comb may be operated to travel outward and to carry with it the inner comb for the next narrowing, and whereby during such non-unison operation double narrowing may be performed resulting in a doublerow of fashion marks disposed according to the mode of operation employed.

24. Narrowing mechanism for fiat knitting machines comprising at each side of the fabric a narrowing device having inner and outer combs of narrowing points, comb operating means convertible during knitting of the fabric for effecting loop transferring movements of said combs in different modes, at different portions of the fabric, said inner and outer combs at each side having a locking device adapting the combs to be locked to or unlocked from each other; whereby when locked together the travelof one comb in either inward or outward directioncompels the other comb to partake of the same travel for unison operation of the combs and with formation of a single fashion mark row, at one portion of the fabric; and whereby when unlocked from each otherthere may be non-unison operation of the combs at another portion of the fabric with formation of a double row of marks;

and means acting automaticallyduring the knitting of the fabric for shifting said locking device from one position to the other. i.

25. Narrowing mechanism for flat knitting machines adapted for the single-unit knitting of stocking legs and feet, the same comprising at each side of the fabric a narrowing device having outer and inner narrowing combs, comb operating means convertible for effecting movements of said combs in different modes, at different portions of the length of the stocking, said inner comb and outer comb at each side being adapted to be locked to each other, to operate as a long unitary.

of a singlefashion mark row, namely, at predetermined portions of the stocking leg, heel or sole; and adapted to be unlocked from each other for non-unison or differential operation of the two combs at each side with formation of a double row of marks, namely, at other portions including the toe portion of the stocking.

26. Narrowing mechanism for fiat knitting machines comprising at each side of the fabric a narrowing device having outer and inner narrowing combs, said inner comb and outer comb at each side being adapted for non-unison differential inward travel with formation of a double row of fashion marks, operating means for causing the outer comb to'move inwardly two needle spaces in each loop transfer movement and outwardly one space between transfers, and a cam means arranged to operate after each transfer operation to bear relatively inwardly on the inner comb and compel it to maintain a position one needle space in advance of the outer comb before the combs take loops for the next inward transfer move ment.

27. Narrowing mechanism as in claim 25 and wherein is a locking device shiftable to lock together the two combs and to unlock them, a thrust means operative when the combs are unlocked to bear relatively inwardly onthe inner comb after each transfer operation to compel it to take a position one needle space in advance of the outer comb before taking loops for the next transfer, and a stop means opposed to said thrust means and cooperating therewith to confine the inner comb positively in position between them.

28. Narrowing mechanism for fiat knitting machine comprising at each side of the fabric a narrowing device having outer and inner narrowing combs, said inner comb and outer comb at each side being adapted for non-unison or differential inward travel with formation of a double row of fashion marks, operating means for causing the outer comb to move inwardly two needle spaces ineach loop transfer movement and outwardly one space between transfers, a thrust means arranged to operate after each transfer operation to bear relatively inwardly on the inner comb and compel it to maintain a position one needle space in advance of the outer comb before the combs take loops for the next inward trans fer movement, and a stop positioned to oppose'the -said'inner and'outer combs at eachside being adapted to be interlocked, whereby the travel of one comb in either inward o'r outward direction compels the other comb to partakerof the same travel for unison operation of the combs and with formation of a single fashion mark row, at one portion of the fabric; and to be unlocked from each other for non-unison or differential operation of the combs at another portion of the fabric with formation of a double row of marks; combined with means for interlocking the two combs at each side consisting of a shiftable controller associated therewith and retractible for unlocking the combs.

30. Narrowing mechanism for fiat knitting machines comprising at each side of the fabric a narrowing device having inner and outer combs of narrowing points, comb operating means convertible during knitting of the fabric for effecting loop transferring movements of said combs in different modes, at different portions of the fabric, said inner and outer combs at each side having a locking device adapting the combs to be locked to or unlocked from each other; whereby when locked together the travel of one comb in either inward or outward direction compels the other comb to partake of the same travel for unison operation of the combs and with formation of a single fashion mark row, at one portion of the fabric; and whereby when unlocked from each other there may be non-unison operation of the combs at another portion of the fabric with formation of a double row of marks; and means acting automatically during the knitting of the fabric for shifting said locking device from one position to the other; said automatically acting means comprising cam means brought into action by reason of the progressing travel of the narrowing parts at each side according with change of width of fabric.

31. Narrowing mechanism for fiat knitting machines comprising at each side of the fabric a narrowing device having inner and outer combs of narrowing points, comb operating means convertible during knitting of the fabric for effecting loop transferring movements of said combs in different modes, at different portions of the fabric, said inner and outer combs at each side having a locking device adapting the combs to be locked to or unlocked from each other; whereby when locked together the travel of one comb in either inward or outward direction compels the other comb to partake of the same travel for unison operation of the combs and with formation of a single fashion mark row, at one portion of the fabric; and whereby when unlocked from each other there may be non-unison operation of the combs at another portion of the fabric with formation of a double row of marks; and means acting automatically during the knitting of the fabric for shifting said locking device from one position to the other; said automatically acting means comprising cam means brought into action by reason of the progressing travel ofthe narrowing parts at each side according with change of width of fabric; said cam means comprising a relativelyflxed cam and a cam follower traveling with the narrowing parts.

32. Narrowing mechanism for flat knitting machines adapted for the single-unit knitting of stocking legs and feet, the same comprising at each side of the fabric a narrowing device having outer and inner narrowing combs, comb operating means convertible for effecting movements of said combs in different modes, at different portions, of the length of the stocking, said inner comb and outer comb at each side being adapted to be locked to each other, to operate as a long unitary comb, whereby the actuation of the outer comb in either inward or outward direction compels the inner comb to partake of the same travel, thus affording unison operation with formation of a single fashion mark row, namely, at prede termined portions of the stocking leg, heel or sole; and adapted to be unlocked from each other for non-unison differential operation of the two combs at each side with formation of a double row of marks, namely, at other portions including the toe portion of the stocking; and, combined with said elements, a cam means arranged to operate after each loop transfer operation to bear relatively inwardly on the inner comb and compel it to take a position one needle space in advance of the outer comb before the combs take loops for the next transfer.

33. In a flat knitting machine, a narrowing mechanism capable of performing single and double narrowings comprising: separate narrowing instrumentalities mounted for travel in two diametrically opposed directions; and means operable at times to unite said instrumentalities for operation in unison in either direction of travel for single narrowing, and operable at other times to disunite said instrumentalities for individual operation for double narrowing.

34. In a flat knitting. machine, a narrowing mechanism capable of performing single 'and double narrowings comprising: separate narrowing instrumentalities mounted for travel in two diametrically opposed directions; means operable at times to unite said instrumentalities for operation in unison in either direction of travel for single narrowing, and operable at other times to disunite said instrumentalities for individual operation for double narrowing; and means operatively .controlling the first mentioned means. during the operation of the knitting machine.

35. A narrowing mechanism for fiat knitting machines comprising: a narrowing device operable during the knitting of a fabric for transferring groups of loops, said device including adjacent narrowing combs; comb operating means convertible for effecting p transferring movements of said combs in different modes, namely, at times with unison operation of the combs movable in both inward and outward directions as a unitary comb for single narrowing, and at other times with non-unison operation thereof for multiple narrowing; and means for converting said operating means from unison to non-unison mode of operation during the knitting of the fabric.

36. A narrowing mechanism for fiat knitting machines comprising: a narrowing device operable during the knitting of a fabricfor transferring groups of loops, said device including adjacent narrowing combs; comb operating means convertible for effecting loop transferring movements of said combs in different modes, namely, at times with unison operation of the combs movable in both inward and outward direction as a unitary comb for single narrowing, and at other times with non-unison operation thereof for multiple narrowing; and automatic means for converting said operating means from unison to nonunison mode of operation during the knitting of the fabric.

3'7. In a full-fashioned knitting machine, in combination with a narrowing mechanism having a pair of associated narrowing combs, a narrowing rod for each of said combs, and a narrowing I nection between the narrowing nut and the other ment ofthe narrowing nut in both'directions, and of said narrowing rods. operable at other times for disconnecting the 38. In a full fashioned knitting machine, in narrowing rod from the narrowing nut; and

means establishing a permanent connection be- 41. In a full-fashioned knitting machine, a retween the narrowing nut. and one of said narciprocating narrowing nut having releasable enrowing rods; means operable to establish a re- I gaging means; a first reciprocable narrowing rod 10 ing the narrowing rod to the narrowing nut 42. In afull-fa'shioned knitting machine, a rewhereby the narrowing rod follows the movement ciprocating narrowing nut; a first reciprocable narrowing rod isprevented from movement with narrowing nut; and means operable at times to thie narrowing nut, and mechanism for operating establish a rigid connection between the second sa d means.

40. In a full-fashioned knitting machine, a ciprocating movement therewith in unison with ing the narrowing rod to the narrowing nut ter i dependently of the second narrowing rod.

HANS J STRAUSSBERGER