US2743596A

US2743596A - Apparatus for delivering weft threads for incorporation in fabric being knitted

Info

Publication number: US2743596A
Application number: US307741A
Authority: US
Inventors: Harold C Noe
Original assignee: Kidde Manufacturing Co Inc
Current assignee: Kidde Manufacturing Co Inc
Priority date: 1952-09-04
Filing date: 1952-09-04
Publication date: 1956-05-01
Anticipated expiration: 1973-05-01

Description

May I, 1956 H. c. NOE 2,743,596

APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING WEFT THREADS FOR INCORPORATION IN FABRIC BEING KNITTED Filed Sept. 4, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. Harold CJVoe ATTORNEY y 1, 1956 H. c. NOE 2,743,596

APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING WEFT THREADS FOR INCORPORATION IN FABRIC BEING KNITTED Filed Sept. 4, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 2:

IZ' I P POINT 01- 31/15/10 5 UPPL Y IN VEN TOR.

Harold CJVo e ZUHNEY May 1, 1956 H. C. NOE APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING WEFT THREADS FOR INCORPORATION IN FABRIC BEING KNITTED Filed Sept. 4, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 v XIV/T TING LINE AND WARP THREADS IN VEN TOR.

l/zzro/r/ C Noe May 1, 1956 H. c. NOE 2,743,596

APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING WEFT THREADS FOR INCORPORATION IN FABRIC BEING KNITTED Filed Sept. 4, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Km K/V/TT/NC LINE) 51V fi e a a a K f 4% 50 /5 n H 1 j l INVENTOR. Harold UJVoe Zimz% TTOBNE'Y United States Patent APPARATUS FUR DELEVERENG WEFT 'EHHEADS FOR INCORkURATlfiN 1N FAii'RllC BEING KNlTTED Application heptember 4, 1%2, Serial No. 3ll7,7-'ll 34- Claims. (Cl. 6i-=-3d) The present invention relates to knitting machines such as warp knitting machines, and, more particularly, to improvements in apparatus for and a method of delivering weft threads to the knitting line which threads are incorporated in the fabric by the knitting elements.

Heretot'ore, it has been proposed to draw out lengths of thread and deliver the lengths for discharge at the knitting line by means of apparatus generally comprising coacting flexible members movable in divergent paths, means for engaging a thread arranged on the members whereby the means of the respective members alternate consecutively in engaging the thread, and means for mov ing the members along their respective paths so that the thread engaging means draw the thread out in lengths in zig-zag relation to each other which lengths are delivered to and discharged at the knitting line. Such apparatus has never become commercially successful for a number of reasons as about to be explained.

By reason of their Zig-zag arrangement, the lengths were delivered at substantial angle with respect to the knitting line of the knitting elements of the machine. This resulted in that one end of the length reached the knitting line much sooner than the other end thereof, thus requiring a pause in the cycle of the knitting machine until both ends were delivered to the knitting line and discharged. T his delay defeated any attempt to knit at a high speed and severely reduced the output of knitting machines operated in this manner. While it may appear that closely spacing the engaging means would decrease the angle of the weft length with respect to the knitting line and thereby minimize the time lag, this is not feasible because an excessive number of engaging means must be provided about which the thread makes half turns whereby considerable tension is built-up in the thread as it is drawn into lengths. Such increase in tension is undesirable and leads to further complications.

Since the engaging means drawing out a given length move in diverging paths until the ength is delivered to and discharged at the knitting line, the length upon release is under maximum tension and tends to contract rapidly whereby the ends of the length exert an inwardly directed force on the side edges or selvages ot the warp threads and the knitting elements at the ends of the knitting line. Such force distorts the warp threads from their normal vertical position and alignment with the knitting elements, and consequently causes the needles to be bent out of alignment with respect to the needle bed slots whereby breakage of needles or other knitting elements and damage to the selvages of the fabric will occur. Also, while the stitches are being formed, re leased ends of the weft threads are caught in descending needle hooks and are pulled inside the endrnost needle by reason of the tension in the weft threads, thereby causing the needles to chew up the fabric at the sel /ages.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to overcome the foregoing difficulties and disadvantages.

Another object is to provide apparatus for and a 2,743,596 Patented May 1, 1956 method of delivering weft threads suitable for use in connection with high speed knitting machines.

Another object is to deliver the weft thread in lengths substantially parallel to the Warp threads at the knitting line and to arrange the lengths in registry with the knitting line practically instantaneously.

Another object is to provide apparatus for and a method of so delivering and arranging the lengths in a simple and practical manner.

Another object is to provide improved means for engaging the thread, drawing out lengths and casting-off the lengths upon delivery to the knitting elements.

Another object is to position the ends of the lengths outwardly adjacent the endmost threads of the warp threads in which the lengths are to be incorporated.

Another object is to facilitate guiding the ends of the lengths toward such endtnost threads.

Another object is to deliver and lay in the lengths while relaxed.

Another object is to provide elements for preventing undesirable forces from being exerted by the lengths on the warp threads, the needles or other knitting elements.

A further object is to accomplish the foregoing by the construction and arrangement of elements which are simple, economical, practical, and which can Withstand such rough usage to which they may be subjected in the normal operation of high speed knitting machines.

Other and further objects of the invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiment about to be described, or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice.

A preferred embodiment of the invention has been chosen for purposes of illustration and description, and is shown in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of the specification, wherein:

Fig. l is a plan view of lay-in apparatus in accordance with the present invention, illustrated as used in cohjunction with a warp knitting machine of which the knitting line is illustrated schematically.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line Il--ll on Fig. i.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line llllll on Fig. 1, illustrating drive elements for the lay-in apparatus.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of cooperating thread engaging means of the lay-in apparatus at the thread supply source.

Figs. 5 and 5a are enlarged fragmentary perspective views of the thread engaging means shown in Fig. 4,

illustrating the same while castingcfi a drawn out length of the thread adjacent the knitting line at the respective ends thereof, taken from in back of the knitting line, the knitting elements being omitted.

Figs. 6 and are enlarged fragmentary perspective views corresponding to Figs. 5 and 5a. but taken from in front of the knitting line.

Fig. '7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the order in which certain of the thread engaging means pass around the point of thread supply.

Fig. 8 is a schematic view of the lay-in apparatus, illustrating the thread engaging means shown in Fig. 7 ad vanced to positions or" drawing out the thread in lengths and relaxing the lengths prior to delivery to the knitting line.

Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view of the knitting elements disposed in the zone where the ends of the weft thread lengths are delivered in the manner shown in Figs. -5 and '6.

Fig. 10 is a similar view with reference to Figs. 5a and 6a.

Figs. 11 and 12 are views similar to Fig. but taken at later stages in the knitting cycle.

Referring to the drawings in detail and more particularly to Fig. 1 thereof, a warp knitting machine is illustrated schematically which includes a warp of vertical threads, and conventional knitting elements such as guides, needles, a needle bed or trick plate, and sinkers, these elements not being shown in detail because their construction and arrangement is well known in the art. Such a machine is capable of knitting up to several hundred courses per minute.

This warp knitting machine has associated therewith lay-in apparatus in accordance with the invention which generally comprises a thread supply source; a pair of arms 10 and 11 each having one end adjacent the thread supply source and having the other end adjacent the knitting line in proximity to the respective selvages or side edges of the fabric; coacting

flexible members

12 and 13, such as endless chains or belts, on the arms 10 and 11 respectively, each having cooperating thread engaging means, such as hooks or pins P thereon; and means for driving the chains along a desired path to cause the thread to be drawn out in lengths L and delivered for discharge, as about to be described. This apparatus is adapted to be secured to and supported by the frame of the knitting machine in any suitable manner to deliver the lengths L at the back of the warp threads.

As shown herein, the arms 10 and 11 are crooked and in generally akimbo relation to each other. The arms each may be constructed of a single member having the desired shape, but preferably each comprises an upper arm member 14 having one end adjacent the thread supply and in diverging relation with respect to a similar member 14 of the other arm, and an extension or forearm member 15 having one end attached to the other end of the member 14 and having its free end outwardly adjacent the knitting line. The members 14 and 15 are adjustably connected to each other by an elbow member 21 having arcuate slots into which a bolt 23 is secured for attaching the members 14 and 15 to the member 21 in a manner whereby the distance between the free ends of the extension members 15 may be varied for drawing and delivering weft threads of various lengths. In practice, the extension members 15 preferably are arranged to converge with respect to each other or to extend parallel to each other, whereby they are non-di verging with respect to each other for the purpose described hereinafter. The arms 10 and 11, as shown, are inclined downwardly towards the knitting elements, preferably at an angle of about 30 to the horizontal.

The paths of the

chains

12 and 13 are established on the arms 10 and 11, respectively, by means comprising a drive sprocket 16 adjacent the yarn supply, a series of

idler sprockets

17, 18, 19, and 20 arranged as shown on the arms, and a guide rail 22 at the inner sides of the arms facing each other and extending from the drive sprocket 16 to the sprocket 20 at the free end of the extension member 15.

The rail 22 extends slightly above the upper surface of the arm (Fig. 2) and slidably retains the inner strands of the chain moving downwardly from the sprocket 16 to the sprocket 20 (as viewed in Fig. 1) which strands move in the path provided by the contour of the rail. Preferably, the rail is constructed of a strip of relatively stifi, somewhat bendable material having suificient rigidity to maintain the chain in its intended path but being adapted to bend at 24 to facilitate angular adjustment of the extension member 15.

In order to adjust the tension in the chain to a desired value and to take up slack in the chain when the extension member 15 is in various positions of adjustment, the idler sprocket 18 is mounted on a bolt 25 slidably arranged in a slot 26 of the elbow member 21 for secure-- ment thereto.

The

chains

12 and 13 are adapted to be driven by a source of power supplied by the main drive of the knitting machine to a gear box 30 (Fig. 3) including a driven shaft 31 and driven shafts 32 on which the drive sprockets 16 are mounted. In this manner, the chains are both driven at the same speed and their corresponding strands are moved in the same directions. If desired, the casing of the gear box may be utilized as a support for the arms 10 and 11 by securing the arm members 14 thereto by brackets 34.

Each of the chains carries an even number of spaced pins 5 thereon, for example twelve which are constructed and arranged to cooperate in the manner about to be described. These pins comprise a shank 40 perpendicularly disposed with respect to the chains, an inclined or angularly oit's-et portion 41 on the shank, and a depending extension 42 substantially perpendicular to the portion 43.. Two forms of such pins are utilized. One form has its portion 31 extending downwardly with respect to the chain and forwardly to the direction in which the chain is moving, and the other form has its portion 41 extending downwardly with respect to the chain and rearwardly with respect to the direction in which the chain is moving, whereby the extension 42 of each form is inclined towards the shank of the pin. Preferably, the portion 41 is inclined forwardly or rearwardly at an angle of about 45 and is inclined downwardly at an angle of 45 with respect to the shank 40, respectively. It will be understood that elements other than the pins or hooks shown herein could be utilized which elements would be provided with surfaces for accomplishing the herein described functions.

These two forms of pins are arranged alternately on the

chains

12 and 13. For example, as shown schematically in Figs. 7 and 8, the pins prefixed F have their portion 41 extending forwardly and the pins prefixed R have their portion 41 extending rearwardly. The numeral following each pin designation indicates the order in which they pass the yarn supply. In order to enable a pin on each chain to pass through the point of thread supply almost simultaneously, the two forms of pins on the chains are so related to each other that a forwardly inclined type pin on one chain coacts at the point of thread supply with a rearwardly inclined type pin on the other chain. Thus, as shown in Fig. 4, the coacting pins are brought through the point of thread supply in closely spaced intermeshing relation but without coming in contact with each other.

In order that the pairs of coacting pins cooperate with each other to draw out lengths L which are substantially parallel to each other and to the warp upon delivery, the pins are so spaced on the chains that two consecutive pins P2 and Pa on one chain 13 first pass around the point of thread supply, two consecutive pins P4 and P5 on the other chain 12 next pass through the point of thread supply, two consecutive pins Pa and P7 on the chain 13 then pass around the point of thread supply, and so forth (Fig. 7). This is accomplished by spacing alternately adjacent pins slightly different distances A and B. For example, the distance A may be about one half of an inch longer than the distance B whereby coacting pins either lead or trail each other about one quarter of an inch as they pass around the point of thread supply. With this arrangement, each pin of a pair of more closely spaced pins on one chain cooperates with a pin of a pair of pins spaced further apart on the other chain to establish a length L, and the more closely spaced pins cooperate with each other for forming a spacing loop between the lengths, whereby the lengths are staggered in parallelism rather than in zig-zag relation. With the foregoing arrangement, it has been found that the lengths when positioned adjacent the back of the warp threads are practically parallel thereto and are readily brought into alignment with the knitting line for in corporation in the fabric.

The pins by reason of their shape are adapted to pick up the thread, hold the lengths thereon, and cast off the lengths as the pins pass around the idlers 20.

In order to hold the ends of the lengths ata right angle amaaoe to the knitting line and outwardly of the endmost needle at each end, a guide plate 45 (Figs. 5, 5a, 6 and 6a) is provided outwardly adjacent the endmost needle at each end. These plates are positioned on the sinker bar at right angles to the longitudinal axis thereof, and comprise a curved thread guiding surface dd, a notch 47 for retaining the thread lengths in a position above the sinkers and in line with the sinker notches and a projection 48 for pre' venting the lengths from being pulled downwardly and inwardly of the notch 47.

By reason of the converging or parallel paths of the pins as they approach the warp, tension in the thread is relaxed as it approaches the delivery or cast-E Zone so that it is under practically no tension other than that necessary to hold the lengths in a straight line without sagging. In this manner, when the lengths are received by the guide plates and are eventually discharged therefrom, the lengths do not tend to contract with any considerable force which might impair the selvages or damage the knitting elements.

However, it is desirable that the endmost sinkers and knitting needles be protected against distortion, due to the ends of the lengths being drawn into contact therewith while the lengths of weft thread are being incorporated into the fabric. This may be accomplished by utilizing an elongate sinker element t at each end of the row of singers corresponding in shape to the sinkers except that it has a long nose which is slidably supported by a slide plate 51 positioned inwardly of the respective sinker elements 5t) and spaced from and secured to the trick plate by a bracket The slides 51 prevent the elongate sinker from being distorted by tension in the lengths, and preferably are constructed of spring stock which is relatively stiff but yet is slightly yieldable.

The operation of the weft thread delivering apparatus in accordance with the present invention will be understood more clearly with reference to Figs. 1, 4, 7 and 8.

in Fig. 7, the point of thread supply and the

chains

12 and 13 are shown diagrammatically, with the pins being identified in the order which they pass through the point of thread supply and the chains laid out lineally in strands rather than in the actual path they follow. As the knitting machine and the lay-in apparatus are put into operation, the extension 42 of the pin FP1 on the chain 12 passes around the point of thread supply and is closely followed by the pin RPZ on the chain 13. Actually, by reason of a stretch of thread which is laid adjacent the chain 12 by the pin on the chain 12 preceding the pin FP1 and extends from the point of thread supply inwardly of the extension 42 of the pin FP1 (Fig. 1), the pin FP1 does not engage thread until the extension 42 of the pin RPZ engages the thread (Fig. 4) and draws it toward the chain 13. As this occurs, the thread is caught by the extension 42 of the pin FP1, and these two pins now cooperate to draw out a length L upon moving in a downward diverging path. A stretch of thread is now laid at the side of the chain 13 which is first picked up by the pin R1 4 '011 the chain 12, and then by the pin PP3 on the chain 13 whereby these pins cooperate to draw out a second length L upon moving in a downward diverging path. The pins which follow repeat this cycle, with pins R1 4 and FPS on chain 12, pins RPti and FF? on chain 13, and pins RPS and FP9 on chain 12 cooperating respectively to lay stretches or spacing loops connecting adjacent lengths and with pins FPS and R1 6, pins PW and RPS, and pins FP9 and RPltl coacting to draw out the succeeding lengths L.

in Pig. 8, the paths followed by the pins described in connection with Fig. 7 are illustrated schematically. T he pins FP1 and RP?! are about to discharge a length L; and the pins FPS and 111%, pins FPE and R1 6, and pins PPV and RPS are carrying lengths towards the knitting line. The pins FPE and RPM are about to coact to draw out a length of thread and are in the same position as pins FP1 and RPZ as shown in Figs. 1 and 4-. in moving from the position occupied by the pins F1 9 and RPM to the position occupied by the pins FPS and RP6 in Fig. 8, the lengths are drawn out and are under maximum tension when at the latter position. Thereafter, by reason of the converging or parallel path taken by the pins, the lengths are relaxed and upon reaching the position occupied by the pins FPIl and RPZ tension therein is practically eliminated. This conditions the lengths for delivery to and incorporation in the fabric at the knitting line as about to be described.

The knitting elements and their coaction with the weft thread delivering means to incorporate the weft thread in the fabric illustrated schematically in Figs. 9 to 12.

These elements comprise warp thread guides (not shown); a row of needles adjacent and in back of the knitting line including knitting needles KN, and a blank or hookless needle BN at each end of the row, the function of which will be described hereinafter; and a row of sinkers on a sinker bar SB including notches, sinkers and an elongate sinker 50 at each end of the row which is positioned to pass between the first and second knitting needle from each end and bear against the outer face of the slide plate 51. In these views, the guide plates 45 mounted on the sinker bar are also shown in their spaced relation with respect to the needles and sinkers.

in Fig. 9, the knitting elements at one end of the knitting line are shown in the point of their cycle at about the time the pin FP1 is in the position shown in Figs. 5 and 6. At this point, the needles are down, the sinkers have begun their inward movement with the nose of the elongate sinker 5d just engaging the slide: plate 51, and the pin FP1 is just about ready to cast oil the end of the length L which end extends below the sinker 59 (Fig. 6) to the fabric at the knitting line. When the pin FP1 moves slightly toward the right (as viewed), the end of the length is released therefrom and is dropped on the sinker 5d. Since the sinker is braced by the slide plate 5'1 at this instant, distortion thereof by any tension in the length is prevented. Likewise, the length is held out of contact with the warp threads and cannot move therein out of gauge with respect to the needles and disrupt knitting operations. he end of the length is momentarily supported on the sinker Stl until the sinkers move further inwardly and the notches of the sinkers engage the length and push it into the knitting line as about to be described.

In Fig. '10, the knitting elements at the other end of the knitting line are shown in the point of their cycle slightly later than at about the time the pin R1 2 is in the position shown in Figs. 5a and do, it being noted that the pin has already cast-off the end of the length L which is caught by the notch 47 and the guide plate 45. The needles are still down, and the sinkers have moved further toward the knitting line but the notches of the sinkers have not yet engaged the length to push it to the knitting line.

In ll, tie knitting elements at both ends of the knitting line are shown in the point of their c ele following that shown in Fig. 10. The sinkers h 'e moved to a position whereby the notches thereof the notch -3? f the guide plate at the left (as viewed) push the Zen into alignment with the knitting line, and the needles are about to move up in front of the length (as viewet) to a position above the sink rs to facilitate lapping the thread thereon in the usual manner.

in Fig. 12, the knitting elements at both ends of the knitting line are shown in the point of. their cycle where the sinkers have moved down (as viewed) a considerable distance and the notches have released the loo n L which is being incorporated in the fabric at the knitting line.

When such movement has place, the end of the length at the right (as viewed), which was supported on the elongate sinker, is released to move away with the fabric because this sinker 59 has been moved clear of its slide plate 51 and below the knitting line (as viewed); and the end of the length at the left (as viewed), which passed around the guide plate 45 at its notch (Fig. 10), is released by the guide plate and now passed around the blank needle, whereby any tension in the weft thread at this end is counteracted by the blank needle to prevent distortion of the knitting needles at this end of the row and to prevent knitting faults due to such distortion.

As the next leading pin F1 3 on chain It?) approaches the knitting line at the left end (as viewed in 5a, 10, ll and 12) and the next trailing pin RP4 on chain 12 approaches the knitting line at the right end (as viewed in Figs. 5, 9, 11 and 12), the same action takes place at the left end which took place at the right end and the same action takes place at the right end which took place at the left end while the length was cast-off the pins Fi i and RPZ. Thus it will be seen that this action is reversed each time a length is east-off, the action being the same for alternate lengths.

The spacing of the pins on the chains and the speed at which the chains are driven can be adjusted so that a length is laid in each row or alternate rows of the weft rows of the fabric or in one or more rows while skipping one or more following rows to produce patterning effects. While the present invention has been illustrated and described with a knititng machine wherein the end of the lengths L are cast-off at the selvages and the lengths thus extend across the entire Width of the fabric, it will be understood that the arms 15, the plates 45, the elongate sinkers 50, and the blank needles BN could be positioned inwardly of the selvages or ends of the knitting line whereby the lengths L would extend only partially across the width of the fabric to create a pattern in the fabric. Likewise, it is contemplated that duplicate apparatus could be placed side by side to lay in two independent lengths in each weft row or in alternate weft rows to create further patterns. In view of these various uses of the apparatus, the points between which a length extends may be referred to as cast-off points.

The term thread is used in a generic sense herein and is intended to include all kinds of yarns, filaments, cords, tapes, strips and chenilles, of plastic, fibrous and/or metallic formation which may be utilized as weft threads.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that the present invention provides a vastly improved method of an apparatus'for laying weft threads in a rapid, foolproof and practical manner. The apparatus is relatively simple and economical, and light in weight to adapt it for high speed knitting. The elements of the apparatus are constructed and arranged to withstand such rough usage to which they normally may be subjected.

As various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without sacrificing any of its advantages, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for delivering weft threads to be incorporated in fabric being knitted comprising coacting flexible members having means thereon for engaging a thread, means for moving said members first in paths to draw the thread out in lengths, and means for then moving said members in paths to relax the lengths terminating adjacent the fabric.

2. Apparatus for delivering weft threads to be incorporated in fabric being knitted comprising coacting flexible members having means thereon for engaging a thread, means for moving said members first in divergent paths to draw the thread out in lengths, and means for then moving said members in non-divergent paths terminating adjacent the fabric.

3. Apparatus for delivering weft threads to be incorporated in fabric being knitted comprising coacting flexible members having means thereon for engaging a thread, means for moving said members in akimbo relation to first draw the thread out in lengths under tension and then to relax the lengths prior to delivery to the fabric.

4. Apparatus for delivering weft threads to be incorporated in fabric being knitted comprising coacting flexible members having means thereon for engaging a thread, means for moving said members first in divergent paths to draw the thread out in lengths, and means for then moving said members in paths substantially parallel to the other terminating adjacent the fabric.

5. Apparatus for delivering weft threads to be incorporated in fabric being knitted comprising spaced apart guide elements adjacent the knitting line, coacting fiexible members having means thereon for engaging a thread, means for moving said members first in divergent paths to draw the thread out in lengths, and means for then moving said members in non-divergent paths terminating outwardly adjacent said guide elements respectively.

6. Apparatus according to 'claim 5, wherein said guide elements are outwardly adjacent the points in the knitting line at which the ends of the lengths are to be delivered.

7. Apparatus for delivering weft thread to be incorporated in fabric being knitted comprising thread supply means, a pair of crooked arms each having one end adjacent said thread supply means and the other end adjacent the knitting line, an endless chain for each arm having means thereon for engaging a thread at said supply means and releasing the same adjacent the knitting line, and means on said arms for moving said chains to follow the general contour of their arm whereby the thread is drawn out in lengths which are delivered to the fabric for incorporation therein.

8. Apparatus for delivering weft threads to be incorporated in fabric being knitted comprising coacting flexible members having means contoured for engaging a thread, means for moving said members first in divergent paths to draw the thread out in lengths, means for directing said members in non-divergent paths terminating adjacent the fabric, and means for directing said members in return paths, said first mentioned means being contoured to cast-off the thread at said last means whereby lengths are discharged and delivered to the fabric for incorporation therein.

9. Apparatus for delivering weft threads to be incorporated in fabric being knitted comprising coacting flexible members having bent pins thereon for engaging a thread, means for moving said members first in divergent paths to draw the thread out in lengths, means for directing said members in non-divergent paths terminating adjacent the fabric; means for directing said members in a return path, said pins being constructed and arranged to cast-ofi the thread at said last mentioned means whereby lengths are discharged, and guide elements for receiving the ends of cast-off lengths and delivering the same to the fabric for incorporation therein.

10. Apparatus for delivering weft threads to be incorporated in fabric being knitted comprising coacting flexible members having elements thereon adapted for engaging a thread, means for moving said members first in divergent paths to draw the thread out in lengths, and means for then moving said members in non-divergent paths terminating adjacent the fabric, said elements each having an inclined portion and said elements on each of said members having said portion inclined alternately in opposite directions lengthwise with respect to the paths of said members.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said inclined portions have a thread engaging extension thereon.

12. Apparatus for delivering weft threads to be incorporated in fabric being knitted comprising a pair of coacting flexible continuous members having means thereon for engaging a thread, means for moving said members first in divergent paths to draw the thread out in lengths, and means for then moving said members in non-divergent paths terminating adjacent the fabric, adjacent pairs of thread engaging means on said members being alternately spaced a predetermined distance and a distance slightly greater than said predetermined distance, said members being arranged so that two adjacent thread engaging means spaced apart said predetermined distance of one of said members cooperate with two adjacent thread engaging means spaced apart said slightly greater than predetermined distance of said other member to draw the thread in substantially parallel lengths.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each of said members has an even number of at least four thread engaging means thereon.

14. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein thread engaging means are elements each having an inclined portion and said elements on each of said members having said portion inclined alternately in opposite directions lengthwise with respect to the paths of said members.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14-, wherein said inclined portions of the elements of one of said members are inclined transversely with respect to the path of their member and said portions of the elements of said other member are inclined transversely with respect to the path of their member in an opposite direction.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said inclined portions have a thread engaging extension thereon substantially perpendicular thereto.

17. In combination, warp knitting elements including a row of sinkers and a pair of spaced apart sinker elements of greater length than said sinkers; and apparatus for delivering weft thread lengths to the knitting line of said knitting elements including means for positioning one end of the weft thread lengths on one of said. sinker elements.

18. In combination, warp knitting elements including a row of sinkers and a pair of spaced apart sinker elemerits of greater length than said sinkers; a guide plate outwardly adjacent each of said sinker elements; and apparatus for delivering weft thread lengths to the knitting line of said knitting elements including means for positioning the like ends of alternate weft thread lengths on one of said sinker. elements and the respective opposite ends thereof on one of said guide plates.

19. In combination, warp knitting elements including a needle bed, a row of sinkers and a pair of spaced apart elements of greater length than said sinkers; means on said needle bed spaced from the stitch clearing edge thereof and positioned inwardly adjacent each of said sinker elements for sliding contact therewith; and apparatus for delivering weft thread lengths to the knitting line of said knitting elements including means for positioning one end of the weft thread lengths on one of said sinker elements.

20. In combination, warp knitting elements including a needle bed, a row of sinkers and a pair of spaced apart elements of greater length than said sinkers; means on said needle bed spaced from the stitch clearing edge thereof and positioned inwardly adjacent each of said sinker elements for sliding contact therewith; a guide plate outwardly adjacent each of said sinker elements; and apparatus for delivering weft thread lengths to the knitting line of said knitting elements including means for positioning the ends of the weft thread lengths on one of said sinker elements and on one of said guide plates.

21. In combination, warp knitting elements including a series of knitting needles positioned in a row and a blank needle outwardly adjacent each end of said series of knitting needles and apparatus for delivering weft thread lengths to the knitting line of said knitting elements including means for positioning one end of the weft thread lengths on one of said blank needles.

22. In combination, warp knitting elements including a row of sinkers, a pair of spaced apart elements of greater length than said sinkers in said row of sinkers, a row of knitting needles and a blank needle in said row of needles outwardly adjacent each of said sinker elemerits and apparatus ,fordelivering weft thread lengths to the knitting line of said knitting elements including means for positioning the like ends of alternate weft thread lengths on one of said sinker elements and the respective opposite ends thereof on one of said blank needles.

23. In combination, warp knitting elements including a row of sinkers, a pair of spaced apart elements of greater length than said sinkersi in said row of sinkers, a row of knitting needles and a blank needle in said row of needles outwardly adjacent each of said sinker elements; a guide plate outwardly adjacent each of said blank needles; and apparatus for delivering weft thread lengths to the knitting line of said knitting elements including means for positioning the ends of the weft thread lengths on one of said sinker elements and on one of said guide plates.

24. In combination, warp knitting elements including a sinker bar having a row of sinkers, a pairof spaced apart elements of greater length than said sinkers in said row of sinkers, a row of knitting needles and a blank needle in said row of needles outwardly adjacent each of said elements; means positioned inwardly adjacent each of said elements and slidably contacted by said elements; and apparatus for delivering weft thread lengths to the knitting line of said knitting elements including means for positioning the like ends of alternate weft thread lengths on one of said sinker elements and the respective opposite ends thereof on one of said blank needles.

25. In combination, warp knitting elements including a sinker bar having a row of sinkers, a pair of spaced apart elements of greater length than said sinkers in said row of sinkers, a row of knitting needles and a blank needle in said row of needles outwardly adjacent each of said elements; means positioned inwardly adjacent each of said elements and slidably contacted by said elements; a guide plate on said sinker bar outwardly adjacent each of said blank needles; and apparatus: for delivering weft thread lengths to the knitting line of said knitting elements including means for positioning the like ends of alternate weft thread lengths on one of said elements and the respective opposite ends thereof on one of said guide plates for delivery to one of said blank needles.

26. In combination, Warp knitting elements including a sinker bar having a row of sinkers each formed with a notch, and a pair of spaced apart guide plates on said sinker bar each having a thread guiding surface above said sinker bar and each having a notch in alignment with said sinker notches; and apparatus for delivering weft thread lengths to the knitting line of said knitting elements including means for positioning one end of the weft thread lengths on one of said guide plates.

27. Apparatus for delivering weft thread to be incorporated in fabric being knitted comprising thread supply means, a pair of arm members each having one end adja cent said thread supply means and diverging with respect to the other, an extension member for each arm member each having one end attached to the other end of said arm member for adjustably positioning the same to vary the distance between the free ends of said extension memher to accommodate a warp of threads of various widths, said free ends of said extension members being adapted to be positioned adjacent the knitting line, an endless chain for each attached arm and extension member having means thereon for engaging a thread at said supply means and releasing the same adjacent the knitting line, and means on said arm and extension members for moving said chains to follow the general contour of their arm and extension members whereby the thread is drawn out in lengths which are delivered to the fabric for incorpora tion therein.

28. Apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said arm and extension members are pivotally connected, and

means are provided for securing said extension members in fixed positions of adjustment.

29. Apparatus according to claim 27, wherein an idler sprocket is adjustably mounted on each arm member adapted for adjusting the tension in the chains upon varying the position of said extension members.

30. Apparatus according to claim 27, wherein a bendable chain guide rail is connected to said arm and extension members adapted for engagement by one strand of a chain.

31. Apparatus for supplying weft thread lengths to be incorporated in fabric being knitted comprising coacting means for drawing the thread out in lengths and delivering the lengths to the fabric, said means including a plurality of cooperating hook-like elements contoured to engage a thread and support the same while being drawn out in lengths and delivered and contoured to discharge such lengths adjacent the fabric.

32. Apparatus for delivering weft thread lengths to be incorporated in fabric being knitted comprising means for supplying a thread, coacting endless flexible members extending from points adjacent said supplying means to points adjacent the fabric and returning to adjacent said supplying means, mechanism for moving said members in a continuous path between said points, and hook means on said flexible members contoured and arranged to engage the thread at said supplying means and draw the same out in lengths while moving in a direction toward the fabric and contoured to discharge such lengths adjacent the fabric upon movement in another direction.

33. Apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said hook-like elements comprise a shank, an angularly offset portion on said shank, and an inclined extension on said offset portion.

34. Apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said hook means comprise a shank substantially perpendicular to said flexible member on which the same are mounted, an angularly offset portion on said shank, and an extension on said offset portion substantially perpendicular thereto.

Morton May 7, 1935 Klumpp et al. May 14, 1940