WO2019239444A1

WO2019239444A1 - Apparatus for automatic loading of men's socks

Info

Publication number: WO2019239444A1
Application number: PCT/IT2019/050141
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carmelo Angelo Cortese
Original assignee: Cortese S.R.L.
Priority date: 2018-06-15
Filing date: 2019-06-17
Publication date: 2019-12-19

Abstract

The apparatus for automatic loading of men's socks is associated with a machine (2) for finishing said men's socks. The apparatus comprises at least one pair of control templates (11) arranged side by side in a vertical plane and each adapted to receive a men's sock. At a loading station (L), a device (4) for transferring said men's socks from said control templates (11) to said templates (20) of finishing machine (2) is arranged. Said transfer device (4) comprises a first and a second assembly (44) for gripping and transferring the socks, each of which is adapted to operate at a control template (11) of said pair of control templates (11) present in said loading station (L). Said first and second assembly (44) for gripping and transferring the socks are alternately movable between a lowered position below said control templates (11) and a raised position above said templates (20) of the finishing machine (2).

Description

APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC LOADING OF MEN'S SOCKS

Technical field

[01 ] The present invention relates to an apparatus for automatic loading of men's socks intended for use in association with machines for finishing such men's socks.

Prior art

[02] It is known, in the field of the production of textile items, that men's socks and other similar textile items are subjected to a number of finishing treatments intended for providing the socks with appropriate characteristics. In particular, men's socks are generally subjected to a pressing or fixing treatment using pressurized steam. To carry out this treatment, men's socks are inserted and stretched on special templates, which are moved forward step by step through a number of operating stations where, for example, pressing and/or fixing by pressure steam is made.

[03] Automatic machines are therefore known, which are capable of performing the aforementioned men's socks finishing treatments. The aforementioned machines generally provide a loading station for men's socks on respective templates, a number of operating stations wherein the treatment of men's socks inserted on the templates is performed and a station for extracting and discharging treated men's socks from the templates.

[04] The finishing templates usually consist of a shaped plate of metallic material, for example aluminium, shaping an elongated portion from which a shaped end portion extends according to the profile of the foot; in particular, this terminal portion shapes the heel profile.

[05] An apparatus for finishing textile items such as men's socks and the like is illustrated for example in European patent EP 1 604 057 and in patent application WO 2018/069806.

[06] Currently the insertion of men's socks to be treated on the finishing templates is normally made manually by one or more operators, at the loading station.

[07] This operation is generally inconvenient, also in relation to the limited period of time during which the insertion of the socks on the templates must take place in order to follow the high production rate of the finishing machine. In particular, in the case of men's socks, the shape of the heel on the templates is an obstacle to an easy insertion of men's socks on the templates. In fact, the operator, with a movement of his hands that hold the socks from the top to the bottom, puts on and stretch the socks on the templates that occur in the loadi ng station moving in a vertical plane placed in front of the operator. It is evident that the discontinuity determined by the heel on one side of the template makes the movement of the arms asymmetrical and scarcely ergonomic, since it requires greater effort on the part of the arm that stretches the socks from the side of this heel.

[08] Obviously the difficulty that is found in the manual insertion of men's socks on the templates affects the productivity of the machine. In fact, in order to maintain the speed imposed by the machine, it is often necessary to use more than one operator, for example two side by side operators, resulting in an increase of labour’s cost.

[09] It is also complained that often suitable training of operators is required, with a further increase in costs.

[10] Italian patent IT01264216 and Japanese patent JPS6278254 illustrate apparatuses for automatic loading of women's socks intended for use in association with machines for finishing such women's socks, in particular tights. Such apparatuses comprise a carousel adapted to alternately move a pair of control templates from a first work station, wherein the insertion of said women's socks is carried out on the same control templates, to a second station, wherein the load of said women's stockings on respective templates of the finishing machine is carried out. The aforementioned apparatuses are not suitable for loading men's socks on finishing templates shaping the profile of the foot.

Disclosure

[1 1] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problems by devising an apparatus that allows automatic loading of men's socks into a machine for finishing such men's socks in a simple and rapid manner.

[12] Within this purpose, it is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for automatic loading of men's socks, which makes the work of the operators easy and ergonomic.

[13] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that certainly prevents damage to men's socks during the loading step on the finishing machine.

[14] A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for automatic loading of men's socks of simple constructive and functional conception, provided with a certainly reliable operation, a versatile use, as well as a relatively inexpensive cost.

[15] The aforementioned objects are achieved, according to the present invention, by the apparatus for automatic loading of men's socks according to claim 1 .

[16] The apparatus for automatic loading of men's socks is associated with a finishing machine for said men's socks.

[17] The apparatus comprises at least one pair of control templates arranged side by side in a vertical plane and each adapted to receive a men's sock at a first work station, wherein the inspection of said men's socks is made.

[18] Preferably, said control templates consist respectively of a cylindrical body with a vertical axis.

[19] Preferably said cylindrical body of the control templates has the domed top so as to facilitate the insertion of said men's socks.

[20] Preferably said cylindrical body of the control templates has a pair of longitudinal grooves, which extend substantially for the entire length in opposite positions. [21] A handling means is associated to said pair of side-by-side control templates, adapted to alternately move said control templates placed side by side from said first work station to a second station wherein said men's socks are loaded onto respective finishing templates carried by said finishing machine.

[22] Advantageously, said finishing templates have a foot profile shape.

[23] A device for transferring said men's socks from said control templates to said finishing templates of the finishing machine is arranged at said loading station, said transfer device comprising a first and a second assembly for gripping and transferring the socks, each of which is adapted to operate at a control template of said pair of control templates present in said loading station.

[24] Said first and second gripping and transferring assembly are alternately movable between a lowered position below said control templates and a raised position above said templates of the finishing machine, for extracting said men's socks from the control templates, and from said raised position to said lowered position, for loading the men's socks extracted from said control templates on respective finishing templates of the finishing machine, so as to follow the profile of the finishing templates.

[25] Advantageously, during said loading step of the men's socks extracted on said respective finishing templates, said first and second gripping and transferring assembly are arranged in alignment in a vertical laying plane coinciding with the plane of advancement of said finishing templates of the finishing machine.

[26] Advantageously, said first and second assembly for gripping and transferring socks can be rotated angularly in a synchronous manner in said vertical lying plane, in said step of loading of the men's socks, so as to follow the profile of the finishing templates.

[27] Advantageously, said first and second assembly for gripping and transferring socks are each provided with pairs of prongs mounted vertically, at the base, at the ends of respective arms.

[28] Preferably, said prongs are adapted to tilt in the vertical plane of lying, thanks to the angular rotation of said arms on respective pins, so as to follow said profile of the finishing templates.

[29] Advantageously, said first and second assembly for gripping and transferring socks are angularly rotatable in a synchronous manner between a position of engagement with said control templates, for the extraction of said men's socks from said control templates, and an alignment position in a vertical plane of advancement of said finishing forms of the finishing machine, for loading the men's socks extracted from said control templates on respective finishing forms of the finishing machine.

[30] Preferably in said position of engagement with said control templates said first and second gripping and transferring assemblies are orthogonal to said vertical plane of advancement of said finishing templates of the finishing machine. [31] Advantageously, the apparatus comprises enlarging means adapted to engage said control templates to enlarge the men's socks to be transferred to said finishing forms of said finishing machine.

[32] Preferably, said enlarging means comprises at least one pair of shaped rods, arranged vertically, each of which is adapted to enter a corresponding space of said control templates.

[33] Preferably, said shaped rods are movable alternately according to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said control templates, between a housing position inside said space of the control templates and an extracted position of enlargement of men's socks to be transferred to said finishing templates of said finishing machine.

[34] Advantageously, said first and second assembly for gripping and transferring socks are slidably supported by a crosspiece, which is movable alternately between said lowered position and said raised position.

[35] Advantageously, the first and second assembly for gripping and transferring socks are each provided with two pairs of prongs mounted vertically, at the base, at the ends of respective arms.

[36] Preferably, said arms of the gripping and transferring assemblies are pivoted, by means of a relative pin with a vertical axis, on a carriage, which is slidable along said crosspiece, said arms being angularly rotatable in a synchronous manner between said position of engagement with said control templates and said alignment position in a vertical plane of advancement of said finishing templates of the finishing machine.

[37] Preferably, said gripping and transferring assemblies are each provided with a first pair of prongs mounted on a respective said arm near the fulcrum end on said carriage, and a second pair of prongs mounted at the free end of an extendable portion of the same arm.

[38] Preferably, said extensible portion is telescopically inserted in said arm and it is extractable in contrast with elastic means.

[39] Preferably, said prongs of each pair of prongs are arranged side by side in transverse planes to said arms.

[40] Preferably, said arms of the gripping and transferring assemblies are angularly rotatable in the vertical lying plane, at a transverse axis, which substantially intercepts the axis of said pin.

[41] Preferably the apparatus comprises a counterweight device for repositioning said carriage, which is provided with a counterweight brought by an oscillating lever in the lying plane of said prongs around a transverse pin associated with a fixed frame.

[42] Preferably, said lever is provided with a pad which frontally faces said carriage.

[43] Preferably, said pad is made of a material with a low friction coefficient.

Description of drawings [44] The details of the invention will be better disclosed in the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for automatic loading of men's socks into a finishing machine for such men's socks, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a finishing machine for men's socks equipped with the socks loading apparatus according to the present invention;

Figures 2 and 3 show a perspective respectively front and rear view of the apparatus for loading the socks;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an operative area of the socks loading apparatus; Figures 5 and 6 respectively show a front view and a plan view of said operative area of the socks loading apparatus;

Figures 7 and 8 show respectively a front and rear perspective view of a device for transferring the men's socks from the control templates to the templates of the finishing machine;

Figure 9 shows a front perspective view of a portion of said transferring device;

Figures 10, 1 1 and 12 show a rear perspective view of said portion of the transferring device, in different operative positions;

Figures 13 and 14 show a perspective view of a detail of said transferring device in two different operational positions;

Figure 15 shows a perspective view of said transferring device in various steps of loading the men's socks onto the templates of said finishing machine;

Figures 16 and 17 show respectively a front and rear front view;

Figure 18 shows an enlarged detail A of Figure 16.

Best mode

[45] With particular reference to these figures, the reference numeral 1 generally indicates the apparatus for automatic loading of men's socks subject matter of the invention. The loading apparatus 1 is provided with a frame 10 which is intended for being associated with a machine 2 for finishing such men's socks, for example a known ironing and/or fixing machine.

[46] The finishing machine 2 is adapted to move a plurality of ironing and/or fixing templates 20, in a known manner, through a series of operating stations wherein the socks are treated. In the following ironing and/or fixing templates 20 are also called finishing templates.

[47] In the case illustrated here, the finishing templates 20 are foot profile shaped and are mounted in pairs on transport devices 21 adapted to be operated synchronously by suitable moving means along a closed path, which passes through the operating stations of the finishing machine 2. It is obviously possible to mount the finishing templates 20 on a finishing machine of different types, for example one with a rotating carousel. [48] The loading apparatus 1 comprises at least one pair of control templates 1 1 , each of which is adapted to receive a relative men's sock. The control templates 1 1 are arranged side by side in a vertical plane arranged in use in front of the operator, at a first station C for controlling the men's socks inserted on the control templates 1 1 .

[49] Preferably, as illustrated, the loading apparatus 1 comprises a first and a second pair of control templates 1 1 arranged in diametrically opposite positions on a circular platform 12 rotatably supported on the frame 10. The circular platform is rotatable according to a vertical axis on command of a motor member 13, in order to bring the control templates 1 1 side by side to a second loading station L, wherein the men's socks are transferred to the templates 20 of the finishing machine 2.

[50] The control templates 1 1 consist respectively of a cylindrical body with a vertical axis.

Preferably, this cylindrical body has a domed top so as to facilitate the insertion of socks, as specified below.

[51] In particular, the cylindrical body is made by means of two semi cylindrical portions 1 1 a, 1 1 b, suitably spaced from each other so as to define a space 14 which extends over the entire longitudinal extension of the cylindrical body. The space 14 of each control template 1 1 extends in a vertical plane perpendicular to the frontal lying plane of the same control templates 1 1 placed side by side.

[52] According to a different embodiment, the cylindrical body of the control templates 1 1 has a pair of longitudinal grooves, which extend substantially over the entire length in opposite positions.

[53] The apparatus further provides for a mirror 15 integral with the frame 10 in a position arranged at the back of the frontal lying plane of the control templates 1 1 when these are in the first control station C. The mirror 15 enables the operator placed in the workstation to make the inspection of non directly visible portion of the men's socks inserted on the control templates 1 1 .

[54] Suitable lighting means, for example LED lights, is associated with the mirror 15 to facilitate viewing of the socks to be checked. Such lighting means is preferably arranged at the upper zone of the mirror 15.

[55] Respective enlarging means 3 is adapted to move the men's socks through the space 14 of the control templates 1 1 , to facilitate their transfer onto the templates 20 of the finishing machine 2. The enlarging means comprises a first and a second pair of shaped rods 30, arranged vertically, each of which is adapted to enter a corresponding space 14 of said control templates 1 1 . The shaped rods 30 preferably consist of angular profiles, having a substantially L-shaped section.

[56] The shaped rods 30 are alternately movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the control templates 1 1 , along respective parallel guide channels 16, formed on the circular platform 12. To this end, the shaped rods 30 are made integral respectively with the opposite ends of a slat 31 which is guided to the ends along channels 16. The slats 31 are associated with a slide 32, which is movable on guiding means 33 arranged on the upper surface of the circular platform 12. The slide 32 is driven by reciprocating motion by means of a connecting rod and crank mechanism 34 actuated by a relative motor member 35.

[57] At the second loading station L, the apparatus 1 provides a device 4 for transferring men's socks from the control templates 1 1 to the templates 20 of the finishing machine 2.

[58] The transferring device 4 comprises a supporting structure consisting of a quadrilateral - shaped frame 40 which extends in a vertical plane substantially tangent to the circular platform 12 and is associated behind the frame 10 of the apparatus. It should be noted that the aforesaid vertical plane tangent to the circular platform 12 coincides in practice with the plane of advancement of the templates 20 on the finishing machine 2. A crosspiece 41 , arranged horizontally in the said vertical plane and movable alternately between a raised position and a lowered position, is associated with the frame 40 of the transferring device 4.

[59] For this purpose the crosspiece 41 is made integral, at the opposite ends, with flexible transmission means 42 which receive the motion from a reversible motor member 43, fixed to the top of the frame 30.

[60] The crosspiece 41 moves a first and a second socks gripping and transferring assemblies 44, each of which is adapted to operate at a control template 1 1 of the pair of control templates 1 1 present in the second loading station L.

[61] In practice, upon command of the motor member 43, the gripping and transferring assemblies 44 are alternately movable in the stroke from the lowered position to the raised position in order to make the gripping and the extraction of the socks from the control templates 1 1 and, in the inverse stroke, the loading of the same socks on the templates 20 of the finishing machine 2.

[62] The gripping and transferring assemblies 44 are each provided with two pairs of prongs 45 mounted vertically, at the base, at the ends of an arm 46. The arms 46 of the gripping and transferring assemblies 44 are pivoted, by means of a relative pin 47 with a vertical axis, on a carriage 48 which is slidable along the crosspiece 41. The carriage 48 is guided on the crosspiece 41 by pairs of rollers 49.

[63] The arms 46 are angularly rotatable in a synchronous manner between a substantially radial position to the circular platform 12, for the insertion of the prongs 45 in the sock to be extracted at the space 14 of the control templates 1 1 (see Fig. 12), and a substantially tangential position to said circular platform 12, in said vertical plane of advancement of the finishing templates 20, for loading the socks extracted from the control templates 1 1 onto a relative finishing template 20 (see figs. 9 and 10). [64] More precisely, each gripping and transferring assembly 44 is provided with a first pair of prongs 45a mounted on the arm 46 near the fulcrum's end on the carriage 48, and a second pair of prongs 45b mounted at the free end of an extendable portion 50 of the arm 46. The extensible portion 50 is telescopically inserted into the arm 46. The prongs of each pair of prongs 45a and 45b are arranged side-by-side in planes transverse to the arms 46.

[65] The arms 46 of the gripping and transferring assemblies 44 are activated in angular rotation by an actuating member 51 carried by the carriage 48 and acting on the pins 47 of the fulcrum of the arms 46 by means of a crank mechanism 52.

[66] Preferably, the arms 46 of the gripping and transferring assemblies 44 are also angularly rotatable in the vertical lying plane, at a transverse axis 53 (see Fig. 14). The transverse axis 53 substantially intercepts the axis of a relative pin 47 of the arms 46 of the gripping and transferring assemblies 44.

[67] Preferably, in order not to damage the socks during the loading step, the gripping and transferring assemblies 44 are arranged so as to follow the profile of the finishing templates 20, in particular along the heel shaped by such templates 20.

[68] For this purpose, as previously stated, the gripping and transferring assemblies 44 are movable through the carriage 48 along the crosspiece 41 of the transferring device 4, and also angularly rotatable in the vertical lying plane according to the transverse axis 53. Furthermore, the distance between the prongs 45a and 45b of each gripping and transferring assemblies 44 can vary through the sliding of the extensible portion 50 of the arm 46, in order to compensate for the greater width of the templates 20 at the heel.

[69] The extraction of the extensible portion 50 from the arm 46 is suitably contrasted by elastic means 54, for example constituted by a helical spring housed inside the same arm 46 (see Fig. 18).

[70] The repositioning of the carriage 48 is carried out by means of a counterweight device 55.

The counterweight device 55 comprises a counterweight 56 carried by a lever 57 oscillating on the lying surface of the prongs 45 around a pin 58 associated with the frame 40. The lever 57 is provided with a pad 59 which frontally encounters the carriage 48. Conveniently, the pad 59 is made of material with a low friction coefficient.

[71 ] The operation of the apparatus for automatic loading of men's socks into a finishing machine for these men's socks is described below.

[72] The operator placed at the workstation in front of the control station C inserts in succession the men's socks to be treated on the pair of control templates 1 1 arranged on a vertical frontal plane at the aforesaid control station C. In particular, the operator inserts each sock on the cylindrical body of a relative loading template 1 1 so as to place the heel of this sock in a vertical plane perpendicular to the frontal lying plane of the control templates 1 1 ; more precisely, the sock is suitably fitted onto the cylindrical body so that the heel is arranged on the side of this diametrically opposite cylindrical body with respect to that to which the operator looks at.

[73] If, during this step, the operator notices manufacturing defects of the socks, such as for example holes in the fabric, a tip that is not correctly sewn, a defective elastic edge, spinning and weaving defects such as loose threads or snags, uneven length and the like, stops the apparatus and removes the defective products.

[74] Conveniently, the defective socks may be introduced into a scrap selection device 6 carried by the frame 10 at the station of control C. In the illustrated case, the selection device 6 provides four containers 60 intended for receiving in a differentiated manner socks presenting four different types of defects.

[75] Once the quality control of the socks has been successfully completed, the angular rotation of the circular platform 12 of the apparatus is operated to move the control templates 1 1 to the second loading station L of the same men's socks onto the templates 20 of the finishing machine 2.

[76] It should be noted that the angular rotation of the circular platform 12 simultaneously brings the second pair of control templates 1 1 to the first control station C. In this way, while in the second loading station L the men's socks are automatically transferred onto the templates 20 of the finishing machine 2, the operator inserts a new pair of socks on the control templates 1 1 at the first control station C and performs the inspection to verify the absence of defects.

[77] In this way downtime is avoided since the insertion of the socks on the control templates 1 1 and the subsequent control take place simultaneously with the transfer of the socks previously controlled on the templates 20 of the finishing machine 2.

[78] During the step of insertion and control of the socks on the control templates 1 1 , the shaped rods 30 of the enlarging means 3 are arranged respectively inside the corresponding space 14 defined between the two semi cylindrical portions 1 1 a, 1 1 b of the control templates 1 1 .

[79] In the different embodiment of the cylindrical body of the control templates 1 1 having a pair of longitudinal grooves extending in opposite positions, the shaped rods 30 of the enlarging means 3 are arranged respectively within a corresponding groove.

[80] Therefore, following the insertion of the socks on the control templates 1 1 , the shaped rods 30 are located inside the socks themselves. During the angular rotation of the circular platform 12 which carries these control templates 1 1 at the second loading station L, the translation of the shaped rods 30 towards the outside of the control templates 1 1 is commanded, upon actuation of the slide 32. In this way an enlargement of the socks inserted on the control templates 1 1 is produced, in order to allow the subsequent introduction of the prongs 45 of the gripping and transferring assemblies 44. The shaped rods 30 in fact, during their displacement, intercept the side of the socks facing the inside of the circular platform 12.

[81] It should be noted that the movement of the slide 32 determines the simultaneous translation of the shaped rods 30 arranged at the opposite end of the slats 31 , which are thus introduced into the corresponding spaces 14 or into the longitudinal grooves of the second pair of control templates 1 1 .

[82] At the second loading station L, the movement of the crosspiece 41 of the transferring device 4 carries the prongs 45 of the gripping and transferring assemblies 44 to be inserted inside the men's socks enlarged by the shaped rods 30, to extract the same men's socks from the control templates 1 1 and to transfer them onto the templates 20 of the finishing machine 2.

[83] In particular, the gripping and transferring assemblies 44 are initially in the lowered position of the crosspiece 41 , with the tops of the prongs 45 positioned below the circular platform 12. The gripping and transferring assemblies 44 are then simultaneously angularly rotated on the pins 47 of the relative arms 46 in the substantially radial position to the circular platform 12. In this position, the prongs 45 of the gripping and transferring assemblies 44 are vertically aligned with a respective space 14 of the control templates 1 1 .

[84] At this point the vertical upward translation of the crosspiece 41 of the transferring device 4 is actuated, which determines the extraction of the men's socks from the loading templates 1 1 . The prongs 45 of the gripping and transferring assemblies 44 are in fact inserted into the men's socks, which are kept enlarged by the shaped rods 30 of the enlarging means 3 and moving upwards remove the socks from the loading templates 1 1.

[85] At the end of the extraction step, the gripping and transferring assemblies 44 carrying the men's socks are simultaneously rotated on the pins 47 of the relative arms 46 in the substantially tangential position to the circular platform 12. In this position , the prongs 45 of the gripping and transferring assemblies 44 are arranged in the vertical plane of advancement of the templates 20 of the finishing machine 2 and aligned vertically above said templates 20.

[86] At this point, the downward translation of the crosspiece 41 of the transferring device 4 determines the transfer of the men's socks onto the templates 20 of the finishing machine 2. The downward movement of the crosspiece 41 continues until the prongs 45 are completely removed from the socks inserted on the templates 20.

[87] It should be noted that the arrangement in pairs of the prongs 45, lying during the transfer in vertical planes perpendicular to the lying plane of the templates 20 of the finishing machine 2, space out the opposite faces of the men's socks stretched on the same prongs 45, so as to facilitate insertion on said templates 20.

[88] During the downward translation of the crosspiece 41 of the transferring device 4, for the transfer of the men's socks to the templates 20 of the finishing machine 2, the prongs 45 of

Claims

the gripping and transferring assemblies 44 follow the profile of the same finishing templates 20, in order not to damage the socks during loading.

[89] In particular, in the upper inclined portion of the templates 20 the carriage 48, which carries the gripping and transferring assemblies 44, slides along the crosspiece 41 so as to follow this inclination of the templates 20. Moreover the prongs 45 tilt in the vertical plane of lying, thanks to the angular rotation of the respective arms 46 on the pins 53, so as to follow this inclination of the templates 20 (see figs. 16 and 17).

[90] At the heel, due to the greater width of the templates 20 in this section, the distance between the prongs 45a and 45b of each gripping and transferring assembly 44 is increased by sliding the extensible portion 50 of the arm 46 towards the outside. The extraction of the extensible portion 50 from the arm 46 is suitably contrasted by elastic means 54, which allow the initial distance to be restored after passing the heel.

[91 ] It should be noted that the sliding of the carriage 48 determines the angular rotation of the oscillating lever 57 of the counterweight device 55 around the pin 58 associated with the frame 40. The counterweight 56 produces the repositioning of the carriage 48 once the gripping and transferring assemblies 44 have passed the heel.

[92] The described apparatus achieves the aim of performing in an easy and quick way the automatic loading of men's socks in a finishing machine for these men's socks.

[93] The apparatus for automatic loading of men's socks, described by way of example, may have numerous modifications and variations according to the different requirements.

[94] In the practical embodiment of the invention, the materials used, as well as the shape and dimensions, may vary according to the requirements.

[95] Should the technical features mentioned in any claim be followed by reference signs, such reference signs were included strictly with the aim of enhancing the understanding of the claims and hence they shall not be deemed restrictive in any manner whatsoever on the scope of each element identified for exemplifying purposes by such reference signs.

Claims

1 . An apparatus for automatic loading of men's socks associable with a finishing machine (2) for said men's socks comprising a plurality of finishing templates (20), said apparatus comprising

at least one pair of control templates (1 1 ), said control templates (1 1 ) being arranged side by side in a vertical plane and each adapted to receive a men's sock at a first station (C), wherein the inspection of said men's socks is carried out;

a device (4) for transferring said men's socks from said control templates (1 1 ) to said finishing templates (20) of the finishing machine (2) arranged at a second station (L), wherein the loading of said men's socks on said finishing machine (2) is carried out;

said transferring device (4) comprising a first and a second assembly (44) for gripping and transferring the socks, each of which is adapted to operate at a control template (1 1 ) of said pair of control templates (1 1 ) present in the said loading station (L),

said first and second assembly (44) for gripping and transferring socks being alternately movable between a lowered position below said control templates (1 1 ) and a raised position above said templates (20) of the finishing machine (2), for the extraction of said men's socks from the same control templates (1 1 ), and from said raised position to said lowered position, for loading the men's socks extracted from said control templates (1 1 ) onto respective finishing templates (20) of the finishing machine (2),

during said loading step the men's socks extracted on said respective finishing templates (20), said first and second assembly (44) for gripping and transferring the socks being arranged in alignment in a vertical lying plane coinciding with the advancement plane of said finishing templates (20) of the finishing machine (2);

said first and second assembly (44) for gripping and transferring socks being angularly rotatable in a synchronous manner in said vertical lying plane, during said step of loading men's socks, so as to follow the profile of the same finishing templates 20.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterised in that said control templates (1 1 ) consist respectively of a cylindrical body with a vertical axis having a space (14) or a pair of longitudinal grooves which extend substantially for the entire length in opposite positions.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that it comprises an enlarging means (3) adapted to engage said control templates (1 1 ) to enlarge the men's socks to be transferred to said templates (20) of said finishing machine (2).

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterised in that said enlarging means (3) comprises at least one pair of shaped rods (30), arranged vertically, each of which is adapted to enter a corresponding said space (14) of said control templates (1 1 ).

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterised in that said shaped rods (30) are movable alternately in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said control templates (1 1 ), between a housing position within said space (14) of the control templates (1 1 ) and an extracted position for enlarging the men's socks to be transferred to said templates (20) of said finishing machine (2).

6. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first and second assembly (44) for gripping and transferring socks are angularly rotatable in a synchronous manner between a position of engagement with said control templates (1 1 ), for extraction of the aforementioned men's socks from the same control templates (1 1 ), and an alignment position in a vertical plane of advancement of said templates (20) of the finishing machine (2), for loading the men's socks extracted from said control templates (1 1 ) on respective templates (20) of the finishing machine (2),

7. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first and second assembly (44) for gripping and transferring socks are supported slidingly by a crosspiece (41 ), which is movable alternately between said lowered position and said raised position.

8. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first and second assembly (44) for gripping and transferring socks are each provided with two pairs of prongs (45) mounted vertically, at the base, at the ends of respective arms (46).

9. Apparatus according to claims 4 and 5, characterised in that said arms (46) of the gripping and transferring assemblies (44) are pivoted, by means of a relative pin (47) with a vertical axis, on a carriage (48), which is slidable along said crosspiece (41 ), said arms (46) being angularly rotatable in a synchronous manner between said position of engagement with said control templates (1 1 ) and said alignment position in a vertical plane of advancement of said templates (20) of the finishing machine (2).

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterised in that said gripping and transferring assemblies (44) each have a first pair of prongs (45a) mounted on a respective said arm (46) near the fulcrum end on said carriage (48), and a second pair of prongs (45b) mounted at the free end of an extensible portion (50) of the same arm (46), said extensible portion (50) being telescopically inserted in said arm (46) and removable in contrast of elastic means (54).

1 1 . Apparatus according to claim 10, characterised in that said prongs of each pair of prongs (45a) and (45b) are arranged side by side in planes transverse to said arms (46).

12. Apparatus according to claim 10 or 1 1 , characterised in that said arms (46) of the gripping and transferring assemblies (44) are angularly rotatable in the vertical lying plane, at a transverse axis (53), which substantially intercepts the axis of said pin (47).

13. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a handling means (12) associated with said pair of side-by-side control templates (1 1 ), adapted to alternately move said control templates (1 1 ) from said first control station (C), wherein the insertion of said men's socks is carried out on the same control templates (1 1 ), to said second station (L) for loading said men's socks on respective finishing templates (20) of said finishing machine (2).