Patent ID: 6237519
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: D05B,D05D

Abstract:
A tape feeder for feeding elasticized tape to a stitching machine adapted for stitching the elasticized tape onto a textile workpiece, said tape feeder comprising:a tensioning assembly comprising:a gearbox assembly comprising a first shaft and a second shaft substantially orthogonal to one another and rotationally coupled to one another via suitable first coupling mechanism;a first roller rotatably mounted onto said gearbox assembly and being coaxially coupled with said first shaft;a presser mechanism comprising a second roller rotatably mounted at one axial end thereof onto a bracket releasably mounted onto said gearbox assembly, such that the first and second roller are maintained essentially parallel to one another and said second roller is biased towards said first roller;said first and second rollers adapted to grippingly pass elasticized tape therebetween in response to rotation of one said first and second roller;each one of the first and second shaft has a free end adapted to be selectively coupling to a suitable driving member for rotation therewith;a mounting structure mountable onto the stitching machine, said mounting structure adapted for supporting said gearbox assembly in either a first position and a second position being in substantially orthogonal relation to one another, wherein at the first position and said second positions the axis of at least said first roller is oriented substantially horizontally and vertically, respectively.