Patent ID: 6681461
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: D06C

Abstract:
A compressive shrinkage apparatus for a tube of fabric in a flattened condition, the fabric having a fabric thickness, the apparatus comprising:a feeder roller mounted for rotation about a feeder axis, the feeder roller having a feeder surface; a retarder roller mounted for rotation about a retarder axis, the retarder roller having a retarder surface, the retarder roller arranged parallel to the feeder roller; the feeder axis and the retarder axis defining a rip plane passing through a region in which the feeder roller and the retarder roller most closely approach each other; the feeder roller and the retarder roller having between them a compression zone in the vicinity of the nip plane; the feeder roller and the retarder roller at the nip plane being spaced apart a distance substantially equal to double the fabric thickness; an entry confining means conforming to the feeder surface and defining therewith an entry path for advancement of the tube of fabric in contact with the feeder roller to the compression zone; an exit confirming means conforming to the retarder surface and defining therewith an exit path for discharge of the tube of fabric from the compression zone directly to an exit confining means in contact with the retarder roller; the entry confining means extending into the compression zone; the retarder roller in the region of the nip plane rotatable in an opposite sense from the feeder roller and at a slower linear speed than the feeder roller so that confronting surfaces of the respective feeder and retarder rollers engage in seriatim opposite sides of the tube of fabric for compacting of the tube of fabric; and the compression zone organized to be in-line.