Patent ID: 6158367
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: D05B

Abstract:
A method for automatically orienting and positioning an open toe end of a tubular sock blank so that the toe end can be closed in an automatic sewing machine, the toe end defining a toe opening encircled by an edge of the blank made up of first and second edge portions that are joined at junctures located on generally diametrically opposite sides of the toe opening, the first edge portion delimiting an extended toe portion of the sock blank extending axially beyond the second edge portion when the sock blank is opened up into a generally tubular shape, the method comprising:supporting the sock blank such that at least the toe end of the sock blank is opened up into a generally tubular shape extending lengthwise along a longitudinal axis;rotating the generally tubular-shaped toe end of the sock blank about said longitudinal axis until said junctures between the first and second edge portions of the toe opening are aligned along a predetermined transverse axis that is generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis;gripping opposite portions of the toe end proximate said junctures and moving the opposite portions apart along said transverse axis to spread the toe end of the sock blank into a flattened configuration having the first and second edge portions overlying and generally aligned with each other; andmoving the flattened toe end into said automatic sewing machine to sew the edges together.