Patent ID: 6672230
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: D05C

Abstract:
A modular gauge assembly having a plurality of modular blocks carrying removable gauge elements, said blocks being mountable in a plurality of spaced recesses of a tufting machine gauge bar, wherein:(a) the modular blocks comprise: (i) a front surface, a pair of side surfaces opposed to each other, a rear surface opposite to the front surface, a top surface and a bottom surface; (ii) a detent extending from a surface of the modular block to interfit with a spaced recess in the gauge bar; (iii) a plurality of vertical parallel slots transversely spaced between the opposing side surfaces for receiving gauge elements; (iv) (iv) a pin opening extending transversely between the opposing side surfaces; and (v) (v) a bolt passage in communication with the pin opening; (b) the gauge elements have proximal ends received in the parallel slots of the modular block; (c) a lateral pin extends transversely and substantially through the pin opening of the modular block; and (d) a securing bolt having a leading end extends through the bolt passage and biases the lateral pin against the proximal end of a gauge element; wherein the modular block comprises a second pin opening extending transversely between opposing side surfaces; a bracing pin extends transversely and substantially through said second pin opening; and the proximal ends of the gauge elements received within the parallel slots of the modular block are interposed between the bracing pin and the lateral pin.